Anglo-Saxon & Beowulf Background

Beowulf

The oldest surviving English poem, composed in the 7th or 8th century, recounting the adventures of a hero.

Wyrd

The concept of fate in Anglo-Saxon culture, often intertwined with Christian references to God's will.

Epic Poem

A long poem that recounts a hero's adventures, characterized by elevated language and a lack of moral lessons.

Epic Hero

A character whose actions respond to catastrophic situations, often involving supernatural occurrences and societal threats.

Alliteration

A poetic device where the same initial consonant sound is repeated in close succession.

Kenning

A metaphorical phrase used in place of a name, such as "battle blade."

Epithet

A descriptive name or phrase that characterizes a person or thing.

Thane

A warrior in Anglo-Saxon culture, often serving a lord.

Mead-hall

A communal hall where the lord and warriors slept, ate, and held ceremonies.

Grendel

A demon and fiend who haunts the moors and terrorizes Hrothgar's kingdom.

Hrothgar

The Danish king who builds Herot and suffers from Grendel's attacks for 12 years.

Grendel's Mother

A she-wolf who seeks revenge after her son is killed by Beowulf.

Fire Dragon

A creature in Beowulf's kingdom that guards treasure and awakens when a cup is stolen.

Boasting

An expected behavior of heroes in the culture, where claims must be supported by actions.

Fair Fights

The principle that only honorable fights are those that are fair, reflecting the code of conduct in the epic.