Image Description
This drawing, done by illustrator John Howe, shows Beowulf fighting against Grendel the giant.
This image can be found here: http://www.john-howe.com/portfolio/gallery/details.php?image_id=2761.
Appearances and Summary
Beowulf appears in one required course reading, the myth that bears his name.
• Beowulf, chapters 1-6 (WM 386-416), available in the Week 10 block
Beowulf is the main character of his myth. When Grendel the giant begins sneaking into Heorot, the Danes’ mead-hall, and killing soldiers in a jealous rage (WM 388), Beowulf comes from Geatland to offer his assistance (WM 390). He does indeed help the Danes, battling Grendel “hand to hand” (WM 390). and ending the giant’s life with a “gruesome death-wound” (WM 394). Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, then awards Beowulf with “a great treasure-sword; an embroidered war-banner; golden-bridled horse; and an age-old jeweled saddle that had once been the war-seat of a high king” (WM 395). Beowulf is also given “payment in gold” to pass along to the family of the War-Geat …show more content…
Even in his older age, however, Beowulf still has a quest to complete. After a runaway slave steals a golden cup from a dragon’s treasure stash, the dragon decides to take his anger out on all of the Geats (WM 408). Beowulf comes to his country’s aid, ignoring the advice of his nobles, and goes off to fight the dragon (WM 409). Although he does take a few warriors with him, Beowulf boldly states that “I will risk no life but my own” (WM 409). Beowulf’s time to die has finally come, however. During the battle, Beowulf’s sword, Naegling, becomes “blunted” (WM 410). It is clear that Beowulf is on his way to losing this battle. Rather than going to help him, Beowulf’s warriors run away in fear after they see their king is not up to the task (WM
This drawing, done by illustrator John Howe, shows Beowulf fighting against Grendel the giant.
This image can be found here: http://www.john-howe.com/portfolio/gallery/details.php?image_id=2761.
Appearances and Summary
Beowulf appears in one required course reading, the myth that bears his name.
• Beowulf, chapters 1-6 (WM 386-416), available in the Week 10 block
Beowulf is the main character of his myth. When Grendel the giant begins sneaking into Heorot, the Danes’ mead-hall, and killing soldiers in a jealous rage (WM 388), Beowulf comes from Geatland to offer his assistance (WM 390). He does indeed help the Danes, battling Grendel “hand to hand” (WM 390). and ending the giant’s life with a “gruesome death-wound” (WM 394). Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, then awards Beowulf with “a great treasure-sword; an embroidered war-banner; golden-bridled horse; and an age-old jeweled saddle that had once been the war-seat of a high king” (WM 395). Beowulf is also given “payment in gold” to pass along to the family of the War-Geat …show more content…
Even in his older age, however, Beowulf still has a quest to complete. After a runaway slave steals a golden cup from a dragon’s treasure stash, the dragon decides to take his anger out on all of the Geats (WM 408). Beowulf comes to his country’s aid, ignoring the advice of his nobles, and goes off to fight the dragon (WM 409). Although he does take a few warriors with him, Beowulf boldly states that “I will risk no life but my own” (WM 409). Beowulf’s time to die has finally come, however. During the battle, Beowulf’s sword, Naegling, becomes “blunted” (WM 410). It is clear that Beowulf is on his way to losing this battle. Rather than going to help him, Beowulf’s warriors run away in fear after they see their king is not up to the task (WM