Beowulf, part 1

This first lecture discusses the great Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, the finest poem of a warrior culture. Although plainly written by a Christian poet, it is set in a pagan era and makes claims about divine providence and help - even in a culture that is ignorant of the Creator God's ways.
The poet traces the rise of a young hero provided by the Almighty to defend Heorot, and with it, civilization, from the ravages of the monster Grendel.
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[@emrahgorgulu1237]

Thank you for posting these. Great way to learn new things

[@LitProf]

My pleasure!

[@shakespearaamina9117]

Thank you for your Lectures!!! Really amusing and educational to watch!!! Bless you!

[@vwknsngsy6wth2wgloc38]

Man Doc, you know a whole lot…thank you again for posting.

[@jamiekomodo1751]

The first mention of Beowulf in the poem ("...sent by god") was not the Beowulf, the subject of the poem. I.E. geong in geardum, || þone god sende Beowulf wæs breme || blæd wide sprang, Scyldes eafera || Scedelandum in. That is talking about Beow (who is also sometimes called Beowulf), he was the son of the previously referred to Scyld Scefing (the 'good king" ==> þæt wæs god cyning!). It's a common misinterpretation. P.S. That's Shield Sheafson, the ancestor of Hrothgar, as is Beow. The verse is indeed alliterative, but the break in the verse line is something we put in; the Nowell codex doesn't have them (you can see this on wikipedia, if you don't have it already. The ceasura I put in in the above is also a similar device to mark where the alliteration occurs. It should also be mentioned that verse has some weird rules, where sound-wise it may not exactly alliterate, but it's still considered correct, because visually it is alliterative (you won't realize it often unless you know how to pronounce old english).

[@mahbubahmed9107]

A very informative and analytical lecture on Beowulf

[@jamiekomodo1751]

It's in the Nowell codex, which has other some what strange, non-saxon tales

[@LitProf]

Correct

[@hello_there_steve]

This is very helpful! Thank you

[@johannesq6500]

For me, one of the best entry points to Beowulf is actually the 1987 film Predator, it's a very similar atmosphere (also Sir Gawain and the Green Knight) - the greatest of men encounters that which lies beyond his might, just about.

[@LitProf]

Interesting comment. Or Area 51.

[@johannesq6500]

@@LitProf hah! Yes, both the arcade game (a great test of manliness) and the literal Air Force base, or the popular idea of it.

[@johannesq6500]

For Tolkien studies, Vox Day's site Unauthorised TV has a channel by Rachel Fulton Brown (Professor of Medieval Lit at the University of Chicago), just about Tolkien. I haven't subbed because I'm poor but I've seen some of her free stuff and it's very good.

[@LitProf]

Yes, Rachel Fulton Brown is excellent.

[@paghal11]

Theoden of Rohan.

[@maryellenatwood8909]

It's Theoden

[@arejayheix]

The first mention of Beowulf is NOT the same Beowulf the story is about. Also, side note the Normands did not bring Latin to Britain.

[@LitProf]

True.