BEOWULF “It is chivalry that makes a true knight, not a sword” - George R.R. Martin Anglo-Saxon Period • The Anglo-Saxon period is the earliest recorded time period in English history. • The Anglo-Saxon period ranges from 449-1066. • It ends with the Battle of Hastings where the French, under the leadership of William the Conqueror invaded England. Anglo-Saxon Literature • Few people read in this period • Oral tradition – was performed and/or sung by a Bard (Scop) from memory in Old English • This is why there are often several versions of the same story. • Scops – poet/minstrels • Authors were often unknown THE STORY OF BEOWULF • Beowulf marks the beginning of English literature • It is one of the earliest known pieces of literature in the English language • It was first written in Old English • Luckily for us someone translated it to Modern English Contains specific Motifs • Motifs – a motif is a recurring theme or image in a work of literature • Biblical and Christian Allusions • Pagan Customs • Social Customs • Traits of the Warrior • Beowulf Boasts • The THE STORY OF BEOWULF story of Beowulf wasn’t written down until about 700 AD by “The Beowulf Poet” who is unknown. • He wrote down the poem which for many years had been only sung or spoken. • Scholars believe “The Beowulf Poet” was most likely a Christian monk, thus adding a Christian perspective. THE STORY OF BEOWULF • Beowulf is considered to be an epic poem • Epic – a long, narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. • examples of other epics: The Illiad and The Odyssey by Homer • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein THE STORY OF BEOWULF • Beowulf - the character is considered to be an epic hero • An epic hero– must undertake a quest to achieve something of tremendous value to himself and his society What is Chivalry? • During the medieval period, an honor code was developed to govern behavior on the battlefield and at court. • This code of chivalry presented an idealized view of brave, honesty loyal, and pious knights. • They were expected to protect the weak, behave respectfully to women, and go on holy quests • Does chivalry exist in a modern society? • If so, how? Introduction to Beowulf ●What makes someone a hero? ●What qualities do YOU admire in a hero ●What is true chivalry? ●Do you think anyone could fully live up to the ideals of chivalry? ●Can we control our fate? ●How would a strong belief in fate affect a person’s view of the future? SUMMARY OF EPIC FEATURES: • A long narrative poem • Larger than life hero; often with super-human characteristics • Concerns eternal human problems like the struggle between good and evil • Presented in a serious manner using elevated (poetic) language • Hero represents widespread national, cultural, or religious values Conventions of an Epic Poem ●a long narrative poem ● written about a hero, who is usually a strong, courageous person of nobility ● usually involves supernatural creatures, great deeds, and perilous journeys ● imbues the hero with traits that reflect the ideals of the larger culture ● conveys universal themes found in the literature of all time periods and cultures, such as good versus evil ● often features long speeches, as well as formal diction and a serious tone ● Hero represents widespread national, cultural, or religious values THE STORY OF BEOWULF • Beowulf is often divided into three sections • It is about Beowulf’s three epic battles with evil. • Beowulf himself represents the good • in society • loyalty • valor • selflessness • sense of justice The Three Sections 1. The Battle with Grendel • Grendel represents evil 2. The Battle with Grende’s mother • She also represents evil 3. The Battle with the dragon • It represents evil and greed THE STORY OF BEOWULF • The story of Beowulf takes place in Geatland and Denmark (Modern Denmark and Sweden) • None of the action takes place in England - but is is considered British Literature • Beowulf takes place in a “once upon a time world” which taps into “three archetypal sites of fear.” What is your biggest fear? THE STORY OF BEOWULF The three archetypal sites of fear: 1.The barricaded night house / Mead Hall (Grendel) 2. The infested underwater lair (Grendel’s mother) 3.The Reptile-taunted rocks of a wilderness and cave (Fire Breathing Dragon) I like to think of them this way, in terms which may mean more to your or my generation: 1.Our bed on a story night when we are alone in the house (where we should feel safe.) 2. A murky lake or beach 3.The dark recesses of the earth: a cave, or even your own dark basement!!! Why do we read Beowulf? • It’s a very creative, imaginative, poetic masterpiece. • It gives us insight into the origins of the British people, the culture, who, through seafaring conquests, founded the world we currently live in. • It gives us insight into the origins of our language. • It’s scary and gets us to think about our own worst fears • It’s a VERY important piece of literature historically (This is the “because we have to” reason!!) THE of STORY OF BEOWULF Features Anglo-Saxon Literature THE STORY OF BEOWULF • Beowulf is a tale of a hero who clashes with demons in the act of pure glory seeking heroism in order to save the court of a Danish king from destruction. In the end the hero dies and leaves the Geats once again vulnerable to destruction from the outside world. • Many of the principal themes reflect the concerns of the audience of that time. • They were emerging from an illiterate pagan past and adapting to a new religion and a new kind of society • Author James Earl states, “This period…is what we find reflected in narratives of the Heroic Age like Beowulf. Beowulf depicts a struggle to impose order on real social chaos.” THE STORY OF BEOWULF: Themes Civilization and Nature • The natural world during this time represented a dangerous, chaotic menacing force. • The story and setting of Beowulf reflect a primal fear of nature. • Nature is represented most vividly by the demon Grendel and his mother. THE STORY OF BEOWULF: Themes Loyalty and Gift Giving • In the past the giving of gifts and loyalty to a chieftain was vital • The worst event that could befall a pagan warrior was to have no war company . This would mean living alone and without protection where he must defend himself in the hostile, deadly natural world. • The heroes and knights of Beowulf depended on one another for survival. • The relationships arose from a society constantly prepared for war and honorable death in battle • The chieftain gives gifts in return for this loyalty • The gifts consist of treasures, slaves, weapons, horses, slaves and women won in battle or a raid on a enemy town or camp. • When the system of loyalty and gift giving is broken or violated the consequences can be dire. THE STORY OF BEOWULF: Themes The Virtue of Vengeance • In the pagan Germanic world, humility and sacrifice were not honored • They valued courage in battle and loyalty to their kin and their chieftains, and the righting of wrongs by personal vengeance • If a king or any member of the clan was slain it was the duty of the clan to kill as well. It was a matter of sacred honor. • The honor of the clan would not be restored until the death was avenged. THE STORY OF BEOWULF: Themes The Mysterious Workings of Fate • In the Beowulf the notion of heaven and hell was just emerging in the Christian religion • In the world of the Anglo Saxons heroes and monsters, there was no escaping one’s destiny, or fate, no matter how cruel that may be. • There was no heaven or hell there was only fate, which was determined before one’s birth and ultimately ended at one’s death. THE STORY OF BEOWULF: Themes A Virtuous Hero • Christianity now represented a drastic change in culture and society • Beowulf’s actions are motivated not only for the quest for glory but also by charity towards others • Anglo-Saxon kings had accepted Christianity and allied themselves with organized church. • However they still lived by the code honor and they still valued courage in battle • The Christian virtues of charity, modesty, and piety were replacing the old ideals of courage in battle and loyalty to chieftains.
