BEOWULF

HISTORY of BEOWULF Composed in the 8th century Christian author (for Christian audience in Anglo-

Saxon England ) telling a Pagan tale Part of the oral poetic tradition Influenced by the Old Norse myth and legend Epic poem Story takes place in Scandinavia/ Northern Europe. The story of Beowulf came to England when

England was invaded by people from northern Europe.

People to Know…..

DANES- From Denmark (we call them Danish today) GEATS- From Geatland, what is today Southern

Sweden SWEDES- People from Sweden (north of Geatland)

Terms to Know….

SCOP- Composers and storytellers who traveled from court to court, the entertainers in Anglo-Saxon times, knew a large number of tales.

WERGILD- (manpayment) the practice of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the deed and to prevent them from taking revenge against the slayer

One More…..

COMITATUS- The chieftain of the comitatus, or small war band, is surrounded by noble warriors, his comites 'companions,' who have sworn to defend him with their lives. He, in turn, is unstintingly liberal in giving them gifts and weapons. . . . Their virtues were those of reckless and absolute personal courage, loyalty to one's chief; and on the chief's part, generosity and protection. The aim was glory--the fame of 'a good name' after death

Terms to Take With You… MYTH- any story that attempts to explain how the world

was created or why the world is the way that it is or tries to teach a lesson. Myths are stories that are passed on from generation to generation. Most myths were first spread by oral tradition and then were written down in some literary form.

EPIC POEM - A long, narrative poem that tells the story of a legendary hero or god.

EPIC HERO- Superhuman hero or god of an epic.

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IMAGERY- is language that evokes one or all of the five senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching. Often similes and metaphors are used to create strong imagery

KENNING- a two word metaphorical name for something (sea giant = whale)

This Should be Review…

ALLITERATION- is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words

Example:sweet smell of success, a dime a dozen, bigger and better, jump for joyWordsworth: And sings a solitary song That whistles in the wind

The ancient poets often used alliteration instead of rhyme; in Beowulf there are three alliterations in every line. For example: Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, Leader beloved, and long he ruled In fame with all folk since his father had gone . . .

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Our Hero, Beowulf