Unit 1: Beowulf (Epic Poetry and Literary Terms)

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Epic poetry

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A long narrative poem that traces the adventures of a great hero; generally has supernatural elements, long time periods, distant journeys, life and death struggles between good and evil.

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Scops (shops)

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Poet-singers who recited epic poems like Beowulf.

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Epic hero

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A legendary figure (generally a man of high social status/is important to the history of his people) who performs deeds requiring incredible courage and strength.

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Anti-Hero

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An antihero is a main character in a story who, unlike a traditional hero, is flawed, morally ambiguous, or even villainous. They are often sympathetic to the audience, despite their negative traits, and can be a fascinating and compelling protagonist.

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Dichotomy

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A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

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Kenning

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An imaginative phrase that takes the place of a single noun (e.g., whale-road for sea or life-house for body).

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Hyperbole

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Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

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Alliteration

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The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, which helps unify the lines.

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Caesura

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A pause dividing each line, with each part having two accented syllables to help maintain the rhythm of the lines (helpful for memorization and recitation).