BEOWULF

BEOWULF

The story talks about the adventures of Beowulf, a scandinavian hero who killed different monsters and protected people like a tradirional her. The poem was passed down through oral traditon, then written down by a Christian Monk.

eowulf is an heroic poem, whuch is considered the highest achievement of old English literature and the earliest European epic. The author(s) is(are) unknown and it was composed in in 700-750. It deals with with events of the early 6th century.

Second Battle

FirstBattle

FinalBattle

- One day, fifty years after Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother, a slave steals a golden cup from the lair of a dragon at Earnanæs. - When the dragon sees that the cup has been stolen, it leaves its cave in a rage, burning everything in sight. - Beowulf and the drago kill eachother - Afterwards, a barrow, visible from the sea, is built in Beowulf's memory for being a brave and wise hero.

- Grendel's mother, angry that her son has been killed, sets out to get revenge.- Grendel's mother violently kills Æschere, who is Hrothgar's most loyal fighter, and escapes - Batlle under the lake - Beowulf spots a sword, hanging on the wall, and cuts her head off with it. - Beowulf swims back up to the edge of the lake where his men wait. Carrying the hilt of the sword and Grendel's head, he presents them to Hrothgar upon his return to Heorot.

- Hrothgar builds the great hall and celebrates with his soldiers and family- Grendel, a troll-like monster, is pained by the sounds of joy - Grendel attacks - Beowulf, hears of Hrothgar's troubles and with his king's permission leaves his homeland to assist Hrothgar. - Grendel and Beowulf battle each other violently - Beowulf tears Grendel's arm making him go back home where he dies.

A tipical epic HERO

Beowulf has most of the traits of a classical hero of epic literature: he is supernaturally strong, loyal, brave, wise and fearless. The main contrast i the poem is the one between him and Grendel, who kills his victims in his sleep, unlike the hero who beats his enemies face to face

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Does it refer to the Anglo Saxon society?

What did the poet base his knowledge on?

However, there are aspects of the world of Beowulf that do seem closely related to Anglo-Saxon life.

Were his descriptions accurate?

The poet was careful to get the details right.

What roles do these items play in the poem?

The end

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