The Monster’s Mother

① Define loathsome. ② What is Hrunting? ③ Who is the “greedy she-wolf”? Loathsome-adj: disgusting. Hrunting is Beowulf’s sword. The “greedy she wolf” is a compound metaphor referencing Grendel’s mother.

④ How long has Grendel’s mother ruled the waters? ④ How long does it take for Beowulf to find Grendel’s mother? Grendel’s mother has ruled the water for half a hundred years. Beowulf sank through the waves for hours before Grendel’s mother went to welcome him with her claws.

⑥ Why is Grendel’s mother unable to harm Beowulf? ⑥ Where does Grendel’s mother take Beowulf, and from what two is Beowulf protected? Grendel’s mother is unable to harm Beowulf because she could not claw through the tight ring-woven mail on his breast. Grendel’s mother takes Beowulf to someone’s battle-hall where the water’s heat nor anything in the lake could hurt or attack him.

⑧ What weapon does Beowulf use to defeat Grendel’s mother? ⑨ What fatal injury does Beowulf inflict upon Grendel’s mother? Beowulf uses a heavy sword, “hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic” to defeat Grendel’s mother Beowulf cuts through the neck of Grendel’s mother and kills her.

⑩ What happens to Beowulf immediately after he kills Grendel’s mother? ⑩ What does Beowulf bring back to Hrothgar to prove that Grendel is no longer a threat? Beowulf rejoiced at the sight of Grendel’s mother’s blood. Beowulf carries Grendel’s head to King Hrothgar.