BEOWULFThe oldest known work of English literature.

BACKGROUNDAlthough Beowulf is considered English literature it is not set in England

Germanic tribes invaded what is now known as England in the 5th Century and brought their stories with them

MAP OF BEOWULF JOURNEYS

BEOWULF CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS OF THE EPIC HERO:

Seeks adventure, honor, glory, far and wideThe epic hero is legendary, tales of his bravery and deeds are well known

Possesses and performs superhuman strength, abilities, deeds of heroism – battles monsters, incomparable warrior

There is an element of the supernatural, monsters, dragons, etc.

Risks death to help others

WHO IS BEOWULF?Beowulf is a hero who comes to the aid of people who are in jeopardy

He is from Geatland, which is present day Sweden

BEOWULFThe setting is pre-Christian past, but England was Christian by the time it was composed

Set in late 5th early 6th Century, circa 400-500 AD

Scholars believe it was composed circa 700-900 AD, or between the 8th and 10th Centuries

Because of this there are elements of Christianity and paganism

Original Text of Beowulf – Old English

ORAL TRADITIONBeowulf was transmitted and disseminated by word of mouth by being told, or sung

Scops (the Shaper in Grendel), sang the songs of heroes and were essentially entertainers of the time period

BEOWULFSome things to consider:Beowulf, the hero, depicted as a Christ like figure

Traits that were valued by the Anglo Saxons

BEOWULFThe epic has other distinctive features such as, literary devices and techniques

The epic is rich with alliteration, kennings, personification

The setting is vast in scope in that includes other nations

Major characters deliver lone speeches, ‘unlock their word hoards’

The universal theme of good vs. evil is evident