1. Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?
Unlike Hrothgar, Shield became king because he had the ability to take down the enemies. Hrothgar became king through wealth. When Shield died the Danes buried him and his treasures in the sea. Hrothgar happens to be Shield’s grandson
[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)
1. Grendel, the monster, attached thirty warriors while they were asleep and ran home with their bodies for a couple of nights. This devastated the Danes and the sorrow …show more content…
What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?
Beowulf tells Hrothgar that his men follow Higlac. (King of Geats) Hrothgar knew Beowulf’s father because he was a famous soldier known as a leader of men.
[Feast at Heorot] (Lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)
1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?
Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match and will once again have to have defeat with Grendel. Beowulf retaliates by accusing Unferth of drunkenness and describes what happen in the swimming match. This is relevant because Unferth may indeed be correct; Beowulf would have met defeat again if it wasn’t for Wiglaf.
2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?
At the feast she offers drinks to all the men present. She distributes food and drink, and also strives for goodwill and peace.
[The Fight with Grendel] (Lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)
1. Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with …show more content…
How does Beowulf tell Hrothgar to respond?
Beowulf agrees to fight again for the Danes. He feels it is an honor and the last battle made him a bit more confident to do it.
2. What happens at the mere before Beowulf enters it?
Before Beowulf enters the mere, he sinks for hours going down in the water.
3. How does Beowulf prepare for the battle? What sword does he take with him?
Beowulf prepared for battle by telling Hrothgar what his wishes are if he may die. Beowulf took his ring-marked blade.
4. What happens when Beowulf enters the mere? What is surprising about where Grendel and his mother live in the mere?
When he finally lands, Grendel’s mother grabs him, but his armor protects him. To me its not surprising that the monsters live in a dark place, however; it is surprising that it takes half a day to get down there.
5. What happens to the sword Beowulf borrowed from Unferth?
Beowulf strikes at Grendel’s mother with the borrowed sword, Hrunting, but the blade has no effect and breaks
6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?
Beowulf escapes Grendel’s mother by having the strength and faith to defeat her and using his strength to get off the