Analyzing the Epic Hero
Cycle & Epic Elements
Beowulf
Characters
Danes


Hrothgar
Unferth
Dane Monsters


Grendel
Grendel’s Mother
Geats
► Beowulf
Places:
► Wiglaf
Herot
► Hygelac
► Ecgtheow
Geats Monsters
► Dragon
What is a Monster?
Act 1: Reflect


What is the difference between a
“Monster” and a “Villain”? Explain
which definition is most applicable to
Grendel. (look up in the dictionary!)
Take a look at the posters posted
throughout the room. Which of the
posters is the most effective? Explain
your response using specifics from the
poster
GRENDEL’S CHARACTER
Direct Characterization
(Include Line #)
Indirect Characterization
(Include Line #)
Act 2: Grendel Acrostic

Create an acrostic poem

Acrostic Poems
Where is Beowulf?
Our epic hero…
At home…


He isn’t personally affected because he is
from Geat and Grendel is attacking in
Hrothgar’s kingdom of the Danes
So…
If Hrothgar had a Twitter..
How Would Beowulf’s
differ?
Page 8 of packet
Complete first tweets for Wrath of
Grendel.
Grendel Wanted Poster p5

With your partner, create the best Grendel
wanted poster possible within the time
limit given.




Follow the rubric
Be creative—use COLOR!
Post it on the back wall
Begin reading “The Coming of Beowulf” p 4348—should be read by tomorrow!
GRENDEL’S CHARACTER
Direct Characterization
Indirect Characterization
(Include Line #)
Beowulf’s CHARACTER
Act 3: Beowulf is an Epic Hero

Beowulf essentially “read” the
wanted poster, realized what a
horrible monster this was and felt it
was his RESPONSIBILITY to do
something about it. Why would the
Epic Hero feel it was his duty to
defend a country that was not his
own?
Act 4: Epic Hero Cycle

All epic heroes follow a basic pattern known
as the “epic hero cycle.” This cycle can be
repeated many times throughout the course
of an epic, but is very distinct. On your
worksheet, you will find the different
elements of the epic hero cycle that you will
need to be familiar with. Fill out the first 5
element examples using SPECIFICS from the
TEXT. You will need your textbook for this
portion. Most of this will be found in “The
Coming of Beowulf” and “The Battle with
Grendel”
Element
Example
The main character is a hero, who is often
possessed of super natural abilities or
qualities
The hero is charged with a quest (call to
Adventure)
“Crossing the Threshold” Moving from the
known to the unknown
The hero is tested, often to prove the
worthiness of himself and his quest
Epic Hero Cycle
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL
The presence of numerous mythical beings,
magical and helpful animals, and/or human
helpers and companions
The hero’s travels take him to a
supernatural world, often one that normal
human beings are barred from entering
The cycle must reach a low point where the
hero nearly gives up his quest or appears
defeated
A resurrection
Achieving the goal or the “boon”
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the
hero regaining his rightful place on the
throne. Return to the ordinary world
Applying the “boon”
Act 5: Hand to Hand Combat



Look at lines 261-270.
What does Beowulf reveal about Grendel’s
fighting method? What is his own resolution?
Why?
“Grendel and Beowulf forego weapons to
engage in ferocious hand-to-hand combat. This
clash is not a mere battle in a culture dominated
by warfare but rather a more personal, primal
conflict between equal, opposite forces.” Which
of the themes we have discussed does this
description of the battle apply to
Act 6: Kennings

A kenning is a two word poetic renaming
of people, places, and things such as
“Whale’s home” for the sea.
 Modern?
Compound Words
“Gass Guzzler”
Prepositional Phrases
Possessives
There is a kenning in line 325. Identify it.
•Sky-candle •Wolf of wounds
•Seabird’s bath
 Identify •Winters
at least of
two
more kennings
in face
•Whale-road
grief
•Ocean’s
“The Battle
with Grendel”
•Ring-giver
•Shepard
of evil
•Heaven’s joy

•Gold-ringed •Storm of swords
•Arrow’s storm
•Battle dew •Guardian of the people •Water’s chain
•Sea stallion •Path of the sea
•Battle’s torch
Summarize
► —in
your own words, define a kenning and an
appositive phrase. Give an example of each—
turn in before you leave
An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced
it. Complete this chart and draw a conclusion about
Anglo-Saxon tastes and values.
Why is it pleasing?
Feature
Boastful speeches
What values are
reflected?
Makes the hero seem
superhuman
Great hero
Lots of action
Good Triumphs over evil
Anglo Saxons had a _________________ culture. What
details reveal the importance of pagan warrior values in
Beowulf such as a belief in fate, a taste of boasting, a
pride in loyalty, and a desire for fame?
Themes







Good vs. Evil
Forces of darkness—irrational
and menacing—are always at
work in society
Life is a continuing struggle
Actions speak louder than
words
Judge the greatness of a
human by the greatness of his
deeds and noble ancestry
Help thy neighbor
To be loyal is to selflessly
make sacrifices for a loved
one.
Extra Credit Assignment Peer Evaluation:
Student
name
Epic
chosen
Presentation
Evaluation
Substantial comment
Scale of 1 (awful)-10 (great)
After watching the presentations, answer the
following question: Why are epics used to
preserve values and traditions?