Beowulf The Epic Hero Predestined Mysterious origin Vulnerability

Beowulf

The Epic Hero • • Predestined Mysterious origin Vulnerability Embodies cultural ideals

The Epic Hero • • Responds to catastrophic situations Supernatural intervenes to help him Moral compass leads him to defend his society Mortal but god-like

Epic • • • Long narrative poem Recounts the adventures of a hero Passed down orally Uses elevated language Begins in media res

Background Information • • Setting - Denmark and Sweden Author - Unknown, probably a monk Composed in the 7 th or 8 th century Oldest surviving English poem

Elements of Anglo-Saxon Poetry • Alliteration: repetition of initial consonant sounds “Then the grim man in green gathers his strength” • Caesura: a pause or break in a line of poetry “Oft to the wanderer / weary of exile” • Kenning: compound metaphor used as a name “battle-blade” and “ring-giver” • Hyperbole: exaggeration

Anglo-Saxon Culture • • • Belief in fate (Wyrd) Treasure equals success Fame and fortune Loyalty to the leader Pagan, Germanic, and Christian ideals

Anglo-Saxon Culture • Fierce, hardy life of warrior and seamen • Strength, courage, leadership abilities appreciated • Rowdy rituals of mead-halls • Expected the hero to boast

Anglo-Saxon Hero • • • Strong Courageous Loyal Desires fame Generous

Anglo-Saxon Ideals • • • Good defeats evil Wergild—restitution for a murder Comitatus—code of loyalty Boasts must be followed by actions Fate is in control Only fair fights are honorable

Title of Epic Poem • Anglo-Saxon word Beo means “bright” or “noble” • Anglo-Saxon word wulf means “wolf” • Beowulf means bright or noble wolf • Other sources say Beo means “bear”

Beowulf • Epic hero • Geat (from southern Sweden) • Nephew of Higlac (King at story’s start) • Sails to Denmark to help Hrothgar

Hrothgar • Danish king • Builds Herot (hall) • Tormented by Grendel for 12 years • Loses many men • Joyless before Beowulf’s arrival

Grendel • Referred to as demon and fiend • Haunts the moors (swampy land) • Descendant of Cain (kills his brother Abel in Bible) • Feasts on 30 men the night of 1 st attack

Grendel’s Mother • Referred to as a she-wolf • Lives under a lake • Challenges Hrothgar when she kills one of his best men

Fire Dragon • Lives in Beowulf’s kingdom • Wakes up when thief steals cup • Guards countless treasures

Funeral Pyre for Beowulf: Epic Poem Ends in Elegy (song of praise)