What is Beowulf?  Only one copy of Beowulf exists.

 Almost destroyed in a fire in the 1700s.

 The oldest epic poem in English (about
 Now safe in the British Library, also
year 750).
digitized online.
 First told by singers called scops in mead
Summary (super short):
halls.
Beowulf is the first English epic about a brave
 Written in Old English, later copied by
warrior. It was told aloud, mixed old pagan
monks.
traditions with Christian ideas, and used creative
 Setting: Denmark & Sweden around the
word pictures (kennings) to make the story
500s.
powerful and memorable.
 Mixes pagan warrior values (strength,
courage) with Christian ideas (faith, good Text Analysis: Beowulf
vs. evil).
Characteristics of an Epic Poem
Important Points
1. Epic Hero – A legendary figure with
Story & Author’s Choices (RL.3)
incredible strength and courage.
 Starts with “Hear me!” → grabs attention. o Example: Beowulf fights Grendel
 Tells the adventures of Beowulf, a brave and a dragon.
warrior. 2. Lofty Ideals – The hero shows traits
 Combines many heroic stories into one big valued by society (bravery, loyalty, honor).
epic. 3. Formal Diction & Serious Tone – The
 Shows both fighting monsters and moral poem is written in elevated, serious
lessons. language.
4. Universal Themes – Deals with timeless
values like good vs. evil, life vs. death, fate
Word Choice & Tone (RL.4)
vs. free will.
 Tone = serious, grand, heroic.
 Uses kennings (special word pictures):
Reading Old English Poetry: Key Techniques
o “whale-road” = the sea
o “sky-candle” = the sun 1. Alliteration – Repetition of consonant
 Fate (wyrd) = could mean destiny, sounds.
chance, or God’s will. o Example: “So mankind’s enemy
continued his crimes” (repetition of
“c”).
Using Context Clues (L.4a)
o Effect: Makes the lines musical
 Scops = storytellers/poets. and easier to remember.
 Mead hall = a big wooden hall where 2. Caesura – A natural pause in the middle
warriors eat, drink, and listen to stories. of a line.
 You can figure out old words by reading o Example: “He took what he
the sentence around them. wanted, // all the treasures”
Figures of Speech (L.5a) o Effect: Creates rhythm for chanting
or singing.
 Kennings = make descriptions more 3. Kenning – A metaphorical phrase
creative. replacing a simple noun.
 Alliteration = repeating sounds (easy to
o Example: “mankind’s enemy” =
memorize when spoken).
Grendel
 These make the poem sound musical and
powerful. o Effect: Adds imagery and creativity
Word Meanings & Nuances (L.5b) to the poem.
 Hero = not just strong in battle, but also Vocabulary in Context
honorable and loyal.
Word List: affliction, gorge, lair, livid, infamous,
1

 Fate = sometimes means destiny, loathsome, purge, talon

Page

sometimes means God’s plan.

Match the words:
Did You Know?
 1. Claw → talon also fought without weapons. The tearing
of the arm becomes a symbol of good
2. Burden → affliction
defeating evil.
3. Notorious → infamous
3. What drives Grendel to attack so many men
4. Cram / eat greedily → gorge at Herot?

Quickwrite Prompt: What is Evil?  Answer: Grendel is jealous of the

happiness, music, and fellowship in Herot.
Evil = anything that causes great harm, He is cursed as a descendant of Cain and
suffering, or destruction. filled with hatred.
 Real-life “monsters” might be:
o Greed (taking advantage of others)  Analysis: Grendel represents envy and
o Corruption (unjust laws or abuse bitterness. He cannot stand joy because
of power) he himself is cut off from God and human
o Cruelty (bullying, violence, society. His attacks symbolize how hatred
oppression) and isolation can destroy peace.
Summary for Reviewer: 4. Why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from
 An epic poem tells the adventures of a the rafters of Herot?
legendary hero with great strength and  Answer: To show proof of his victory and
moral values. to reassure the Danes that the monster is
 Old English poetry uses alliteration, truly defeated.
caesura, and kennings to create rhythm
and vivid imagery.  Analysis: In warrior culture, trophies of
 Vocabulary words like talon, affliction, battle were displayed as a sign of strength
infamous, and gorge help describe the and honor. Hanging the arm is both a
monsters Beowulf faces. warning to enemies and a celebration of
 Evil in real life can hide in people, triumph.
systems, or actions that cause suffering.
Part 2: Beowulf and Grendel’s Mother
1. Why does Hrothgar ask Beowulf to battle
QUESTIONS:
Grendel’s mother?
Part 1: Beowulf and Grendel
 Answer: Because she attacks Herot out
1. Why does Beowulf journey across the sea of revenge and kills Hrothgar’s best friend.
to the land of the Danes?
 Analysis: This shows the cycle of blood
 Answer: He goes to Denmark to help feuds in Anglo-Saxon society—one killing
King Hrothgar defeat the monster Grendel often led to another. It also shows the
and also to gain honor for himself. people’s dependence on a hero like
Beowulf for protection.
 Analysis: Beowulf’s decision shows
courage and loyalty. In Anglo-Saxon 2. What does Beowulf do after he kills
culture, heroes were expected to help Grendel’s mother?
others, even from far away, to earn fame
 Answer: He cuts off her head and also
that would keep their name alive after
finds Grendel’s body, cutting off his head
death.
as well. He brings the heads and the
2. How does Beowulf trap and kill Grendel? sword’s hilt back as proof of victory.

 Answer: He hides in the mead hall, fights  Analysis: Beowulf does more than
Grendel with his bare hands, and rips off survive—he makes sure the threat is
the monster’s arm. Grendel escapes but completely destroyed. This shows
later dies from the wound. thoroughness and responsibility as a hero
2

who restores peace.

 Analysis: Beowulf’s bravery is shown
Page

when he refuses to use weapons. This 3. Compare and Contrast: Is Grendel’s mother
proves he is strong and fair since Grendel as wicked as Grendel?
  Answer: Grendel killed out of hate, while  Answer: Gratitude, loyalty, wisdom, and
his mother fought mainly to avenge her kinship ties.
son. She is still violent, but her reason is
 Analysis: Leaders were expected to
more human.
honor allies and reward loyalty. His words
 Analysis: Grendel’s mother represents show the social bond between kings and
vengeance, a value understood in their warriors.
culture, but it still leads to destruction.
5. What traits of an epic hero are revealed
Grendel, however, represents pure,
when Beowulf fights the dragon?
senseless evil.
 Answer: Courage, persistence, and self-
4. Why do the Geats want the Danes to see
sacrifice, even in old age.
Grendel’s skull?
 Analysis: Beowulf shows that a hero
 Answer: To show clear proof that Beowulf
never runs from danger, even if death is
had ended the terror.
certain.
 Analysis: Honor was public in Anglo-
6. What values are implied in Wiglaf’s speech?
Saxon culture. Victories had to be seen
and celebrated. Displaying the skull gave  Answer: Loyalty and courage are most
confidence to the Danes and fame to important, while cowardice is shameful.
Beowulf.
 Analysis: Wiglaf shows that a warrior’s
Part 3: Beowulf’s Last Battle and Death duty is to fight for his lord, even at the cost
of his life.
1. At what point is Beowulf introduced, and
what traits does he show? 7. What ideals are in Beowulf’s final speech?
 Answer: He is introduced when he sails to  Answer: Justice, fairness, and faith in
Denmark to fight Grendel. He is described God.
as strong, brave, and loyal to his king.
 Analysis: He is proud that he ruled well
 Analysis: This introduction shows him as and never betrayed his people. This
the model epic hero, eager for challenges shows leadership is also about wisdom,
and glory. not just strength.
2. Why did people value traits like bravery and 8. What theme is suggested in the treasure
loyalty? lines (768–778)?
 Answer: Because survival of tribes  Answer: Death is stronger than treasure;
depended on strong warriors who would wealth cannot save anyone.
protect them and remain loyal to their lord.
 Analysis: Fame and honor last longer
 Analysis: In a dangerous world, heroes than gold. Treasure fades, but legacy
kept society safe. Bravery and loyalty also remains.
earned fame, which gave meaning to life
and death. 9. Why is it important to Beowulf to leave a
legacy?
3. What theme do the lines about demons
“again and again defeated” suggest?  Answer: He wants a tower built in his
name so future generations will remember
 Answer: The never-ending battle between him.
good and evil.
 Analysis: In Anglo-Saxon culture,
 Analysis: Evil never disappears; it always memory was the closest thing to
returns. People must stay strong and immortality.
continue fighting it.
10. What does Wiglaf’s speech after Beowulf’s
3

4. What values are shown in Hrothgar’s death teach about honor?

Page

speech to Beowulf?
 Answer: Honor is more important than
life, and cowardice leads to shame.
  Analysis: This reflects the warrior code: 6. Wiglaf
loyalty and courage live on, while dishonor  Role: Loyal warrior of Beowulf.
destroys reputation forever.  Details: The only warrior who stays to help
Beowulf against the dragon. Represents
SUMMARY: loyalty, courage, and the future generation
of warriors.
 Beowulf = true epic hero: strong, brave, 7. Edgetho
loyal, and seeking lasting fame.  Role: Beowulf’s father.
 Grendel = envy and senseless evil.  Details: In the past, Hrothgar helped him
 Grendel’s mother = revenge and grief, settle a feud. This is one reason Beowulf
still destructive. feels loyal to Hrothgar.
8. Higlac (Hygelac)
 Dragon = fate and death, which even  Role: King of the Geats and Beowulf’s
the greatest hero cannot escape. uncle.
 Themes:  Details: Beowulf is his follower at first.
o The fight between good and evil Later, after Higlac and his son die,
never ends. Beowulf becomes king.
o Bravery and loyalty are the highest 9. Welthow
virtues.  Role: Hrothgar’s queen.
o Honor and reputation are more  Details: She serves as hostess in Herot,
lasting than wealth. showing the role of women in offering
peace and hospitality.
o Death is inevitable, but legacy
makes a hero live on.
10. Unferth
CHARCTERS:  Role: Danish warrior in Hrothgar’s court.
1. Beowulf  Details: At first doubts Beowulf’s ability,
 Role: Hero of the story; a Geat warrior but later gives him a sword (Hrunting) to
who becomes king. fight Grendel’s mother. Represents envy
 Details: Strongest of men, brave, loyal, but also respect.
and willing to fight monsters to protect
others. He kills Grendel, Grendel’s mother, SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
and later fights a dragon. He dies after the
dragon battle but leaves behind a legacy.  Who is the main hero of the story?
2. Hrothgar → Beowulf, the brave Geat warrior and
 Role: King of the Danes.
later king.
 Details: He built Herot, the great mead
hall. His people are attacked by Grendel.  Who is the king of the Danes that
He welcomes Beowulf and asks for his Beowulf helps?
help. He represents a wise but aging → King Hrothgar, the wise but old
leader. ruler.
3. Grendel  Who are the three main enemies that
 Role: Monster and enemy of the Danes. Beowulf fights?
 Details: Descendant of Cain (from the → Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the
Bible). He hates the joy and music in dragon.
Herot and attacks it at night, killing many  What is Herot, and why is it important?
men. Symbol of envy, evil, and isolation. → Herot is the mead hall of the Danes,
4. Grendel’s Mother
a place of joy and unity.
 Role: Another monster; Grendel’s mother.
 Details: She seeks revenge after her son  Who is Wiglaf, and why is he important
is killed. Lives in a dark underwater lair. in the last battle?
She kills Hrothgar’s closest friend before → Wiglaf is Beowulf’s loyal warrior
being slain by Beowulf. Symbol of who helps him fight the dragon when
vengeance. others run.
5. The Dragon  Who is Beowulf’s father, and why is
 Role: Final enemy of Beowulf. this connection important to Hrothgar?
4

 Details: A fire-breathing creature guarding → Edgetho; Hrothgar once helped

Page

treasure. Disturbed when a thief steals him, so Beowulf repays the kindness.
from its hoard. Beowulf fights it in his old
age. Symbol of death and fate.
 What is the dragon guarding when → Because honor lasts forever, but
Beowulf fights it? treasure fades.
→ A treasure hoard.  What does Herot symbolize in the
 Who is Unferth, and how does he treat story?
Beowulf? → Community, joy, and human
→ A Danish warrior; he first doubts achievement.
Beowulf but later respects him.  What does Grendel represent?
 What is Beowulf’s last request before → Evil, jealousy, and destruction.
he dies?  How is Grendel’s mother different from
→ To see the dragon’s treasure and Grendel?
be remembered with a tower. → She fights for revenge, while
 What monument is built for Beowulf Grendel kills out of envy and hate.
after his death?  What does the dragon symbolize in
→ A tall tower by the sea so people Beowulf’s life?
will remember him. → Death and fate, which no one can
 Why does Beowulf sail to Denmark in escape.
the beginning?  What theme is shown in the repeated
→ To help Hrothgar defeat Grendel battles with monsters?
and to gain honor. → The struggle between good and
 Why does Grendel attack the people in evil.
Herot?  What does Wiglaf’s loyalty teach about
→ Because he is jealous of their Anglo-Saxon values?
happiness and cursed as Cain’s → That real honor comes from
descendant. courage and loyalty to leaders.
 Why does Beowulf fight Grendel  What lesson about leadership is found
without weapons? in Beowulf’s last speech?
→ To fight fair and show his true → That a leader must be fair, just, and
strength. faithful to God.
 Why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s  What does the treasure in the dragon’s
arm in Herot? cave represent?
→ As proof of victory and to celebrate. → Greed, death, and the emptiness of
 Why does Grendel’s mother attack wealth.
Herot?  Why was leaving a legacy so important
→ To take revenge for her son’s for Beowulf and his people?
death. → Because being remembered was
 Why does Hrothgar trust Beowulf to their way of immortality.
fight Grendel’s mother?  What values of Anglo-Saxon culture
→ Because Beowulf already proved are shown in the story?
himself by killing Grendel. → Bravery, loyalty, honor, and the
 Why is Wiglaf praised after the dragon desire for fame.
battle?  If you compare Grendel and his
→ Because he stayed loyal while mother, who is more human, and why?
others abandoned Beowulf. → Grendel’s mother, because she
 Why do the Geats want to show acted out of love and grief.
Grendel’s skull to the Danes?  In your opinion, is Beowulf’s desire for
→ To prove the monsters were truly fame selfish or heroic?
defeated. → Heroic, because it inspires bravery
 Why is Beowulf proud of his rule in his and keeps his memory alive.
final speech?  If Wiglaf did not help Beowulf, what
→ Because he was a fair king, kept lesson would the story teach about
peace, and did not abuse power. loyalty?
5

 Why is honor more important than → It would show that loyalty is rare
treasure in the story? and betrayal brings shame.
Page
 What can modern readers learn from
Beowulf’s story today?
→ That true leadership needs
courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
 How does Beowulf reflect both pagan
and Christian values?
→ Pagan: fate, revenge, and glory.
Christian: God’s will, justice, and
humility.

6
Page