Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon PoetryCharacteristics of

Anglo-Saxon Poetry(applies to riddles,

Beowulf, The Seafarer, etc.)

(applies to riddles, Beowulf, The

Seafarer, etc.)

FactsFacts

Originally oral, not writtenEmploys alliteration

(repetition of initial consonant sounds)

Employs kennings (descriptive, metaphorical phrases of 2-4 words)

Originally oral, not writtenEmploys alliteration

(repetition of initial consonant sounds)

Employs kennings (descriptive, metaphorical phrases of 2-4 words)

KenningsKennings

BeowulfGrendelGrendel’s motherHrothgarHiglacWealtheowOceanSundragon

BeowulfGrendelGrendel’s motherHrothgarHiglacWealtheowOceanSundragon

Repetition (of words, entire phrases, stories)

Understatement (saying less than is meant)

Gory detailsReferences to

God/wyrd/fate

Repetition (of words, entire phrases, stories)

Understatement (saying less than is meant)

Gory detailsReferences to

God/wyrd/fate

Beliefs and Traditions

Beliefs and Traditions

WYRD or fate controls lifeHonor requires

revenge/compensation for injury or death (WERGILD)

Love of war and violenceLove of treasure, wealth

and prosperity (results of bravery)

WYRD or fate controls lifeHonor requires

revenge/compensation for injury or death (WERGILD)

Love of war and violenceLove of treasure, wealth

and prosperity (results of bravery)

Loyalty to family/tribeLove of stories, especially hero

storiesBelief that nothing good ever

lastsLove of rituals: feasting, burial,

etc.Unwritten contract between

king and warrior: generosity for loyalty (COMITATUS)

Loyalty to family/tribeLove of stories, especially hero

storiesBelief that nothing good ever

lastsLove of rituals: feasting, burial,

etc.Unwritten contract between

king and warrior: generosity for loyalty (COMITATUS)

Qualities of Anglo-Saxon Warrior Hero (and a life of honor)

Qualities of Anglo-Saxon Warrior Hero (and a life of honor)

Excellence, competence, skillIn battleIn sailingIn riding

Excellence, competence, skillIn battleIn sailingIn riding

Great strength (even superhuman strength)

Loyalty (especially to the king)

Devotion to duty, eagerness to fight

GenerosityLove of fame, glory, boasts

Great strength (even superhuman strength)

Loyalty (especially to the king)

Devotion to duty, eagerness to fight

GenerosityLove of fame, glory, boasts

Characteristics of Epic Literature

(such as Beowulf)

Characteristics of Epic Literature

(such as Beowulf)Reveals the traditions,

customs of the peopleGrand/large in its scope:

geography, timeLofty/formal languageEmploys the supernatural

Reveals the traditions, customs of the people

Grand/large in its scope: geography, time

Lofty/formal languageEmploys the supernatural

Battle between good and evil

Illustrates man in a hostile environment, the sacrifice of the hero

Generally concerns the noble deeds of a warrior-hero and his companions

Battle between good and evil

Illustrates man in a hostile environment, the sacrifice of the hero

Generally concerns the noble deeds of a warrior-hero and his companions