Notes for Beowulf

• Epic:

A long narrative poem telling about the deeds of a great hero and reflecting the values of the society from which it originated.

Epic Characteristics

• Tells the story of a hero/leader who is larger than life

• Begins by stating the theme of the work• Action is extraordinary—deeds of great valor

and super-human courage• Supernatural forces play a part• Vast setting• Combines history, mythology, legend, and

folklore

Epic Features

• The banquet • The boast• The battle• The voyage (often to the underworld)• The funeral

The Epic Hero

• Is significant and glorified• Is on a quest• Is a strong and responsible leader• Has superior or superhuman strength,

intelligence, and/or courage• Is devoted to a soldierly code and the

expectancy to “kill and get killed”• Extols the heroic virtues—strives for honor

and fame, courage and loyalty

BeowulfTerms Relating to Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon Epic

ComitatusSteadfast loyalty between the thane and king which is rewarded by treasure

Wergild“Man-price”Any Anglo-

Saxon who took a life had to pay a price for his deed or accept the revenge of the victim’s family

ScopThe revered

musical poet of the tribe whose job was to recount the history and traditions of his people

Thane

Means warrior

(One of the warrior-class)

CaesuraIn Anglo Saxon

poetry, a pause which divides each four-stress line in half which is essential to the rhythm

AlliterationThe repetition of initial consonant sounds

Emphatic RhythmStrongly expressive rhyme scheme or meter used for emphasis

KenningA metaphorical

phrase used in Anglo Saxon poetry to replace a concrete noun

“the ring-giver”= king