the anglo–saxon period beowulf. britain before the anglo-saxons
TRANSCRIPT
The Anglo–Saxon Period
Beowulf
Britain before the Anglo-Saxons
Celtic Life
Druids
The Romans
The Anglo-Saxons
The Coming of Christianity
St. Augustine and King Ethelbert
More Invasions!
Vikings vs Saxons
The Venerable Bede
Anglo-Saxon Literature
Beowulf
Warfare
Feasting and Boasting
Mead Hall
Epic1.Long narrative2.Written in elevated style3.Characters of high positions4.Adventures5.The development of episodes is important to
the history of a nation or race6.Is an “organic” whole with all parts related to a
central heroic figure
Characteristics of the Epic
1.Hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance and of great historical or legendary significance
2.The setting is vast, covers great nations, the world, or the universe.
3.Supernatural forces are involved in the action4.Elevated style5.Poet usually maintains some objectivity
Common Devices of Most Epic Poems
1. The poet opens by stating the theme2. The poet invokes a muse3. It begins In Medias res – in the middle of
things4. Catalogues (lists) of warriors, ships, etc.5. Long formal speeches by the main characters6. Epic similes (lengthy and elaborate
comparisons
Wyrd
Early English/Viking
Words• Wednesday = Woden’s or Odin’s day (chief Norse god)
• Thursday = Thor’s day (Norse god of thunder)
• Friday = Freya’s day (Norse goddess of love and beauty)
Anglo-Saxon Literary Terms
• Caesura – natural break or pause in the middle of a line of poetry.
Ex: There may I sit the summer long day
Ex: There I can weep over my exile
Kenning• A metaphorical phrase used in Anglo-Saxon
poetry to replace a concrete noun.
Ex: Sea – whale’s homeKing – ring giverFireman – life saver
Alliteration• The repetition of initial consonant sounds. It
is used to link words and create musical sounds.
Ex: The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew
Trailer for
Beowulf
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