British Invasions and Beowulf

Vikings Invade Britain

9th century Norse:Scotland, Wales,

Ireland Danes:East/South England Sacked, plundered,

burned, killed

Results

English fought back… …but mid-9th century,

most of England was under invaders’ control

871: King Alfred the Great Stopped Danes Made truce dividing

England▪ Danes : East & North▪ Anglo-Saxons : South

However…

End of 10th century, Danes took over more of England

Forced Saxons to select Danish kings

1042: back to a Saxon king, Edward the Confessor Death in 1066 = End of

Anglo-Saxon period

The Norman Conquest

Normans = “north men” Viking invaders of France William of Normandy stole English

throne Normans took control of government

Remade England Feudal system

Feudal system = exchange of property for service; all land is king’s; serfs, barons, knights

Anglo-Saxon Literature:Which type is Beowulf?

Anglo-Saxon Prose Journals Historical Accounts

Anglo-Saxon Poetry Heroic Poetry Elegaic Poetry

Beowulf = Heroic Poetry

Epic poem 1st epic poem in English language Considered the national epic of

England

NOT A TRUE STORY! Reflects dreams, fears of Anglo-Saxons

Beowulf

Author unknown Recited as early as 6th century, written

down 11th

Originally in Old English Spoken by Anglo-Saxons 500-1100

Hwæt. We Gardena in gear-dagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon,hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon.

Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes,Ancient kings and the glory they cutFor themselves, swinging mighty swords!

Beowulf

Setting : 6th century Scandinavia (NOT England!)

Hero : Beowulf Geat from today’s

southern Sweden Quest : Fight the

monster Grendel Aid Danish King

Hrothgar in Herot

Grendel

Bloodthirsty villain

Terrifying swampland creature

Terrorizing Herot for 12 years

“The Wrath of Grendel”

Today’s reading Celebration at Herot, Hrothgar’s

banquet hall Outside, Grendel is lurking…