beowulf & the epic by the beowulf poet

Beowulf & The Epicby The Beowulf PoetPattersonEnglish IVOriginal painting by Susanne Iles

EpicA long, narrative poem that deals with a heros adventures and deeds

Some Basic RulesThe hero, generally a male, is of noble birth, high position, or of great historical or legendary importance

The heros character traits reflect important ideals of societyimage.guardian.co.uk

The hero performs courageous, sometimes even superhuman deeds that reflect the values of the era.

The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people

The setting is vast in scope often involving more than one nation

The poet uses formal diction and a serious tonewww.fortunecity.com

Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches

The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events and may involve a long and dangerous journey through foreign lands

The poem reflects timeless values such as courage and honor

The poem treats universal themes such as good and evil or life and death

Characteristics of an EpicOral traditionEpithets- the swift runnerEpic similes- look for them to extend over several lines!

Central MotifsHonorFate/destinyEven heroes arent perfect!www.foxnews.comdc-mrg.english.ucsb.edu

A brief history of Beowulf After the fall of Julius Caesar, Rome lost control of Britain (55AD)With Rome gone, Britain was vulnerable to invaders.Several tribes invaded from Northern Europe: the Angles, the Saxons, the Jutes.Beowulf takes place on mainland Europe among the Danes (from Denmark) and the Geats (from Sweden)www.nvcc.edu

BeowulfNephew of Higlac (King of the Geats)Although there is no record of Beowulf actually living, Hygelac was a historical figure somewhere around 525 AD. It is believed Beowulf is set notlong after this date.

What was life like in 6th century Europe?Christianity not yet adoptedWarrior culture respected loyalty, great deeds, strength, and couragePeople gathered in mead halls to dink mead and listen to tales of heroeswww.heorot.dk/heorot.jpg

The StoryProbably performed by a poet-singer in a chant, accompanied by a harpStory came into language in 8th-10th century (after the conversion to Christianity)Originally written in old English and had to be translated

The Mead Hall of Valhalla

Old EnglishFirst page of Beowulf manuscript

Old English (OE) existed until approximately 1100, when the Middle English period started. http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/images/Beowulfpage.jpeg

Middle English & BeyondThe Middle English period lasted until approximately the year 1500, when we transitioned to Modern English.Shakespeare wrote near 1600- well into the Modern English period! His language is NOT Old English!Old English readingl