This lecture includes readings of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and close readings of Beowulf in Old English and in translation. I also explain Old English poetics and meter as we read from lyric poems such as "The Seafarer," "The Dream of the Rood," and "The Wife's Lament".

As we’re beginning our survey course on English poetry, this first lesson will be an introduction to Old English poetry, what is often called Anglo-Saxon poetry. This lecture will equip you to explore Old English poetry in translation on your own. In the description below, I’ve also added some useful resources. But check out Johanna Alden's lecture on Old English Riddles:    • Lecture 2: Reading Old English Riddle...  

Join the live lectures: patreon.com/CloseReadingPoetry

Resources:
Old and Middle English c. 890-c.1450: An Anthology, ed. Elaine Treharne.
The Cambridge Companion to Old English Literature, ed. Malcolm Godden & Michael Lapidge.
General Essential Articles for the Study of Old English Poetry, ed. J.B. Bessinger and S.J. Kahrl.
A History of the English Language, 3rd ed. by A.C. Baugh.

The Beowulf-poem unveiled: 0:00-6:00
Grendel arrives (in Old English): 4:35-7:40
Join live discussions: 8:18-9:00
How Old English poetry works: 9:00-16:19
Old English or Anglo-Saxon?: 16:43-17:55
The spiritual character of OE Poetry: 17:55-21:13
Discussing The Dream of the Rood: 21:13-25:57
Discussing The Seafarer: 25:57-32:25
Discussing The Wife's Lament: 32:25-35:07
The Role of the Anglo-Saxon Poet: 35:07-37:14
Kennings: 37:14-39:25
Legacies: Tolkien, Auden, Hopkins: 39:27-45:03