Beowulf

1. Beowulf Translated by: Seamus Heaney

2. Introduction • Beowulf is the first English literature masterpiece. • Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem that approximately dates to the year 700. • Beowulf is written in an Anglo-Saxon language (also known as Old English).

3. The language • The English language is divided in 3 periods: • Old English (449-1100) • Middle English (1100-1500) • Modern English (1500-present) • Beowulf is an example of Old English • The Canterbury Tales is an example of Middle English • Shakespeare’s works are an early form of Modern English.

5. Epic Poetry and a Hero • Epic poems are told in an elevated style and deal with deeds of a great hero. • Courage and loyalty are key aspects of the hero. • Warriors could be counted on to avenge the deaths of their lords, fathers, brothers and sons.

6. The setting • Although the story is written in England, it tells the tale of the Geats and the Danes. • The Geat kingdom is in present day Sweden, and the Dane kingdom present day Denmark.

8. The Story • Beowulf tells the story of the epic hero for whom it is named; he eventually becomes King of the Geats. • Beowulf battles three figures throughout the story: • The monster Grendel • Grendel’s mother • The dragon

9. The Story continued • The epic is divided into two sections • Beowulf as a young warrior fighting Grendel and Grendel’s mother. • 50 years later, Beowulf as the King fighting the dragon.

10. The manuscript • The only surviving manuscript is housed at the British Library in London. • The original manuscript is over 3000 lines long and written in unrhymed, alliterative verse.

11. Our translation • Seamus Heaney is the Nobel Laureate author of our version of the text. • Heaney focuses on lyrical phrasing rather than direct translation for a more easily spoken text. • Features of the text include alliteration and poetic attention to phrasing.