Eng I

Beowulf

• The pagan element mentioned is the custom of pagans, where they would offer sacrifices to idols.
• The Christian element mentioned is the Christian belief in God.

Names and Meanings

• The name Beowulf means "bee wolf" or "bare wolf".
• The name Ecgtheow means "edge servant" or "sword servant".
• The name Hrothgar means "famous spear" or "spear of the people".
• The name Unferth means "unpeace" or "Restless".

Caedmon

• Caedmon wrote in the style of Christian literature.
• Compounded epithets used for 'God' in 'Caedmon's Hymn' include "Heaven's guardian", "Creator of the earth", and "Highest of heavens".
• According to Bede, Caedmon could only write about the topic of religion.
• Caedmon would leave the feast when he saw the harp being passed in his direction around the song-circle.
• The angel taught Caedmon how to sing and spontaneously create poetry.
• The angel ordered Caedmon to sing about the creation of the world.

The Dream of the Rood

• The author of 'The Dream of the Rood' is unknown.
• The Cross is described as a "victory tree" or "glory tree".
• The evidence of the Comitatus tradition is the use of heroic language and imagery to describe the Cross.

Literary Devices

• Litotes is a type of understatement that uses negative words to express the contrary.

Bede

• The meaning of Bede's epithet, 'Venerable', is to show respect and reverence.
• Bede's occupation or vocation was as a monk and scholar.
• The title of Bede's most important book is 'The Ecclesiastical History of the English People'.
• The subject matter of Bede's text and Caedmon's poem is the history of Christianity in England.

Literary Terms

• A kenning is a metaphorical expression used to describe something.
• Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words.
• Comitatus refers to the bond between a lord and his retainers.

Christianity

• Bede's epithet, 'Venerable', is related to his beliefs as a Christian.