Anglo-Saxon Epic Poetry Vocabulary flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on Anglo-Saxon epic poetry notes (Beowulf, kennings, alliteration, caesura, etc.).

Epic

A story told on a grand scale, with armies, heroes, gods, and brutal forces of nature depicted over long character arcs and sweeping landscapes.

Hero of Legendary Proportions

The central epic figure whose grandeur and prowess are magnified beyond ordinary human limits.

Adventures of Superhuman Strength and Valor

Episodes in which the hero performs extraordinary feats and demonstrates exceptional courage.

Involvement of the Supernatural

Supernatural beings or events that influence the course of the narrative.

Multiple Settings

The action unfolds across diverse landscapes and locations.

Epic Style of Writing

The elevated, formal language and elevated tone characteristic of epic poetry.

Kennings

A type of metaphor where a two-word phrase replaces a one-word noun; often hyphenated and common in Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse poetry.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a group of words.

Caesura

A pause within a line of poetry, usually marked by punctuation; plural caesuras or caesurae.

Double Pipe

The symbol used to mark caesura in poetry analysis, represented as ||.

Beowulf

A Geatish hero who fights Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon; the longest epic poem written in Old English.

Grendel

A great, bearlike outsider monster defeated by Beowulf.

Grendel's Mother

Grendel's mother, the second monster Beowulf battles.

Dragon

A fire-breathing dragon Beowulf battles toward the end of his life.

Hrothgar

An excellent and successful king of the Danes; builder of Heorot; famed for generosity and wisdom.

Heorot

Hrothgar's magnificent hall, built to symbolize royal wealth, power, and hospitality.

Old English

The language in which Beowulf is written—the language of the Anglo-Saxon period.

Anglo-Saxon Period

The era of early English history associated with Beowulf and Old English literature.

Battle with Grendel

Beowulf's initial major confrontation in which he fights Grendel.

Epic Hero Cycle

The pattern where the epic hero possesses supernatural qualities, undertakes a quest, is tested, travels widely, faces a low point, and experiences resurrection and reinstatement.