2. EQ: What are the essential ideas in the text?
EQ: What elements of Anglo-Saxon Culture are
evident in the text?
EQ: What characteristics of an epic and epic hero
are evident in the text?

3. Epic – a long narrative poem; tells the great deeds of a hero who embodies the values of his/her society
Epic Hero - represents the values of his culture; larger-than-life; super-human capabilities
Pagan and Christian Values – Beowulf contains both. It is about Pagan warriors; however, it was written down by Christian monks. As you read look for references to each religion.

4. Memento Mori – ‘remember death’
no afterlife; therefore, achieve immortality
by accomplishments
(preserve soul) through reputation.

5. Adoration – to regard with the utmost esteem, love, and respect; to honor and worship – idolize
The goal of Anglo Saxon society was to attain adoration and fame in order to obtain
immortality

6. Mail – shirt : armor made of 20,000 small iron rings; mesh effect
Wyrd : fate / destiny; Anglo Saxons must fulfill to achieve immortality (momento mori)

7. Beowulf – epic hero; seeking wyrd
Helfdan’s son: Hrothgar (kenning)
Higlac’s follower: Higlac is Beowulf’s uncle and
feudal lord. He hopes to bring
him honor. (kenning)

8. Hrothgar – King of the Danes;
builds Herot
Wulfgar - Hrothgar’s thane;
greets Beowulf
Beowulf – revered warrior;
seeking wyrd

9. Danes – Hrothgar’s people (Denmark)
Geats – Beowulf’s tribe (South of Sweden)

10. Art of the Brag – mental dominance;
reputation must be revered
to have afterlife
Comitatus – warrior must die for their king
Riddles – beauty in mystery = complexity of
words = intellectual dominance

11. Boast – confidence important; sign of
dominance; must back up claims
Flyting – argument in verse
Brother – slayer – worst Anglo-Saxon crime

12. Odin – God of death and war
Valhalla – Odin’s home; eternal feast
(‘heaven-like’)

13. Bonstan’s son: Brecca – challenged Beowulf
Unferth – Hrothgar’s ‘top’ warrior
Beowulf – challenged by Unferth (flyting)

14. Assignment:
Read “The Arrival of the Hero” (24 – 27) and answer Reading Guide Questions #’s1-5
Read “Unferth’s Challenge” and answer questions #’s 1-8 (due at the end of the period)

15. Open your book to Pg. 25; Line 134
Beowulf arrives in Denmark and is directed to Herot, the mead-hall of King Hrothgar. The king sends one of his thanes to greet the visitors.
Note: Beowulf has already begun to be glorified due to the difficult journey he completed to arrive at Hrothgar’s kingdom.

16. 1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel
1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What proof does he offer that he is up to the task?
• killed many enemies; chained five giants and chased their race from the earth; hunted monsters out of the ocean
2. Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight Grendel without a sword?
• avoid unfair advantage; ‘fair’ fight; better story; bigger bragging rights

17. 3. What information does Hrothgar reveal in a speech he makes to Beowulf (lines 191 – 209)?
Once helped Beowulf’s father; restored peace
Reinforces Hrothgar’s reputation

18. 4. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf?
3. What cultural elements are revealed through the poet’s concluding statements in lines ?
• Practices of the mead-hall and honoring those that are brave (order of seats, feasting, songs sung, etc…)
4. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf?
“…his mail shirt gleaming…” (139 – 140)
“…dripping with my enemies’ blood” (153)

19. Art of the Brag – mental dominance;
reputation must be revered
to have afterlife
Comitatus – warrior must die for their king
Riddles – beauty in mystery = complexity of
words = intellectual dominance

20. Boast – confidence important; sign of
dominance; must back up claims
Flyting – argument in verse
Brother – slayer – worst Anglo-Saxon crime

21. Odin – God of death and war
Valhalla – Odin’s home; eternal feast
(‘heaven-like’)

22. Bonstan’s son: Brecca – challenged Beowulf
Unferth – Hrothgar’s ‘top’ warrior
Beowulf – challenged by Unferth (flyting)

23. 8th century England brutal Viking attacks
Old Norse warrior so wild, fierce, and fearless his own comrades feared him
Warrior was called berserk

24. Berserk means ‘bare shirt’.
Often refused to wear armor, hence the nickname.
Entered battle in a fit; biting shields
Religious zealots of Odin
As you read, see if Beowulf adheres to such details!

25. As you read, see if Beowulf adheres to such details!
Read “Unferth’s Challenge”
Answer questions #’s 1-8 (due at the end of the period)

26. Lesson 2

28. 1. Review Reading Guide Questions
2. Present Shields (nominate a leader)
3. Creature of Nightmare Group Presentations
4. Complete Reading Guide in Clans

29. 1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel
1. Beowulf says he has come to kill Grendel. What proof does he offer that he is up to the task?
• killed many enemies; chained five giants and chased their race from the earth; hunted monsters out of the ocean
2. Why do you think Beowulf intends to fight Grendel without a sword?
• avoid unfair advantage; ‘fair’ fight; better story; bigger bragging rights

30. 3. What information does Hrothgar reveal in a speech he makes to Beowulf (lines 191 – 209)?
Once helped Beowulf’s father; restored peace
Reinforces Hrothgar’s reputation

31. 5. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf?
4. What cultural elements are revealed through the poet’s concluding statements in lines ?
• Practices of the mead-hall and honoring those that are brave (order of seats, feasting, songs sung, etc…)
5. What elements of imagery are used to characterize Beowulf?
“…his mail shirt gleaming…” (139 – 140)
“…dripping with my enemies’ blood” (153)

32. 1. What angers Unferth?
“…any had acquired fame greater than his own.”
2. What characteristics of an Epic Hero are portrayed by Beowulf’s treatment of Unferth?
demonstrates assertiveness; restraint; courtesy

33. 3. Why does Unferth state, “…but your luck may change…” (258 – 259)?
scare Beowulf; wants him to lose
create suspense; raises doubt

34. 4. Unferth vs. Beowulf (Flyting)
Unferth’s Account
Beowulf’s Account
Foolish challenge
Brecca won
(first to reach shore)
Brecca honored for win
Youthful challenge
Chose to stay with
Brecca (protect)
Survived harsh conditions
Killed many sea monsters
Difficulty proves he’s
stronger

35. 5. How does Beowulf further insult Unferth?
‘brother-slayer’
6. Who do you feel wins the flyting?
“You murdered your brothers…” (321)
“…if your hands were as hard as your heart as fierce as you think it no fool would dare to raid your hall…” (325 – 326)

36. 7. Who is Welthow? What historical element about women does she convey?
queen; serves mead
Women were generous, beloved and gracious
8. What does Hrothgar promise?
“…your ship will sail home with its treasure-holds full” (391)

37. Assignment:
In your clan, complete your reading guide
Figurative Analysis
Interpreting an Analogy
Reader Response (perfect paragraph)
Epic Language

38. Directions: Write original thorough responses for both
prompts. In the space provided.
1. Justify, using at least 2-3 examples from background knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture and textual knowledge of Beowulf, whether or not Beowulf is berserk.
2. What modern heroes or athletes can you think of who portray this berserk attitude? What role does intimidation play in modern sports or warfare?

39. Remember, an epic is a long narrative written in ‘grand’ or elevated language. View the passages below and rewrite the sentences for ‘epic effect’.
Directions: Use a thesaurus or dictionary to aid in your application of elevated writing style. Hint: vary adjectives and verbs to create a sense of drama and importance.

40. 1. The frozen sea rose up around me.
2. A monster grabbed me.
3. Grendel lived deep in a dark cave.
4. He had never seen a more disagreeable beast.