Beowulf

• epic poem (noun)


   a narrative poem that talks about the achievements and bravery of a heroic character
• mead-hall (noun)


  a large structure where warriors can drink together and share stories of their conquests
• scop (noun)


  an Old English bard or poet
• desolate (adjective)


  empty, lifeless
• pyre (noun)


  a heap of wood for burning a dead body at a funeral rite
• epic


  a narrative that talks about the achievements and bravery of a heroic character.
• Characteristics of an epic

  1. The hero is a figure of national importance.
  2. The action involves a long and dangerous journey.
  3. The setting of an epic is large in scale.
  4. Supernatural beings and events play a role in epic affairs.
  5. The style of an epic is formal and grand.
  6. Epics assign short phrases to individual characters.
• BEOWULF

  • tells the story of the hero Beowulf, and his battles against the monster Grendel (and Grendel’s mother), and against an unnamed dragon
• CHARACTER LIST (Geats)

  • Beowulf
  • Wiglaf
  • Hygelac
  • Hygd
  • Heardred
• CHARACTER LIST (Monsters)

  • Grendel
  • Grendel's mother
  • Dragon
• CHARACTER LIST (Danes)

  • Scyld Scefing
  • Hrothgar
  • Wealhtheow
  • Unferth
• Beowulf


  A mighty warrior and noble individual, the poem's hero, with the strength of 30 in his hand-grip, comes to the aid of Hrothgar's Danes. Later Beowulf is king of the Geats.
• Wiglaf


  The only thane to stand with Beowulf against the dragon, he is the Geats' future king and a symbol of loyalty within the social/political structure of the comitatus.
• Hygelac


  King of the Geats and uncle to Beowulf, his death in battle (c. 520) is recorded historically, unlike most of the events in the poem.
• Hygd


  Hygelac's queen is a perfect hostess in the style of Wealthow and exemplifies propriety in royalty. Beowulf is loyal to her and her young son, Heardred, when Hygelac dies.
• Heardred


  Despite Beowulf's support, the young king, son of Hygelac and Hygd, is killed in a feud. Beowulf then becomes king of the Geats.
• Scyld Scefing


  A mythical figure, Scyld was the founder of the tribe of the Scyldings long before Beowulf's story begins. His ship funeral early in the poem is a significant ritual.
• Hrothgar


  The aging king of the Danes welcomes Beowulf's assistance in facing the menace of Grendel. His sermon to Beowulf before the Geat champion's departure is thematically important; his great mead-hall, Heorot, symbolizes the kingdom's success, civilization, and joy.
• Wealhtheow


  Hrothgar's queen welcomes Beowulf and is the embodiment of charm and hospitality.
• Unferth


  One of Hrothgar's top retainers, Unferth insults Beowulf after dipping too deeply into the mead bowl at the first banquet. He later lends Beowulf a sword for a crucial battle.