beowulf introduction. manuscript in the british museum

BeowulfBeowulf

IntroductionIntroduction

Manuscript in the British Museum

Manuscript in the British Museum

Anglo-Saxon or “Old English”

Anglo-Saxon or “Old English”

And now with sound. . . .And now with sound. . . .

http://www.openculture.com/2014/10/hear-beowulf-read-in-the-original-old-english.html

http://www.openculture.com/2014/10/hear-beowulf-read-in-the-original-old-english.html

The History of Anglo-Saxon

The History of Anglo-Saxon

The Heroic AgeThe Heroic Age

Anglo-Saxon primitivism The epic-warrior hero dominates Establishment of a culture and

people

Anglo-Saxon primitivism The epic-warrior hero dominates Establishment of a culture and

people

Greeks vs. GeatsGreeks vs. Geats

Clever intellect Polish Attempt to avoid

imprudent conflict Praise of the

individual Glorification of

mental prowess

Clever intellect Polish Attempt to avoid

imprudent conflict Praise of the

individual Glorification of

mental prowess

Brute strength Determination Acceptance of

violence Praise of the clan Glorification of

strength and courage

Brute strength Determination Acceptance of

violence Praise of the clan Glorification of

strength and courage

The Barbarian SpiritThe Barbarian Spirit

Rugged individualism Passion for warfare Loyalty and fellowship of warriors Superstitious fear and reverence of

beasts Pride in arms and armor Love of splendor and rich design

Rugged individualism Passion for warfare Loyalty and fellowship of warriors Superstitious fear and reverence of

beasts Pride in arms and armor Love of splendor and rich design

WergildWergild

From the Germanic “Wert” (value) + “Geld” (money) = “man-price”

Payment of material goods as recompense for the destruction of human life

Reflects dependence on the tangible to resolve human problems

From the Germanic “Wert” (value) + “Geld” (money) = “man-price”

Payment of material goods as recompense for the destruction of human life

Reflects dependence on the tangible to resolve human problems

BackgroundBackground

Text is from 700-1000 AD, but the action predates it

Christianity later imposed on the text

Evolved out of the oral tradition Possibly compiled from several

smaller narratives

Text is from 700-1000 AD, but the action predates it

Christianity later imposed on the text

Evolved out of the oral tradition Possibly compiled from several

smaller narratives

BackgroundBackground

One of the earliest works of Old English literature

The action does NOT take place in England

Reflects history and tradition of Anglo-Saxon and German ancestors

One of the earliest works of Old English literature

The action does NOT take place in England

Reflects history and tradition of Anglo-Saxon and German ancestors

BackgroundBackground

Beowulf --> Geats --> Southern Sweden

Hrothgar --> Danes --> Denmark

Beowulf --> Geats --> Southern Sweden

Hrothgar --> Danes --> Denmark

StructureStructure

Digressions Lacks narrative variety Humorless

Digressions Lacks narrative variety Humorless

StructureStructure

Nature is stern and fearsome Characters are types: hero, king,

queen -- simple outlines Opening = Shield’s funeral ship Closing = Beowulf’s pyre and

tower

Nature is stern and fearsome Characters are types: hero, king,

queen -- simple outlines Opening = Shield’s funeral ship Closing = Beowulf’s pyre and

tower

Terms and ConceptsTerms and Concepts

lof = praise and esteem of countrymen, reputation

wyrd = fate, destiny comitatus = loyalty of thanes and

kinsmen to their lord kenning = metaphorical compound

“sea-farer” = ship“swan-road” = sea

lof = praise and esteem of countrymen, reputation

wyrd = fate, destiny comitatus = loyalty of thanes and

kinsmen to their lord kenning = metaphorical compound

“sea-farer” = ship“swan-road” = sea

BeowulfBeowulf

Acts from the highest motives Never uncertain Does not give way to anger Sacrifices the self without regard

for reward Too ideal to be life-like Not rounded like Odysseus

Acts from the highest motives Never uncertain Does not give way to anger Sacrifices the self without regard

for reward Too ideal to be life-like Not rounded like Odysseus

ThemesThemes

The passing of noble souls from the earth

Materialistic success True friendship Futility of material gain The value found in life and in death

The passing of noble souls from the earth

Materialistic success True friendship Futility of material gain The value found in life and in death

Watch for. . . Watch for. . .

Man vs. the Preternatural Judeo-Christian vs. Pagan Youthful Beowulf vs. Old Beowulf Courtly manners Digressions

Man vs. the Preternatural Judeo-Christian vs. Pagan Youthful Beowulf vs. Old Beowulf Courtly manners Digressions