Beowulf: The Oldest English Poem with Enduring Themes and Mysteries

1. Beowulf

2. 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 What we don’t know: • who wrote it • when exactly it was written • how much, exactly, is based on historical truth

4. Beowulf What 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…

5. 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.

6. Beowulf So 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.

7. Beowulf So what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of Robert Cotton (1571-1631)

8. Beowulf 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.

9. Setting: Beowulf’s time andplace 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.

10. Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Time of Beowulf Europe today

11. How we date Beowulf Some Important Dates: 521 A.D. – death of Hygelac, 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

12. The 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 caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme

13. The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Alliterative verse There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. The terror of the hall-troops had come far.

14. The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) For instance: “whale-road,” can be translated as “sea”

15. The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Other kennings from Beowulf: “bone-house” = body “gold-friend of men” = generous prince “ring-giver” = lord “flashing light” = sword

16. Some terms you’ll want to know scop A story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Some terms you’ll want to know elegy An elegy is a poem that is sad or mournful. homily A homily is a written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice.

20. Themes and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil Religion: Christian and Pagan influences The importance of wealth and treasure The importance of the sea and sailing Fate Loyalty and allegiance Heroism and heroic deeds