beowulfAn Epic Poem

What does this have to do with me?!★ How can a poem written over 1000 years ago

relate to my life?★ How are the elements of epic poetry used in

today’s movies, plays, TV shows, and books?★ Why is Beowulf considered a piece of literature

that deserves attention today?★ How can writing my own parts of an epic poem

contribute to my learning?

What is an Epic Poem?A long narrative describing the

adventures of a hero or the gods.

Beowulf is the famous knight* who comes to fight off grendel, an

evil monster.

*He’s like the first SUPERHERO

Did you Ever Play Telephone as a kid?★ Back when Beowulf was written, there were no cell

phones or books.★ Communication occurred very much like that game

of telephone we loved to play!★ Works like Beowulf were considered oral tradition.

★ How accurate is the epic poem, Beowulf, now that we know it was created in the oral tradition?

★ “Scop” is an Old English term for storyteller who made his living telling and singing stories.

★ He performed for audiences at court or on the road.

★ He usually played a lute- a four stringed instrument- to help accentuate and add interest to the story.

The Scop

More on Scops★ The scop’s audience was probably

familiar with the story and the various allusions in the poem. The poet’s skill was judged by how well he could weave the stories into an effective, entertaining presentation.

★ The scops handed down the poem orally for hundreds to years before it was written down.

Christianity★ Religion played a large role in oral tradition!★ It is clear that a Christian composed the poem from its many

biblical references, especially the Old Testament. The poet often praises the power of a kind, loving God.

★ Yet, the poet drew his stories from Pagan sources. For example, it makes reference to the word “wyrd” or fate- a darker more cruel force. Also, the use of mythical monsters are heavily influenced from Paganism.

Paganism

How are we Interpreting this?!★ Historical Theory!★ We don’t believe that what we are

reading is the original, but elements of it still show us what was important to the people of that time period and explain what life was like during that time.

What we do know★ Beowulf was

probably composed between 700 A.D. and 900 A.D. by two English scribes

★ Beowulf was first transmitted orally for one to three centuries.

★ The author is unknown- even to this day!

And Today….★ The original manuscript, considered one

of the greatest heirlooms of world literature, is now preserved in the British Library in London.

★ After fire ravaged the library in 1731, the manuscript was rescued by British authorities. However, water damage and burned edges made it difficult to read.

Beowulf Vocab To Know★ Comitatus-

Relationship between a king and his soldiers

★ Comrade- Companions or friends

★ Kinsmen- Male relatives

★ Mead- An alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey

★ Mead Hall- Meeting hall for a king’s soldiers for eating, sleeping, and dividing the spoils

★ Assault- A violent verbal or physical attack

★ Spoils- Riches won after battle

Beowulf Vocab To Know★ Hoards- A hidden

stockpile★ Spawned- To reproduce

in large numbers, usually an aquatic animal

★ Lament- To express deep sorrow or regret

Beowulf Vocab To Know★ Blood Money- Money paid

to a family after a family member is killed in battle

★ Sprawled- Lying or sitting with arms or legs spread out awkwardly