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Osberg Ship

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What is an Epic poem?
How does Beowulf  fit the definition of an epic poem?
How is Beowulf an epic hero?
What are the themes of Beowulf?
How does the poem reflect the culture in which it was spoken?
What are the origins and purposes of oral tradition?
How does a Christian transcription of Beowulf differ form what may have been originally spoken?
What are the traditions of the Norse and the Norse religion (infused with Christianity) presented in the poem?
How does Point of View impact information?
What are the purposes of each of the characters in the poem? (symbolic, cultural)

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http://www.comm.unt.edu/~ktaylor/scop/index.htm

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https://image.slidesharecdn.com/kenning-140701154732-phpapp02/95/kennings-and-examples-4-638.jpg?cb=1404229761

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https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/131647

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Mead Hall - A large building with a single room constructed for lords to hold feasts in.

Kennings - Poetic phrases consisting of compound metaphors.

Scop - Anglo-Saxon minstrel who tells the story.

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https://www.flocabulary.com/unit/point-of-view/

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Beowulf Themes to Look For and Discuss

( Read Lesson Plan • Buy Poster • Buy PDF )

The Importance of Customs

Beowulf is saturated with the importance of customs and following them. These fierce medieval warriors had strong laws and customs to reduce bloodshed and keep the clans together. Beliefs about hospitality, loyalty, and valor were particularly strong. See if your students can find examples of each in the text.

Good vs. Evil

In the epic, the battle between good and evil is made very literal. The good is represented by the brave warriors, both Danes and Geats, while the evil is represented by the threatening monsters in the form of Grendel, his mother, and the dragon.

Brains over Brawns

A prominent theme in many epic stories is the use of wit over brute strength. In Beowulf's case, although he possesses the strength to win battles, his cunning is an invaluable asset. A prime example is when he tricks Grendel and tears off Grendel's arm.

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http://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/elements-of-an-epic
Generally, epics are mythological histories, meaning they are a melting pot of famous figures from history and historical events. In the case of Beowulf, the battle of Grendel is the beginning of the epic with the famous Beowulf, Warrior of the Geats, as its hero.

Epics typically begin as oral traditions, passed down for generations before being written down. Because of this, epics have an order and repetition of the events that made them easier to remember. Due to their length, these works often took days to tell.

Six Elements Of The Epic
A Hero of Legendary Proportions

The epic hero is typically well known in his time, often reaching superstar status. In ancient legends, the hero often is either partially divine or at least protected by the gods.

"I'm Beowulf! I've killed nine sea monsters." In cell one, this quote shows Beowulf's notoriety. When he first gets to the Denmark, the Dane's throw him a great feast. While there, he brags to Hrothgar about all he's accomplished

Adventures of Superhuman Strength and Valor

The hero accomplishes feats no real human could, both physically and mentally.

After bragging, Beowulf also tells a story about a swimming match with his friend Brecca. During the match, sea monsters attack, and Beowulf was able to slay the monsters, save his friend, and finish the race.

Multiple Settings

The actions of the hero span the continent, other realms, or even worlds.

In Beowulf, much of the action takes place in or around Hrothgar's hall of Heorot, but Beowulf also goes to the to kill the swamp hag in her underwater lair, and his fight against the dragon is in his home of Geatland.

Involvement of the Supernatural

Gods, demons, angels, time/space travel, cheating death, immortality, and other supernatural elements.

In this epic tale, our hero encounters monsters, a witch, and a fire-breathing dragon. He uses a sword forged by giants to kill his enemies.

Epic Style of Writing

The style of is frequently ornate, drawn out, or exaggerated.

The poem uses traditional "kennings", or compound metaphors, to replace simple objects, and much of the action is relayed at breathless pace, interspersed with digressions about lineage and past deeds. Characters and events are described in a truly epic and poetic manner.

Omniscient Narrator

The narrator sees and knows all.

Throughout Beowulf, the narrator uses 3rd person omniscient narration to tell us the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the characters. He writes as though from a god’s point of view, witnessing and experiencing everything that takes place in the story and sometimes even spoiling what's going to happen next!

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https://www.storyboardthat.com/storyboards/anna-warfield/beowulf-character-map-template/copy