The epic poem hero and beast Long narrative

The epic poem, hero, and beast

� Long narrative poem about the feats of a hero (entertainment) � Hero reflects goals and values of society � Taught lessons to listeners/readers � Heroes were included so people would be like them � Historical fact, legend and truth � Incredible deeds and adventures � Gods/goddesses help and harass the hero � Iliad, Odyssey, Beowulf

� Central figure of an epic (Odysseus) � Better than everyone (strength, courage, endurance) � Important � Legend or fact based � Reflects society � Pride in reputation � Love for family/homeland � Forceful leader � Life is precious � kingly

� Old English � Written: 8 -11 th C. � Takes place: 5 -6 th C. � Setting: Scandinavia � Legends/heroes � Written: England � Author: unknown

� Shild-Hr’s GGdad � Beo-Hr’s Gdad � Healfdane-Hr’s dad � Hrothgar-king � Hergar, Halga, Yrs – Hrothgar’s siblings � Unferth-warrior � Wulfgar-herald Danes Edgetho-B’s dad � Beowulfhero/protagonist � Higlac-King/uncle � Geats

� Herot �Mead hall built by Hrothgar �Gift to his men �Adorned in gold �Hrothgar’s men sleep here at night and are devoured by Grendel

� Grendel �monstrous beast living in a cave-like dwelling under a lake �Mommy issues: next on Dr. Phil… �Loves Danish Eats the Danes as they party rock is in the house tonight… �Feared by Hrothgar’s fierce warriors �Lives in Herot for years Hrothgar’s men have abandoned the mead hall for twelve years

� Grendel’s �That’s mom her name (no name given) �Avenges Grendel’s death �Nearly kills Beowulf �Just as beastly as Grendel