Beowulf summary

UNSM/ FEH - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

History of English Literature: “Beowulf”


BEOWULF WAS WRITTEN IN OLD ENGLISH, SO THIS WORK
HAS BEEN BASED ON THE TRANSLATION, FROM ITS
ORIGINAL VERSION, BY DR. DAVID BREEDEN.

BASICALLY, TWELVE STUDENTS OF LANGUAGE SCHOOL
HAVE WORKED ON THIS WORK AND FOUR EPISODES, OF
TWELVE, HAVE BEEN SUMMARIZED; FROM THE EARLY
HISTORY OF THE DANES TO THE DEATH OF GRENDEL.

Euler Castillo P.

CONTENT

PART I:

- Early History of the Danes.

- Hrothgar becomes king of the Danes.

PART II:

- Grendel attacks.

- Beowulf hears of Grendel.

PART III:

- Beowulf comes to Herot.

PART IV:

- Grendel attacks again.



BEOWULF

PART I

EARLY HISTORY OF THE DANES

In ancient times there were Danish
kings who were warriors. Shield,
the son of Sheaf, fought against his
enemies and managed to succeed.
He became a good king.

Grain was famous throughout the north,
who was sent by God to comfort and
protect his people from fear. He was
respected and did right for his people.
Young princes did good things while
they are young so that they were
supported by people when they were
old in time of war.
Succeed depends on our good deeds.

Shield died and went to Literature: “Beowulf”
History of English
God. He was carried by
his people to the sea
where a well-built ship
adorned with gold and


Shield died and went to God. He was
carried by his people to the sea
where a well-built ship adorned with
gold and full of treasures, also his
weapons that he used when he was
.
a warrior was waiting for him which
was his last request for long trip. He
was sent out a naked orphan in an
empty boat and once dead he was
given to the sea surrounded by many
treasures.

After a long time Shield´s death, Grain
his son succeeded and ruled over the
Danes. To Grain was born the great
Healfdene who was a brave warrior
and ruled almost his whole life.
Healfdene had four children Heorogar,
Hrothgar, Halga the Good, and a
daughter who married Onela, King of
the Swedes.



HROTHGAR BECOMES KING OF THE DANES

Hrothgar was king and defeated his
enemies. He was respected and
was obeyed by his family and
people. His childhood friends
became his famous soldiers.

Hrothgar built a mead-hall and was the
biggest construction in the world where
he shared out everything for his
people, except for public lands and
men’s lives.

That building was built by tribes throughout the world. Hrothgar
called the building “Herot” the hart, which was the world´s
greatest mead-hall.
The words of the poet, the sounds of the harp,
the joy ofkept his word. He gave out gold and treasure at huge
Hrothgar people echoed. Everything was

happy in Hrothgar´s people.awaited, fire told swords of family
feasts. (Though destruction The poet and

about the origin of the the night waited a tortured spirit of hell).
trouble; and outside in world how God made

the earth and the water surrounding, how He
set the sun and the moon as lights for people
and adorned History of with limbs and leaves
the earth English Literature: “Beowulf”
for everyone until one day Grendel, possessor
of the moors,“the demon” started crimes.


Grendel belonged to a race of monsters
and was exiled from humanity by God
for his bad deeds. He was considered
like evil being such as monsters, elves,
zombies, the giants who fought with
God.

PART II

GRENDEL ATTACKS



One night, after the Danes were at
a beer party they settled and slept
in the hall, they did not know that
there were sorrows in this world.

Suddenly, the evil creature
appeared, cruel and hungry, who took thirty warriors and
went to his lair laughing.

At dawn, the Danes knew how
strong Grendel was, people wept
and the old king felt sad and cried
for his men. The creature had left
his bloody footprints.

That was considered but the following
night Grendel continued to kill more
men he was blinded by sin, he didn’t
even feel guilty for what he was doing
(you can bet the survivors started
sleeping elsewhere) so this time
Grendel began to rule, fighting night, one against many and
the hall stood empty, because nobody wanted to sleep there
at night for fearing of the creature.



Twelve years had passed and Hrothgar kept on suffering
many sorrows there was no longer happiness

Hrothgar suffering the greatest of
sorrows poets sang sad song in
every part of the world how
Grendel would make Hrothgar
suffer. There was no warrior who
no matter how much stronger, could kill Grendel. Grendel
didn’t seem to stop to kill or pay his harms and Grendel kept
on attacking from hiding.

Grendel, the cruelest of all injuries, went and stayed there
every night (God would never allow this to actually touch the
throne).

Hrothgar felt tamed, council after
council didn’t know what to do against
Grendel´s attacks. They did everything
to end the evil creature, such us going
to heathen temples, worshipping idols
and invoking the Devil for help. They
forgot God (woe be to those who go to


the fire´s embrace, even in great distress. There was no
consolation there).

There was no counselor, no warrior
who could destroy the evil. They
wept and seethed.

BEOWULF HEARS OF GRENDEL.

There was a warrior by the name of
Hylegac who heard of Grendel´s
thing, he was the strongest of all who
had survived until that day he was
mighty and noble. He calls for a ship
for crossing the ocean and helping the king. Wise men urged
him and forecast omens and encourage him in that journey.

So the good Geat chose the bravest
warriors (fourteen in total), and led
them to the land´s brim, to the ship.
They readied the ship, bore bright
weapons, and fitted armor into the
ship and the warriors stood at the prow.


When the ship was ready the men
shoved it was the journey they´d
dreamed of the journey continued
until the seafarers saw land, the
shore cliffs were shining there were
also steep mountains when the
journey was already over the ship was pulled to the shore.
The Geat warriors stood on land wearing rattling shirts which
were their war- clothes. So they gave thanks to God for they
had arrived and safe there.

When the sea-guard of the Danes,
the protector of the cliffs, saw people
with bright shields nearing to his hall,

he wondered who they were.
Hrothgar´s warrior rode his horse and
headed for the shore.

Spear in hand, he asked who they were, in armor, who come
over the sea-road in that steep keel?



He said that he guarded there so that
no forces hostile to the Danes may
raid. He had never seen such a ship
´s army with warriors without the
permission of his kinsmen.

He noticed
a greater man among them and
was astonished by seeing him just
wearing armor his stature was
peerless. He wished to know what
his linage was because he thought
that they were spies he asked then to hurry and tell him
where they come from.

His name was Beowulf, leader of the host, he said that they
belonged to the Geat nation, and his father, Edgtheow, was a
leader well known among the people.

Beowulf´s father stayed many winters
before he went away, aged, from the
court. Edgtheow was remembered in
every part of the earth. Beowulf said



that they had come with friendly hearts to see his lord,
Hrothgar they asked him to be good counsel to them, and
told him that they had come because they had heard of a
dark enemy in the night who killed the Danes. Beowulf said
that he could help Hrothgar overcome his enemy and
everything would be like before. Otherwise, he would suffer
great misery as long as he lived in that place.

The protector of the coast, still riding
his horse (a wise shield warrior, one
who thinks well, must judge two
things: works and words). He saw
that they were friendly to Hrothgar
and said that he would guide and
order his men to protect his ship.

Once there they left the ship pulling

at its rope they were wearing gold,
adorned helmets and figures of
boars shone on the helmets.



The men excitedly marched and in the distance they saw that
decorated hall which was that the finest and glittered light
one, never seen before on earth.

The guard of the coast decided to
go back he turned his horse and
said that it was time for him to go.
He prayed the father omnipotent
would keep them safe and sound
against his enemies.

PART III

BEOWULF COMES TO HEROT

Beowulf got into the Herot with his
warrior, they seems like an iron troop
because of their weapons and
armors.



Then the king’s officer and
messenger asked them: from where
they brought such a amazing war
weapons and he expects they were
there to fight, cause he has never
seen such a braver warriors.

One warrior answered him: we are
Hygelac’s companions, my name is
Beowulf. I will declare my errand if your
prince, my lord will greet us.

Then wulfgar ( wendla tribe man ),
with fighting experience and wisdom,
went to ask to the giver of rings so that,
the lord of Danes would reward their
journey.

Wulfgar went to where Hrothgar sat,
with his most trusted men, a man of the
Geats, the chief of warrior named


Beowulf, came from far far over the sea’s expanse and they
asked to talk to you, then the lord asked if they were worthy
of being called warriors.

Hrothgar, the king, said that he knew
Beowulf dad, who gave his only
daughter and none his offspring came
here to save us from the monster
Grendel and also the seafarers said
that this man has an amazing force( 30
men in his hand grip) and the king
welcomed and offered treasures gifts to him for his
impetuous courage.

Wulfgar went to the door to talk to the
king and he said that he knew their
descent and their welcome, please
come in, but let your war weapons
await.

Then, Beowulf arose, supported by his band of mighty
men, some of them to were about to use their



weapons, but Beowulf ordered to
calm down.

Then the great warrior, under his
helmet and coat of mail, stood
and went to Hrothgar.

Beowulf spoke: I’m Hygelac’s kinsman and warrior, I have
undertaken many glorious deeds as
you know, I know all about Grendel, I
ask you, my lord, to fight by myself
with the monster, please don’t refuse
us, enemy against enemy and let god
decide who shall be taken by death: If
death and battle, takes me, you must do a special burial and
send my war Garments to Hygelac’s.

Beowulf also told Hrothgar, about his deeds when he
destroyed a family of giants and killed water monsters.



Hrothgar, protector of the Danes said that ,Beowulf’s father
was his friend, and was a good warrior too and has fought
with monster as well.

Hrothgar felt bad about Grendel’s horror, losing a lot of loyal
men. Now the king invited Beowulf: sit and feast, glory of
warriors, and speak your thoughts as your heart tells you.

Then the Geats and brave men sat
down.

Suddenly, Beowulf took a cup and poured sweet
drink the poet song in clear voice, there was such
joy, so brave men, Danes and Geat celebrated.

Then Unferth, Ecglaf’s son,
asked some questions to Beowulf with
envy:

• Are you that Beowulf who struggled
with



Brecca in the broad sea in a swimming contest?
• The one who, out of pride, risked his life in the deep
water though both friends and enemies tol you it was too
dangerous?
• Are you the one who hugged the sea, gliding through the
boiling waves of the winter’s swell?

And Unferth also said that he doesn’t expect much from him if
he dares await Grendel in the night.

Beowulf spoke: well my friend
Unferth, yes, I’m

Beowulf who walked with Brecca in
the board sea, but

• I’m stronger than him, because he was weaker
than me at the sea nights.
• I’m who risked his life, losing a friend, suffering
pain.



You don’t know the other part of the story, where I have a lot
of hardships, suffered 5 nights in the sea killing nine sea
monster with such a cold weather. I am a stronger warrior.

The king felt glad because he could
count on Beowulf help and the guardian
felt sure and glad also as well.

Then the men laughed, and the words
turned friendly.

Suddenly, Wealhtheow, Hrothgar’s
queen appears adorned in

gold to greet the men.

First she gave the cup
to the country's guardian.

She greeted Beowulf, thanking god, because her wishes had



Been fulfilled, a heroe came to save them from Grendel’s
crimes.

So, Beowulf said eagerly of battle:

I alone, will fulfill the wish of your
people or die in the foe´s grasp.

The queen liked those words and went
to sit by her lord.

Now again, people were happy
because of the brave speech of
Beowulf once again, the warriors
continued feasting until Beowulf
decided to rest.

Hrothgar knew that a strong battle was
coming, when the night arrived.



Then all the warrior saluted to each
other and the king Hrothgar wished
luck to Beowulf in the fight for the hall
and said these words:

“Never, since I have been able to lift shield, have I entrusted
this hall, this mighty house of the Danes, to any man, but now
I entrust it to you, so you must do your best.

Then Hrothgar and his band of warrior
left the hall.



Before Beowulf got in bed prayed and spoke some brave words:

“I don’t claim myself any lower in
strength or brave deeds than Grendel.
Therefore I will kill him without a sword,
just with my strength if he comes
without weapons. Wise God shall
choose who shall win glory”.

Then Beowulf got to bed and his brave
warriors sought rest around him,
everyone though Beowulf will die cause
many brave and strong Danes warrior
have died there, but the Lord, God,
would give to the Geat and Danes
people, helping and supporting , (it is well known that God
always rules the race of men) .



PART IV

GRENDEL ATTACKS AGAIN

Grendel the walker of darkness arrived
at Heorot in the night while all the
warriors were sleeping, all except one.

Grendel was a monster that come again watched in anger but
what he didn’t know is that Beowulf was waiting to fight
against him.

Grendel came from the moor Hills, under the misty hill,
to counteract with all the men of Heorot.

He walked under the clouds, coming to the Wine-hall, the
treasure-hall. It was not the first time that Grendel was
looking for Hrothgar’s home, but this time, never in his life
before, he did find worse luck.



The creature entered to the building with bad intention and
enraged, he swung at the door wide and rapidly moved
around the floor. He saw many warriors were sleeping
together.

He expected to finish with the life of these warriors, by
ripping life from the body of each one. He thought to have a
big meal, but what he didn’t know is that, he would eat no
men after that night.

The powerful warrior Beowulf was observing how the
malignant monster began to eat a warrior, crushing his
bones, drinking his blood and swallowing enormous
morsels of meat, including his hands and feet.

Grendel, the walker of darkness approaching increasingly
towards Beowulf to begin a fight.

The powerful Beowulf grasped his arm
and snatched it. Grendel, then, felt the
great strength of his hilt, felt fear in his
heart and just looking for ways to flee to



his hiding place. Grendel had never met this kind of
man.

Beowulf kept in mind the speeches he had made in the
evening. He firmly grasped Grendel’s hand and holding the
arm as well, the fingers broke.

The monster tried very hard to escape,
but Beowulf stepped closer to him. The
monster wanted to flee to the swamps
and disappear because he realized the
great power of the warrior.

After the battle between Beowulf and Grendel the whole city
was in fear, the beautiful building did not fall to the ground.
Nobody thought that the great building would be destroyed
because it was well built and decorated in gold.

The panic was invading in Heorot.
Grendel, hell’s friend, God’s enemy,
sang his defeat. The whole world
listened to his lament. The most
powerful man of all the warriors
celebrated Grendel's defeat.


The warriors tried to protect Beowulf and were trying to kill
Grendel, those brave warriors as they fought seeking to take
Grendel's soul.

Miserable life, Grendel, the foe of God, started to face and
found that he already hadn’t gotten the sufficient force. His
body was not resisting to the powerful force of Beowulf.

The horrible monster endured a terrible wound, for certain,
that his life came to an end when Beowulf injured him deadly.
Grendel knew that the victory was Beowulf’s.

The Danes put all the hopes in Beowulf, because he was the
one who brought peace, finished with all the Heorot's
problems, and saved them from affliction. Beowulf was
acclaimed because he had fulfilled his promise sworn to the
Danes; every evil attack these people endured had come
now to an end.

When Beowulf laid that arm and shoulder down Grendel's
claw, under the vaulted roof.

THE WARRIORS REJOICE



The warriors come from near and far places and also close to
see the great death of Grendel.

The fingerprints that Grendel had left were evident, the
bloody tracks that existed in the way and in the waters were
the evidence; Grendel had died, deprived of joy, in his fen
refuge.

The warriors after seeing that place returned to Heorot, They
said that Beowulf is a brave and holy man, and that there was
no man in the world, with the force that Beowulf had, was
more worthy

The warriors made a contest for the best horse, Sometimes a
king's man, a warrior covered in glory who knew the old
traditions, would be reminded of an ancient song.

Then he sang of things he'd heard about Sigemund's
valorous deeds, things about Weals's son, his struggles, his
wide journeys and feuds. After Sigemund's death day not a
little fame sprang to him, about his hardy fight and killing of a
dragon, keeper of a hoard.

Sigemund's sword went clear through the huge dragon, the
dragon died violently. By brave deeds the hero won a ring
hoard for himself.


He bore into a ship's bosom those bright treasures of the
Weal kin, and the dragon melted of its own heat.

Sigemund was by far the most renowned adventurer, He had
first prospered under King Heremod, and Among the Jutes
Heremod was betrayed into enemy hands and put to death.
Sorrow oppressed him and was a trouble to his people. He
had loved the Geats more than his own people: evil had
seized him. Thus told the song.

The warriors raced their horses on the yellow road; many a
brave warrior went to the high hall to see the wonder. So also
the king and Queen left the room with his famous company
with a troop of maidens walked among the mead seats.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PRIMARY CHARACTERS:

Beowulf: a Geat, son of Edgetho and nephew of Higlac,
king of the Geats. Higlac is both Beowulf’s feudal lord and his
uncle.

Brecca: chief of the Brondings, a tribe, and Beowulf’s friend.



Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a
foul mere, or mountain lake. His name might be related to the
Old Norse grindill, meaning “storm,” or grenja, “to bellow.”

Herot: golden guest-hall built by King Hrothgar, the Danish
ruler. It was decorated with the antlers of stags; the name
means “hart [stag] hall.” Scholars think Herot might have
been built near Lejre on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark.

Hrothgar: king of the Danes, builder of Herot. He had once
befriended Beowulf’s father. His father was called Healfdane
(which probably means “half Dane”). Hrothgar’s name might
mean “glory spear” or “spear of triumph.”

Unferth: one of Hrothgar’s courtiers, reputed to be a skilled
warrior. His sword, called Hrunting, is used by Beowulf in a
later battle.

Welthow: Hrothgar’s wife, queen of the Danes.

Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band, and
the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon.
Wiglaf might be related to Beowulf.

SOURCE:


http://www.lone-star.net/literature/beowulf/

http://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/characters.html


Beowulf summary

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