Download Introductory Notes about Beowulf

Introductory Notes about Beowulf
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One of the 1st things found written in the English language
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It’s an epic—includes many motifs (recurring elements) of heroic
literature that are found around the world…and throughout time
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about 3200 lines for the bard (scop) to memorize and perform
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composed in Old English
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ancient story…put to music much later in England
person who wrote down the words of our version was probably a
monk because there are obvious Christian add-ons. Also, when it
was finally written down, the old religions of the Anglo-Saxons and
Vikings was blending with Christianity.
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Qualities of an Epic
Epic = Long narratives (stories—older ones in
poetic form) about the adventures of largerthan-life characters (Beowulf).
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The hero is a great leader strongly identified
with a particular people or society.
The setting of the story is broad…often includes
scenes from the upper and lower worlds.
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The hero does great deeds in battle
and/or goes on a dangerous journey
(quest).
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Sometimes the supernatural plays a part
(gods, monsters, magical weapons,
magical beings, etc.)
The story is told in heightened
language (language that is really fancy).
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Beowulf means “bear” and “wolf.” He’s more than
just a regular Viking.
He is a Geat from Sweden.
He travels to Denmark to save King Hrothgar and
the Danes from a monster named Grendel.
King Hrothgar’s communal hall is called Herot.
Beowulf with fight 3 major battles. The first is
against Grendel.