Post on 19-Jan-2016
Beowulf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyAanB83Ke0&feature=related
Essential Question
How does Beowulf illustrate the characteristics of an Epic?
The Poem
Beowulf is an Epic Poem Written in Old English Many versions
Poems Books Graphic Novels/Comic Books Movies
Author Unknown Passed on through storytelling for
centuries until finally written down
Dates
Thought to have been composed between 700 and 850 CE
Passed down through Oral Tradition Finally written down around 1000 CE Based on real events
Documents have been found that talk about Hygelac, Beowulf’s lord, dying in 521 AD
Versions
Because this story existed for so long before being written down, there is no “true” version
What is an Epic?
An Epic is a long story about an important event for a culture or country. Often the beginnings of a culture or country
An Epic has at least one major Hero. Epic Hero: Determines the Fate of a culture
or nation, often in battle. An Epic is usually written as a long poem
in complicated, beautiful language. Beowulf was originally a poem, but has
morphed into other forms of literature.
Other Characteristics of Epics Usually have supernatural beings –
monsters, gods, angels. Grand scale: The fate of a nation or culture
hangs in the balance. The Epic Hero is a person of great national
importance. Involves extraordinary deeds in battle OR a
long and dangerous journey. Epics were told orally to remember
historical events – which are usually exaggerated.
Other Epics
The Aeneid – about the beginnings of Rome and Italy
The Odyssey – about the beginnings of Greece
Paradise Lost – about Humanity’s struggle against Satan
The Iliad – about the Trojan War The Death of Hector comes from The
Iliad – so you’ve already read an Epic!
Story
Beowulf was a popular story in England, but the events actually take place in two countries near England: Sweden and Denmark.
The story was told and written by Anglo-Saxons, who tell the story through the lens of their own values: Treasure Glory
Books I and II
Book 1: Beowulf comes from Sweden to Denmark, where he has heard about a monster who terrorizes and murders people. Wanting Glory, he comes to kill the monster.
Book 2: Still in Denmark, more monster trouble.
Book III
Beowulf has returned to Geatland (in modern Sweden) and becomes King. 50 years pass.
A Dragon begins to terrorize Beowulf’s people, and he must save them from the Dragon.
Beowulf the Character
Beowulf is a warrior, and later King, of the Geats (Swedish)
Beowulf wants to make a name for himself as the Greatest Warrior.
He is eager to risk his life for Glory so that he will always be remembered and respected.
He also wants to earn a lot of Treasure, which he plans to take with him to the afterlife when he dies.
He believes that having Glory and Treasure will make him Immortal.
Old English
Remember Canterbury Tales? (Yes, you do.)
Chaucer wrote in Middle English in the 14th Century
Beowulf was originally written down in the 11th Century, when English was still what we consider Old English
Old English vs. Middle English
Canterbury Tales in Middle English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE0MtENfOMU
Beowulf in Old English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkK4_5DqLhk
How are they different? Modern German: http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=06hGUWazcSQ&feature=related
History of English
Britain is made up of four countries: England Scotland Ireland Wales
Before the 5th century, the dominant language and culture in Britain was Celtic
History
In the 5th Century, invaders from Germany called Anglo-Saxons conquered England
History of English
The Anglo-Saxons took over what we know as England, which was pronounced “Angle-land,” and Whales
Scotland and Ireland remained Celtic Anglo-Saxons brought their
language, which was a version of German – “Angle-ish”
We refer to this language today as Old English, because it was the beginnings of our language
Anglo-Saxon Culture
Praised Glory and Treasure, because they thought that this was the way to Immortality.
Activity: Anglo-Saxon WebQuest
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/anglo_saxons/