Anglo-Saxon Culture and Beowulf

The video explores the history of Beowulf, focusing on its oral tradition and the role of the Shope in preserving stories. It discusses how Christianity influenced the narrative over time. The Beowulf manuscript, rediscovered in the 16th century, gained recognition in the 20th century thanks to JRR Tolkien and the Sutton Hoo archaeological find, which highlighted the cultural richness of the Anglo-Saxons.

What is the primary focus of the video?

• The history of the Anglo-Saxons

• The history and transmission of Beowulf

• The life of J.R.R. Tolkien

• The discovery of Sutton Hoo

How was Beowulf primarily passed down before it was written?

• Through written manuscripts

• Via oral tradition

• By paintings and drawings

• Through musical compositions

What role did the 'Shope' play in Anglo-Saxon tribes?

• They were the tribe's warriors

• They were the tribe's entertainers and historians

• They were the tribe's leaders

• They were the tribe's religious leaders

What instrument did the Shope typically use while reciting stories?

• A drum

• A trumpet

• A flute

• A lyre or harp

How did the spread of Christianity affect the story of Beowulf?

• It changed the main character

• It made the story shorter

• It introduced elements of Christian stories

• It removed all pagan elements

What was the Edict of Milan?

• A decree that promoted paganism

• A decree that established a new government

• A decree that decriminalized Christianity

• A decree that banned Christianity

Who was responsible for converting the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity?

• The Shope

• J.R.R. Tolkien

• The Roman monk Augustine

• King Ethelbert

When was the Beowulf manuscript rediscovered?

• In the 19th century

• In the 20th century

• In the 16th century

• In the 11th century

What was the initial scholarly opinion of the Beowulf manuscript?

• It was considered a masterpiece

• It was seen as a primitive and savage story

• It was believed to be a historical document

• It was thought to be a religious text

Who played a significant role in changing the perception of Beowulf in the 20th century?

• J.R.R. Tolkien

• The Roman monk Augustine

• King Ethelbert

• The Shope