Vikings and Norse culture reflected in Beowulf, Summaries of Literature

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What Is an Epic?What Is an Epic?

Literary Form: EpicLiterary Form: Epic

They came into existence as spoken words and were retold by poet after poet from one generation to the next. An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates a hero's deeds. One characteristic feature of oral poetry is the repetition of certain words, phrases, or even lines.

KING HROTHGAR OF DENMARK, a descendant of the

great king Shield Sheafson, enjoys

a prosperous and successful reign. He builds a great

mead‐hall, called Heorot, where his warriors

can gather to drink, receive gifts from their lord, and

listen to stories sung by the scops, or bards.

Literary Overview Literary Overview

Beowulf:Beowulf:

Beowulf Fights Grendel Beowulf Fights Grendel

Literary PeriodLiterary Period

Beowulf is often referred to as the first important work of literature in English, ... it was written in Old English. Anglo-Saxon Period (499-1066) As English history developed, after the French Normans conquered the Anglo‐Saxons in 1066, Old English was gradually broadened by offerings from those languages.

VikingsVikings

They were known as the fearsome raiders and pirates in the medieval period. They were skilled shipbuilders, sailors, and seafarers. They lived on the long coastline of northwest Europe now known as Scandanavia. They spoke Old Norse which heavily influenced the English language.

Culture of WarCulture of War

The culture of war among the Vikings is heavily influenced by their cultural and religious belief. According to records, the first Viking raids started on Christian lands in England and soon expanded to mainland Europe, and this was the reason why the English language evolved through the influence of Norsemen.

But the jubilant noise from Heorot angers Grendel, a

horrible demon who lives in the swamplands of

Hrothgar’s kingdom...Eventually, however, a young

Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s

plight. Inspired by the challenge Beowulf sails to

Denmark with a small company of men determined to

defeat Grendel.

Literary Overview Literary Overview

CharactersCharacters

is the second major character, King of the Thanes (Danes) present Denmark. he is most famous for building the popular hall, Heorot where Grendel, the monster, killed the Danes. Hrothgar Hrothgar

CharactersCharacters

was a monster, one of a giant race which survived the great flood It is told that his origins stretch back to Cain, who killed Abel. Grendel Grendel

Literary Text: Beowulf Fights GrendelLiterary Text: Beowulf Fights Grendel Many an earl of Beowulf brandished His ancient iron to guard his lord, To shelter safely the peerless prince. They had no knowledge, those daring thanes, 2nd four lines 2nd four lines

Central Idea Nobles fight for Beowulf, his armor is strong, unlike how the Thanes (Danes) perceived him to be Many an earl of Beowulf brandished His ancient iron to guard his lord, To shelter safely the peerless prince. They had no knowledge, those daring thanes,

Central Idea Their weapons were useless against Grendel. When they drew their weapons to hack and hew, To thrust to the heart, that the sharpest sword, The choicest of iron in all the world, Could work no harm to the hideous foe.

Literary Text: Beowulf Fights GrendelLiterary Text: Beowulf Fights Grendel On every sword he had laid a spell, On every blade; but a bitter death Was to be his fate; far was the journey The monster made to the home of fiends. 4th four lines 4th four lines