The oldest known work of English literature.
Although Beowulf is considered English
literature it is not set in England
Germanic tribes invaded what is now known
as England in the 5th Century and brought
their stories with them
 Seeks adventure, honor, glory, far and wide
 The epic hero is legendary, tales of his bravery
and deeds are well known
 Possesses and performs superhuman strength,
abilities, deeds of heroism – battles monsters,
incomparable warrior
 There is an element of the supernatural, monsters,
dragons, etc.
 Risks death to help others
Beowulf is a hero who comes to the aid of
people who are in jeopardy
He is from Geatland, which is present day
Sweden
The setting is pre-Christian past, but England
was Christian by the time it was composed
Set in late 5th early 6th Century, circa 400-500
AD
Scholars believe it was composed circa 700900 AD, or between the 8th and 10th Centuries
Because of this there are elements of
Christianity and paganism
Original Text of Beowulf – Old English
Beowulf was transmitted and disseminated by
word of mouth by being told, or sung
Scops (the Shaper in Grendel), sang the songs
of heroes and were essentially entertainers of
the time period
Some things to consider:
Beowulf, the hero, depicted as a Christ like
figure
Traits that were valued by the Anglo Saxons
The epic has other distinctive features such
as, literary devices and techniques
The epic is rich with alliteration, kennings,
personification
The setting is vast in scope in that includes
other nations
Major characters deliver lone speeches,
‘unlock their word hoards’
The universal theme of good vs. evil is evident