Beowulf

An EPIC is a long, stylized, narrative poem celebrating the deeds of a national hero.

Epics are DIDACTIC- concerned with teaching

Characteristics:

• The hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance, and of great historical or legendary significance. The setting is vast, covering many nations, the world, or the universe. The action consists of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.

Cont'd

• Supernatural forces—gods, angels, demons—insert themselves in the action.
• The poet retains a measure of objectivity.

What characteristics of the heroic epic do we find in Beowulf?

• Tells of the traditions of the people
• Is a long, dignified narrative poem
• Tells of the actions of the hero
• Has definite verse
• The characters are of noble birth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

England’s Beginnings

• Beowulf is an English poem, yet the setting is northern Europe in what is now Denmark and Sweden.
• The events described probably took place at the same time as invasions of England by Scandinavian tribes from Denmark in the 5th & 6th centuries.
• After the first foothold in c. 440, the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes inhabited most of England by the middle 6th century.
• Although Beowulf appears to be a fictional character, Hygelac, Beowulf’s uncle and king, is an historical character who was killed in battle c. 521.

Anglo-Saxon Literary Elements

• “Alliteration” – the repetition of initial sounds of words. “She sells seashells by the sea shore”
• From Beowulf:Ferdon folc-togan feorran and nean

Kennings

• A “kenning” is a metaphorical phrase made of a compound word used to name a person, place, or thing indirectly. Kennings typically create an image.

Examples of Kennings

• Examples of kennings from Beowulf: Gold-shining hall = Herot Guardian of crime = Grendel Cave-guard = dragon

What might these mean?

• What might these kennings mean? Bone-box Whale-road Sky-candle Light of battle Helmet bearers Giver of gold Storm-of-swords

Modern Examples of Kennings

• Gas guzzler Headhunter Rug rat Eye candy Cancer stick Couch potato