Transcript The Epic
The Epic Characteristics Epic Defined A long narrative that celebrates a hero’s courageous deeds and adventures Epic Six Characteristics The hero is: Of noble birth or high position Of great historical importance Epic Six Characteristics The hero’s character traits reflect the ideals of his society. The hero’s deeds and adventures reflect the values of the era. Epic Six Characteristics The setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation. Epic Six Characteristics The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events. Epic Six Characteristics Elevated Style – formal diction and serious tone Major characters often deliver long formal speeches. Epic Six Characteristics Reflects timeless values Treats universal themes. Epic The hero’s actions determine the fate of a nation or culture. The Anglo Saxons and “Beowulf” Historical Background Roman Empire 300BC – 410 AD The Christianity of Roman Empire brings change of view to Britain Britain was pagan prior to Roman control Roman Empire – Catholic/Christian Old/pagan beliefs were living alongside new/Christian beliefs in Britain, and the longer the Romans remained, the more Christianized the pagans became. Beowulf – the Anglo Saxon’s Story When Rome began to fall (soldiers had to return to Rome to defend it, leaving the outer lands vulnerable), the Anglo Saxon Germanic Tribes began attacking England. These tribes practiced old Norse religion, which believed in many gods, and Wyrd (fate). 410 Fall of Roman Empire Leaves Britain vulnerable to Germanic Tribes – Romans leave Britain because they need to defend Rome. Anglo Saxons control Britain: 449-1066 Anglo Saxon England Anglo Saxon England is vulnerable to attack by: Danes, Norsemen, and Vikings Anglo Saxons Feudal System Passionately loyal Strict Tribal Code of conduct Love of Adventure Fatalistic Outlook Fame/Wealth only true immortality Burial a sign of one’s immortality God/hero Religion Oral Tradition/Illiterate Gathered in “mead halls” to tell battle stories Patriarchal Old Anglo Saxon Oral Stories Passed down orally Recorded by Monks and kept in monasteries around 700 AD Christian/Pagan beliefs – two theories.. Theory 1 Beowulf is a reflection of the times: Pagans lived alongside of Christians – their stories reflected these beliefs Theory 2 Beowulf is a Pagan story – Christian elements were added later by the monks.