 Epic – a long narrative poem, sometimes developed
orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or
heroic figure
 Legendary hero – larger than life character whose
accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales
 Boastful self-confidence
 Feats of strength
 Victories in battle
 Beowulf – Geat
 Hrothgar – Dane
 The clergy was the first group to record the story of
Beowulf.
 Grendel “bewitched” Beowulf’s warriors’ weapons
Beowulf believes that fate will decide whether he lives
or dies
 Page 52, lines 530-535-These lines underscore the
pagan-Christian blend in the poem.
 The Christian God is said to give Beowulf victory
 Sword was “blessed” with the magic of giants.
 How does the setting of the battle add to its epic
significance? Consider what it shows about the realms
in which Beowulf has power.
 How is Grendel’s mother described in these sections?
How does this fit in with stereotypes of women that
you have previously encountered in literature?
 Fierce and protective
 Nameless women
 Biblical portrayals of women
 Perfect and angelic
 Protective as a mother
 Temptresses and prostitutes
 Eve
 The Battle with Grendel’s mother takes place under
water, in an obviously mythical setting.
 Beowulf destroys evil which is signified by the bright
light.
 Beowulf returns with Grendel’s head and the hilt of
the giants’ sword.
 A legendary hero is a larger-than-life character whose
accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales.
 In order for a story to be an Epic Poem it must meet
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certain criteria. It is a long narrative poem. Sometimes
developed orally.
The poem begins in medias res – in the middle. There
are events that are already in motion.
The epic hero is from a noble family.
The hero has characteristics like bravery, honesty,
loyalty, all of which are important to that society.
The hero performs powerful and supernatural acts.
The actions of the hero save the society.
There is more than one setting or nation involved.
The theme of the story is good vs. evil.
 There are long, formal speeches.
 There are supernatural beings to battle that threaten
the order of his world.
 Beowulf, the epic of the Anglo-Saxons, uses elements
of Anglo-Saxon poetry such as the kenning and
caesura.
 According to Wiglaf, what is Beowulf’s relationship
with his followers like?
 What does Wiglaf’s decision suggest about the way in
which a legendary hero can inspire heroism in others?
 In Beowulf’s death scene, what is shown about the
importance in warrior culture of the commem0ration
of individuals after death?
 Identify an example in the poem in which Beowulf’s
deeds inspires someone.
 Explain how the poem, by keeping Beowulf’s memory
alive, keeps a culture’s values alive.