1. Part 1: Grendel

2. Let’s review a few key ideas from this section: Why does Grendel strike out against Hrothgar and his men? Why does Grendel strike out against Hrothgar and his men? He hears the men singing and celebrating day after day and he is jealous being an outcast. He hears the men singing and celebrating day after day and he is jealous being an outcast. What does the reference to Cain and Abel infer about Grendel’s lineage and innate characteristics? What does the reference to Cain and Abel infer about Grendel’s lineage and innate characteristics? Grendel is evil at the core, and banished Grendel is evil at the core, and banished from society, and goodness because of this.

3. Grendel (cont’d) What is the tone in lines 44-49 after the discovery of Grendel’s evil acts of slaughter? What is the tone in lines 44-49 after the discovery of Grendel’s evil acts of slaughter? Dismal, mournful, despairing: “Hrothgar sat joyless…” Dismal, mournful, despairing: “Hrothgar sat joyless…” “…a mighty prince mourning the fate of his lost friends…” “…a mighty prince mourning the fate of his lost friends…” “He wept, fearing…” “He wept, fearing…”

4. A few more things to remember… How long did Hrothgar’s kingdom stand empty and desolate after the destruction of Grendel? How long did Hrothgar’s kingdom stand empty and desolate after the destruction of Grendel? 12 years 12 years What is the Mood that has settled over Herot as described in lines 74-78? What is the Mood that has settled over Herot as described in lines 74-78? one of fear: “shadow of death” “hunted in darkness” “lying in waiting” “following them…always there…unseen…” one of fear: “shadow of death” “hunted in darkness” “lying in waiting” “following them…always there…unseen…”

5. As well as… What implications on nobility and kings is insinuated in the line: “He [Grendel] never dared touch king Hrothgar’s glorious throne, protected by God…whose love Grendel could not know.” What implications on nobility and kings is insinuated in the line: “He [Grendel] never dared touch king Hrothgar’s glorious throne, protected by God…whose love Grendel could not know.” Kings and nobility are good in the eyes of God and therefore protected from evil. Unlike Grendel, who has been exiled for his evil and therefore not worthy of God’s love or protection. Kings and nobility are good in the eyes of God and therefore protected from evil. Unlike Grendel, who has been exiled for his evil and therefore not worthy of God’s love or protection.

6. And one final thought… Think about the context of this story: Think about the context of this story: –Pre-Christian, warrior society, right? –No belief in God, per se, right? Soooo…..take a look at the last few lines of “Grendel.” They read: “He walks through our world, our Lord of Heaven and Earth…Hail to those who rise to God…and seek our Father’s peace!” How do these Christian references make it into an epic poem from a pagan society that trusts only in Wyrd? WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?!