Beowulf

Beowulf Manuscript Background

• Beowulf is the first surviving epic written in the English language.

• The single existing copy dates from around the 7th century-- in the years 650 to 800. Epic Poem--meant to be spoken out loud by poets or bards.

• Beowulf is the oldest known piece of literature in English.

Author Unknown• Originally written in Olde English

verse. • Many scholars believe that

Beowulf was originally transcribed by one or two monks. They most likely wrote it down after hearing it orally or by copying an already existing manuscript. The time period of the actual story takes place in the late 5th or early 6th centuries.

Why do we read Beowulf• It’s the first Hero’s Journey tale in

English. • The poem documents the values,

questions, and attitudes of the time and explores themes that are still present today.

• It relates the lifestyle of the Anglo-Saxon period.

• Beowulf’s poet tries to recreate the past for the reader; the poem is almost nostalgic for those bygone pagan days.

Warrior Culture• In Beowulf, we see a number of elements

throughout the poem. First, we see a pagan warrior society. In this society the relationship between a king and his thanes is vital.

• It is a symbiotic relationship in which the thanes defend the king and his land and fight his wars. In return, the king provides for his men. He offers them such items as mail coats, swords, helmets, gold rings, mead, beer, shelter and companionship.

• This society also places great value on kinship. If one's kin is killed, it is the remaining relative's duty to make the killer pay for the death, either with his own life or the payment of wergild (the “man price”).

• Finally, we see the recurrence of the pagan ideas of fate and courage. Men believe that fate controls their lives.

• Beowulf constantly tests fate and believes that through courage he can live on in the memory of those who will live after him.

Themes• Pagan vs. Christian - Beowulf’s author is

a Christian. Yet, he is obviously aware of the culture’s pagan past and attempts to describe it in great detail. Consider the role of religion in this epic. The narrator is a Christian; the characters are pagan.

• Pagan Concepts - elaborate Germanic sea-burials, grand feasts in the mead-halls, belief in fate, material rewards.

• Christian Concepts - reference to Cain (used in connection to Grendel), reference to the Flood, “God’s will be done…”

• Violence--this is a bloody and descriptive story. Violence is seen as valid in this society. Consider the historical significance behind the violence.

• Good vs. Evil--the idea behind good conquering evil is played out between Beowulf and the enemies he fights. – Beowulf vs Grendel – Beowulf vs. Grendel’s mother– Beowulf vs. the Dragon

• Kinship--The close relationship between groups of men like the Danes and the Geats. Men who are willing to die for each other without question.

• Heroism--Beowulf is the ultimate hero of his time demonstrating kinship and fearless leadership.

• Consider how heroism is defined today. Why is Beowulf still considered a hero today?

Key Characters• Beowulf--the title character and hero. He

is the prince of the Geats and becomes their King. Son of Edgetheow.

• Hrothgar--the old, once great King of the Danes. His hall (Heorot) is attacked by Grendel. He is the son of Healfdane.

• Grendel--the monster who attacks Herot. He is an evil giant, descendent of Cain.

• Grendel’s Mother--more fierce and ferocious than her son. Beowulf also fights her when she seeks revenge for her son.

• The Dragon--guards a great treasure. Attacks the Geats. Fights Beowulf in the end of the poem.

• Wiglaf--the bravest and most loyal of Beowulf’s warriors.

• Danes--originate in Denmark. • Geats--originate in South Sweden.

Olde English• Olde English is the early version of our

language originating with the Anglo-Saxons. – The "sc" that starts many of the names was

once pronounced as "sk," and this is the way the translators sometimes expects you to pronounce it. It's better, though to pronounce "sc" as "sh.“

– That way, Scyld Scefing is pronounced like Shield Shefing.

• The "e" is usually pronounced as an independent vowel, so "Beowulf" sounds like "Bay'-oh-wolf," "Heorot" is "Hay-oh-roht," and "Geats" are Gay'ahts."

• "Hr" beginning a word is prounced, just like it's written, so "Hrothgar" is "Hrohth'gar."

Bibliography• http://www.lonestar.net/literature/

beowulf.html • http://www.jagular.com/beowulf/links.shtml