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
What we do
know:
Provenance

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
SoProvenance
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
So whats
happened to the
Provenance

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 J

In this example, Hildeburhs
brother has just been killed by the
Jutes. This is a poetic way of
telling us she hated the Jutes

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

Good vs. Evil Aspects
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