All of Beowulf Marzullo 10/10H

Shield Sheafson

A fierce warrior (Scourge of many tribes)

He began the house of the Danes (Denmark)

An orphan

Feared far and wide

What was the lineage? (Who could be in line for king)

Paternal

Who wrote Beowulf?

an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, also known as a Scop or a bard

What was new to these people?

God/Christianity

Who was Shield Sheafson's son?

Beow

Characteristics of a "Good king"

Must be generous and loved to gain the loyalty of his tribe.

Shields death

He died at battle (He crossed over into the Lord's keeping)

How did his band (Army) honor his wish?

They shouldered Shield out into the sea's flood

A ring-whorled (kenning) rode in the harbour (ship) which was adorned in his honor

They prepared him for the afterlife; battle tackle, bladed weapons, and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far out into the oceans sway.

Set him off as he arrived into the unknown.

Mourned (bewailed) his loss.

Who was the new leader of the tribe (the Danes)

Beow

Beow

Son of Shield Sheafson, father of Halfdane

Halfdane

The father of Hrothgar, Heorogar, Halga, and an unnamed daughter. Halfdane was Beow's successor

Hrothgar

The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar. Heorogar, who was in line for king ahead of Hrothgar, was killed in battle.

Loyal followed flocked to his ranks

A generous king

Who built Heorot hall

Hrothgar

Heorot Hall

Hrothgar's mead hall, he shared his throne room with his people.

Was used as a place of safety.

Heorot

The hall of the hart (heart home)

What foreshadows Grendel's coming?

"The hall towered, its gables wide and high and awaiting a barbarous burning."

"Then a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark, nursed a hard grievance." What does this mean?

Evil

Grendel

A demon descended from Cain, Grendel preys on Hrothgar's warriors in the king's mead-hall, Heorot. It brotherd him to hear the music (a celebration of God's great victory) every day in the hall.

Who did Grendel hold a grudge against?

God

After nightfall symbolizes..

Darkness, confusion, evil

"Grendel set out for the loft house, to see how the Ring-Danes were settling into it after their drink, and there he came upon them, a company of the best asleep from their feasting, insensible to pain and human sorrow." (Just understand the meaning of this)

Gluttony: drunkenness = insensible/irrational

How many men did Grendel take at one time?

30

why is 30 significant

It is allegorical: they figuratively became victims of evil due to their gluttony.

"As dawn brightened and the day broke Grendel's powers of destruction were plain" Symbolizes (Again just know the basis of this)

Light appeared (Good, knowing, God)

What did Hrothgar's men do to not be killed

They ran and the hall was empty. (This can signify them turning away from God, comes up later)

How long was the Hall empty?

12 years (Allegorical)

How did this affect Hrothgar?

He suffered under his load of sorrow. Sad lays were sung about the king (the poets tell the tale)

What didn't Grendel take over in Heorot? Why?

The throne itself. It was protected by the power of God "...But the throne itself, the treasure seat, he was kept from approaching; he was the Lord's outcast."

What happened with the Danes. (Spiritually/Faithfully)

They abandoned God, went back to their pagan ways, asked the devil for help to save their people from Grendel. They lost faith. Gave into despair.

Beowulf

A Gaet. His king is Hygelac. The mightiest man on earth.

What was Beowulf's quest?

Sail the swan's road (kenning) and search out that king, the famous prince who needed defenders. (Hrothgar)

Did anyone try to stop Beowulf?

No elder denied him, as dear as he was to them. Instead, they spurred his ambition to go, and wished him best of luck. (honorable and courageous)

How many men did Beowulf enlist? Did they deny his request?

14 men, 15 in all with Beowulf. (Allegorical)

No they didn't deny his request, they were eager. It was an honor to serve Beowulf on his quest.

When they got to the Danes, what was ironic? Why?

The watchman on the wall, the danger was already inside of Denmark. (If there are bonus questions, this will most likely just be a bonus?)

What did the Watchguard do?

He challenged Beowulf and his men. Noticed that he and his men didn't hide their arrival. He noted that he has never seen a mightier man-at-arms on earth. (Beowulf)

What was Beowulf's response?

- By birth they are the Geat people

- They serve Lord Hygelac (Beowulf is NOT A KING)

- His father was a noble warrior-lord named Ecgtheow, he lived a long life.

- They have a good reason to be there, a great errand to help save Hrothgar (King of the Danes) from the evil. (Grendel)

- He is their only hope, without him they would be left with evil forever.

Are they allowed to pass?

Yes. If Beowulf is willing to help them, he would not try to stop them.

Who questioned them AFTER they got past the watchguard?

Wulfgar

Wulfgar

Hrothgar's herald, he brings Beowulf's message to Hrothgar.

-A Wendell chief, renowned as a warrior, well known for his wisdom and temper of his mind.

What does Wulfgar tell Hrothgar?

Wulfgar believed Beowulf's intentions were real, they appear well born and worthy of respect, especially Beowulf himself.

What was Hrothgar's reply?

- That he used to know Beowulf as a young boy.

- His father before him was Ecgtheow.

- Hrethel the Geat (Beowulf's Grandfather) gave his daughter in marriage.

- He is here to repay a debt, (Beowulf) Hrothgar helped Ecgtheow in the past.

- they are welcome to Denmark.

What does Hrothgar believe/know about Beowulf?

- He has the strength of 30 men (Relates back to when Grendel would take 30 MEN AT A TIME)

- Hrothgar believes that God sent Beowulf to defeat pure evil (Grendel) He did not return back to pagan ways.

What does Wulfgar tell Beowulf and his men?

They are welcome to Heorot, but their shields must stay and their spears be stacked. (To Protect The King.)

What happens when Beowulf enters Heorot? What does he say?

He introduces himself, and boasts about his past victories.

- He is Hygelac's kinsman.

- When he was younger he has great triumphs.

- He plans to settle the outcome in single combat (Grendel versus Beowulf)

What are Beowulf's earlier wins?

- He battled and bound five beasts

- Raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes

- he has suffered extremes and avenged the Geats.

What is Beowulf's request? Why?

- His request is one they (the Danes) cannot refuse, they can not help Beowulf defeat Grendel.

1) Weapons do not work on Grendel, he laughs at them.

2) He wants to be a legend, he does not want to be discredited. (This reflects the times when tribes were always at war with each other.)

Who does Beowulf trust his decisions/fate in?

God's hands.

What is Beowulf's request if he loses the battle against Grendel?

To send back his breast-webbing that Weland fashioned and Hrethel (Beowulfs Grandfather) and give it to Lord Hygelac.

Wyrd

Anglo-Saxon word for fate.

What happened with Ecgtheow? (Beowulfs father)

- He killed Heatholaf (A Wulfing)

- He was exiled to the South-Danes.

- Hrothgar paid off the Wulfings

- Ecgtheow acknowledged him with oaths of allegiance (Beowulf must feel that he is under obligation to Hrothgar for helping his father.)

Unferth

Danish warrior who is jealous of Beowulf, son of Ecglaf.

Of What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of?

He accused him of losing a swimming match between him and Breca. Accused him of Pride (Beowulf's boasting)

How long did Beowulf swim for? What does this infer?

7 nights.

- He has great strength and endurance

How does Beowulf reply?

He was boasting again to prove he was worthy.

- He said that Unferth was drunk with his words

- Said he was the strongest swimmer of all

- It was a friendly contest

- They worked together for 5 nights until they were driven apart.

- A creature pulled him to the bottom of the ocean (He can hold his breath for long/Breathe under water; Foreshadowing)

- Light came from the east; Hope, God.

- Says he can't recall any fight Unferth was ever in, says that Unferth isn't as courageous or keen as he claims, and if he was, Grendel wouldn't of have reaked havoc in Heorot.

Who is the ONLY female so far with a name?

Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's queen.

What is Beowulf's quest "outcome?"

He wills destroy Grendel or willingly die trying.

"Then it was like old times in the echoing hall." Is sure to

Lure Grendel: happiness, hope, God are what Grendel has a grudge against.

"Hrothgar wished Beowulf health and good luck... Never since my hand could hold a shield have I entrusted or given control of the Danes' hall to anyone but you." Hrothgar..

Trusted Beowulf

Beowulf's Strength

He has the strength of 30 men. Especially his faith and trust in God.

What does Beowulf do for each of his victories?

1) He puts his trust in God

2) Thanks God every time he has a victory

3) If he are to die, his men are to give his armor back to his king.

"Then out of the night," Signifies..

Darkness: Evil enters.

- Beowulf was the only was "aware"

- Beowulf was ready and awaiting.

What foreshadows Beowulf's victory?

"Although never in his life, before or since, did he find harder fortune or hall-defenders." (Grendel)

- "His days of ravening had come to an end" ; Foreshadows his destruction

Who was waiting for Grendel to make a move?

Beowulf

- Grendel didn't keep him waiting

Beowulf versus Grendel

- Beowulf took Grendel off guard, he tricked the monster

- Grendel discovered himself in a handgrip harder than anything. He felt fear. He tried to flee to his den and hide.

- Beowulf was overpowering Grendel, it was the worst trip Grendel had ever taken to Heorot.

- They both crashed through the building, the building staying intact (Faith remains when the structure/body fails, the soul remains.)

- *A God-cursed scream, the men thought the cries were Beowulf.

- Beowulf kept his handgrip on Grendel. A tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Grendel's arm was torn from his body.

- Grendel was fatally hurt, his days were numbered. He went home to die.

Grendel's villain name

The captain of evil

Who wrote Beowulf

An anonymous scop

What was Grendel's arm?

A Trophy.

What is imagery?

Language that engages the human senses

What is symbolism?

The use of a concrete object to represent an abstract idea

What does light and darkness being closely connected throughout the poem symbolize?

The forces of good and evil, heaven and hell. The author utilizes light and darkness to reflect the different relationship each character has with God. Beowulf represented the light with an idea relationship with God.

How is Christianity woven into Beowulf?

Christianity is subtly woven into the fabric of its otherwise pagan narrative through imagery that reflects Christian values and beliefs.

When was Beowulf written?

The poem was written during a time when Anglo-Saxon society was transitioning from Paganism to Christianity, and this duality is evident in the symbolic use of Christian elements.

The contrast between light and darkness is a key image that reflects what?

The Christian ideas of good vs. evil. Grendel and his lair are describes with imagery of darkness, chaos, and isolation, symbolizing evil and moral corruption. In contrast, Hrothgar's mead hall, Hebron, is a place of light, community and civilization, symbolizing goodness and Christian fellowship.

What biblical figure is Grendel linked to? What does this connection highlight?

The monster Grendel is linked to the biblical figure cane, the first murderer, according to Christian tradition. Grendel's lineage as a descendent of Kane is a Christian image that associates him with sin, fratricide, and moral depravity disconnection highlights, the poems portrayal of evil, both physical and spiritual corruption.

How does the biblical allusion to the story of Cain and Abel Beowulf serve to deep in the portrayal of Grendel as an embodiment of evil?

In the Old Testament, Cain, the first born son of Adam and Eve, murders his brother out of jealousy, becoming the first human to commit fratricide. As a result, Kane is cursed by God and condemned to a life of wandering, marked as an outcast from human society. (GENESIS 4:1-16)

In all, what does the story symbolize?

The story symbolizes the corruption of sin and the destructive consequences of envy and violence.

What does the poems Christian imagery reflect?

The poems imagery also reflects Christian ideas about judgment and the afterlife. The notion of an eternal reward or punishment is subtly introduced, particularly in the emphasis on reputation and legacy, which carry echoes of Christian concerns with salvation and damnation.

How did the Christian images coexist with pagan elements in the story?

Recreate a unique blend that reflects the cultural and religious transition of the time.

What is allusion?

Reference to another work of literature, historical event, or historical document within another literary work

How does Grendel's connection to Cain reflect on him?

The reference to Grendel's descent from Cain in the Bible connect him to the original sin of murder and moral corruption. Like Cain, Grendel is an outcast, dwelling in desolate and forsaken places, cut off from human community and God's grace.

What does the curse of Cain become a metaphor for?

The curse of Cain, which caused Kane to be separated from mankind, becomes a metaphor for Grendel's own monstrous nature and his isolation from the joys of, human fellowship, such as those in Heorot, Hrothgar's hall.

What is Grendel symbol of?

By linking Grendel to Kane, the poem integrates Christian morality into the conflict, making Grendel a symbol of divine punishment and enstrangement from the divine order

What does the biblical allusion do for Grendel's character?

This allusion serves to heighten the contrast between Grendel and the human royalty terrorizes. It also adds a Christian layer to the interpretation of Grendel's evil, framing his actions, not just as active barbarism, but as manifestations of a deep, spiritual and moral corruption, rooted in biblical sin.

How many elements of figurative language foreshadow future events in the poem?

Beowulf will physical defeat Grendel with all his strength (the strength of 30 men). He has ultimate faith, he will be the light at the end of the tunnel and bring his people back to God.

Why does Hrothgar decide to build a mighty hall? What does he call it. Describe his hall.

Hrothgar decides to build the great mead hall as a generous thank you to the Danes, also to become a legend to them. He calls it Heorot which was a huge, beautiful building, fully indestructible.

Describe what transpires in the mead hall to evoke the anger of the monster?

The monster is angered by what goes on in the meat hall because the people celebrate in God's praise, which causes pain to the monster.

What is Grendel's lineage? Why is he described as being "born of Cain"?

He descends from Cain, making him the vermin of the land, the seed of evil.

What happens during Grendel's first visit to Herot? When does this occur? Describe the scene.

Grendel first visits Herot after the people have some to God. He entered the hall at night, taking off the door hinges easily, and taking 30 men, all of which he ate, leaving nothing but a bloody trail.

How long does Grendel haunt Herot?

12 winters

Why has Grendel been exiled?

Because he is part of Cains lineage and part of cains punishment was that all his lineage would be outcasted (all the demons, monsters, etc to be cast into the underworld).

Why doesn't Grendel attack Hrothgar?

He is protected by God

To what measures do Hrothgar and his nobles resort to rid themselves of Grendel?

They pray to the stone gods in an attempt to get rid of Grendel

How does Beowulf react when he hears of the plight of the Danes and Hrothgar?

Beowulf selects the bravest of soldiers in Geatland and travels across the seas to help, 14 men (+1, himself) in total

How are Beowulf and his men received when they arrive on the Danish shore?

When arriving on the Danish shore, Beowulf and his men are met by one of Hrothgar's lieutenants, who demands to know who they are before happily escorting them to Hrothgar.

Why does Beowulf describe himself by recounting his heritage? Why has he come?

He describes himself by recounting his heritage in respect to oral tradition to show how powerful he can be and that he is a match for Grendel. He has come to kill Grendel.

How does the watchmen respond to Beowulf's explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes?

Does the watchmen respond to his explanation of why he has come by believing him immediately, then offering to escort him and his men and to protect their boats.

Hrothgar's herald greets Beowulf and his men. According to the herald, what distinguishes Beowulf's visit from those of others who have come before him?

Beowulf acts freely, boldy, and courageously.

Who is Wulfgar? What role does he play?

He is a noble Swede who is known for strength and wisdom. He offers to introduce Beowulf to the king.

According to Wulfgar, why have Beowulf and his men come all they way from Geatland to help the Danes?

According to him, Beowulf and his men were sent by God to help the Danes get rid of Grendel.

Describe Beowulf's boasts upon meeting Hrothgar, king of the Danes.

He boast that his people have strength and great ability, and that he will defeat Grendel with his bare hands, so they are equals.