The Legends of Sir Bevis Section 2 - History, Literacy & Storytelling

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1 The Legends of Sir Bevis Section 2 - History, Literacy & Storytelling

2 Section 2 Summary: History, Literacy & Storytelling Content: This section explores the legacy of Henry V and looks at Shakespeare s version and its many interpretations. We look at why stories are so important and different types of storytelling as well as including a detailed synopsis of The Legend of Sir Bevis. Finally, this section includes some exploration of Shakespeare s language and details about the mythical creatures which appear in the Bevis story. Learning objectives: - To realise the importance of storytelling throughout history. - To explore the idea of mythical creatures and illustrate this through the design of their own. - To develop an understanding of the legend of Sir Bevis. Tasks: - Shakespearean vocabulary sheet - Comic book storyboard - Storytelling questions - Mythical creature design Workshop: accompanying interactive drama based workshops to help pupils tackle Shakespeare and learn storytelling skills, is available through The Berry Theatre s Creative Learning Team.

3 Contents Henry V s Legacy 1 Shakespeare s Henry V 2 Shakespearean Vocabulary Sheet 3 Vocabulary Answer Sheet 4 Storytelling: Definitions & Examples 5 Mythical Creatures 9 Medieval Vocabulary: Security Blanket 10 The Legends of Sir Bevis: Synopsis 11 The Legends of Sir Bevis Comic Book 13 Notes

Henry V s Legacy After the Battle of Agincourt, Henry crossed over again to France to battle.

Henry married Charles VI s youngest daughter, Catherine of Valois. Henry returned to France to oppose the French resistance.

Later the following year Henry fell ill with a fatal disease which eventually led to his death. His early death prevented him from ever meeting his son.

4 Henry V s Legacy After the Battle of Agincourt, Henry crossed over again to France to battle. Eventually Henry came to an agreement with the French King Charles VI, who accepted him as the heir to the throne. Henry married Charles VI s youngest daughter, Catherine of Valois. Henry returned to France to oppose the French resistance. Whilst at battle in France, news was sent to Henry that his wife had given birth to a son, named after his father. Later the following year Henry fell ill with a fatal disease which eventually led to his death. His early death prevented him from ever meeting his son. Henry appointed his brothers as regents of France and England. Upon his death, Henry s only son succeeded him to the throne of England, becoming Henry VI. The memory of Henry V lived on through stories and his legacy was commemorated in history by famous playwrights, most notably William Shakespeare. Shakespeare used the events of the Battle of Agincourt to define Henry s strength as a noble leader and courageous warrior and help cement his place in history. 1.

Shakespeare s Henry V William Shakespeare was a famous playwright. His plays are often thought to be historically accurate and therefore used to explore the lives of the monarchs he wrote of.

Shakespeare s Henry V is a good example of this. Shakespeare wrote plays inherently to entertain not to determine the course of history for centuries to come.

5 Shakespeare s Henry V William Shakespeare was a famous playwright. His plays are often thought to be historically accurate and therefore used to explore the lives of the monarchs he wrote of. There is some dispute as to what is historically correct and what has been learnt from Shakespearean plays, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Shakespeare s Henry V is a good example of this. Shakespeare wrote plays inherently to entertain not to determine the course of history for centuries to come. Shakespeare has constructed each scene to show the many different sides of Henry V s character. It is thought that the structure of the play was to portray Henry as an all-round, religious Christian King as his religious nature is continuously emphasised. Henry is made the hero of the play; he is presented as an unstoppable force, completing all he sets out to achieve. Through Shakespeare s powerful written speeches, Henry facilitates language to succeed and manipulate his listeners. Henry is shown as a responsible King, putting his title and power above anything. Shakespeare s interpretation of Henry V and history inspires a sense of admiration for the King, his nobility and victory in battle. The success of Shakespeare s plays, including Henry V, translates in the continuation of these historical events being retold to the present day. The remembrance of legendary individuals is commemorated through storytelling, much like Shakespeare s Henry V. 2.

6 Shakespeare Vocabulary Sheet The following words and meanings are terms used in Shakespeare s plays. Match the correct Shakespearean term to its modern day meaning on the right. Listed below is each word within a sentence, use this to help determine each meaning and translate the sentences. 1. art before 2. thou yes 3. dost it was 4. ere are 5. hast you 6. tis it is 7. twas no 8. ay have 9. nay do 1. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo? 2. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo? 3. Dost thou know the time? 4. Ere I go to bed, I always brush my teeth. 5. Hast you any idea where my jumper is? 6. Tis supposed to be warm today. 7. I thought twas very cold last night. 8. Ay, that would be lovely. 9. Nay, thank you. 3.

7 Shakespeare Vocabulary Answer Sheet 1. art - are 2. thou - you 3. dost do/ does 4. ere - before 5. hast - have 6. tis it is 7. twas it was 8. ay - yes 9. nay - no 4.

Definition & Example: Storytelling Stories can be told, shared and travel in many different ways. These four forms of storytelling are all different in their purpose and context.

8 Definition & Example: Storytelling Stories can be told, shared and travel in many different ways. These four forms of storytelling are all different in their purpose and context. Legend A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated. Example: Sir Bevis of Hampton Sir Bevis of Hampton is the legendary individual that this project, The Legend of Sir Bevis, is based on. Sir Bevis of Hampton was thought to have defeated and slayed a number of great beasts and mythical creatures. His achievements and successes are commemorated in stories throughout history. What town did Sir Bevis become the Legend of? Can you remember what mythical creatures Sir Bevis encounters on his journey? 5.

Out of boredom, King Minos would often send his navy to attack the island of Athens where another King once lived. The King of Athens offered a deal to King Minos.

9 Definition & Example: Storytelling Myth A traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event. Example: Theseus and the Minotaur Theseus and the Minotaur is a famous Greek Myth. It tells the story of a King named Minos who lived on the island of Crete. Out of boredom, King Minos would often send his navy to attack the island of Athens where another King once lived. The King of Athens offered a deal to King Minos. If King Minos agreed not to attack Athens for nine years, Athens would send seven boys and seven girls to be eaten by the evil monster, the Minotaur, who lived on the island of Crete. King Minos agreed to the deal. A young boy named Theseus volunteered to sail to Crete in hopes of slaying the Minotaur and returning to his island victorious. The group of young boys and girls arrived at the island of Crete and were greeted by King Minos and his daughter, Princess Ariadne. The Princess secretly offered to help Theseus defeat the Minotaur if he promised to take her away from Crete to share her beauty with more of the world. Theseus successfully defeated the Minotaur with help from the princess. They escaped on a boat with the other Athenian children. On their journey back, they stopped at a nearby island where the Princess insisted on going ashore. She fell asleep on the land. Theseus and the other children sailed back to Athens, leaving the princess on the island. Is there a hero in this myth? Who is the hero? Why is this person a hero? What do you think is the most important event in the myth? 6.

10 Definition & Example: Storytelling Fable A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral. Example: The Boy Who Cried Wolf A boy was given the job of protecting the sheep from wolves in his village. He was given a bell to ring and the instruction to shout wolf! if one was to attack the sheep. After a while the boy became bored and yelled wolf despite nothing disturbing the sheep. The men from the village came to his call with guns, only to realise the boy was pretending. The boy enjoyed the attention and played the trick once more; the men from the village were not impressed. When the wolf really did attack, the boy cried out wolf! and rang the bell but none of the men appeared and the sheep were eaten. Do you know what a moral is? What is the moral of this fable? 7.

11 Definition & Example: Storytelling Folktale/ Fairytale A tale originating and traditional among the people and folk. Example: Cinderella Cinderella is fairytale of young girl who is forced to clean up after her cruel step mother and evil step sisters after the death of her father. Cinderella is granted with a fairy god mother who magically turns her in a princess for the evening of the royal ball but only until 12 o clock. She meets a handsome prince but as the clock strikes twelve she has to leave to hide her true identity from the Prince, accidentally losing one of her glass slippers on the way. The prince searches the town for the lady s foot that fits the slipper. He finds Cinderella, returns her slipper and they both live happily ever after together. Do you know the story of Cinderella? How did you hear about the story of Cinderella? 8.

Mythical Creatures Legendary creatures can be found in many traditional mythological stories.

This created beasts such as dragons, griffins and unicorns, which have featured throughout different

Legendary creatures were celebrated through heraldry and architectural decoration.

displayed on shields, banners, tapestries and buildings to help inspire people.

12 Mythical Creatures Legendary creatures can be found in many traditional mythological stories. Existing animals were given extraordinary descriptions. This created beasts such as dragons, griffins and unicorns, which have featured throughout different myths and legends, retold overtime. Legendary creatures were celebrated through heraldry and architectural decoration. Ancient stories of battles and tragic romances were filled with magical animals and these were displayed on shields, banners, tapestries and buildings to help inspire people. It has been said that a Young Henry V had access to tapestry s depicting the story of Sir Bevis of Hampton. Using different animals design your own mythical creature. What s the name of your Mythical Creature? What magic abilities does your mythical creature have? 9.

13 Medieval Vocabulary Security Blanket Medieval language can sometimes use words that we may not be as familiar with. Below is a list of words you might use or want to know more about over the course of this project. Knight: A man who served his sovereign or lord as a mounted soldier in armour. Monarch: A sovereign head of state, especially a king or a queen. Heir: A person legally entitled to the property or rank of on that person s death. Duke: A male holding the highest hereditary title. Priest: A minister of the church. Chivalry: The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral and social code. Dungeon: A strong underground prison cell, especially in a castle. Conquer: Overcome and take control, by military force. Battle: A sustained fight between large organised armed forces. Armour: The metal coverings formerly worn to protect the body in battle. 10.

14 The Sir Bevis Story The Legends of Sir Bevis is separated into four parts. Using the synopsis below, choose four moments from story and illustrate these using the comic book strip. Part 1 Sir Bevis and the Great Boar Bevis arrives in the Kingdom of Armenia He meets and befriends Josyan, the King s Daughter They fall in love Josyan gives Bevis Arondel, the fastest horse in the world The King finds out and is angry He challenges Bevis to prove his worth; he must slay the Great Boar Bevis goes to the forest The boar attacks and they have a great battle Bevis defeats the boar He returns to the castle; Josyan is overjoyed, but King Ermyn is secretly dismayed King Ermyn gives Bevis the ancient sword Mortglay as a reward, and makes him a Knight Part 2 Sir Bevis and the Serpent Bevis and Josyan wish to be married King Ermyn does not like Bevis and wants to get rid of him He gives Bevis a letter to take to the King of Damascus Once Bevis is gone, King Ermyn sends Josyan off to marry Lord Ivor Meanwhile, the King of Damascus reads the letter, which tells him to kill Bevis The King of Damascus had Bevis thrown into a deep dungeon instead In the dungeon Bevis is attacked by a giant serpent Bevis fights and defeats the serpent Bevis escapes the Dungeon and steals a horse He sets off to rescue Josyan from Lord Ivor and take her away 11.

15 The Sir Bevis Story Part 3 Sir Bevis and the Giant Bevis arrives at Lord Ivor s castle and is reunited with Josyan They fetch Arondel and Mortglay and decide to flee together Ivor returns to find Josyan gone, so sends Ascupart the Giant after them Meanwhile, Bevis, Josyan and her servant Boniface have camped in the woods Whilst Bevis is away collecting firewood, two lions attack and kill Boniface Bevis returns and kills the lions, saving Josyan Ascupart arrives and tries to take Josyan Bevis and Ascupart fight, and Bevis wins Josyan begs Bevis to spare Ascupart Ascupart becomes Bevis squire Bevis, Josyan, Ascupart and Arondel set off for England Part 4 Sir Bevis and the Dragon Bevis, Josyan, Arondel and Ascupart arrive in England They journey toward Hampton They meet a farmer and his wife, who tell them that the town is waylaid by a dragon Bevis swears to slay the dragon They near Hampton, and see the dragon curled about the town Bevis asks Josyan and Arondel to wait for him Bevis and Ascupart march toward the dragon, calling out a challenge Bevis runs toward the dragon, sword raised The dragon spits poison all over him, and flicks him away Ascupart flees Bevis lands in a magical pool which heals him He attacks again, and is poisoned and knocked into the pool and healed again This happens again and again till the dragon has no more poison Bevis fights and slays the dragon Josyan and Arondel rejoin them, Ascupart comes back The people of Hampton cheer as Bevis finally comes home 12.

17 Notes Section 2: History and Storytelling Versions of Sir Bevis of Hampton Listed below are a number of different texts and sites to access a variety of versions of the legend of Sir Bevis of Hampton. This may be useful to explore or compare the difference between texts. Boeve de Haumton Original name of the poem, based upon the story of Sir Bevis of Hampton Article written by Dr Cheryl Butler, which includes a short version of the story. - University of Rochester site containing an online version of the middle English text, as well as an introduction and summary. - Online edition of the texts of 'The Irish Lives of Guy Of Warwick and Bevis of Hampton.' - Wordpress blog containing very chatty and brief version of the story. - University of York website containing a version of the story. - American site with a version of the story. - Wikipedia page for the story.

18 Notes Online Storytelling for Schools and Pupils Listed below are all websites suitable and appropriate for teaching and learning. The sites offer ways to create online stories, in different forms. This may be something you want to access with your classes to further the idea of multimedia storytelling through the internet. Websites Myths and Legends This site is teacher and child friendly and helps to understand myths and legends on a wider scale as part of the KS2 curriculum. It features a range of myths and legends and online activities, offering a fun dynamic in which to learn about history. Interview with the playwright Matt Beames The link below is a short interview with the playwright of the script for The Legends of Sir Bevis. This may be useful for students to develop their understanding of the story and how the playwright came to his decisions whilst writing the play for this project. -

from Le Morte d Arthur Sir Thomas Malory

from Le Morte d Arthur Sir Thomas Malory Part I! Mordred, Arthur s son, wants to take over the throne of England. Arthur, however, doesn t concede which leads to a battle. The excerpt begins the night