Beowulf A new Telling By: Robert Nye Subtitle

Facts about Beowulf Beowulf is an Old English epic poem consisting of 3182 alliterative lines. It is the oldest surviving long poem in Old English and is commonly cited as one of the most important works of Old English literature. Beowulf is considered as the oldest living manuscript because it was written 1,000 AD by an Anglo Saxon. It was in 1731 that this oldest manuscript was given by Robert Cotton to British Museum. Many experts believed that the poem in the manuscripts probably was written around 17th to 18th century. The writer of Beowulf is anonymous.  Until this present day no one knows the writer of this manuscript. It was firstly available for public in 1815.

Characters in Beowulf

Characters

Characters Aeschere is an old Danish warrior and a good friend of King Hrothgar. He is killed and beheaded by Grendel's mother when she avenges the death of her son, and Hrothgar is deeply grieved by his loss. Beow isn't actually related to Beowulf as far as we know. Instead, Beow is one of the kings of the Danes, the son of Shield Sheafson. Beow is the father of Halfdane and the grandfather of Hrothgar.

Characters Breca is a childhood friend of Beowulf's. Breca and Beowulf engage in a strange swimming contest where they take on the open sea while wearing full armor and carrying swords, supposedly to defend themselves from sea monsters. It's not entirely clear who wins this contest, although Unferth suggests that Breca actually beat Beowulf. Beowulf claims that he and Breca were shoulder-to-shoulder, equally matched when it came to the swimming part—but that he himself also killed nine sea monsters. Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, once found himself in a blood-feud with the tribe called the Wulfings because he had killed a man named Heatholaf. Ecgtheow sought refuge with King Hrothgar of the Danes, who eventually "healed the feud by paying" (470)—that is, he made reparations to the Wulfings on Ecgtheow's behalf. In return, Ecgtheow pledged his allegiance to Hrothgar. As a result, Beowulf feels that he owes a debt to Hrothgar

Characters Grendel's mother, another demonic descendant of Cain, attempts to avenge her son's death by attacking Heorot Hall. Although she manages to kill one man, she is alarmed by the strength and prowess of the Geatish warriors, and retreats to her lair, a cave underneath a lake filled with sea monsters. Beowulf follows her to her lair and beheads her with a sword that he finds there. Although she isn't nearly as strong as her man-eating son, Grendel's mother fights like an Amazon warrior, and Beowulf has a tough time defeating her.

Halfdane, one of the kings of the Spear-Danes, is the grandson of Shield Sheafson. He is also the father of Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and a daughter who marries Onela the Swede. Heardred is the only son of King Hygelac and Queen Hygd. Eventually, Heardred is killed in battle, leaving his cousin Beowulf to become king of the Geats.

Protagonist Antagonist Hero The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text. Antagonist a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. Hero a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Picture with Caption Layout BEOWULF CHARACTER ROLES Who’s good, who’s bad, who’s ugly? Protagonist Beowulf Antagonist Grendel, Grendel's Mother, The Dragon Guide Mentor Hrothgar Foil Unferth to Beowulf Companion Wiglaf