Beowulf

 Author:Unknown; Compiled by Bede

Significance:The monster’s in the story show society gone wrong: A mother seeks revenge, the dragon hoards instead of participating in a gift-giving society, and Grendel is a descendent of Cain who killed his brother. Beowulf’s Barrow: name will be known, opposite of Christianity which has spiritual immortality not earthly. Similarities between the Odyssey and Aeneid.

==In-depth Discussion of Beowulf==

Note: there was a connection between the author and his intended audience, in terms of them having a connectedness in their knowledge of history

==Beowulf as a reflection of two cultures==

                         1. it recounts 6th century events

                         2. the story is told from a 9th century Christian perspective

== Epic==

1. primary: folk, oral formulaic

     -for example:the Illiad, the Odyssey, Beowulf, andthe Song of Roland

2. secondary: literary only, was written down before it was an oral tradition

- for example:the Aeneid, the Divine Comedy, andParadise Lost

3/ heroes: founders or saviors of a race

==Historical Context==

1. the story takes place in the former Western Roman Empire (c. 526 C.E.)

2. Germanic tribes = warring society

-blood feuds

-wergild was blood payment: taken as monetary compensation or else as revenge

3. Origins of Anglo-Saxon England

-decolonization of the Roman Empire

-reconversion to Christianity (597 C.E.) via Augustine of Canterbury

- Danes = Vikings (invasions)

4. Geography of Beowulf

- Denmark (Heorot)

-Geatland

• Note: only considered Anglo literature because it is written in English

==The Manuscript of Beowulf==

1. written by two scribes

2. other accounts in the same manuscript

-Life of St. Christopher

-Wonders of the East

-Alexander's Letter to Aristotle

-Judith

==DISCUSSION==

1. [[feudalism]]: a vertical social hierarchy

-owing loyalty to those above you, protecting those below you

 -example: Pippin swears fealty to Denethor in The Return of the King

- not a democratic society

-he only people who will help you are those you know / like

• does Beowulf have more value as a literary text or as a historical document?