BeowulfBeowulfAn epic traditionAn epic tradition

Why Study Beowulf?1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way

2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today

3. Beowulf is simply good writing

Why Study Beowulf?4. In some ways, it doesn’t matter what you read, but how you read it, so…since Beowulf came first, you might as well start there.

5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English

6. It’s a great story

Beowulf’s Origin

What we don’t know:

who wrote it

when exactly it was written

how much, exactly, is based on historical truth

Beowulf’s OriginWhat we do know:

Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today.Some of the characters in the poem actually existed.

The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…

The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700’s) or so, and…

The story may be set even earlier, around 500 A.D.

There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Pagan…this means a monk probably translated it.

Beowulf’s OriginSo why wasn’t it written down in the first place?

This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down.

It wasn’t until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world.

Beowulf’s OriginSo what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century?

Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy.

Robert Cotton (1571-1631)

Beowulf’s Origin

Unfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in 1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged.

The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place

Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived.

The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place

Europe today Insert: Time of Beowulf

How we date BeowulfSome Important Dates:

521 A.D. – death of Hygelac, King of the Geats, who is mentioned in the poem

680 A.D. – appearance of alliterative verse

835 A.D. – the Danish started raiding other areas; after this, few poets would consider them heroes

SO: This version was likely composed between 680 and 835, though it may be set earlier

The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch

out for1. Alliterative verse

a. Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line)

b. Generally, four feet/beats per line

c. A pause between beats two and four

d. No rhyme

The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch

out for2. Kennings

a. Compound metaphor (usually two words)

b. Most were probably used over and over

For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road”, but can be translated as “sea”

The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch

out forOther kennings from Beowulf:

banhus = “bone-house” = body

goldwine gumena = “gold-friend of men” = generous prince

beaga brytta = “ring-giver” = lord

beadoleoma = “flashing light” = sword

Some terms you’ll want to knowscop

A bard or story-teller.

The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

comitatus

Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade”

This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another

Some terms you’ll want to know

thane

A warrior

mead-hall

The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.

Some terms you’ll want to know

wyrd

Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.

Some terms you’ll want to know

epic

Beowulf is an epic poem.

This means it has a larger-than life hero and the conflict is of universal importance. There’s a certain seriousness that accompanies most epics.

Some terms you’ll want to know

elegy

An elegy is a poem that is sad or mournful. The adjective is elegiac.

homily

A homily is a written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice.

Some terms you’ll want to know

Themes and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil

Religion: Christian and Pagan influences

The importance of wealth and treasure

Loyalty and allegiance

The importance of the sea and sailing

The sanctity of the home

Fate

Heroism and heroic deeds

CharactersCharacters BeowulfBeowulf

• ProtagonistProtagonist• Geatish heroGeatish hero

King HrothgarKing Hrothgar• King of the Danes whose kingdom (Denmark) is terrorized by GrendelKing of the Danes whose kingdom (Denmark) is terrorized by Grendel

GrendelGrendel• Monster who preys upon the DanesMonster who preys upon the Danes• Descendent of CainDescendent of Cain

UnferthUnferth• Danish warriorDanish warrior• Challenger of BeowulfChallenger of Beowulf

HiglacHiglac• King of the GeatsKing of the Geats• Beowulf’s uncleBeowulf’s uncle

WiglafWiglaf• Beowulf’s cousin who helps him fight the dragonBeowulf’s cousin who helps him fight the dragon