Strength and Honor: A Heroes Journey Part I
Heroes and Heroism
Answer the following question by filling the box below. You can draw a detailed picture or you can write, but you must be
actively working on answering the question for the entire allotted period.
What is a hero?
Beowulf Anticipation Guide
Answer the following questions in detail. Each response should have 2-3 sentences of explanation.
Statement
Agree/Disagree Explanation with a least 1 specific example
Everyone respect and follow a hero
People should not travel to foreign
lands to help defend its inhabitants
against any threats b/c it is not their
affair.
Monsters no longer exist in modern
day.
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Beowulf
A guide through the Epic adventure of a lifetime!
Epic Elements
Epic Element
Epic Hero
Definition
As seen in Beowulf
Quest
Valorous deeds
Divine intervention
Great events
Essential Vocabulary:
Kenning
caesura
legendary hero
paraphrase
epic
appositive phrase
Christian Vs. Pagan
Christian Beliefs in Beowulf
Pagan Beliefs in Beowulf
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Study Guide Questions
Answer each of these questions fully and completely. They may be used on pop-quizzes or tests so make sure you take your time and answer each one.
The Wrath of Grendel (pg. 41-43)
1. Describe the “Powerful monster, living down in the darkness.” Speculate: Why does he only come out at night?
2. Identify a Biblical Allusion on page 42.
3. What is the main idea of the sentences in lines 34-40? Paraphrase these lines.
4. Terrorized by Grendel, Hrothgar and the followers face “Twelve winters of grief.” How does the length of the
suffering increase the epic feeling of this tale?
5. How had hate triumphed (line 58)?
6. Read the translator’s insight on page 43. What does this information reveal about Grendel?
7. What tactics did Hrothgar and his people try to relieve their suffering?
8. Why had Hrothgar and his people lose hope?
The Coming of Beowulf (pg. 43-48)
1. Who is Higlac? Why is this identification so important?
2. What are some motivating factors for Beowulf’s quick actions?
3. What good “omens” could Beowulf and his followers have run into to urge the voyage and adventure to continue?
4. Paraphrase lines 125-131. What is the main idea?
5. How do word choice and other stylistic features of the watchman’s speech add a serious, epic tone to his question
in lines 152-172? How could you shorten the question?
6. What information does Beowulf reveal about himself in his introduction?
7. What does Beowulf’s way of identifying himself suggest about the values of a warrior culture?
8. Why does Beowulf sail to Denmark?
9. How do Beowulf’s boasts of great deeds and his announcement of his plan establish him as a hero?
10. Paraphrase Beowulf’s plans in lines 264-279.
11. What does Beowulf ask of Hrothgar?
12. What values and beliefs of warrior culture does Beowulf’s attitude toward death express?
The Battle with Grendel (pg. 48-51)
1. Why does Grendel come to the kingdom? Is he afraid of Beowulf?
2. What “human eyes” were watching Grendel’s “evil steps”?
3. How do the “renaming” of Grendel in line 325 emphasize the weighty significance of the battle that is about to
begin?
4. Read the translator’s insight on page 49. Do you agree with his assessment of Grendel? Explain.
5. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel.
6. What advantage does Beowulf have in his fight with Grendel?
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The Monster’s Lair
1. Describe the lair using details from the passage.
The Battle with Grendel’s Mother (pg. 52-55)
1. Who is “Edgetho’s brave son”? How else is he identified throughout the epic? Speculate: Why would the epic
refer to him in so many different ways?
2. Why does Beowulf decide to kill Grendel’s Mother?
3.
Where does Grendel’s mother live?
4. What does the inability of Grendel’s mother to tear Beowulf apart suggest about his heroic nature?
5. How does the setting of this battle add to its epic significance?
6. Describe the fight between Beowulf and Grendel’s Mother.
7. Read the Translator’s insight on page 53. How does the motivation for honor alone amplify the character of
Beowulf?
8. Why does Beowulf toss aside his sword in the fight?
9. Why does Beowulf chop off Grendel’s head?
10. Why did the warriors at the top of the lake lose hope moments before Beowulf surfaced?
11. Read the “science connection” on page 55. What makes the Hrunting valuable property?
12. What does Beowulf do after slaying Grendel’s mother?
The Last Battle
1. What has changed about Beowulf?
2. Why does Beowulf feel the need to explain his use of sword and shield to fight the dragon?
3. What does Beowulf’s speech in lines 630-49 suggest to you about Anglo-Saxon values?
4. How does Beowulf plan to fight the dragon?
5. Why does Wiglaf join the fight? Why doesn’t anyone else join them?
6. According to Wiglaf, what is Beowulf’s relationship with his followers like?
7. What does Wiglaf’s decision suggest about the way in which a legendary hero can inspire heroism in others?
8. How do Beowulf’s companions react when the dragon breathes flame on him?
The Spoils
1. What does Beowulf ask of Wiglaf?
2. In Beowulf’s death scene, what is shown about the importance in warrior culture of the commemoration of
individuals after death?
The Farewell
1. What is Beowulf’s last request?
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Enrichment: Film Portrayals of Monsters
For thousands of years, evil monsters have played an important role in the world’s literature.
Today, monsters continue to thrive—until a hero comes along—on movie screens and televisions.
You have probably enjoyed a number of frightening monster films and videos from the safety of your
living room or local movie theater. You may even have your own favorite monsters—ones that were
effectively presented and gave you a particularly “good scare.”
DIRECTIONS: Think about the creatures of doom and darkness that you have seen in films and
videos. Include aliens from outer space and psychological human monsters, as well as the more “oldfashioned” sort. Make a chart like the one shown here. List your favorite monsters in the first column.
Then fill in the other columns with information about each monster. You must have at least 3
monsters in your chart
Enrichment: Wanted Poster
Use the information in your chart to
help you consider how you would
describe Grendel. Write a description
using scenes from the poem in which
you present your ideas. Then, create
a wanted poster using the description
and a sketch of what you believe
Grendel might look like (don’t copy
the yucky picture in the book! Come
up with your own idea based on the
description in the text). You should
also think about what the Danish
King might offer as a reward. See
rubric on my website (to the right as
well) for details.
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Beowulf PowerPoint Guide
ACT 1:
Term
Monster
Definition
Difference?
Villain
o Grendel is a __________________________ because
o _________________________ poster is most effective because
ACT 2:
o An acrostic poem is:
G
R
E
N
D
E
L
ACT 3:
o Beowulf’s duty
Act 4:
Beowulf Epic Hero Cycle
Element
The main character is a hero, who is often
possessed of super natural abilities or qualities
Example
The hero is charged with a quest
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The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of
himself and his quest
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
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero
regaining his rightful place on the throne.
ACT 5:
o Grendel fights without :
o Beowulf decides to fight without:
o Hand to hand combat is more rewarding because:
o Theme: “Clash between equal and opposite forces” :
ACT 6:
o Line 325 kenning
o Two other kennings
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Follow Beowulf on Twitter!!! (40 points) EC (10 points)
You’re ongoing assignment is to create a physical (not a computer based) twitter@beowulf account. This does NOT mean
you need to sign up for a twitter account! You are doing this on your own paper, as creatively as possible (see template
attached). You are pretending that I am following you on twitter and when you turn in your assignment, you want me to
have as much information as possible about Beowulf’s escapades.
Specifics:
o Create a picture that represents Beowulf. You may draw a picture of Beowulf or you may choose a symbol to
represent him. (5 points)
o You must have at least 2 “tweets” per subtitle for a total of 16. (The last two sections are where Beowulf has
died so you will assume that his successor, Wiglaf, has taken over his twitter account. Make sure you
demonstrate a change in tone.) (16 points)
o Each “tweet” must have 3-4 lines of “events” or “Updates” (16 points)
o This should NOT just be a retelling of events. This should include emotion, aftermath, etc. Things
OUTSIDE the text. Ex. What makes him decide to go help the Danes? How does Beowulf respond to the
death of Grendel? How does he feel as he enters the Beasts’ lair?
o Each “tweet” should be in the vernacular; “text talk” is fine, but make sure you can tell me what it means if I
run into a translation problem!
o You must have a list of people who follow him. You must have at least 4, one can be me, one can be you; the
others must be from the story. Be creative with this. (3 points)
o You do NOT have to type your “tweets,” but you can if you so desire. If you hand write your tweets, they
should be in PEN (blue or black) and should be written neatly, with the symbol or picture of Beowulf at the
top.
*Extra credit opportunity:
o Have a character respond to Beowulf. To receive credit, the character must respond at least 5 times. (10
points)
o Illustrate at least 5 “tweets” (10 points)
Rubric:
Beowulf Picture
2 tweets per subtitle
3-4 lines each
Style
List of people
Format
Represents Beowulf
Evidence of time and thought
Creativity
Color
Format
(completion)
(completion
Creativity (slang, text talk etc)
“outside text”
Tone
Represents character
(Completion)
Neat & orderly (separated
logically)
Follows a sequence
2
2
2
1
1
3
4
1
2
3
8 points
16 points
16 points
10 points
5 points
5 points
2
TPP 60
Character Responses
Illustrations
EXTRA CREDIT
Must have 5 to receive EC
points; must be logical and
sequencial
Must have 5 tweets
illustrated; must be neat and
orderly with evidence of both
time and thought to receive
credit
10 points
10 points
Total EC Points 20
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Symbol/pic for Beowulf
Tweet #1 “The Wrath of Grendel”
Five followers of Beowulf
Extra CreditFollower Response:
(include follower name)
Tweet #2 “The Wrath of Grendel”
Tweet #1 “The Coming of Beowulf”
Tweet #2 “The Coming of Beowulf”
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Tweet #1 “The Battle with Grendel”
Tweet #2 “The Battle with Grendel”
Tweet #1 “The Monster’s Lair”
Tweet #2 “The Monster’s Lair”
Tweet #1 “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother”
Tweet #2 “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother”
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Tweet #1 “The Last Battle”
Tweet #2 “The Last Battle”
Tweet #1 “The Spoils”
Tweet #2 “The Spoils”
Tweet #1 “The Farewell”
Tweet #2 “The Farewell”
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Beowulf: Epic Elements and Cunning Kennings
The epic Beowulf is a long narrative poem that recounts the exploits of the legendary warrior Beowulf. Like other epic
heroes, Beowulf represents good and earns glory by struggling against the forces of evil represented by several
monstrous creatures. He represents the values of his nation, culture, and religion. Beowulf is a typical epic poem in its
serious tone and elevated language, which portrays characters, action, and setting in terms larger and grander than life.
The use of kennings, two-word metaphorical names for familiar things, is also a particular characteristic of Anglo-Saxon
poetry.
DIRECTIONS: Read each passage from Beowulf. Then list the characteristics of epic poetry represented in it.
1. So mankind’s enemy continued his crimes, / Killing as often as he could, coming / Alone, bloodthirsty and horrible.
Though he lived / In Herot, when the night hid him, he never / Dared to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious / Throne, protected
by God—God, / Whose love Grendel could not know. . . .
2. “Hail Hrothgar! / Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days / Of my youth have been filled with glory. Now Grendel’s /
Name has echoed in our land: sailors / Have brought us stories of Herot, the best / Of all mead-halls, deserted and
useless when the moon / Hangs in skies the sun had lit, / Light and life fleeing together. / My people have said, the wisest,
most knowing / And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes’ / Great king. They have seen my strength for
themselves, / Have watched me rise from the darkness of war. . . .”
3. “Grant me, then, / Lord and protector of this noble place, / A single request! I have come so far, / O shelterer of warriors
and your people’s loved friend, / That this one favor you should not refuse me— / That I, alone and with the help of my
men, / May purge all evil from this hall.”
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Appositives & Appositive Phrases
In your own words, define appositive/appositive phrases:_________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
In the boxes below, write all the character traits of both Grendel and Beowulf.
GRENDEL
BEOWULF
Follow the directions for each question to create your own sentences using appositive phrases
1. Write a sentence describing Grendel while using an appositive phrase.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Write a sentence describing Beowulf while using an appositive phrase.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Write a sentence describing Grendel’s attack’s using an appositive phrase.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Write a sentence describing Beowulf’s attitude toward Grendel using an appositive phrase.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Write a sentence describing the fight between Grendel and Beowulf using an appositive phrase.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
AFTER READING:
1. Go back and look at one of the themes we talked about earlier and describe in detail your opinion of the theme in
relation to the story.
2. Do you think Beowulf’s deeds make him a good role model? Explain.
3. Identify one person who is inspired by Beowulf’s actions. Does this add to his heroic nature? Explain.
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An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it. Complete this chart and draw a conclusion
about Anglo-Saxon tastes and values.
Feature
Why is it pleasing?
What values are reflected?
Boastful speeches
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?
Extra Credit Assignment:
Epics: Because epics have been used the world over to preserve values and traditions, they are a rich resource
for exploring world cultures. Your extra credit assignment is to gather information on ONE of these epics and
prepare and oral report of your findings for the class. You must fill in the chart below (on a separate sheet of
paper) for the epic and must share it with the class to receive the 15 point extra credit coupon. It’s all or nothing.
You must commit to the EC assignment by Friday. DO NOT BACK OUT.
Possible epic
Country of origin
Possible epic
Country of origin
Kalevala
Finland
Sundiata
Mali
Chanson de Roland
France
Volsunga Saga
Norway
Ramayana and Mahabharata
India
Maui
Polynesia
Orland Furioso
Italy
The Aeneid
Rome
Heike Monogatari
Japan
Poema del Cid
Spain
Epic I have chosen
Reason I chose this epic
Source of information for epic
Brief summary of epic in my own words
Most interesting thing I learned
Why are epics used to preserve values and traditions
(your opinion)
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Extra Credit Assignment Peer Evaluation:
Student name
Epic chosen
Presentation Evaluation
Scale of 1 (awful)-10 (great)
Substantial comment
After watching the presentations, answer the following question: Why are epics used to preserve values
and traditions?
AFTER READING:
1. Go back and look at one of the themes we talked about earlier and describe in detail your opinion of the theme in
relation to the story.
2. Do you think Beowulf’s deeds make him a good role model? Explain.
3. Identify one person who is inspired by Beowulf’s actions. Does this add to his heroic nature? Explain.
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