• EQ: What are the essential ideas in the text?
• EQ: What elements of Anglo-Saxon Culture are
evident in the text?
• EQ: What characteristics of an epic and epic hero
are evident in the text?
• Epic – a long narrative poem; tells the great deeds of
a hero who embodies the values of his/her society
• Epic Hero - represents the values of his culture; largerthan-life; super-human capabilities
• Pagan and Christian Values – Beowulf contains both.
It is about Pagan warriors; however, it was written
down by Christian monks. As you read look for
references to each religion.
• Memento Mori –
‘remember death’
– no afterlife; therefore,
achieve immortality
– by accomplishments
– (preserve soul)
through reputation.
• Adoration – to regard with the utmost esteem,
love, and respect; to honor and worship – idolize
– The goal of Anglo Saxon society was to
attain adoration and fame in order to obtain
immortality
• Mail – shirt : armor made of 20,000 small iron
rings; mesh effect
• Wyrd : fate / destiny; Anglo Saxons must fulfill
to achieve immortality (momento mori)
• Beowulf – epic hero; seeking wyrd
• Helfdan’s son: Hrothgar (kenning)
• Higlac’s follower: Higlac is Beowulf’s uncle and
feudal lord. He hopes to bring
him honor. (kenning)
• Hrothgar – King of the Danes;
builds Herot
• Wulfgar - Hrothgar’s thane;
greets Beowulf
• Beowulf – revered warrior;
seeking wyrd
• Danes – Hrothgar’s people (Denmark)
• Geats – Beowulf’s tribe (South of Sweden)
• Art of the Brag – mental dominance;
reputation must be revered
to have afterlife
• Comitatus – warrior must die for their king
• Riddles – beauty in mystery = complexity of
words = intellectual dominance
• Boast – confidence important; sign of
dominance; must back up claims
• Flyting – argument in verse
• Brother – slayer – worst Anglo-Saxon crime
• Odin – God of death and war
• Valhalla – Odin’s home; eternal feast
(‘heaven-like’)
• Bonstan’s son: Brecca – challenged Beowulf
• Unferth – Hrothgar’s ‘top’ warrior
• Beowulf – challenged by Unferth (flyting)
Assignment:
• Read “The Arrival of the Hero” (24 – 27) and answer
Reading Guide Questions #’s1-5
• Read “Unferth’s Challenge” and answer questions #’s
1-8 (due at the end of the period)
Open your book to Pg. 25; Line 134
Beowulf arrives in Denmark and is directed to Herot, the
mead-hall of King Hrothgar. The king sends one of his
thanes to greet the visitors.
Note: Beowulf has already begun to be glorified due to
the difficult journey he completed to arrive at Hrothgar’s
kingdom.
1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What
proof does he offer that he is up to the task?
• killed many enemies; chained five giants and
chased their race from the earth; hunted
monsters out of the ocean
2. Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight
Grendel without a sword?
• avoid unfair advantage; ‘fair’ fight; better story;
bigger bragging rights
3. What information does Hrothgar reveal in a
speech he makes to Beowulf (lines 191 – 209)?
• Once helped Beowulf’s father; restored peace
• Reinforces Hrothgar’s reputation
3. What cultural elements are revealed through the
poet’s concluding statements in lines 225 - 232?
• Practices of the mead-hall and honoring those
that are brave (order of seats, feasting, songs
sung, etc…)
4. What elements of imagery are used to
characterize Beowulf?
• “…his mail shirt gleaming…” (139 – 140)
• “…dripping with my enemies’ blood” (153)
• Art of the Brag – mental dominance;
reputation must be revered
to have afterlife
• Comitatus – warrior must die for their king
• Riddles – beauty in mystery = complexity of
words = intellectual dominance
• Boast – confidence important; sign of
dominance; must back up claims
• Flyting – argument in verse
• Brother – slayer – worst Anglo-Saxon crime
• Odin – God of death and war
• Valhalla – Odin’s home; eternal feast
(‘heaven-like’)
• Bonstan’s son: Brecca – challenged Beowulf
• Unferth – Hrothgar’s ‘top’ warrior
• Beowulf – challenged by Unferth (flyting)
• 8th century England brutal Viking attacks
• Old Norse warrior so wild, fierce, and fearless his own
comrades feared him
• Warrior was called berserk
•
•
•
•
•
Berserk means ‘bare shirt’.
Often refused to wear armor, hence the nickname.
Entered battle in a fit; biting shields
Religious zealots of Odin
As you read, see if Beowulf adheres to such details!
• As you read, see if Beowulf adheres to such details!
• Read “Unferth’s Challenge”
• Answer questions #’s 1-8 (due at the end of the period)
1. Review Reading Guide Questions
2. Present Shields (nominate a leader)
3. Creature of Nightmare Group Presentations
4. Complete Reading Guide in Clans
1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What
proof does he offer that he is up to the task?
• killed many enemies; chained five giants and
chased their race from the earth; hunted
monsters out of the ocean
2. Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight
Grendel without a sword?
• avoid unfair advantage; ‘fair’ fight; better story;
bigger bragging rights
3. What information does Hrothgar reveal in a
speech he makes to Beowulf (lines 191 – 209)?
• Once helped Beowulf’s father; restored peace
• Reinforces Hrothgar’s reputation
4. What cultural elements are revealed through the
poet’s concluding statements in lines 225 - 232?
• Practices of the mead-hall and honoring those
that are brave (order of seats, feasting, songs
sung, etc…)
5. What elements of imagery are used to
characterize Beowulf?
• “…his mail shirt gleaming…” (139 – 140)
• “…dripping with my enemies’ blood” (153)
1. What angers Unferth?
• “…any had acquired fame greater than his own.”
2. What characteristics of an Epic Hero are
portrayed by Beowulf’s treatment of Unferth?
• demonstrates assertiveness; restraint; courtesy
3. Why does Unferth state,
“…but your luck may
change…” (258 – 259)?
• scare Beowulf; wants
him to lose
• create suspense; raises
doubt
4. Unferth vs. Beowulf (Flyting)
Unferth’s Account
• Foolish challenge
• Brecca won
(first to reach shore)
• Brecca honored for win
Beowulf’s Account
• Youthful challenge
• Chose to stay with
Brecca (protect)
• Survived harsh conditions
• Killed many sea monsters
• Difficulty proves he’s
stronger
5. How does Beowulf further insult Unferth?
• ‘brother-slayer’
6. Who do you feel wins the flyting?
• “You murdered your brothers…” (321)
• “…if your hands were as hard as your heart as
fierce as you think it no fool would dare to raid
your hall…” (325 – 326)
7. Who is Welthow? What historical element about
women does she convey?
• queen; serves mead
• Women were generous, beloved and gracious
8. What does Hrothgar promise?
• “…your ship will sail home with its treasure-holds
full” (391)
Assignment:
In your clan, complete your reading guide
1. Figurative Analysis
2. Interpreting an Analogy
3. Reader Response (perfect paragraph)
4. Epic Language
Directions: Write original thorough responses for both
prompts. In the space provided.
1. Justify, using at least 2-3 examples from background
knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture and textual
knowledge of Beowulf, whether or not Beowulf is
berserk.
2. What modern heroes or athletes can you think of who
portray this berserk attitude? What role does
intimidation play in modern sports or warfare?
• Remember, an epic is a long narrative written in ‘grand’
or elevated language. View the passages below and
rewrite the sentences for ‘epic effect’.
• Directions: Use a thesaurus or dictionary to aid in
your application of elevated writing style. Hint:
vary adjectives and verbs to create a sense of
drama and importance.
1. The frozen sea rose up around me.
2. A monster grabbed me.
3. Grendel lived deep in a dark cave.
4. He had never seen a more disagreeable beast.