ENGL 261 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Blood Debts, Cotton Library
Document Summary
Introductory information transcripted by clergymen from folklore, verbal traditions scandinavian tale documented in the english tradition settlements, cultural influences action is away from england unintentional mixing on the cotton manuscript interested peak in the 1700s varying translations. Bede also writing in this time concerned with christianity. The story grendel is an offspring of cain direct bible connection takes place in denmark, beowulf is from sweden looking for adventure, fortune, fame fights with god"s strength rewarded with armor and weapons pagan blood debts. Who has a voice and why does it matter. Who is the real monster of the story beowulf or grendel armor, the ancient swords against grendel"s mother trophies grendel"s hand taking his agency over doing things grendel"s head ancient sword dues ex machina (divine god machine) Melts after he uses it appropriating traditions from paganism to christianity. Hrothgar tells beowulf to thank god for his accomplishments.
