1. Anglo-Saxon Literary Elements
Boast
1. Alliterative by nature. Alliteration is an important element
in Anglo-Saxon poetry. One or more accented syllables in the
first half of a line almost always alliterate with one or more
accented syllables in the second half. Thus alliteration binds
together the two halves of a line.
2. The use of kennings, phrases that are an elaborate and
indirect way of naming persons, objects, or events, is another
important characteristic of Anglo-Saxon poetry. It is a
distinctive element of Anglo-Saxon poetry. For instance the sea
is called "the pathless deep," and the body is the soul’s "prison
house."

2. Anglo-Saxon Literary Elements
Boast
Read the following boast (also located in Doc
Sharing) from Beowulf's first encounter with
Hrothgar's lieutenant.
When questioned, Beowulf replies with a long boast
about who he is, where is from, and what he has come
to do - namely, kill the "scathing monster" Grendel.
Using Beowulf’s famous epic boast as a model, you
must create your own epic boast about yourself.
The best boasts will also receive extra credit points.

3. "We are by kin of the clan of Geats,
and Hygelac's own hearth-fellows we.
To folk afar was my father known,
noble atheling, Ecgtheow named.
Full of winters, he fared away
aged from earth; he is honored still
through width of the world by wise men all.
To thy lord and liege in loyal mood
we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son,
people-protector: be pleased to advise us!
To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand,
to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right
that aught be hidden. We hear -- thou knowest
if sooth it is -- the saying of men,
that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster,
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4. dark ill-doer, in dusky nights
shows terrific his rage unmatched,
hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I
in greatness of soul would succor bring,
so the Wise-and-Brave may worst his foes, --
if ever the end of ills is fated,
of cruel contest, if cure shall follow,
and the boiling care-waves cooler grow;
else ever afterward anguish-days
he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place
high on its hill that house unpeered!"
From BEOWULF

5. Creating Your Own Boast
 Incorporate a minimum of three kennings.
 Use at least three examples of alliteration (at least three words in
each succession).
 You must begin your epic with the words “Hail _______________”
(to your audience).
 You must incorporate “My people have said ________________”
(your goal).
 Aim for no spelling or grammatical errors.
 Epic boast is a minimum of fifteen lines in length.
 Include a graphic which depicts “who you are.”
 You can do a video, powerpoint, or just a simple word document.
*Students will receive extra points, based on effort and outcome