What is the plot of Beowulf?
Plot Overview. When Beowulf is an old man, however, a thief disturbs a barrow, or mound, where a great dragon lies guarding a horde of treasure. Enraged, the dragon emerges from the barrow and begins unleashing fiery destruction upon the Geats. Sensing his own death approaching, Beowulf goes to fight the dragon.
What happens to Beowulf when he is an old man?
When Beowulf is an old man, however, a thief disturbs a barrow, or mound, where a great dragon lies guarding a horde of treasure. Enraged, the dragon emerges from the barrow and begins unleashing fiery destruction upon the Geats.
What does King Hrothgar do in Beowulf?
Beowulf King Hrothgar of Denmark, a descendant of the great king Shield Sheafson, enjoys a prosperous and successful reign. He builds a great mead-hall, called Heorot, where his warriors can gather to drink, receive gifts from their lord, and listen to stories sung by the scops, or bards.
How does Beowulf gain the throne of the Geats?
In time, Hygelac is killed in a war against the Shylfings, and, after Hygelac’s son dies, Beowulf ascends to the throne of the Geats. He rules wisely for fifty years, bringing prosperity to Geatland.
How does Beowulf meet King Hrothgar?
The watchman guides Beowulf and his men from the coast to the mead-hall, Heorot, where he takes his leave. A herald named Wulfgar, who is renowned for his wisdom, stops Beowulf and asks him to state his business with Hrothgar. Beowulf introduces himself and requests to speak to the king.
What kind of book is Beowulf?
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem written anonymously around 975 AD. Read a Plot Overview of the entire book or a chapter by chapter Summary and Analysis. Read Beowulf alongside a modern English translation. See a complete list of the characters in Beowulf and in-depth analyses of Beowulf, Grendel, Hrothgar, Unferth, and Wiglaf.
Why does Hrothgar order Wulfgar to welcome the Geats?
He says that he has heard tales of Beowulf’s great prowess—one story holds that the Geat has the strength of thirty men in each of his hands—and hopes that Beowulf has come to help the Danes against Grendel. He orders Wulfgar to welcome the Geats to Denmark. Beowulf comes before Hrothgar, whom he greets solemnly.
What is Beowulf’s death like?
Beowulf’s death is the perfect warrior’s death: before he succumbs, he manages to slay a mighty opponent and secure a huge hoard of treasure for his people. Nevertheless his death is a disaster. At his funeral, his people foresee “enemies on the rampage, bodies in piles, / slavery and abasement” (ll. 3154-5).
Who are the characters in Beowulf?
Characters 1 Character List 2 Beowulf 3 Grendel 4 Hrothgar 5 Unferth 6 Wiglaf 7 Grendel’s Mother 8 The Dragon
How does Beowulf kill the Dragon in the poem?
Sensing his own death approaching, Beowulf goes to fight the dragon. With the aid of Wiglaf, he succeeds in killing the beast, but at a heavy cost. The dragon bites Beowulf in the neck, and its fiery venom kills him moments after their encounter. The Geats fear that their enemies will attack them now that Beowulf is dead.