Title: Beowulf
1Beowulf
2Why 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
3Why Study Beowulf?
4. In some ways, it doesnt matter what you read,
but how you read it, sosince Beowulf came first,
you might as well start there.
5. Studying Old English improves your
understanding of modern English
6. Its a great story
4Beowulfs Origin
What we dont know
- when exactly it was written
- how much, exactly, is based on historical truth
5Beowulfs Origin
What we do know
- Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem.
Its 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. (1000s),
however
6- The actual poem probably dates from the 8th
century (700s) 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
Paganthis means a monk probably translated it.
7Beowulfs Origin
So why wasnt it written down in the first place?
This story was probably passed down orally for
centuries before it was first written down.
It wasnt until after the Norman Invasion (1066)
that writing stories down became common in this
part of the world.
8Beowulfs Origin
So whats happened to the manuscript since the
11th century?
Eventually, it ended up in the library of this
guy.
Robert Cotton (1571-1631)
9Beowulfs Origin
Unfortunately, Cottons 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.
10Setting Beowulfs 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.
11Setting Beowulfs time and place
Insert Time of Beowulf
Europe today
12How we date Beowulf
Some 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
13The Poetry in Beowulf
A few things to watch out for
1. Alliterative verse
- 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
14The Poetry in Beowulf
A few things to watch out for
2. 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
15The Poetry in Beowulf
A few things to watch out for
Other kennings from Beowulf
banhus bone-house body
goldwine gumena gold-friend of men generous
prince
beaga brytta ring-giver lord
beadoleoma flashing light sword
16Some terms youll want to know
scop
A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible
for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording
history, and for providing entertainment
17Some terms youll want to know
comitatus
Literally, this means escort or comrade
This term identifies the concept of warriors and
lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one
another
18Some terms youll want to know
thane
A warrior
mead-hall
The large hall where the lord and his warriors
slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.
19Some terms youll want to know
wyrd
Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem,
while at the same time there are Christian
references to Gods will.
20Some terms youll 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. Theres a certain
seriousness that accompanies most epics.
21Some terms youll 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.
22Themes and Important Aspects
- Religion Christian and Pagan influences
- The importance of wealth and treasure
- The importance of the sea and sailing
23Characters
- Beowulf
- Protagonist
- Geatish hero
- King Hrothgar
- King of the Danes whose kingdom (Denmark) is
terrorized by Grendel - Grendel
- Monster who preys upon the Danes
- Descendent of Cain
- Unferth
- Danish warrior
- Challenger of Beowulf
- Higlac
- King of the Geats
- Beowulfs uncle
- Wiglaf
- Beowulfs cousin who helps him fight the dragon