Introduction to Introduction to BeowulfBeowulf

Mr. ArizmendezMr. Arizmendez

BackgroundBackground► The poem was composed around 700 A.D.The poem was composed around 700 A.D.► The story had been in circulation as an oral narrative The story had been in circulation as an oral narrative

for many years before it was written down.for many years before it was written down.► The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD.The action of the poem takes place around 500 AD.► Poet is reviving the heroic language, style and values Poet is reviving the heroic language, style and values

and pagan values of ancient Germanic oral poetry.and pagan values of ancient Germanic oral poetry.► The poem deals with ancient Germanic forebears, the The poem deals with ancient Germanic forebears, the

Danes and the Geats.Danes and the Geats.► Only a single manuscript of the poem survived the Only a single manuscript of the poem survived the

Anglo-Saxon eraAnglo-Saxon era. In the 1700’s it was nearly . In the 1700’s it was nearly destroyed in a fire.destroyed in a fire.

► It was not until 1936 when the Oxford scholar J.R.R. It was not until 1936 when the Oxford scholar J.R.R. Tolkien published a paper on the poem that is Tolkien published a paper on the poem that is became popular.became popular.

The Beowulf PoetThe Beowulf Poet► The poet is Christian.The poet is Christian.► The poem reflects The poem reflects

established Christian established Christian tradition.tradition.

► The poem makes allusions to The poem makes allusions to the Old Testament.the Old Testament.

► Beowulf can be seen as a Beowulf can be seen as a redeemer who is sent by God redeemer who is sent by God to save man from sin.to save man from sin.

► Many at the time believed Many at the time believed that the price of salvation that the price of salvation was life itself.was life itself.

► The correlations between The correlations between Beowulf’s death and the Beowulf’s death and the death of Christ cannot be death of Christ cannot be ignored.ignored.

Three Heroic Values in Three Heroic Values in BeowulfBeowulf

1.1. The relationship The relationship between king and his between king and his warriorswarriors

2.2. The king rewards his The king rewards his warriors with giftswarriors with gifts

3.3. If a kinsman is slain, If a kinsman is slain, there is an obligation there is an obligation to kill the slayer or to kill the slayer or obtain payment obtain payment (wergeld) in (wergeld) in compensationcompensation

The Conflict Between Christian The Conflict Between Christian Values and Heroic ValuesValues and Heroic Values

► This tension is at This tension is at the heart of the the heart of the poem.poem.

► Pagan history and Pagan history and myth are made to myth are made to point to a Christian point to a Christian moral.moral.

► Beowulf is poised Beowulf is poised between two value between two value systems.systems.

The Character of BeowulfThe Character of Beowulf

► He fights for personal He fights for personal honor, but is honor, but is committed to service to committed to service to his own people and his own people and humanity.humanity.

► He is a superhuman He is a superhuman who remains who remains recognizable/ recognizable/ accessible. accessible.

► The poet presents a The poet presents a contrast old and young contrast old and young Beowulf.Beowulf.

► Beowulf is a savior.Beowulf is a savior.

ThemesThemes

►Good vs. EvilGood vs. Evil► FateFate► The Importance of The Importance of

Establishing IdentityEstablishing Identity► Tension between Tension between

Heroic Code and Heroic Code and ChristianityChristianity

► Significance of Significance of artifactsartifacts

Important Elements of the Poem Important Elements of the Poem

► Elegaic tone (an elegy is a poem honoring Elegaic tone (an elegy is a poem honoring one who has died)one who has died)

►Heroic poem (Heroic poems have a lasting Heroic poem (Heroic poems have a lasting quality)quality)

► ContrastsContrasts Christian and paganChristian and pagan Youth and old ageYouth and old age Rise and fall of nationsRise and fall of nations Joy and sorrowJoy and sorrow Fate and God’s willFate and God’s will

Violence vs. peaceViolence vs. peace

Sutton HooSutton Hoo

Sutton HooSutton Hoo

►This helmet is one This helmet is one ofof

The most iconic and The most iconic and important finds of important finds of Sutton Hoo.Sutton Hoo.

Sutton HooSutton Hoo

► Burial site discovered in 1939Burial site discovered in 1939► Important links to Anglo-Saxon world and Important links to Anglo-Saxon world and

BeowulfBeowulf► Remains of a boat were discovered and large Remains of a boat were discovered and large

burial chamber containing numerous artifactsburial chamber containing numerous artifacts► Artifacts suggest a distinctly Christian element Artifacts suggest a distinctly Christian element

intermingled with pagan ritual.intermingled with pagan ritual.► Episodes in Beowulf now have tangible Episodes in Beowulf now have tangible

archaeological violence to add creditability to archaeological violence to add creditability to the blend of customs in the text.the blend of customs in the text.

Sutton Hoo ImagesSutton Hoo Images