Slaying Dragons "Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.“ Neil Gaiman

The Monsters of Beowulf Each monster has a set of characteristics that can be taken literally in the story and applied metaphorically to society: Grendel is a vaguely described, savage outsider. Descended from Cain, he is lonely and jealous of the wealthy, celebratory, God-loving insiders of Herot. He terrorizes the Danes through fear. Grendel’s mother kills out of pure grief and vengeance. She seeks to avenge her son’s death (which is a valued part of the Anglo-Saxon customs), but she is depicted as evil and hellish for doing so. The dragon hoards wealth and treasures. When his wealth is threatened, he goes on a murderous and destructive rampage. How do hate and envy contribute to social problems today? How do we treat people who are outsiders, or whose cultures and values are different than our own? How do we behave when we are wounded? In what instances do we seek vengeance and feel justified in doing so? How does the pursuit and hoarding of wealth affect society today? How is it destructive?

Your Task: Slay a Dragon Choose a modern “monster” or significant problem that plagues society today. Think about what’s required to “slay” this particular dragon. Is it money? Research? Education? Compassion? Something else? Write a boast in the form of epic verse. In your boast, explain the problem, who you are, and how you intend to “slay the dragon.” Your boast should include: at least 25 lines of epic poetry a clear description of the social problem (how does it affect us?) a proud description of your parentage, associates, accomplishments and skills to prove you’re capable of slaying this dragon an action-packed description of how you will slay the dragon, or tackle this problem, and ultimately win the battle three examples of alliteration, two compounds or kennings, and concluding lines that are didactic (tell the rest of us how we can join the fight) Your final boast should be neatly handwritten or typed with your literary elements highlighted. Be prepared to perform your boast for the class on our Mead Hall day, and consider including a costume and/orat least one thoughtfully selected prop.