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.
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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
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