Beowulf

Beowulf is a very complicated to understand epic story. At least it is to me.

Hrothulf is the King and Grendel is the monster who is destroying the kings town and Hall.
Grendel is destroying the kings hall and eating his men because of something that he heard from the shaper. The shaper said that Grendel, a monster descended from " Cain's Clan." And Cain bis said to be cursed by God because of what Cain did to his brother, this pissed Grendel off.

Then Beowulf hears of the problems that Hrothgar and the Danes have on their country and comes to solve them. The Geat hero announces himself and explains his mission. " We belong by birth to the Geat people and owe allegiance to lord Hygelac." (260-261) He also says, " We come in good faith to find you lord and nation's shield, the son of Halfdane." ( 266-268) Hrothgar recognizes Beowulf's name and approves his arrival. " I used to know him when i, was a young boy. His father before him was called Ecgtheow." (372)

Then after he is accepted they have a feast get wasted and fall asleep. After that Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will fight Grendel, but he will give up his sword and shield. " I herby renounce sword, the heavy war-board : hand- to- hand is how it will be, a life- and -death fight with a fiend."(436-440) I think that this sounds a little too cocky because Grendel can take 30 men in one grasp. I think that Beowulf sounded too sure of himself, which really helps sometimes. After Beowulf says this Hrothulf tells him if he wins he will reward him. "This is my hope; and for his heroism I will recompense him with a rich treasure."

" but the troops leader was not inclined to allow his caller to depart alive: he did not consider that life of much account to anyone anywhere" (790-793) To me this quote tells me that he's stingy is a sort of way, not wanting it but not wanting anyone else to have it.

Then after Beowulf fights Grendel and takes Grendel's arm as a suveniere. He goes back to his country. Time passes. Beowulf rules the Geats for fifty years, " the wide kingdom revealed to Beowulf. He ruled it well for fifty winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land." (2208-2210) I think that his confidence and the love of his people helped him succeed to become a good king.


Theme Statements:
" Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: What's said and what's done." (287-289)
" Whoever remains for long here in the earthly life will enjoy and endure more than enough."(1059-1061)