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The Rise of the Danes
What is the story of Shyld Sheafson? What are the specific details about birth, life and death?
What does it establish in terms of Ancestry for Hrothgar?
What does it establish about Anglo-Saxon funeral practices?
Heorot is Attacked
How does this section use settings to establish the good Danes from the evil monster,
Grendel?
How does Grendel's lineage differ from the Danes?
The Hero Comes to Heorot
Give two examples of how the watchman's description begins to establish Beowulf's character

What is the relationship between Beowulf'a ancestor, Echtheow, and Hrothgar?
What proof does Beowulf give that he is up to the task of defeating a monster?
Feast at Heorot
What claim does Unferth make to challenge the heroic reputation of Beowulf? What is
Beowulf's response?
What is Wealtheow's role in the hall? How might she be a peacekeeper?
What is Beowulf's plan to trap Grendel?

The Fight with Grendel
What does Beowulf do to prepare for battle with Grendel? What is his reasoning?
How does Beowulf mortally wound Grendel?
* In Celebration at Heorot, the Danes celebrate the victory of Beowulf. He tells
Hrothgar he has failed because Grendel escaped the hall still living. In an example of comitatus, Hrothgar gives Beowulf treasure for his defense of the Danes. The scops sing of
Heremod, a king who was not a good leader because he did not spread the wealth he received from his thanes. Because of his greedy leadership, the faithfulness of his followers declined.
Wealtheow gives Beowulf a necklace and asks him to watch over her sons because they are young and their uncle may cause them harm to gain the kingship if Hrothgar were died (her role as protector and peace-keeper). In an example of wergild, Hrothgar gives reparation in the form of money for the death of the Geat soldier killed in defense of Heorot. Another story is told about Queen Hildebugh. She is a dane married to a Frisian to settle a feud between groups.
She is unsuccessful in being a peace-keeper when the Danes (in an effort to seek revenge for the death of their leaders who are Hildeburgh's brother and son) kill her husband Finn. She is now without a husband and brother and is taken back by the Danes.
Another Attack
How does Grendel's mother take revenge or wergild for the death of her son? How do her actions differ from other women in the text?
Beowulf fights Grendel's Mother
Describe the lake, What dangers defend the Lair of Grendel's mother?

not?
How is Beowulf prepared for battle? Are these items successful in battle? Why or why
Beowulf Returns Home
In an example of comitatus - how does Beowulf show his loyalty to Hygelac (his Geat
King)? What does he get in return?
Discussing the role of women as peacekeepers - how is Modthryth different from Hygd?
The Dragon Awakes
How much time has passed? When Beowulf reflects upon his past, what do we learn about how he became King?
What is the new threat to the Geats and why is it destroying their homes and halls?

Summarize the battle between Beowulf and the dragon. Who is the victor? What is the outcome? Who are the traitors/cowards?
Why is Beowulf glad even though he has met his end?
Beowulf's Funeral
What does Wiglaf say will be the fate of the people because of their actions?
What is ironic about the fate of the treasure Beowulf was so happy to provide for his people?
Why is the old woman lamenting?
Describe the burial of Beowulf. Is it similar to the burial of Shyld?