Beowulf

Why Beowulf?
Provenance

Setting
Poetic devices

Terms
Themes

Why Study Beowulf?

1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way

2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today
3. Beowulf is simply good writing

Why Study Beowulf?

4. In some ways, it doesnt matter what you read, but how you read it, sosince Beowulf came first, you might as well start there.

5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English 6. Its a great story

Beowulfs Provenance
What we dont know:
who wrote it when exactly it was written how much, exactly, is based on historical truth

Beowulfs Provenance
What we do know: Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. Its written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. Some of the characters in the poem actually existed.

The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000s), however

The actual poem probably dates from the 8th century (700s) or so, and The story may be set even earlier, around 500 A.D. There are a lot of Christian references in the poem, but the characters and setting are Paganthis means a monk probably translated it.

Beowulfs Provenance
So why wasnt it written down in the first place? This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down. It wasnt until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world.

Beowulfs Provenance
So whats happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy.

Robert Cotton (1571-1631)

Beowulfs Provenance
Unfortunately, Cottons library burned in 1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged.
The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.

Setting: Beowulfs time and place

Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived.

The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.

Setting: Beowulfs time and place

Europe today

Insert: Time of Beowulf

How we date Beowulf

Some Important Dates: 521 A.D. death of Hygelac, who is mentioned in the poem 680 A.D. appearance of alliterative verse 835 A.D. the Danish started raiding other areas; after this, few poets would consider them heroes SO: This version was likely composed between 680 and 835, though it may be set earlier

The Poetry in Beowulf

A few things to watch out for

1. Alliterative verse a. Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line)

b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four
d. No rhyme

The Poetry in Beowulf

A few things to watch out for

Alliterative verse an example from Beowulf:

Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum,

Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah;

Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard.

The Poetry in Beowulf

A few things to watch out for

There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. The terror of the hall-troops had come far.

The Poetry in Beowulf

A few things to watch out for

2. Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over For instance: hronade literally means whaleroad, but can be translated as sea

The Poetry in Beowulf

A few things to watch out for

Other kennings from Beowulf: banhus = bone-house = body goldwine gumena = gold-friend of men = generous prince beaga brytta = ring-giver = lord beadoleoma = flashing light = sword

The Poetry in Beowulf

A few things to watch out for

3. Litotes A negative expression; usually an understatement

Example:
Hildeburh had no cause to praise the Jutes In this example, Hildeburhs brother has just been killed by the Jutes. This is a poetic way of telling us she hated the Jutes absolutely.

Some terms youll want to know

scop
A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

Some terms youll want to know

comitatus
Literally, this means escort or comrade This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another

Some terms youll want to know

thane
A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.

Some terms youll want to know

wyrd
Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to Gods will.

Some terms youll want to know

epic
Beowulf is an epic poem. This means it has a largerthan life hero and the conflict is of universal importance. Theres a certain serious that accompanies most epics.

Some terms youll want to know

elegy An elegy is a poem that is sad or mournful. The adjective is elegiac. homily A homily is a written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice.

Themes and Important Aspects

Good vs. Evil Religion: Christian and Pagan influences The importance of wealth and treasure The importance of the sea and sailing The sanctity of the home Fate Loyalty and allegiance Heroism and heroic deeds