1. Analyzing the Epic Hero Cycle & Epic Elements
Beowulf

2. Characters Danes Geats Places: Dane Monsters Herot Geats Monsters
Hrothgar
Unferth
Dane Monsters
Grendel
Grendel’s Mother
Geats
Beowulf
Wiglaf
Hygelac
Ecgtheow
Geats Monsters
Dragon
Places:
Herot

3. What is a Monster?

4. Act 1: Reflect
What is the difference between a “Monster” and a “Villain”? Explain which definition is most applicable to Grendel. (look up in the dictionary!)
Take a look at the posters posted throughout the room. Which of the posters is the most effective? Explain your response using specifics from the poster

5. Indirect Characterization (Include Line #)
GRENDEL’S CHARACTER
Direct Characterization
(Include Line #)
Indirect Characterization (Include Line #)
Include as many
examples as
you can find!

6. Act 2: Grendel Acrostic
Create an acrostic poem
Acrostic Poems

7. Where is Beowulf?
Our epic hero…

8. At home…
He isn’t personally affected because he is from Geat and Grendel is attacking in Hrothgar’s kingdom of the Danes
So…

9. If Hrothgar had a Twitter..

10. How Would Beowulf’s differ?
Page 8 of packet
Complete first tweets for Wrath of Grendel.

11. Grendel Wanted Poster p5
With your partner, create the best Grendel wanted poster possible within the time limit given.
Follow the rubric
Be creative—use COLOR!
Post it on the back wall
Begin reading “The Coming of Beowulf” p 43-48—should be read by tomorrow!

12. Indirect Characterization (Include Line #)
GRENDEL’S CHARACTER
Direct Characterization
Indirect Characterization (Include Line #)
Beowulf’s CHARACTER

13. Act 3: Beowulf is an Epic Hero
Beowulf essentially “read” the wanted poster, realized what a horrible monster this was and felt it was his RESPONSIBILITY to do something about it. Why would the Epic Hero feel it was his duty to defend a country that was not his own?

14. Act 4: Epic Hero Cycle
All epic heroes follow a basic pattern known as the “epic hero cycle.” This cycle can be repeated many times throughout the course of an epic, but is very distinct. On your worksheet, you will find the different elements of the epic hero cycle that you will need to be familiar with. Fill out the first 5 element examples using SPECIFICS from the TEXT. You will need your textbook for this portion. Most of this will be found in “The Coming of Beowulf” and “The Battle with Grendel”

15. Epic Hero Cycle Element Example
The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of super natural abilities or qualities
The hero is charged with a quest (call to Adventure)
“Crossing the Threshold” Moving from the known to the unknown
The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL
The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and/or human helpers and companions
The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering
The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated
A resurrection
Achieving the goal or the “boon”
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place on the throne. Return to the ordinary world
Applying the “boon”
Epic Hero Cycle

16. Act 5: Hand to Hand Combat
Look at lines
What does Beowulf reveal about Grendel’s fighting method? What is his own resolution? Why?
“Grendel and Beowulf forego weapons to engage in ferocious hand-to-hand combat. This clash is not a mere battle in a culture dominated by warfare but rather a more personal, primal conflict between equal, opposite forces.” Which of the themes we have discussed does this description of the battle apply to

17. Prepositional Phrases
Act 6: Kennings
A kenning is a two word poetic renaming of people, places, and things such as “Whale’s home” for the sea.
Modern? “Gass Guzzler”
There is a kenning in line 325. Identify it.
Identify at least two more kennings in “The Battle with Grendel”
Compound Words
Prepositional Phrases
Possessives
Sky-candle
Whale-road
Ring-giver
Gold-ringed
Battle dew
Sea stallion
Wolf of wounds
Winters of grief
Shepard of evil
Storm of swords
Guardian of the people
Path of the sea
Seabird’s bath
Ocean’s face
Heaven’s joy
Arrow’s storm
Water’s chain
Battle’s torch

19. Summarize
—in your own words, define a kenning and an appositive phrase. Give an example of each—turn in before you leave

20. An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it
An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it. Complete this chart and draw a conclusion about Anglo-Saxon tastes and values.
Feature
Why is it pleasing?
What values are reflected?
Boastful speeches
Makes the hero seem superhuman
Great hero
Lots of action
Good Triumphs over evil
Anglo Saxons had a _________________ culture. What details reveal the importance of pagan warrior values in Beowulf such as a belief in fate, a taste of boasting, a pride in loyalty, and a desire for fame?

21. Themes
Good vs. Evil
Forces of darkness—irrational and menacing—are always at work in society
Life is a continuing struggle
Actions speak louder than words
Judge the greatness of a human by the greatness of his deeds and noble ancestry
Help thy neighbor
To be loyal is to selflessly make sacrifices for a loved one.

22. Extra Credit Assignment Peer Evaluation:
Student name
Epic chosen
Presentation Evaluation
Scale of 1 (awful)-10 (great)
Substantial comment
After watching the presentations, answer the following question: Why are epics used to preserve values and traditions?