background
-Beowulf is about two Scandinavian tribes, the Danes, from Denmark, and the Geats, from Geatland.
-It was composed around the first half of the eighth century, however it has been passed down from many generations. It was often sung orally and was accompanied with a harp.
-The author was considered to be Christian, so it is evident that the epic reflects Christianity.
-The lord and thane relationship was manifested throughout the epic. This was a political relationship, and as well as a spiritual relationship. These relationships are referred to as "Comitatus."
-In Beowulf, the heroic code values the strength, courage and loyalty in the king's warriors. The king's hospitality, generosity, and political skills is also valued.
-"Kinship" is the base of the heroic code. The tribes in the heroic code are ruled by a king.
-The king is accompanied by members of his kingdom. They are expected to fight to their death to protect their king. Also, they are to avenge the death of their king is he is killed.
-However, the people in this age were found in states of gloom and doom, while practicing to avenge deaths.
-Romantic love is not present in this epic, wars and fighting were found more in earlier literature.
-Since Beowulf is so popular, it made itself into a manuscript.
-It was composed around the first half of the eighth century, however it has been passed down from many generations. It was often sung orally and was accompanied with a harp.
-The author was considered to be Christian, so it is evident that the epic reflects Christianity.
-The lord and thane relationship was manifested throughout the epic. This was a political relationship, and as well as a spiritual relationship. These relationships are referred to as "Comitatus."
-In Beowulf, the heroic code values the strength, courage and loyalty in the king's warriors. The king's hospitality, generosity, and political skills is also valued.
-"Kinship" is the base of the heroic code. The tribes in the heroic code are ruled by a king.
-The king is accompanied by members of his kingdom. They are expected to fight to their death to protect their king. Also, they are to avenge the death of their king is he is killed.
-However, the people in this age were found in states of gloom and doom, while practicing to avenge deaths.
-Romantic love is not present in this epic, wars and fighting were found more in earlier literature.
-Since Beowulf is so popular, it made itself into a manuscript.