## Task 2: Beowulf

In this task you are going to focus on the old English epic poem Beowulf.

Assignment 1: The English language

Before learning more about the poem, you need to find out how medieval history has influenced the English language by watching these two short videos.

Mention two important historical events that influenced the English language.

Assignment 2: Alliteration

Now read the chapter about Beowulf in your Poems and Extracts reader.

What is 'alliteration' and what is its function?

Assignment 3: Beowulf old vs modern

In this video you can read and listen to the Old English version of Beowulf. It is almost incomprehensible, but you might recognize some words that resemble modern English words or even words from other languages. Only watch the first minute of the video and write down words that sound or look familiar to you.

Now compare the old English version with a modern English translation by Seamus Heaney and find out how many of your findings were correct.

Click on the link https://mralbertsclass.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/beowulf-translation-by-seamus-heaney.pdf

Assignment 4: The story of Beowulf

Watch this classic animation of Beowulf:

What characterists of the Old English Period (see reader Bird's Eye View) can you discover in this story?