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BEOWULF

BEOWULF. Why Study Beowulf?. Beowulf is worth studying for several reasons: It is the oldest remaining written account in Anglo-Saxon (also Old English) Beowulf will help us understand both Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures and gives us an idea of the mindset of the early middle ages.

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BEOWULF

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  1. BEOWULF

  2. Why Study Beowulf? • Beowulf is worth studying for several reasons: • It is the oldest remaining written account in Anglo-Saxon (also Old English) • Beowulf will help us understand both Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures and gives us an idea of the mindset of the early middle ages. • It helps us understand the oral tradition, the mead hall, the weapons, armor and fighting methods, lifestyle

  3. The Poem

  4. The Poem • Written in Old English by an unknown author between 650 CE and 800 CE • Poem format – written in alliterative verse [words have same beginning letters in same line] • The author was Anglo Saxon

  5. The Poem • Christian narrator telling pagan story • Epic story about a hero • Violent, gory, sense of doom – a warrior story but also has elements of supernatural

  6. The Poem • Only ONE surviving manuscript – dates from about 1000CE • One fragile damaged copy remaining in British Museum in London, England • A poem in the oral tradition – would have been sung in the mead hall by the scop (poet)

  7. The Poem Captures life among Germanic warrior tribes of Northern Europe during the Early Middle (‘Dark”) ages – e.g. drinking halls where men also slept

  8. The Poem Setting - Story told about past – set around 500CE though written later. In the story are flashbacks to even more distant past. Set in Denmark and Geatland (Southern Sweden today)

  9. The Poem • People lived in constant fear of attack from both human and superhuman enemies • Mixture of Christian and Pagan references in story • Tension between Judeo-Christian God and Pagan wyrd –(fate)

  10. The Poem • Three main stories and several smaller stories [poem within a poem] A] Grendel B] Grendel’s mother C] Firedragon

  11. Anglo-Saxon Hero/King:

  12. Anglo-Saxon Hero/King: • Brave, strong, generous – “ring giver” – loyal to people who are loyal to him • Came to power in a time of chaos • Proves early in life that could meet challenge – self-made

  13. Anglo-Saxon Hero/King: • Protects people and in turn has the loyalty of his retainers • Material wealth and power linked – king gathered treasure – for status and gifts

  14. Anglo-Saxon Hero/King: • Violent - King would raid other clans – enslave and terrorize • People of the time superstitious – believed in omens • Fame very important – made hero immortal – through deeds and fame – boasting okay

  15. Anglo-Saxon Hero/King: • Fairness – a good king is fair • Bravery in the face of impossible odds – to die with honor • Women are peacekeepers and diplomats

  16. History:

  17. History: • Anglo-Saxon feudalism – regimented • Hierarchy – from lords to slaves • King’s relationship with warriors – based on loyalty bred by warfare

  18. History: • Purpose of warrior is to defend community and swear loyalty to king • Revenge was a way of life – each man had his price based on status • Price paid in terms of blood or wergeld – gold payment

  19. Themes in Beowulf

  20. Themes in Beowulf: • Parallel themes in hero stories – repetition of themes • E.g. – both Scyld and Beowulf rescue Danes by water • Good versus evil; light versus dark

  21. Themes in Beowulf: • In Beowulf - shows how black and white not so clear cut – Beowulf understands this • e.g. Bees – honey and sting – hurt and help

  22. Themes in Beowulf: • Evil – force of supernatural destruction – no motive • Evil – alone – apart from community and joy and celebration

  23. Themes in Beowulf: • Strength aided by goodness and intelligence • Celebration of heroic deeds and qualities

  24. Themes in Beowulf: In life there are always more “monsters” to kill –grief, sadness, challenges or problems to solve! It never ends ………Like ”Tikkun olam” – always more to do ……

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