Wednesday, November 12, 2014
• Do now: In your notebooks, answer the following prompt: –What is a hero? Explain your definition and give examples. Thursday, November 13, 2014
• Do now: In your notebooks, answer the following prompt: –What is courage? How would most people today define courage? Beowulf Themes
• Good vs Evil • Violence • Identity • Courage • Strength and • Mortality Skill • The • Wealth Supernatural • Religion • Traditions & Customs
Beowulf Motifs/Symbols
• Motifs • Symbols –Monsters –The Golden –The Oral Torque Tradition (Rewards) –The Mead –The Banquet Hall (Celebration)
Beowulf Author
• Very little is known about the author –Male –Educated –Upper Class –Anglo-Saxon / Christian
Beowulf Information
• Poem was composed (created) in the 8th century – Although it is English in language and origin, the poem does not deal with Englishmen, but their Germanic ancestors (Danes & Geats) – The Danes are from Denmark & the Geats are from modern day Sweden Beowulf Info (cont’d)
• Some of the original poem was destroyed in the Ashburnham House Fire, causing a number of lines to be lost forever (1731) • The poem is circular in that it starts out with a young warrior, he grows old, another young warrior saves the day, etc. (comes full circle) Beowulf Info (cont’d)
• Beowulf’s people are the Geats • Hrothgar’s people are the Danes • Beowulf reigned as king for 50 years • According to legend, Beowulf died at the age of 90 years old • Beowulf takes place in Scandinavia Beowulf’s Origin So why wasn’t it written down in the first place?
This story was probably passed down orally for centuries before it was first written down. It wasn’t until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world. Beowulf’s Origin So what’s happened to the manuscript since the 11th century? Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy.
Robert Cotton (1571-1631) Beowulf’s Origin
Unfortunately, Cotton’s 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. Beowulf Manuscript
(Note the burn marks on the top and sides—the manuscript was severely damaged in the fire) The Poetry in Beowulf Like we discussed earlier, there are a few things to watch out for… Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two words) b. Most were probably used over and over
For instance: hronade literally means “whale- road,” but can be translated as “sea” The Poetry in Beowulf
More 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 more 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
Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf:
Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum, Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah; Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard. Setting: Beowulf’s 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: Beowulf’s time and place
Europe today 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, although it may be set earlier Anglo-Saxon Life
• Life was one of relentless hardship • Life consisted of hunting, fishing, sailing and feasting (when the work was done) • The land was covered by dark forests, full of wild beasts and savage men • Women were well-respected Anglo-Saxon Life (cont’d)
• Land was divided into districts called shires • Chief industries included trading, shipbuilding and agriculture • Anglo-Saxons played chess, told stories, danced, sang, competed in games, partied and feasted for fun Anglo-Saxon Society
• Tribal society with kinship bonds and a heroic code of behavior – bravery – loyalty to one's lord, one's warband (comitatus), and one's kin – willingness to avenge one's warband or lord at all costs – death preferable to exile. – generosity of lord to thanes and of hero to warband and lord--gift-giving – heroism (i.e., great deeds) brings honor, eternal fame, and political power Anglo-Saxon Values
• Loyalty – Fighting for one’s king – Avenging one’s kinsmen – Keeping one’s word • Generosity -- gifts symbolize bonds • Brotherly love -- not romantic, but familial love • Heroism – Physical strength – Skill and resourcefulness in battle – Courage • Public reputation, not private conscience Anglo-Saxon Women
• Women make peace, bearing children who create blood ties • Women pass the cup at the mead-hall, cementing social bonds • Women lament loss, don’t avenge Anglo-Saxon Religion
• Mix of pagan and Christian values-- often in conflict. – Pagan (secular or non-religious) lineage vs. Christian lineage – Eternal earthly fame through deeds vs afterlife in hell or heaven – honor & gift-giving vs. sin of pride (hubris) – revenge vs pacifist view (forgiveness) – Wyrd (Anglo-Saxon "Fate") vs God's will, etc. Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms
Map from C. Warren Hollister, The Making of England, p. 64 Sutton Hoo
• Sheds light on a period of English history – Focused on margin between myth, legend, & historical documentation • Sutton Hoo (near Woodbridge) – In English county of Suffolk – The site of two 6th- and early 7th-century cemeteries • Ship nearly 80 feet long – Laden with treasures and everyday equipment (even if it is everyday equipment made of gold) • Window into the early Anglo-Saxon world Sutton Hoo
•Site was used when Rædwald (ruler of the East Angles) held senior power among the English people – Played a dynamic part in the establishment of Christian rulership in England – Most likely the person buried in the ship – Site has been vital in understanding the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of East Anglia and the whole early Anglo-Saxon period Sutton Hoo
• One finding contained an undisturbed ship burial including a wealth of Anglo-Saxon artifacts of outstanding art with historical and archaeological significance, now held in the British Museum in London
Purse Lid Sutton Hoo
Photos from British Museum
Sutton Hoo
A whetstone is a sharpening stone used for knives and other cutting tools
A scepter is a symbolic ornamental staff or wand held in the hand by a ruling monarch Sutton Hoo alliteration
• (n) repeating the beginning sound in a phrase – Purposely included in epics so that they could be memorized and then retold by bards easily • Notice how the following consonant sounds (b, f, h, s) are repeated at the beginning in the following passage: – Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, leader beloved, and long he ruled in fame with all folk, since his father had gone away from the world, till awoke an heir, haughty Healfdene, who held through life, sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad. ancestral
• (adj) belonging to, inherited from, or denoting an ancestor(s) – Ex: “Now many an earl of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral
Beowulf’s sword, Hrunting Anglo-Saxon(s)
• (n) a member of one of the Germanic peoples, the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes, who settled in Britain in the fifth and sixth centuries.
assonance
• (n) words with similar vowel sounds creating internal rhyming – Ex: Round about; folk awoke • Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good night" is a great example: "Old AGE should burn and RAVE at close of DAY; Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.“ Notice how the long a sound is repeated. athelings
• (n) a prince or lord in Anglo- Saxon England
avenger
• (n) one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
bane
• (n) a cause of great distress or annoyance • A person or thing that ruins or spoils –Gambling was the bane of his existence.
banish
• (v) to send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment • forbid, abolish, or get rid of (something unwanted) –Ex: Banish his fear by building a larger barricade.
barrow
• (n) a large mound of earth over a grave • A burial mound Battle of Hastings & Norman Conquest • Battle in which William the Conqueror, also known as the Duke of Normandy, defeated the Saxons under Harold II, leaving England vulnerable for the Norman Conquest, which was the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England by an army of Norman, Breton, and French soldiers led by Duke William II
Battle of Hastings & Norman Conquest (cont’d)
• Largely removed the native ruling class, replacing it with a foreign, French-speaking monarchy, aristocracy, and clerical hierarchy • Brought about a transformation of the English language and the culture of England
Battle of Hastings & Norman Conquest (cont’d)
• Had a huge impact on the people and their culture, the country and the world, ultimately deciding the future of the English language
boastful
• (adj) showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities
bridle
• (n) the headgear used to control a horse, ocnsisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached • (v) to put a bridle on a horse
bucklers
• (n) a small round shield held by a handle at arm’s length (usually worn on the left arm) • (v) to shield or defend with a buckler
byrnies
• (n) coat of mail –A long (usually sleeveless) tunic of chain mail formerly worn as defensive armor • Flexible armor worn during the Middle Ages made of interlinked metal rings
caesura
• (n) a pause marking a rhythmic point of division in a melody • Ex: “Oft to the wanderer -- weary of exile” • A pause or interruption near the middle of a line
chainmail
• (n) coat of armor –Armor made of small metal rings linked together –Worn by knights and soldiers in the Middle Ages
comitatus
• Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade” • (n) a bond between a king and a warrior based on the king’s rewards and the warrior’s loyalty • This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another Danes
• (n) Hrothgar’s tribe or people –From Denmark
din
• (n) a loud, unpleasant and prolonged noise –“The clashing of swords made an awful din.” • (v) to make a loud, upleasant, and prolonged noise
elegy
• (n) a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead – poem that is sad or mournful • The adjective is elegiac
Epic Hero
• Epic hero is the brave, noble warrior in an epic poem • The heroes were always energetic, healthy-minded young men who were brave and did things for glory –Not just for a reward
Epic Hero (cont’d)
• Is significant and • Risks death for glorified glory or for the • Has superior or greater good of superhuman society strength, • Is a strong and intelligence, responsible leader and/or courage • Reflects ideals of • Is ethical a particular • Performs brave society deeds • Is on a quest
Epic Poem
• Epic poem usually very, very looooooooooooooooooooooooong • Developed orally (word-of-mouth) – Scop (an Old English poet or bard) • Celebrates the deeds of a hero (usually a man) • Captures the culture and the religious values of the people • Has a larger-than life hero
Epic Poem (cont’d)
• Early epics were sung for many years before being written down • Often neglects historical fact because it is based on myth and custom • Composed of events in everyday life, but exaggerates the mystery and romance • Conflict is of universal importance • There’s a certain seriousness that accompanies most epics Important Factors in an Epic
• Hero battles forces that threaten his world – Unknown beasts or invaders • Told in a serious way, with elevated (or poetic) language – Kenning – two words that rename a person, place, or thing – Caesura – rhythmic breaks erst
• (adv) long ago; formerly –“The friends whom erst you knew.” –An adverb is a word that modifies an adjective, verb or other adverb word group (i.e. gently, quite, then, there, etc.)
exiled
• (n) the state of being barred from one’s native country, typically for political or disciplinary reasons • (v) to expel and bar someone from his/her native country
fain
• (adj) pleased or willing under the circumstances –“The traveler was fain to proceed.” • (adv) with pleasure; gladly –“I am weary and would fain get a little rest.”
fell
• (n) a thin tough membrane covering a carcass directly under the hide • (v) to cut down a tree or to beat or knock down someone or something
fen
• (n) a boggy wetland or marsh • a low land that is covered wholly or partly with water that has peaty alkaline soil and characteristic flora (sedges and reeds)
foreshadow
• (v) to give a suggestion of (something that has not yet happened) • to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand –“The hero’s predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.”
forged
• (n) a place where objects are made by heating and shaping metal
fratricide
• (n) the crime of murdering your own brother or sister; a person who has committed this crime • (adj) – fratricidal – the act of a fratricide
gable
• (n) a decorative triangular- shaped roofing structure
gallows
• (n) a structure on which a criminal who has been sentenced to death is killed by being hanged
Geats
• (n) people of the tribe of King Hygelac • From Geatland
gilded
• (v) to cover something with a thin layer of gold • (adj) covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint –wealthy ad privileged people
gorge
• (v) to gorge is to eat greedily • (n) a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it
haste (hasten)
• (n) to make haste is to move swiftly or quickly –Excessive speed or urgency of movement or action; hurry –Verb form of haste is hasten
heirloom
• (n) a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
helm
• (n) a tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat • (v) to steer a boat/ship • (v) to cover or furnish with a helmet
heptarchy
• (n) a hypothetical confederacy of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of the seventh and eighth centuries
Herot
• (n) a mead-hall described in the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf as “the foremost of halls under heaven.” • Palace for King Hrothgar, a legendary Danish king of the sixth century • Herot means “hart” – a strong, old, male deer
hilt
• (n) the handle of a weapon or tool, especially a sword, dagger or knife
hoard
• (n) a hoard is a collection of valuables, sometimes buried in the ground (hidden)
hoary
• (adj) gray or white with age • very old
homily
• (n) written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice • A usually short talk on a religious or moral topic
insidious
• (adj) causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed • Awaiting a chance to entrap
Kenning
• (n) a phrase replacing the name of a person, place or thing –A metaphorical expression used in place of a noun • Ex: Giver-of-Rings, whale-home, whale-road, bone-house, word- hoard, sea-road, bone-locks, thought-seat, sky-candle, water- ropes, swan’s-way lamentation
• (n) an expression of great sorrow or deep sadness
largesse
• (n) the act of giving away money or the quality of a person who gives away money • another word for generosity
liegemen
• (n) a devoted follower • A vassal (aka a holder of land) who owes feudal service or allegiance to a nobleman
linden
• (n) a soft, light wood • A tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellowish blossoms that had pale, soft timber used for carving and furniture
lineage (heritage)
• (n) lineal descent from an ancestor (pedigree) • (n) heritage – property that is or may be inherited or passed down through generations
malicious
• (adj) characterized by malice • Intending or intended to do harm
maw
• (n) the jaws or throat of a voracious animal • The mouth or gullet of a greedy person
mead (mead-hall)
• (n) an alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water • (n) mead-hall – a place in which to drink the mead (beer hall) • The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc. • A feasting hall – “Herot” the hart mere
• (n) an expanse of standing water – lake, pool
metaphor
• (n) a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to suggest that they are similar • A direct comparison • Asserts that a subject is on some point of comparison the same as another otherwise unrelated object – Ex: “He was drowning in paperwork.”
Middle English
• (n) English between the late 12th – 15th centuries • SAMPLE: Modern English
• English after the late 15th century –Shakespeare is Early Modern English
moor
• (n) heath or tract of uncultivated land • An expanse of open rolling infertile land • A boggy area –One that is peaty and dominated by grasses and sedges
mooring
• (n) securing a ship • A place where a boat or ship can be anchored or moored
morale
• (n) the feelings of enthusiasm and loyalty that a person or group has about a task or job –“The team is playing well and their morale is high.”
mortally wounded
• (n) a very severe and serious injury, whether accidental or inflicted intentionally, which leads directly to the death of the victim • Death will not be instantaneous, but follows soon after
motif
• (n) recurring thematic element in a literary work
nickers
• (
Old English
• English language from middle of the 5th century to the beginning of the 12th century
Beowulf Sample (Old English)
Hwaet! Wē Gār-Dena in geārdagum þēodcyninga þrym gefrūnon, hū ðā æþelingas ellen fremedon.
Oft Scyld Scēfing sceaþena þrēatum monegum mægþum meodosetla oftēah, egsode eorlas syððan ærest wearð fēasceaft funden. Hē þæs frōfre gebād, wēox under wolcnum, weorðmundum þāh oð þæt him æghwylc þāra ymbsittendra ofer hronrāde hyran scolde, gomban gyldan. Þæt wæs gōd cyning!
omnipotent
• (adj) all powerful • a deity having unlimited power; able to do anyting
omniscient
• (adj) all knowing • “The story is told by an omniscient narrator.”
onomatopoeia
• (n) the formation or use of words such as buzz or murmur that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. –Ex: Crunch the bones
perilous
• (adj) full of danger or risk • “A perilous journey awaited Beowulf.” personification
• (n) a figure of speech in which inanimate objects or abstractions are endowed with human qualities or are represented as possessing human form –Ex: The tree limbs danced in the wind. plaited
• (n) an arrangement of hair made by weaving three sections together • braiding • “The horse had a plaited mane.” prologue
• (n) an introduction to a book, play, etc. prosperous
• (adj) having success usually by making a lot of money pyre
• (N) a bonfire for burning a dead body
recking
• (v) to be of account or interest • To care for or to matter to
rune / runic
• (n) consisting or set down in an ancient alphabet used for writing Germanic script, especially in Germanic languages, most often of Scandinavia and Britain from about the 3rd to 13th centuries
scabbard
• (n) a sheath for a sword • A protective case for a sword that covers the blade
scathe
• (n) injury or harm • (v) to do harm to • Scathing – (adj) very harsh or severe
Scop
• (n) composers and storytellers of Anglo- Saxon poetry • A bard or story-teller • The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment
scruples
• (n) morals or ethical considerations that restrain one’s behavior and inhibits certain actions
sentinel
• (n) a person or thing that stands watch • A sentry • “A lone sentinel kept watch over the fort.” simile
• (n) a comparison using “like” or “as” –Ex: She is as fast as a cheetah
sinews
• (n) sendons or tendons • Connects muscles to bones
skulk
• (v) to move stealthily or in a secret way, expecially because you are planning to do something bad
solace
• (v) to console or cheer • (n) someone or something that gives a feeling of comfort to a person who is sad, depressed, etc. (a source of comfort) –“She seeks solace from her friends”
symbol
• (n) something that represents an abstract idea
talons
• (n) claws
thane
• (n) an Anglo- Saxon lord, usually a high ranking warrior • A feudal baron that holds lands and performs military service for the king
theme
• (n) the central idea(s) of a literary work
thrall
• (n) a servant slave • A person in moral or mental servitude
treachery
• (n) harmful things that are done usually secretly to a friend or your own country • An act of harming someone who trusts you
valor
• (n) courage, bravery, honor
vexed
• (adj) to be irritated or annoyed
wassail
• (n) an early English toast to someone’s health
wergild
• (n) a fine paid to the relatives of a murdered person to free the offender from further obligations or punishment
woes
• (n) a feeling of great pain or sadness • Problems or troubles
wroth
• (adj) intensely angry or highly incensed
wyrd
• (n) concept in Anglo- Saxon culture roughly corresponding to fate or personal destiny • Fate… This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.