Character Names
The main character, a fierce warrior, traveled to help the Danes kill Grendel
Beowulf
Line 975:
“But the wound will end him.”
Fate
Who is Beowulf trying to defeat?
Grendel
Sea-rovers, Whale-road
Kenning
Grendel breaks into Heorot Hall and kills one warrior before reaching for Beowulf.
In this moment, all of Beowulf's men are vulnerable. Also showcases Grendel's supernatural strength.
Current king of the Danes
Hrothgar
Line 955–956:
“May the God of Ages continue to keep and requite you well”
Christianity vs. Paganism
What is the connection between Beowulf and Hrothgar?
Beowulf's father is friends with Hrothgar
"God-cursed"
Compound
Beowulf fatally injures Grendel by tearing off his arm.
Defeating Grendel isn't just luck, it requires super human courage and force.
Father of Beowulf, friend of Hrothgar
Ecgtheow
Line 946:
“I adopt you in my heart as a dear son”
Loyalty
What weapon(s) is(are) Grendel immune to?
Swards and other human weapons
“God-cursed Grensel came greedily”
Alliteration
No weapons can harm Grendel due to his magic immunity.
Beowulf no human tools: underscores that human tools alone cannot defeat ultimate evil; it requires extraordinary power. Beowulf’s bare-handed victory is therefore even more impressive, setting him apart from ordinary warriors.
Legendary King of the Danes
Shield Shefling
Without this payment, vengeance would continue endlessly.
Wergild
Grendel's Death Place
Fen-Banks
“The splayed hand up under the eaves. Every nail, claw-scale and spur…”
Variation
Hrothgar holds a banquet in Beowulf’s honor
The gifts symbolize lasting bonds between Hrothgar and Beowulf’s people (the Geats).
Grandson of Shield Shefling, father of Hrothgar
Healfdene
Lines: 793-796:
"Time and again, Beowulf's warriors worked to defend thier lord's life, laying about them as best as they could with their ancestral blades."
Heroism
How many horses does Beowulf receive?
8
Lines 889-891:
"But it came to pass that his sward plunged
right through those radiant scales
and drove into the wall. The dragon died of it"
Versification (Caesura)
Beowulf’s reputation spreads
He is now viewed as a hero, even while Hrothgar is still a “good king.”