Http:// qk2y_o qk2y_o The Lord’s Prayer in Old English

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsUM1qk2y_o

The Lord’s Prayer in Old English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wl-OZ3breE

The English EpicThe English EpicThe English Epic

An Epic Poem: DefinitionAn Epic Poem: Definition

• A long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure.

• Among the earliest forms of literature.

• Capture the cultural and religious values or the peoples who created and retold them

Characteristics of EpicsCharacteristics of Epics• The hero battles forces that threaten the

order of his world.

• Told in a serious manner, often in special, elevated language.

• Legendary hero: a larger-than-life character whose accomplishments are celebrated in traditional tales. Exaggerated characteristics: strength, confidence, bravery, honor

Anglo-SaxonsAnglo-Saxons• Spoke Old English

500-1100• Scops: traveling

minstrels, would entertain by singing songs, including long narrative poems.

• Came from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, northern Germany

Anglo-SaxonsAnglo-Saxons

Mead HallMead Hall

The WandererThe Wanderer

“And I sailed away with sorrowful heart,

Over wintery seas, seeking a gold-lord,

If far or near lived one to befriend me

With gift in the mead-hall and comfort for grief.”

Mead HallMead Hall

BeowulfBeowulf• Takes place in 6th century Scandinavia

• Beowulf leaves from southern Sweden to aid Danish King Hrothgar against Grendel

• Written down in 11th century (1000’s)

• Includes traits of Scandinavian and Celtic tales

• Traits of the hero: loyalty to chief, bravery, who is entitled to loyalty, how civilization is to be run.

BeowulfBeowulf

• 3182-line poem, only original left is in Sir Robert Cotton’s collection of medieval manuscripts

• 1731: a fire burned away 2,000 letters from the original manuscript

• Electronic Beowulf Project: has persevered the manuscript in an electronic format

• Opening Lines of Beowulf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y13cES7MMd8