Beowulf, Wyrd and Epics
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Transcript of Beowulf, Wyrd and Epics
The Anglo-Saxon idea of “Fate”What will happen to you has already been determined by WyrdThree Aspects•Past•Present•FutureThe term is where we getthe modern word “Weird”More on “Wyrd” (click)
Wyrd
• Most epics share certain characteristics:• Originally an oral tradition• Scops- this is the title given to the poets who
told the stories• Epics told of a hero of imposing stature,
national & historical importance• They take place over vast settings, covering
great nations, the world or the universe• deeds require superhuman courage• Supernatural forces- gods, angels, and
demons are involved• Elevated style of writing
Beowulf is Epic Poetry
Click here for more on
an Epic
Epic Poetry
Beowulf• Considered the
greatest single work of Old English literature
• 3,000-line folk epic• Beowulf is the hero
who risks everything to fight monsters
• The story gives us a good look at the social conditions of the times
• The values parents wished to instill in their children (their boys, anyways) are apparent in Beowulf.
Beowulf
•The original storytellers were illiterate, and the stories of Beowulf were first passed down orally.•Christian Monks may have been the ones who wrote it down for the first time when they came to the area.•They added Christian elements to the pagan story as a way to help convert the pagan population.
Mixture of Pagan & Christian Beliefs