Beowulf: A New Telling
Chapters 1-3
Study Questions
Chapter 1: A Ship Without A Sail
1. Why was Scyld Scefing named King of the Danes? What did the people
believe about him?
They believed Odin (their God) sent him to be their king. He arrived by
boat surrounded by gold and this led to their thinking that he was chosen
to be their king.
2. Characterize Scyld Scefing as a king and leader. List his traits.
He was tall and loud. Viewed as almost giant (in appetite and voice).
Everyone who lived in his kingdom loved him. He was successful in
keeping all enemies away with his reputation as a mighty warrior. He
could lift a heavier sword than other warriors. Appeared almost immortal
although he was not.
3. What did Scyld request from his warriors before he died? Despite their
sorrow, why would they agree to his wishes?
He requested that his warriors bury him at sea. He wanted a ship built so
that he would be laid upon a bed with his gold surrounding him, he would
then have the burial fire lit and he would sail to sea. His warriors agreed
to this because it is the appropriate, respectful burial for a warrior and
leader of his nature. It is also custom for warriors to follow the requests of
their kings.
Chapter 2: A Hall Full Of Blood
4. Characterize Hrothgar as a king. List his traits.
Bold, fierce and strong. He had a backbone that would bend to no man.
He was not boastful.
How is Hrothgar similar to his grandfather, Scyld Scefing, as a king?
The people he ruled over loved him. He was considered a strong, fair
leader.
5. Why does Hrothgar want Heorot, the hall, built? Describe it.
Because he had a dream about a hall and because he wanted a hall for his
people and for poets to come and tell their stories as had been done in
previous generations. The hall was large and made of gold and ivory.
What does it stand for to Hrothgar’s people?
It stands as a reminder that someone is looking out for them. It also
signifies the positive relationship that Hrothgar has with his people.
6. How is Grendel characterized?
Grendel is described as a large, hideous monster that lives in the fen
(swampy marsh). Cruel, slimy, wicked hearted, swollen in greed, “chief of
all horrors”
7. What does Hrothgar dream?
That the hall was covered in blood.
Chapter 3: Ten Against Grendel
8. What does Grendel do to Hrothgar’s men and hall?
Grendel slaughters the men in the hall. He ate 30 men on the first night.
The hall is covered in blood, just as Hrothgar has dreamt.
9. According to Unferth, how was Grendel spawned?
Unferth explains that Grendel was born from the union of Cain and a
serpent. Both Cain and the serpent were made of hate; therefore Grendel
is made of hate.
10. Why does Unferth seem amused that Grendel is terrorizing Hrothgar’s hall
and men? What might be motivating him?
Unferth could be slightly evil himself. He may not have large amounts of
goodness in him. Additionally, he could be faced with, and dealing with,
fear. This reaction also slightly demonstrates his jealousy of Hrothgar.
What does Hrothgar mean when he tells Unferth, “It takes an evil nose to
smell the devil”?
That perhaps Unferth has evil inside of him. Hrothgar could be saying it
takes one to know one.
11. Grendel hesitates when he sees Hrothgar lying helpless and hurt. Why
does he hesitate and ultimately let Hrothgar live?
The light reflecting off of Hrothgar’s armor causes Grendel to be stopped.
He is hesitant because it is almost like he is in the light of God and Grendel
cannot fight against God.