BEOWULF

. Christian Elements in Beowulf

1) Comprehension check
a) Give two explanations of why there are Christian
elements in Beowulf.
One of the reasons why there are Chistian elements in Beowulf, is
because when the poem was being composed, the Ango Saxons
were converting to Christianity.
The other one is that the poem , is really a pagan poem but it was
modified by the monks who kept the manuscript added the
Christian elements.

b) Give an example of a Christian element in Beowulf.

In many parts of the poem , they mention God, as someone who
protect them and give powers as strength and courage.
In page 26, the king mention that God has sent him to
defended them against Grendel.

c) Give an example of a heroic element in Beowulf.

After Aeschere’s death, Beowulf says to Hrothgar, ‘Do not
be sad, sir. It is better to avenge a friend’s death than to cry
over it’. This desire for revenge comes from the heroic
values of a pagan, not Christian, society.

2) Discussion
3) I think Beowolf is more pagan for the events that happen and
the actions of the characters, there was violence, death and
 revenge, but there are Christian elements too, they named
God many times, and mention that God helps and protect
them.
I think the atmosphere is really bad, people died because the
monster, they are scared, full of negativity and thoughts and
desires of revenge and conquer.
One example of this could be ‘When morning came the Danes
woke up and saw the bodies of their friends.
The other one is when Grendel killed the King´s friend and
then they looked for revenge. Or when Unferth was jealous of
Beowulf and try to discredit him.

Pages 108 and 109

1) Comprehension Check
1) Why did Hrothgar build a mead hall?
He built it because he wanted a place which would be a sign
of his power.
2) Who was Grendel?
He was a demon who also hated the Danes.
3) Who was Beowulf?
At the beginning of the story he was a Great Lord but after
some battles he became King of Geatland.
4) How did Beowulf want to fight Grendel?
He wanted to fight him alone without any weapons.
5) How did Beowulf kill Grendel?
He pulled his arm and shoulder off. Then the demon dived
into the water and drowned.
6) Who did King Hrothgar thank for the death of Grendel?
He thanked the heroic acts of Beowulf, but also thanked God
for giving the fighter his strength.
7) What did Grendel look like?
I think he was a demonic figure that looked like a man.
8) How did Beowulf kill Grendel’s mother?
He used a big sword that he saw in the monter´s armoury.
He picked it up and swung it at Grendel´s mother..
9) What did Beowulf bring back to King Hrothgar after he had
killed Grendel's mother?
He brought the hilt of her sword and her head, which he had
cut off.
10) Who became the King of the Geats when Hygelac was killed
in battle?
Beowulf did become king of the Geats.
11) Why did the dragon begin to attack the Geats?
The dragon started attacking the Geats because a thief had
stolen a goblet it was guarding.
12) Why did Wiglaf say that the Franks, Frisians and Swedes
would soon attack the Geats after Beowulf's death?
He said they will be attacked soon because they had been
afraid of Beowulf and now that he was dead they could attack.