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BEOWULF

"Beowulf" is an anonymous epic poem written in Old English, believed to have been composed in the 7th or 8th century, and is one of the oldest surviving works of European literature. The narrative follows Beowulf, a Geatish hero, as he battles the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and ultimately a dragon, exploring themes of identity, heroism, and mortality. The poem serves as a significant cultural artifact, providing insights into Anglo-Saxon values and history, and continues to influence modern literature and popular culture.

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13 views25 pages

BEOWULF

"Beowulf" is an anonymous epic poem written in Old English, believed to have been composed in the 7th or 8th century, and is one of the oldest surviving works of European literature. The narrative follows Beowulf, a Geatish hero, as he battles the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and ultimately a dragon, exploring themes of identity, heroism, and mortality. The poem serves as a significant cultural artifact, providing insights into Anglo-Saxon values and history, and continues to influence modern literature and popular culture.

Uploaded by

luca.gregorio0106
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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BEOWULF

INTRODUCTION

WHEN WAS
WHAT IS BEOWULF
WRITTEN

WHO WROTE IT
WHAT IS BEOWULF
"Beowulf" is an epic poem in Old English, an early form of
the English language. It is one of the most significant
works of Old English literature.
WHO WROTE BEOWULF
The author of "Beowulf" is unknown. The poem was
composed anonymously and was likely passed down
orally through generations before being transcribed into
a manuscript.
WHEN BEOWULF WAS WRITTEN
The exact date of the poem's composition is a subject of
scholarly debate, but it is believed to have been written
in the 7th or 8th century. It is one of the oldest surviving
epic poems in any European language.
RECOLLETION
OF A GLORIUS
PAST

TYPE-SCENES:
BANQUETS,
GREAT DEEDS
BATTLES,
OF HEROES
VOYAGES,
FUNERALS

THE
EPIC
RICH, VIVID
LANGUAGE
POEM MILITARY AND
ARISTOCRATIC
SOCIETY

A LONG
NARRATIVE SUPERNATURA
POETICAL L CREATURES
COMPOSITION
SETTING

GEATS
 SCANDINAVIA
(DENMARK,SWEDEN) SCYLDINGS

 500 A.D.
HISTORICAL REFERENCES
• The Reign of Æthelred the Unready → conflicts with Danish Vikings
• Danish Invasion and Viking Rule → Danelaw

• Saxon Restoration → reassert Anglo-Saxon culture and religion

• The Norman Conquest → battle of hastings

• Construction of the Tower of London → numerous castles were built throughout England

• Ecclesiastical Reforms → increased influence of the Roman Catholic Church

• The Domesday Book → provides valuable historical insights

• Feudal Conflicts and Wars → wars in Wales and Scotland

• Culture and Literature → "Beowulf" and the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle."


PLOT

The epic poem "Beowulf" tells the story of Beowulf, a


heroic Geat warrior who comes to the aid of King
Hrothgar in Denmark. Hrothgar's kingdom is plagued by
the monstrous Grendel, and Beowulf defeats the creature
in battle. However, Grendel's vengeful mother poses a
new threat, leading to another fierce confrontation. Years
later, Beowulf, now a king himself, faces a deadly dragon.
In a final heroic act, Beowulf defeats the dragon but
succumbs to his wounds, marking the end of his epic
journey.
CHARACTERS
• Beowulf
• Grendel
• Hrothgar
• Unferth
• Wiglaf
• Grendel’s Mother
• The Dragon
Beowulf
The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero
who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a
fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf’s boasts and encounters
reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. In
his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the
heroic culture. In his old age, he proves a wise and
effective ruler.
Grendel
A demon descended from Cain, Grendel preys on Hrothgar’s warriors in the king’s mead-hall, Heorot.
Because his ruthless and miserable existence is part of the retribution exacted by God for Cain’s
murder of Abel, Grendel fits solidly within the ethos of vengeance that governs the world of the poem.
Hrothgar
The king of the Danes. Hrothgar enjoys military success and prosperity until Grendel terrorizes his
realm. A wise and aged ruler, Hrothgar represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by
the youthful warrior Beowulf. He is a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king that
Beowulf becomes.
Unferth
A Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf, Unferth is
unable or unwilling to fight Grendel, thus proving himself
inferior to Beowulf.
Wiglaf
A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf who helps him
in the fight against the dragon while all of the other
warriors run away. Wiglaf adheres to the heroic code
better than Beowulf’s other retainers, thereby proving
himself a suitable successor to Beowulf.
Grendel’s Mother

An unnamed swamp-hag, Grendel’s mother seems to possess fewer human qualities than Grendel,
although her terrorization of Heorot is explained by her desire for vengeance—a human motivation.
The Dragon

An ancient, powerful serpent, the dragon guards a horde of treasure in a hidden mound. Beowulf’s
fight with the dragon constitutes the third and final part of the epic.
Origins

Revival Alphabet

Grammar
Texts and
Syntax

OLD
ENGLISH
Vocabular
Legacy
y

Evolution Literature

Influences
THEMES
• The Importance of Establishing Identity
• Tensions Between the Heroic Code and Other Value Systems
• The Difference Between a Good Warrior and a Good King
• Evil
• Mortality
The Importance of Establishing Identity

"Beowulf highlights the importance of identity through ancestral


heritage and individual reputation. Characters define themselves by
their lineage, valuing ancestors who set noble examples. Reputation
serves as the means to shape and preserve one's identity, especially in
a culture where death is ever-present."
Tensions Between the Heroic Code and Other Value
Systems

"Beowulf explores the Germanic heroic code's core


principles of strength, courage, loyalty, and reputation,
often conflicting with Christian values. The poem's
narratives reveal these tensions, as characters face
dilemmas that challenge the code's practicality. It
illustrates the struggle to reconcile pagan warrior ideals
with Christian beliefs."
The Difference Between a Good Warrior and a Good King

"Beowulf's evolution from warrior to king highlights the


contrast between personal glory and the king's duty to
protect and provide for his people. The heroic code
emphasizes a king's responsibilities, including rewarding
loyal warriors and ensuring stability. Beowulf's transition
exemplifies the challenges of balancing these roles and
values."
Evil
"Beowulf's monsters, often seen as embodiments of evil,
reveal human motives and complexity. Grendel, tied to
darkness and evil, acts out of isolation and fear, while
Grendel's mother seeks vengeance. The poem suggests
that evil can be comprehensible and human, challenging
the distinction between human and monstrous behavior."
Mortality
"Beowulf is a poem centered on the theme of confronting
death, from its beginning at a funeral to Beowulf's
symbolic journey and his ultimate death. It explores the
idea that living a courageous life in the face of inevitable
mortality is heroic and meaningful, even without the
promise of salvation."
CONTEMPORARY VISION OF THE
WORK
"Beowulf" is a literary masterpiece and a cultural treasure with
enduring influence. It is a crucial text in the study of epic poetry,
medieval literature, and Old English language. The poem offers insights
into Anglo-Saxon culture, emphasizing values like honor and courage. It
contains historical references valuable to historians and remains a
source of inspiration in modern popular culture, solidifying its status as
a cornerstone of Western literature.

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