Beowulf Notes

• Beowulf can not be identified as either fact or fiction. No clear distinction between what is history and what is myth.
•  Great king was given a large amount of gold from his people. Had a son, Beowulf(not the hero) who repeated the process. King Scyld died and subjects gave him a burial at sea.
• Beowulf handed over kingdom to Healfdene who had three heirs: Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga. Middle child was great in battle and was generous to the people. Heorot was built in his honor. The Giant, Grendel, heard the celebration of the people.
• Grendel kidnapped 30 of Hrothgar's thanes. Thanes were frighten by the giants and decided to leave. The giant continued to bother Hrothgar for years to come and attacked anyone who came close to Heorot and the moor. Hrothgar forced to leave his throne.
• Hygelac of the Geats became aware of the situation between Hrothgar and Grendel. Sent his mightiest warrior with backup to the Danes. Arrived safely; were confronted by a stranger demanding to know why they were there.
• Leader says he is Son of Ecgtheow and explains that they are there to kill the giant. The stranger agrees to guard the boat from enemies and takes them to Heorot.
• The leader introduces himself to Wulfgar to be Beowulf and wishes to go see Hrothgar. He seems to be a very strong warrior.
• Hrothgar has heard of Beowulf's strength and welcomes them to his land. Wulfgar grants them entrance, but they must leave their weapons. Beowulf boasts that he had already killed five giants and will do it again without armor or weapons.
• Hrothgar explains the conflict between the Geats and the Wylfings and reveals his older brother was killed when he was younger. Grendel has killed many men at night.
•  Beowulf is challenged by Unferth for the right to the quest. Unferth asks if was Beowulf who had had a contest with Breca, son of Beanstan, at sea for seven days. Beowulf confirms that it was him and he killed a sea monster with only his sword.
• Hrothgar and Wealhtheow are pleased by Beowulf's eagerness to complete the task.
• Beowulf challenges Grendel without armor and weapons like he stated he would earlier. He believes this will make the fight even and God will choose the right winner. A shadow-walker sneaks through the hall.
• Beowulf is not egotistic. His boasting is to provide back-story and insight into his achievements.
• Wishes to fight without armor and weapons to make the fight fair.