BEOWULF

• Beowulf’s origins are mysterious. While we do not know the identity of the author, and we

are unsure of its precise date of composition, most scholars believe it was composed by a

single Christian author for a Christian audience in Anglo-Saxon England anywhere

from the eighth to the eleventh century.

• This poem is filled with biblical allusions to the Old Testament.

• It is also influenced by Germanic oral tradition and Old Norse myth and legend.

Norse Mythology

• Beowulf was composed in the oral poetic tradition.

• Poems in this tradition were not originally written down but transmitted orally from generation to generation.

• Many of the Old English poems contain lengthy passages that repeatedly recount past heroic deeds or challenges faced by certain characters or tribes.

• This repetitive recounting of past events helps to keep the history of the events and heroes of the past alive for the listening audience.

• In a pre-literate society, this oral tradition comprised both the literature and history of the people.

The Epic

• Most Old English poems have characteristics of the Epic.

• Epic poetry generally deals with a serious subject and incorporates the adventures of a resilient hero who fights to defend the values of his culture.

• It often includes a battle between good and evil forces, cataloguing of weaponry, and supernatural intervention.

Epic- Beowulf

• Beowulf, the hero, volunteers to fight the terrible monster Grendel.

• He not only wants to gain honor in battle, but he sets out to defend the way of life the Scandinavian tribes.

Beowulf

No Weapons• During some of his

legendary encounters, he does not use any weapons, fighting instead with his bare hands and without the protection of armor.

Weapons• During other fights, he uses

legendary or supernatural weapons such as the sword, Hrunting,.

The Theme of Christianity vs. Paganism• This story presents a fascinating mix of Christian

values and pagan traditions.• It is generally assumed that the Beowulf poet was

a Christian, since the Christian conversion of England was virtually complete by the time the poem is believed to have been created.

• Still, many of the poem’s characters embrace pagan heroic ideals.– Ex. The Danes are described as ignorant to the

existence of a Christian God.

Christian Perspective

• Grendel is said to be a descendant of Cain.

• God is presented as a protector of the good, a “shepherd of our land.”

Beowulf is noted especially for two literary devices

• Alliteration: repetition of the initial consonant sound– “Shild’s strong son” (23, line 19)

*Alliteration is a literary device that was used frequently by Anglo Saxons

• Kenning: a two-word metaphorical name for something– “sea-road” for ocean (30, line 239)

*When neither element of the compound is a true name of the object it is a true kenning.

*When one element is not a true name it is a half kenning.

Scop

• Both composers and storytellers who traveled from court to court- the entertainers of the Anglo-Saxon times

• Expected to know a broad repertoire of tales and no doubt be able to compose tales in tribute to the patrons who financed them

The Heroic Code

• Dictates that the relationships between kinsmen of the same tribe must be founded on loyalty and respect.

• It is a warrior’s – or a thane’s – most important task to remain loyal to his lord and serve him without reservation

Comitatus

• German code of loyalty

• Thanes, or warriors, swore loyalty to their king, for whom they thought and protected

• In return the king was expected to be generous with gifts of treasure or land

• Warriors were expected to be brave, courageous, and loyal.

• Their reputation for such qualities was very important.

Wergild

• “man-payment”• Germanic custom• The practice of paying a slain man’s family to

atone for the deed and to prevent them from taking revenge against the manslayer