All Hallow's Eve and The Cold Gods of Norse Mythology

The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane.

There is no Latin word for "Halloween" because it is an English compound for "All Hallows Eve," that is the day before "All Saints' Day." It is essential to remember that Halloween is a Christian "holy-day." The problem is that we have the world redefine it; we have forgotten it's true significance. We are supposed to worship in spirit and in truth, we must return once more to the true meaning of things. Tomorrow is All Saint's Day, the last day of the Church Calendar, where we celebrate the final victory of the Christ and his saints over the devil.

In Humanities, we are continuing our study of Beowulf; today we shall learn more of Anglo-Saxon paganism. In every culture there are gods, who are worshiped with some form of sacrifice. Today, even in our scientism, we still have gods, though no one acknowledges them as such, but the gods of our age are not transcendent; our gods are ourselves, which is why we have no great men anymore, no heroes.  

Agenda:

1. Faeder ure.
2. Read Beowulf individually.
3. Kennings Project:
1. Present kennings orally. 
2. Write 20 lines of poem in Anglo-Saxon style. It can be on any subject, but try to relate it themes in Beowulf. Battle glory. Courage. Manliness. Slaying of monsters and dragons. Vengeance. Et cetera. Your poem must contain 5 kennings at minimum. You can use the kennings you already made or make up new ones. 
4. Hand back and discuss Reading Check Quiz on lines 491-1061 of Beowulf.
5. Review HW:
1. Finish reading Beowulf, lines 1061-2489. And then keep reading. Quiz on Monday!
2. Anglo-Saxon Poem Project
3. Study and review notes (then repeat).
4. Be wise.

Beowulf, lines 1062-1491

Anglo-Saxons, 500-1000 CE.

We are continuing our study of Beowulf; today we shall review the key sections before and after the slaying of Grendel, the hell-fiend, the kin of Cain, the malignant murderer. Let us also learn more about the society of the Anglo-Saxons.

Agenda:

1. Faeder ure.
2. Reading Journal (10/28): Beowulf, lines 1062-2489
1.  According to Anglo-Saxon culture as seen in Beowulf, what are the qualities for a hero?
2. Grendel is strong and subdues the Danes; is he a hero? Why/why not?
3. From what you've read in popular stories, legend, myth, etc. what are the common traits of a hero?
4. What does our Modern culture say a hero is or must be? 
5. What does Hebrews 11 say about the qualities of a hero?
3. Review HW:
1. Finish reading Beowulf, lines 1278-1491. Quiz tomorrow!
2. Study your Notes on Anglo-Saxon England
3. Be wise; be perfect.

Beowulf Review: lines 258-1061

Grendel's Arm.

We are continuing our study of Beowulf; today we shall review the key sections before and after the slaying of Grendel, the hell-fiend, the kin of Cain, the malignant murderer. Let us also learn more about the society of the Anglo-Saxons.

Agenda:

1. Faeder ure.
2. Reading Check Quiz: Beowulf, lines 490-1061
1. Why and how does Hrothgar know of Beowulf, the Geat?
2. What was Beowulf's one request to King Hrothgar?
3. Why Unferth skeptical about Beowulf?
4. What does Hrothgar promise Beowulf if he defeats Grendel, and in what does he place his trust for such this battle?
5. How does Grendel approach Beowulf to attack him, and what does Beowulf display to prove his victory? 
3. Reading Journal (10/28): Beowulf, lines 1062-2489
1. Was Beowulf’s desire to take on Grendel motivated by revenge or vengeance? 
2. In the so-called “Finnsburg episode,” the story of the feud between the Danes and the Frisians under King Finn is recalled by the court poet at the celebration feast after Beowulf’s victory over Grendel.What motivated the Danes to break the truce with the Frisians, kill Finn, loot his strong- hold and take Hildeburh, his wife, back to Daneland?
3. After the Finnsburg episode, what does the Beowulf poet tells us of the future fate of the Geat king Hygelac?
4. Review HW:
1. Read Beowulf, lines 1062-2114.
2. Study your Notes on Anglo-Saxon England
3. Be wise; be perfect.

Kennings - Part II

We are continuing our study of Beowulf; as we shall look deeper into the poetic merits of this most amazing work, let us focus on an important element of Anglo-Saxon poetry: the kenning.

Agenda:

1. Faeder ure.
2. Latin Proverb: Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges.
3. In the most corrupt state are the most laws.
4. Extra Credit: Memorize Caedmon's Hymn in Anglo-Saxon
5. Read Beowulf, lines 1062-1278
6. Beowulf Kennings Project 
1. Review Exercise 1 & other kennings from Beowulf. 
1. Take Notes. 
2. Begin Exercise 2: Create at least 10 of your own kennings.
1. Review and discuss
7. Review HW:
1. Quiz on lines 490-1061 of Beowulf (10/29).
2. Finish reading Beowulf, lines 1061-1278.
3. Study your Notes on Anglo-Saxon England
4. Be wise; be perfect.