beowulf, wyrd and epics

The Anglo-Saxon idea of “Fate”What will happen to you has already been determined by WyrdThree Aspects•Past•Present•FutureThe term is where we getthe modern word “Weird”More on “Wyrd” (click)

Wyrd

• Most epics share certain characteristics:• Originally an oral tradition• Scops- this is the title given to the poets who

told the stories• Epics told of a hero of imposing stature,

national & historical importance• They take place over vast settings, covering

great nations, the world or the universe• deeds require superhuman courage• Supernatural forces- gods, angels, and

demons are involved• Elevated style of writing

Beowulf is Epic Poetry

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an Epic

Epic Poetry

Beowulf• Considered the

greatest single work of Old English literature

• 3,000-line folk epic• Beowulf is the hero

who risks everything to fight monsters

• The story gives us a good look at the social conditions of the times

• The values parents wished to instill in their children (their boys, anyways) are apparent in Beowulf.

Beowulf

•The original storytellers were illiterate, and the stories of Beowulf were first passed down orally.•Christian Monks may have been the ones who wrote it down for the first time when they came to the area.•They added Christian elements to the pagan story as a way to help convert the pagan population.

Mixture of Pagan & Christian Beliefs