Beowulf Unit Projects
English 12-1/2
At the end of our Beowulf unit, please be prepared to hand in one of the following
projects. They may be completed in groups of 3 or 4 unless otherwise noted.
1. Memorize and present, as a group of scops who are appropriately attired, a
portion of Beowulf. Each group member must present at least 20 lines. Your
group should be prepared to explain why you chose this section and its
significance to the poem as a whole.
2. Research and design the clothing/apparel of the significant characters in Beowulf.
You will need to draw, sketch, or create these designs to share with the class.
Each “costume” should be accompanied by a rationale. The significant characters
would be Beowulf, Wiglaf, Unferth, Hrothgar, Grendel, and the Troll Wife.
3. Choose a character from Beowulf and design and organize his funeral. You will
need to do some research on burials from this time period. This presentation will
include a drawing, sketch, or model of the burial site, and should also include a
eulogy of at least 20 lines written in the A-S style.
4. Write a comparison/contrast essay for Beowulf and The 13th Warrior. This essay
should have a clear intro and conclusion, at least 4 points of comparison and
contrast, at least 4 citations/quotations from the Beowulf text, be mechanically
proficient, and be typed. (Group of 2 only)
5. Rewrite Beowulf for a different audience (i.e. children, another culture,
mathematicians, feminists, teenagers, etc.) Create/find illustrations to match your
text. Depending on text and illustration size the new Beowulf should be 15-20
pages long.
6. Write a research paper that explores the themes of Beowulf. Please include the
significance of the heroic code as well as the importance of the epic style. This
paper must include in-text citation, and utilize 3 sources, one of which may be an
internet source. It should be typed, at least 6 paragraphs in length, and
mechanically proficient. (Group of 2 only)
7. Create a book of character analyses of the main players in the epic Beowulf.
Describe their outward appearance, their likes and dislikes, their personality traits,
their strengths and weaknesses, etc. Each analysis should be accompanied by a
visual representation of the character. Please analyze the following characters:
Beowulf, Wiglaf, Hrothgar, Unferth, Grendel, The Troll Wife.