Module 2

Anglo-Saxon/Old English Literature

Beowulf

Overview

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem consisting of 3,182 alliterative lines. It is one
of the most important works of Old English literature. The date of composition is a
matter of contention among scholars; the only certain dating pertains to the
manuscript, which was produced between 975 and 1025. The anonymous poet is
referred to by scholars as the "Beowulf poet".

The story is set in Scandinavia in the 6th century. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats,
comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has
been under attack by a monster known as Grendel. After Beowulf slays
him, Grendel's mother attacks the hall and is then also defeated. Victorious,
Beowulf goes home to Geatland (Götaland in modern Sweden) and becomes king of
the Geats. Fifty years later, Beowulf defeats a dragon, but is mortally wounded in the
battle. After his death, his attendants cremate his body and erect a tower on a
headland in his memory.

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson the students should have;

1. Presented a synopsis of the epic;

2. Recalled the kennings used in the epic poem that add to its artistry and beauty;

3. Realized the good values of the hero and the moral values of their people and the
universality of peoples’ values then and now;

4. Written a reflection of good and evil characters in the epic;

5. Analyzed behaviors of the characters in the epic and compare them to real life
leaders.
Plot Summary

SAQ 2-1

1. Why did the hero go to the Danish land?

2. Who are the characters in the epic? Identify them briefly.

3. Who is the main character or protagonist?

4. Who are the antagonists?

ASAQ 2-1

1. Beowulf went to Denmark to help King Hrothgar whose great Meadhall

Heorot is constantly attacked by monster Grendel.

2. The characters are:

Beowulf – the great brave and extraordinary strong warrior

Grendel - the monster which attacked Heorot, it could devour 30 men in one
night
Hrothgar – the kind and generous King of Denmark
Unferth – the jealous Danish warrior
Brecca – the childhood rival of Beowulf
Grendel’s Mother – the second monster which attacked Heorot to avenge her
child
King Hygelac- the kind King of Geatland
Queen Hygd- the beautiful queen of King Hygelac who offered Kingship to
Beowulf
Heardred – the prince whose capability is not trusted by his own mother
Wiglaf- the loyal warrior of beowulf
The Dragon – the monster who caused the death of Beowulf.

3. The protagonist or hero is Beowulf.

4. The antagonists are Grendel, Mother of Grendel and Dragon

Have you read the epic from the book of Rosenberg? If you answer positively then
you can write the plot summary of the epic.
 Activity 2-1
Write a broad plot summary of Beowulf.

Character Analysis/ Characterization

Now that you have written about the adventures of Beowulf, how can you describe
him as a hero of this Anglo Saxon epic?

SAQ 2-2
1. Describe how Beowulf fought against Grendel?

2. Narrate how Beowulf defeated the mother of Grendel.

3. Why did Beowulf not accept Kingship after Hygelac died? Do you admire him
because of his refusal to become King at the offer of the queen? Why?

4. How did Beowulf die? Was he responsible to pursue the dragon? What could
have been done to escape that heroic death?

5. What are the kennings used in the epic? Do kennings help in beautifying the
expressions in Beowulf?
 Activity 2-3
Answer the following:
1. Would you consider Beowulf as a true hero? If no, why not? Justify.
If yes, enumerate the events in the epic that makes Beowulf a true hero.(not
more than two paragraphs)

2. Recall an epic in Philippine Literature. Give the similarities and differences

of the selections from two distinct countries. (at least two but not more than
three paragraphs)

2. Pick a historical Filipino leader and compare and contrast him to the
character of the epic hero Beowulf. (at least two but not more than three
paragraphs)

References:

Gabelo, Nerissa C., Purita Manzano-Cunanan (2005). Innovative Educational Materials,

Inc.,Philippines

Rosenberg, Donna (1994). World Mythology 2nd Ed. NTC Publishing Group, Inc., 4255 West
Tuohy Ave, Lincolnwood, Illinois, USA

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/b/beowulf/character-analysis/beowulf