Warm up The Hero

Dictionary.com:he·ro –noun, plural heroes 1. a man of distinguished courage or ability,

admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. 2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has

heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.

3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.

4. Classical Mythology:a. a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.

b. (in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability.

c. (in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.

The Epic Hero Characteristics:imposing stature (physical as well as

social stature)his style is grand yet simplehis setting is vast/larger than lifehas super human courage & strengthfaces supernatural forces

What does someone have to do in order to be a hero?

Examples? (book, movie, TV, cartoon)

What makes this individual

a hero in your opinion?

Respond…

Beowulf

Link

READ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

TextbookPg 36

 

Modern English Beowulf Passage

So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage

and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic

campaigns.

There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,

a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.

This terror of the hall-troops had come far. A founding to start with,

he would flourish later on as his powers waxed and his worth was

proved. In the end each clan on the outlying coasts beyond the whale-road had to yield to him and begin to pay tribute. That was one good

king.

Afterwards a boy-child was born to Shield, a cub in the yard, a comfort sent by God to that nation. He knew what they

had tholed, the long times and troubles they’d come

through without a leader;  

Old English Beowulf Passage

Let’s Listen Link

Let’s Review the Manuscript’s Timeline

700-950 A.D. -- Christian poet composed the poem

Handwritten by a monk around 1000 A.D.

Written in Old English

Damaged by fire in 1731

Currently at British Library (a museum)

Images of Beowulf

Where the action takes place

Exterior of a 9th C. Great Hall and surroundings

Interior of a Great Hall – 9th C

VIKING SHIP

As we read, ask yourself, “What is heroism?”

Strong will? BraveryValor in battle? Concern for others?

Are the same traits required for a warrior and for a king?

Also ask yourself, “Is Beowulf an Epic Hero?”

Why does Beowulf take action?Selfish motives?

TreasureGlory

Selfless motives?To save the peoplePreservation of the community

Time Map

Why?????

Summarize information Note taking methodPresent information in a format that shows the

overall structure of your subject

Directions1. Requires a clear start, a time line of events and a

conclusion

2. Use lots of colors, markers, pencils, different textures

3. Use images/symbols wherever possible

4. Branch off as needed

5. Use key words and phrases as necessary to summarize each section of the epic

Minimum of 16 check points

Your time map should fill up the majority of an 8 x 11 sheet of paper.

Add titles, drawings, whatever you think is appropriate to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the story’s content and plot.

Requirements

SuggestionsSetting elements can be symbols

For example, the lake = hellWhat setting would = heaven?

Stereotypes, objects, and other aspects of the epic can also represent symbols – be creative; think outside the box!

Have fun with this assignment!

Now, using the Interactive Reader, we will read the story of Beowulf and Grendel.