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Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon culture. Years of Anglo-Saxon period:. 449 to 1066 (Norman Conquest). Germanic heroic code/Anglo-Saxon heroic ideal (In literature, if not in reality):.

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  1. Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon culture Years of Anglo-Saxon period: 449 to 1066 (Norman Conquest) Germanic heroic code/Anglo-Saxon heroic ideal (In literature, if not in reality): Warriors: Courage, loyalty, and reputation; Germanic code says that one cannot allow the death of a close companion or liege to go unanswered—that went for king/thane as well as fellow warrior. Often resulted in excessive feats (a la Beowulf) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6XicBBN1l4&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s5MkSv5_P4 Kings: moral strength, generosity, wisdom, enterprising

  2. “Comitatus”: system of reciprocity that serves both lords/kings and thanes/warriors The lord gives protection and rewards Thanes/warriors give martial service and loyalty. They swear devotion to their leader and vow to fight boldly, to the death if necessary, for him. If the leader should fall, his thanes must avenge his life. The code of comitatus is at the heart of the Beowulf epic. Wyrd: pagan idea of fate (pagan)

  3. Anglo-Saxon society: Man family clan tribe kingdom Democratic: In the 9th century, England was ruled by Anglo-Saxon tribes. Leaders ruled in consultation with the people. “Witan” = “the Council of the wise men” This Council played a definite role in the administration of the country, laying the seeds of democracy in England. The Anglo-Saxon kings made decisions with the counsel and the consent of the “Witan” Admired beauty: Loved the mysterious charm of nature – often wove imagery into literature Craftsmen created elaborate jewels and weapons

  4. A-S literature: Scop or “shaper” Professional storytellers who would travel from village to village singing or chanting tales in return for food, lodging and money. A good scop was a respected member of the community and could be well rewarded for his skill. The poet’s skill was judged by how well he could weave the stories into an effective, entertaining presentation. Oral tradition: Poet combines a number of stories which deal with the exploits of a single hero or with a single event. Multiple poets or one poet – various stories weave together to create an epic Oral tradition played a role in daily life, serving as a history for the families and tribes

  5. Qualities of A-S poetry: lots of alliteration no rhyme; four beats per line Kenning: an unusual metaphoric description of an object sea = 'swan's road', ship = 'steed of the waves' human body = 'bone-house' Elegiac tone Elegy = sorrowful, mournful poem A happy past is contrasted with a negative present (and future) emphasizes sorrow and ultimate futility of life and helplessness of humans against the power of fate.

  6. Beowulf Author: unknown Date created (?): 600-800 AD Date put on paper (?): 900-1100 AD Written originally in OLD English (language of Anglo-Saxons) Genre: epic poem, folk epic Christian vs. Pagan: blend of both cultures started pagan and had Christian elements added through passing of generations, monks scribing it Christian: good v. evil pervasive Biblical references (Grendel as Cain; BW as savior, light, from God) Pagan:  rituals (sea-burials/funerals; mead halls; fate (wyrd); vengeance over forgiveness)

  7. Danes: from Denmark Geats: from southern Sweden Identity and oral tradition: • Identity passed from ancestors • People known as sons of their fathers • One’s duty was to leave positive legacy by good deeds, establishing status, gaining fame, etc. • Stories would be passed down through community and generations

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