Beowulf - Lecture Notes

Overview

• Title: Beowulf
• Author: Anonymous
• Language: English
• Translated by: Gummere
• Produced by: Robin Katsuya-Corbet and David Widger
• Release Date: July 23, 2008
• Character Set Encoding: ASCII

Key Themes

• Heroism and Valor
• The importance of kinship and loyalty
• The struggle between good and evil
• The role of fate and divine intervention

Plot Summary

Prelude

• Celebrates the kingship and legacy of Scyld Scefing, a Danish king.
• Beowulf's lineage is introduced, noting his reputation in Scandinavian lands.

Grendel's Attacks

• Grendel, a monstrous creature, is introduced as a threat to Hrothgar's mead hall, Heorot.
• Grendel, a descendant of Cain, attacks the hall, killing Hrothgar’s warriors.
• The Danes are unable to defeat Grendel, who rules Heorot at night.

Arrival of Beowulf

• Beowulf, a Geatish hero, hears of Grendel's terror from afar.
• Beowulf travels to Denmark to assist King Hrothgar.
• Beowulf's arrival at Heorot is met with skepticism, especially by Unferth.

Beowulf vs. Grendel

• Beowulf resolves to fight Grendel without weapons.
• During a night raid, Grendel attacks Heorot.
• Beowulf fights Grendel barehanded, ripping off his arm.
• Grendel retreats to his lair, mortally wounded.

Grendel's Mother

• Grendel’s mother attacks Heorot seeking revenge.
• She kills Aeschere, Hrothgar’s trusted advisor.
• Beowulf vows to kill Grendel’s mother.

Beowulf's Battle with Grendel's Mother

• Beowulf descends into her underwater lair.
• He defeats Grendel’s mother with a giant's sword found in her lair.
• Beowulf returns to Heorot with Grendel’s head as a trophy.

Beowulf's Return

• Beowulf returns to Geatland with treasures from Hrothgar.
• He recounts his feats to King Hygelac.

The Dragon

• Many years later, Beowulf becomes King of the Geats.
• A dragon begins to terrorize his kingdom after its treasure is stolen.
• Beowulf decides to fight the dragon despite his age.

The Final Battle

• Beowulf and his warriors confront the dragon.
• Only Wiglaf, a loyal warrior, stays to help Beowulf.
• Beowulf defeats the dragon but is mortally wounded.

Beowulf's Death and Legacy

• Beowulf dies, leaving his kingdom to Wiglaf.
• Beowulf is buried in a barrow by the sea, remembered as a great king and warrior.
• Wiglaf rebukes the other warriors for their cowardice.

Character Analysis

• Beowulf: A hero known for his strength and bravery; becomes King of the Geats.
• Grendel: A monster terrorizing Heorot; descendant of Cain.
• Hrothgar: King of the Danes; wise and gracious ruler.
• Grendel's Mother: Seeks vengeance for Grendel’s death.
• Wiglaf: Loyal warrior; supports Beowulf in his final battle.
• Unferth: Danish warrior who challenges Beowulf but later lends him a sword.

Literary Elements

• Structure: Epic poem with a narrative structure.
• Style: Written in Old English, employing alliteration and kennings.
• Motifs: The use of treasure as a symbol of heroism and legacy.

Themes and Motifs

• Heroism: Central to the narrative; depicted through Beowulf’s bravery.
• Fate and Providence: Acknowledgment of divine will and destiny.
• Legacy and Memory: Emphasized through Beowulf’s lasting fame and the treasures he leaves behind.
• Good vs. Evil: Duality represented by Beowulf and the monsters.

Conclusion

• Beowulf is a quintessential epic hero, embodying the virtues and values of his time.
• The poem explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the inevitable nature of death.
• Beowulf’s legacy endures through the memories of his deeds and the stories carried forward by his people.