What is the summary of Beowulf?
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem depicting the life and feats of Beowulf. He is a brave legendary warrior who conquers beasts and helps people in need throughout the story.
Why does Beowulf come to rescue the Danes and King Hrothgar?
With loyalty and heroism in mind, Beowulf comes to the rescue of the Danes and King Hrothgar. They have suffered at the hands of an evil monster, Grendel, who has pillaged their kingdom for more than 12 years and killed many men. Beowulf, nephew to the king of the Geats, sails across the seas to try to defeat the beast.
What happens when Beowulf returns to the Geats?
Beowulf comes to the surface and presents Grendel’s head and the hilt to Hrothgar. A grand celebration in Beowulf’s honor ensues. Beowulf then returns to the Geats, where he is proclaimed a hero. Eventually, Beowulf becomes a great king of the Geats.
What does Beowulf promise to Hygelac?
Beowulf promises glory to Hygelac, the king of Geats, and intends to come back victorious. When Beowulf and his men arrive to Heorot, they are welcomed by Hrothgar’s men, they drink and eat a lot, enjoying their feast.
How does Beowulf defeat Grendel’s mother?
Beowulf is invulnerable to her attacks because he is protected by the power of his sword—made by the legendary smith Weland. Although, it is too weak to hurt Grendel’s mother. Beowulf sees another sword laying in the cave, grabs it and pierces it through her, cutting through her spine and neck.
What does Unferth say about Beowulf at the celebration?
During the celebration, one thane, a warrior of Hrothgar named Unferth, tries to ridicule Beowulf for his loss in a swimming contest that occurred years before. Unferth says that Beowulf does not stand a chance against the notorious beast Grendel.
What are the similarities between Beowulf and other Scandinavian stories?
Also worth noting is that parts of the poem have events and themes similar to various Danish and Scandinavian stories and legends. Over the duration of the poem Beowulf encounters three major beasts and battles them.
How many beasts does Beowulf fight in the poem?
Over the duration of the poem Beowulf encounters three major beasts and battles them. We will look at each of them as a different milestone of his life, and performance as a good commander and warrior. Hrothgar and his warriors are terrorized by Grendel, a giant monster, possibly an ogre or a troll.
When was Beowulf written?
It discusses events of early 6th century believed to have been written between 700 and 750 A.D. originally, the poem was unnamed but later named after a Scandinavian hero by the name Beowulf. This is because his character and exploits are closely connected to the theme.