Epic – a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure

Legendary hero – larger than life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional talesBoastful self-confidenceFeats of strengthVictories in battle

Beowulf – GeatHrothgar – DaneThe clergy was the first group to record the story

of Beowulf.

Background

Grendel “bewitched” Beowulf’s warriors’ weapons Beowulf believes that fate will decide whether he lives or dies

Page 52, lines 530-535-These lines underscore the pagan-Christian blend in the poem.The Christian God is said to give Beowulf

victorySword was “blessed” with the magic of giants.

Conflict between pagan vs Christianity

How does the setting of the battle add to its epic significance? Consider what it shows about the realms in which Beowulf has power.

How is Grendel’s mother described in these sections? How does this fit in with stereotypes of women that you have previously encountered in literature?Fierce and protectiveNameless womenBiblical portrayals of women

Perfect and angelicProtective as a motherTemptresses and prostitutes

Eve

The Monsters' Lair/The Battle with Grendel's Mother

The Battle with Grendel’s mother takes place under water, in an obviously mythical setting.

Beowulf destroys evil which is signified by the bright light.

Beowulf returns with Grendel’s head and the hilt of the giants’ sword.

A legendary hero is a larger-than-life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales.

Beowulf as epic hero

In order for a story to be an Epic Poem it must meet certain criteria. It is a long narrative poem. Sometimes developed orally.

The poem begins in medias res – in the middle. There are events that are already in motion.

The epic hero is from a noble family.The hero has characteristics like bravery,

honesty, loyalty, all of which are important to that society.

The hero performs powerful and supernatural acts.

The actions of the hero save the society.There is more than one setting or nation

involved.The theme of the story is good vs. evil.

Epic Poem Criteria

There are long, formal speeches.There are supernatural beings to battle that

threaten the order of his world.Beowulf, the epic of the Anglo-Saxons, uses

elements of Anglo-Saxon poetry such as the kenning and caesura.

Epic Poem Criteria

According to Wiglaf, what is Beowulf’s relationship with his followers like?

What does Wiglaf’s decision suggest about the way in which a legendary hero can inspire heroism in others?

In Beowulf’s death scene, what is shown about the importance in warrior culture of the commem0ration of individuals after death?

The Last Battle, The Spoils, and The Farewell

Identify an example in the poem in which Beowulf’s deeds inspires someone.

Explain how the poem, by keeping Beowulf’s memory alive, keeps a culture’s values alive.

The Farewell