Saturday, March 6, 2021

Beowulf: A New Translation


 Book: Beowulf: A New Translation
Basic Information : Synopsis : Characters : Expectations : Thoughts : Evaluation : Book Group : New Words : Book References : Good Quotes : Table of Contents : References

Basic Information:

Translated: Maria Dahvana Headley

Edition: Kindle

Publisher: MCD X Fsg Originals

ISBN: 0374110034 (ISBN13: 9780374110031)

Start Date: February 19, 2021

Read Date: March 6, 2021

140 pages

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Book Group

Warning: Medium

Rated Overall: 3 out of 5


Fiction-Tells a good story: 4 out of 5

Fiction-Character development: 3 out of 5


Synopsis:

As the title suggests this is a new translation, or as I say, a new rendering of the Beowulf tale. Headley provides an extensive introduction explaining her translation from the Old English. She also talks about her bias and what she wanted to accomplish. She wanted to emphasis how females affected the story.


The Beowulf story is talk in several parts:

  • Background, introducing us to who some of the players are
  • Beowulf to the Rescue
  • Revenge of Grendel’s Death
  • Geatland
  • Beowulf as King
  • The Dragon
  • Beowulf and the Dragon
  • The Dying Beowulf

Cast of Characters:

Timeless Myths has a good family tree and explanation of how the various characters are related.


House of Hrethel

  • Hygelac-Hrethel’s son 

  •  Beowulf-grandson of Hrethel, born to Hrethel’s daughter and Ecgtheow, of the Wagmunding 

  • Ecgtheow-Beowulf’s father. Died before the story. Family of the Wagmundings 

  • Wiglaf-Aided Beowulf in defeating the dragon.



Scyldings

  • King Hrothgar-The king of the Danes
  • Beow-Hrothgar’s grandfather
  • Healfdane-The father of Hrothgar, Heorogar,
  • Wealhtheow-Hrothgar’s wife and queen
  • Hrethric-Hrothgar’s elder son, and I think the next in line for succession.
  • Hrothulf-Hrothgar’s nephew, I think Wealhtheow may hold him in favor
  • Aeschere-Hrothgar’s trusted adviser.



The Monesters

  • Grendel-A demon descended from Cain,
  • Grendel’s mother-
  • The dragon-



Others

  • Shield Sheafson-
  • Unferth-Ecglaf’s son. Jealous of what Bewulf intends to do. He mocks Beowulf with Breca’s tale.
  • Hrothmund-The second son of Hrothga
  • Wulfgar-a warrior, wise and tempered. Had Hrothgar’s ear for advice. Gate keeper of Herot.
  • Heatholaf-Beowulf’s father,Ecgtheow, killed him. Ecgtheow was received by Hrothgar and helped settle the feud..
  • Breca-
  • Sigemund-Just mentioned as another great tale.
  • Hildeburh- (1071)
  • Handseoh-One of the 14 companions of Beowulf. The one who was eaten by Grendel.


Expectations:
  • Recommendation: Peter J
  • When:
  • Date Became Aware of Book:
  • How come do I want to read this book: Beowulf is a classic epic tale. I am hoping with a more modern rendering that I can appreciate it more.
  • What do I think I will get out of it? The depth of the tale of Beowulf.

Thoughts:
  • Geat/Geatland-one of three lands of Sweden and comprises ten provinces. Geographically it is located in the south of Sweden, bounded to the north by Svealand, with the deep woods of Tiveden, Tylöskog and Kolmården marking the border.
  • Friesland - Northern Netherland
  • Scyldings- "People of Scyld/Skjöld" are the members of a legendary royal family of Danes, especially kings.
  • Heorot- a mead-hall and major point of focus in the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf. The hall, located in Denmark, serves as a seat of rule for King Hrothgar, a legendary Danish king. See map from Wikipedia It waldo appears to be the lodging place for warriors.
  • Rings-a sign of bravery and having fought for their king. I think the modern combat stripes are a descendant of the rings. Rings may be made out of gold and given by the king. See the Pace article on this. And a second article.


Introduction
Headley talks about her need to find a woman-warrior in stories. She latches onto Grendel’s mother.

Headley says about the saga, that It’s 3,182 lines of alliterative wildness, a sequence of monsters and would- be heroes. I wonder what she means by the term alliterative wildness?

The phrase “That was a good king” recurs throughout the poem, because the poem is fundamentally concerned with how to get and keep the title “Good.” She also asks, What keeps you good? The answer she says is vigilance.

She makes the case that no translation is going to be perfect, especially of a dead language such as Old English. For one thing, our world is different than theirs. She thinks the original Old English was written someplace between 725AD and 1025.Tolkein thinks the language should be “courtly”; she disagrees. But she does not state so much why she disagrees, except that more people can view the original surviving manuscript. She feels she is being led by the manuscript in her rendering.

Headley notes how the saga feels populist-like something sung in a pub rather than exclusively to kings. Still when I hear the Bro’s and f’s and s’s and daddy(ing) in how Headley renders it, I grimace. It just does not have the right feel to it. It is not something which lifts me rather it seems flat.

Her use of “Bro” instead of Hark, Lo, or So, is because to her it feels more like the competitive verbal jostling you get in a bar. She feels that it helps seal a relationship. Also it is a means which men seal a masculine relationship in. To me it sounded false and forced. But this may be more because I do not use language such as that, so it feels unnatural. I may not be the person who she is aiming this translation for.

“Beowulf “is a manual for how to live as a man, if you are, in fact, more like the monsters than the men. In a followup to this she indicates that Beowulf is an old man towards the end of the story who will not grow up into that role. I wonder if she sees anything heroic about the old man Beowulf? How younger men run away, but he stands alone to defeat the dragon, until one warrior comes to his aid? Is there no place to be a hero in your old age?

She does say In this translation, I worked to shine a light on the motivations, actions, and desires of the poem’s female characters, as well as to clarify their identities. First, I do not think there is a strong female presence except for the unnamed Grendel’s mother. [My book group pointed out that Headley also had the dragon being female. The gender of the dragon is not known]. But is that the kind of presence you really want to model? I don’t know that Grendel’s mother should be perceived in binary terms— monster versus human. Is she saying that Grendel’s mother was both a human and a monster? Or that we as humans seem to switch between roles? Or she did monstrous things as a human?

Seems like Headley has a pretty pessimistic view of the world. She sees never ending wars foisted on this nation by old men. And there is much in her sight talked about in Beowulf. Old men who want their own glory. Possessions bring no peace. So many wars, so many kingdoms, so much calamity. This is reflected in the woman’s final lament.

Something I agree with Headley on is that Storytellers spit a lot of truth in “Beowulf”. She sees this story that Beowulf’s barrow is like a lighthouse, warning of potential destruction.

 

Beowulf

From WikiCommons. Created by Ian Alexander

In various places Beowulf’s story touches on life in general. Some of these places include:

  • (83,84)Herot. Entices invasion and rottenness within.
  • (100) Grendel’s resentment from being excluded from society (120 Grendel hurt and so he hunted.
  • (438) When we see who wins, we’ll know who’s got God’s favor.


SetUp-Who the players are

(1)She starts out with her Bro! I think I would be much more in favor of saying Brothers! Maybe less modern, but to my ear, it leads me into the story.

(11) The first of many That was a good king. This phrasing seems to fit in, at least not grating. Talking about Hrothgar’s great grandfather. Gives a feel of reminiscing.

(24) Privilege is the way men prime power, the world over. This is Headley’s commentary on leaders taking their people into war.

(63) War was Hrothgar’s first wife. Today, would we say that he was addicted to adrenaline? He wanted to feel that pleasure of the fight? But what happens when you are too old to fight? What do you do? Fade away into dottarage? Or find a new way to show excellence? Maybe this is the contrast with Beowulf in his old age.

Grendel Comes

(100) Grendel’s resentment from being excluded from society (120) Grendel hurt and so he hunted. I wondered what Grendel would have done if there had been some human contact?

Grendel poisoned the peace which was at Herot. But was it really at peace if one of the inhabitants of the land was neglected?

Was Grendel human? He is said to be descended from Cain, which would indicate yes. But then how did he get to be so big and strong? Of course, the question of how did Beowulf get big and strong enough to tackle him?

(144) Grendel was given free reign to hunt at Herot for twelve years. Why so long?

(169) He couldn’t touch the treasure, or tame his yearning, for he’d been spurned by God. What repulsed Grendel from seeking the treasure in Herot? The author says that he was spurned by God. I am wondering if the author is saying that only those who are true of heart can rightly have riches.

(173-176) Interesting that in desperate times, people will avail themselves to all kinds of shenanigans. Even going to idols and sorcery. This is parallel to what happened to Saul when he visited the witch of Endor. The author notes: That was their nature, these heathens, hoping at the wrong heavens, remembering Hell, but nothing else. They knew no true Lord, no God, no Master.

(200) Beowulf hears about Grendel and readies his attack band. His people do not want him to leave on a fool’s errand.

(205) How Headley renders this is that Beowulf hired seven Geat mercenaries. (14 fists). But I think other places it says there were fourteen Geats and Beowulf (306).

(218) Two days of sailing to the Danish shore. From a map, it looks like it is an island off of Denmark.

Beowulf to the Rescue

(220) When they touch ground they transform themselves from sailors to soldiers.

(233) They meet a challenge from Hrothgar’s watchman. He is satisfied and leads them to Herot.

(287) The watchman challenges them to make good on their words: I know the difference between words and deeds, as anyone with half a brain does. Somehow the first part of this sentence seems strong and the second part is weak. But the watchman also vouches for the safety of their vessel.

(311) This was a place real men could be rebirthed, Not Nirvana, but a place on earth where warriors could act as warriors without regret.

(318) Grendel was not the Danes only enemy as the watchman had to go and guard against the other enemies. Evidently it was up to the Danes to guard against these; Beowulf had one task-get ride of Grendel.

(316) Hrothgar is pictured as being old and declining, in pain. Wulfgar gives an introduction to the king of Beowulf and his men. Beowulf’s reputation had gone before him as Hrothgar and the King of the Geats were on friendly terms and had exchanged gifts.

(410) Is it a boast if that is who you are?

(420) She talks about making sashimi out of sea monsters. Isn’t she mixing cultures a bit too much? Sashimi is Japanese in with Danish and Swedish.


(438) When we see who wins, we’ll know who’s got God’s favor. Implied that the victor is God’s winner.


(480) Hrothgar is concerned about his reputation. He recounts his relationship with Beowulf’s father.


(500) Unferth upon hearing of Beowulf mission, Unferthis is eaten up with envy and tries to bring down Beowulf. It was not because Unferth was a coward, he knew his limitations so he did not go after Grendel. Instead, he tries to bring up an episode of Beowulf which was painful to him. But it was Beowulf who was Breca’s protector. Not only Breca, but he had battled sea monsters and been the victor.


(602) no guns of note On the etymology according to Wikipedia came from around the 14th century. So why would Beowulf be talking about guns? Well in more modern vernacular guns can also mean biceps-from Dictionary.com. Still pretty confusing.


(629) After feasting, Beowulf was ready for his war with Grendel.


(658) Time to live up to his boasts


(679) He will do hand to hand combat. Both because he favors it, but also earlier he had heard that Grendel is not afraid of metal and that was not the way to defeat him.


(700) God’s the final decider, and men only the question-askers, students seeking solace.


(710) Grendel attacks the Geats. He gets one person.


(720) The warrior initially sounds like Beowulf, but later in the context it is Grendel.


(727) I liked the line about roosting like roasting chickens. Except do roasted chickens roost? Maybe something like laying in a line like roasted chickens.


(735) But then she descends into talking about Grendel being a proverbial goose getting cooked. Just seems so lame.


(737) Beowulf fakes sleep and watches one of his men being snatched and eaten.


(738-836) Describes the fight


(859) Because Beowulf killed Grendel, the storyteller says there was no one more qualified to be king. I wonder how come? Is it just that you are strong? Or is there something more like you are victorious and can keep your people secure?


(925-1241 ) Celebration of the victory over Grendel. Retelling of the battle. Everyone of Beowulf’s men got rewarded. The man who died even more so. Beowulf received Hrothgar’s father’s own sword.


(1018) Foreboding of what is to come to the Scyldings-treachery. But not on this night.


(1060) God’s in charge, always has been, always will be, and anyone who lives long will endure both ecstasy and ugliness. True. Still not sure this is particularly Christian. It can also be said with an air of despair.


(1071-1158 ) Song about Hildeburgh and how she lost her men folk in battle.


(1163) Hrothulf is said to have thought that his ascendency to the throne was clear-cut. But there are people who would rather take than serve.


(1170-1187) Wealhtheow gives a speech saying to give the Geats their due, they deserve it and even though you have adopted Beowulf, give his nephew Hrothulf the kingdom as he is an honorable man.


(1173) Gifts are for granting…


(1217) Wealhtheow gives gifts to Beowulf. Sounds like St Paul in Eph 6, putting on armour. Wealhtheow gives:

  • Neck collar to keep his head straight
  • Mail-shirt to protect his heart

In return, she asks that Beowulf keep her sons protected.


(1256) The vengeance of Grendel-his mother.


The Revenge of Grendel

(1257) Grendel’s mother is introduced


(1261-1271) Contrast of Grendel and Beowulf. Grendel was one of the ones cursed through Cain. Beowulf says he is God’s gift.


(1289-1298) Grendel’s mother attacks Herot and kills Dane warriors. One of the victims was Hrothgar’s closest friend and advisor, Aeshere. Beowulf was sleeping elsewhere.


(1333) Hrothgar blames Beowulf for the misfortune. He was the one who killed Grendel.


(1360) Grendel’s mother’s den


(1384) Beowulf sounds in this rendition too light weight and very unsympathetic. No worries, wise one, I’ve got this. The next sentence does much better where Beowulf says that it is better to fight than cry.


(1410-1440) The troops and Hrothgar go to the mere, following Grendel’s mother’s tracks. They found Aeshere’s head. Also lizards and things like it. These are things the troops could take on and did. But it is to Beowulf to tackle the mother.


(1455) Unferth gives Beowulf his own heirloom sword. This is the same person who made fun of Beowulf initially, but has been won over. [My book group had a couple of other takes. 1) Unferth knew the blade was dull and was trying to do in Beowulf. 2) Why was the blade dull? Did Unferth never use it or it was improperly sharpened, as in he did not take care of things. 3) Why didn’t Beowulf check the blade before setting out?]


(1498-1631 ) The battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother. The mother drags him down. They do battle-the sword being useless against her. They grapple. He thinks he might have met his match. She is going to kill him, but his chain-mail saves him. He finds a sword and cuts her spine, killing her. In the mother’s underwater castle, Beowulf finds Grendel’s corpse and cuts it to pieces. Unferth’s sword melts.


God gets recognized as saving Beowulf because of the chain mail.


When the Danes saw the blood, they felt Beowulf had met his match and left. The Geats stayed watch. Beowulf rises to the cheers of his men.


They then return to Herot to the amazement of the Danes.


(1652-1783 ) Beowulf’s triumphant return to Herot. He describes the battle. Hrothgar says that For your people, you’ll be, like me, a defender and a hero. Hrothgar then gives Beowulf saome father advice, to take care of his people. Do not be like a past king of the Danes who sought only his own reputation which led to instead of people loving him, they loathed him.


(1732) men in the end are fools. Because of this, God has to set bounds on them. This may be the story of the Bible, we are all fools.


(1807-1902 ) Beowulf and the Geats make ready to return back to Geatland. Speeches are made and more gifts and rings are given.


(1835) Peace-woven, not battle or war-woven. How to achieve this? It seems like the story of Beowulf is that one great man can accomplish great things beyond his deeds.


(1879) He opened his arms. He let him go. In any relationship there is a time to hold close and a time to let go.


Geatland

(1932-1959) Storyteller gets side tracked with the story of Queen Modthryth who went from barbaric to kindly.

(1960) I knew that Tolkein got names for the Lord of the Rings from some of the Northern stories. Eomer, the rider of horses is one of them.


(1999-2199 ) Beowulf recounts his triumph for his king. Some of the rendering seems a bit crass. Beowulf gave gifts from what was given to him, not mere tokens, but meaningful ones. He also spoke lordly. Sounded like he left as a boy and immature and returned in a state where all honored him. The king gave Beowulf land and a hall, making him wealthy and influential.


How long was Beowulf away? Sounded like a week or so?


Beowulf as King


(2218) Beowulf has now aged.


The Dragon

(2217-2219) Thief robs dragon of a single cup


(2231-2269) The dragon is on a barrow of some forgotten man. It sounds like the man was not content with his wealth and wandered the earth trying to seek fulfillment for his life. Is the writer trying to tell us that there is more to life than the gain of wealth?


(2291-2294) Interesting line showing how we sometimes get God’s grace when we pass by danger unknown, He keeps us safe from falling into traps.


(2302-2399 ) The dragon is out to avenge her stolen cup.Eventually even Bewulf’s own hall is destroyed-he is not there. His reaction is to examine himself for any misdeeds.


Beowulf had become king when his uncle died in battle against Friesland. He would not become king, preferring the rightful heir, the Kings son, his cousin to be King. He advised and held up the new king. But Beowulf became king when treachery killed the new king and no one was there to take his place. It was said that Beowulf was reluctant to take up the throne. (2388-2389)


Beowulf and the Dragon

(2400-2509) Beowulf, who has ruled 50 years, and 11 companions sets out to find the dragon. He finds the man who stole the cup and forces him to join them. He remembers how he is the King’s protection, even now, he is the king, he will protect the people and the kingdom.


By my guessing, I think he is about 65-70 years old


(2420-2443 ) Beowulf slides back and remembers his life, realizing this might be the end of him.


(2516-2549 ) Speech to his men, saying he will go alone. But because this is a dragon, he will have to take a sword and shield.


(2550-2710 ) The battle against the dragon goes bad for Beowulf. He realizes that he will not win this fight.


(2600) Wiglaf runs, but then returns to Beowulf.


(2707) The storyteller’s conclusion on the battle: every warrior should step up to serve his lord, step down regardless of odds.


The Dying Beowulf

(2724- ) Beowulf directs Wiglaf to see what was won. Wiglaf goes into the dragon’s lair and brings back gold for Beowulf to see. Beowulf gives Wiglaf his last words. His death is broadcast throughout the kingdom. Be prepared for battle as kingdoms will come against the Geats. There is the recounting of fights against various kingdoms and why the kingdoms will want revenge. Beowulf’s funeral pyre.


(2728) Beowulf makes Wiglaf king by giving him his armour.


(2798) Beowulf thinks that it is a good bargain, his life for the dragon’s gold.


(2821) Beowulf dies


(2863-2892 ) Wiglaf words to the 10 returning soldiers, calling them cowards. He prophesied that the kingdom will fall once Beowulf’s death is heard. Other kingdoms will try to take over.


(2999- ) The calling to Beowulf funeral. They will burn Beowulf on a funeral pyre, along with the gold he won. The sorrow



Evaluation:

Headley notes that there are more renditions of Beowulf than there are days in the month. This naturally leads one to the question of, why should I read this one and not the other 29? Is hers more accessible than others? More accurate? Does it render the story better or more accurately?


Before I answer those questions, I will say that the Beowulf story is a classic. It has drama, conflict, kings and gold. It tells of kingdoms rivalries both old and future. And then there are monsters. My encouragement is to read, or better yet, listen to whatever rendering of the story makes sense to you.


Did Headley’s rendering of the story do justice to it? I will say a qualified no. The qualification is that my verdict is not for everyone, but for myself. Why might you ask? Headley in trying to modernize the tale using vocabulary which this old man does not frequent, such as “Bro!” or some four-letter words (not that I am unacquainted with them.), or “daddy”. When she starts the tale out with “Bro!” it is not a familiar tone, but one which is jarring. One the other hand, those in my book group felt that Headley’s telling of this tale could easily be adjusted to a different modern motif, such as gangsta.


The bottom line is that I cannot recommend for or against this rendering, But the Beowulf story is worth the listen.


 
Notes from my book group:


Introduction

Why did Headley feel a need to make a new rendition of Beowulf? What did she want to accomplish? Did she?


Does she make the saga of Beowulf more accessible to you? What did you think about her putting more modern terminology into the storytelling? Are there words or phrasing which caught you as helping or hindering the story? Which would you have preferred this telling or a more “classical” rendition?

Headley talks about her need to find a woman-warrior in stories. What do you think of her rendition of Grendel’s mother? What does Headley see in Grendel’s mother? Did she fulfill her desire? What does her attachment to Grendel’s mother say about her, if anything?

Throughout the telling, the phrase “That was a good king” reoccurs. What does the storyteller mean by this? What does Headley mean? She also asks the question, What keeps you good? What does the storyteller say keeps a king good? How would you answer that? What is Headley’s answer? Why does she answer this way?

Headley says that “Beowulf “is a manual for how to live as a man, if you are, in fact, more like the monsters than the men. Does her rendition show men to be monsters? How so? Why does she think so? Is there a place for heroic action among the aged?

Headley says that In this translation, I worked to shine a light on the motivations, actions, and desires of the poem’s female characters, as well as to clarify their identities. Identify the female characters. How did Headley bring out a female presence? Do you think it was there without Headley illuminating it? Did it make the translation better? Do you think of Grendel’s mother more as maternal? A warrior? Monster? Is Healey effective in transforming Grendel’s mother into something else than a monster?

I don’t know that Grendel’s mother should be perceived in binary terms— monster versus human. Is she saying that Grendel’s mother was both a human and a monster? Or she did monstrous things as a human?

What other women are there in Beowulf? How does Headley poetry them?

How does Headley see our world? How is it reflected in her translation?

In her introduction, she says that Beowulf is It’s 3,182 lines of alliterative wildness. What does she mean by this? (She also finished her sentence by saying that it is a sequence of monsters and would- be heroes.)


Beowulf

What themes do you see in this story? What sections would you divide this story into? Does each section have a separate theme or are they pretty united?

War was Hrothgar’s first wife. How does war elevate Hrothgar’s statue? Does being valiant in battle make him a better king? How so? As Hrothgar advances in age, can he still be the battle king? Does he take this change in ability well? How does he change? Is there a similarity in Beowulf’s life arc?

What is the meaning of having been given a ring? Who can give a ring?

Who was Grendel? Human? Monster? How did he get so big and strong? How about Grendel’s mother?

Who was Beowulf? How did he get big and strong enough to tackle Grendel?

In various places Beowulf’s story touches on life in general. Some of these places include:

  • (83,84)Herot. Entices invasion and rottenness within.
  • (100) Grendel’s resentment from being excluded from society (120 Grendel hurt and so he hunted.
  • (438) When we see who wins, we’ll know who’s got God’s favor.

Talk about any of these and tell us what you understand Beowulf is trying to convey to us.

Thought to comment on: Before Grendel attacked Herot, it seemed like all was at peace. Was this an illusion? Can a land be at peace if there is hurt in it? Is there any lessons to be taken from this for our current times?


Why couldn’t Grendel touch Herot’s treasure (169)?


Why was Grendel allowed to hunt at Herot for twelve years without being hampered? What does this say about the Danes? What did the Danes do to try to rid themselves of Grendel? How effective was it? Comment on That was their nature, these heathens, hoping at the wrong heavens, remembering Hell, but nothing else. They knew no true Lord, no God, no Master. (177-179)


Beowulf introduces himself with a boast. Is it a boast if that is who you are? (410)


On line 438, Beowulf says that When we see who wins, we’ll know who’s got God’s favor. Or later on God’s the final decider, and men only the question-askers, students seeking solace.

(700) Is this a Christian statement? Or one of religious affirmation? Is there greater applicability?


Around 737, Grendel attacks and eats one of Beowulf’s men while Beowulf watches, faking sleep. If you were one of Beowulf’s men, what would you think about this? Would you feel like Beowulf was there for you?


Once Beowulf defeated Grendel, the storyteller says that Beowulf was the most qualified to be king. (839). What makes Beowulf qualified to be king in the storyteller’s mind? Would Beowulf have made a good leader today?


How is Unferth’s envy similar to Grendel’s? How is it different? How come there are different results? How does it feel like Unferth is more of a man of integrity in Beowulf’s story? Is there an example here?


Is the lead up and fight with Grendel’s mother a repeat of the fight of Grendel? If so, why was it included? If not, how is it different? Which do you think is more terrifying?


Does Headley’s portrayal of Grendel’s mother give a good idea about her being a warrior-woman of Headley’s youth?


When Beowulf is saluted by Hrothgar after his fight with Grendel’s mother, Hrothgar gives Beowulf advice about ruling people by talking about Heremod (1710-1723). Why did he use this king as an example for Beowulf? Does he learn from this example? Is there application to today and how we govern?


Hrothgar notes that men in the end are fools, (1732) How does this observation shape the King’s view of ruling? The rest of his speech and advice to Beowulf? Do you agree with the statement?


Do you agree with the statement “the story of Beowulf is that one great man can accomplish great things beyond his deeds.”? In what ways? Are there people today whose you consider great who lead to healing of strike, like between the Danes and the Geats?


The barrow which is now a dragon’s belonged to someone else, but there is no record of him, his works or might (2231-2269). What is the writer trying to convey to us? Is there any greatness in acquiring wealth? Where does greatness lie?


Describe the battle between Beowulf and the dragon. How is the dragon killed?


When the battle against the dragon goes bad, for the first time, Beowulf thinks he might lose. Describe what Beowulf was thinking.


At the time of this fight, Beowulf is 65-70 years old, having served as king 50 years. Why did Beowulf feel the need to personally defend his kingdom? Why could he not let one of the younger men do it? Contrast the wisdom of Beowulf and Hrothgar in this.


Who is Wiglaf? Why does he feel the need to turn and help Beowulf? Do you think Beowulf would have accepted Wiglaf’s help if he could have killed the dragon alone? How is he rewarded? Is there always rewards for doing good? Then why do good?


The last thing Beowulf wants done while he is alive is to see the prize he won. Why is this so important to him? What does it say about Beowulf and his values? Is this connected with his valuing the kingdom? Beowulf thinks that it is a good bargain, his life for the dragon’s gold. Do you agree? Even if Beowulf would have died shortly afterwards? (2798) At the end, Beowulf never imagined gold could bring grief. (3094)


The storyteller talks about the various wars between kingdoms. Why is this appropriate to talk about at Beowulf’s death? What keeps kingdoms or nations from trying to take over other nations?


First the dragon killed the king, then the king killed the dragon. (3061) How do you see this statement? Is this in line with the rest of the story? Is there any hope in this story?


Was Beowulf’s desire to have a huge pyre vanity? Or fitting for a man of his statute? He wanted a memorial built to last, to light the future, because of all men who ever lived, he was the strongest, and the bravest, and the brightest, and the best. (3098)


At the end of the story, a Geat woman’s lament arose. (3148) Why does the story end this way, with the woman’s cry?


They did all this grieving the way men do, … no man knows, not me, not you, how to get to goodbye.


Why does Gendel’s mother and the dragon not have a name?


How many Lord of the Rings names did you pick up in Beowulf?


How do you want your life to change because you read this book?


Many of these questions are either from or adapted from LitLovers.

Which character was reandered the most convincing? Least?

Which character did you identify with?

Which one did you dislike?

Every story has a world view. Were you able to identify this story’s world view? What was it? How did it affect the story?

In what context was religion talked about in this book?

Was there anybody you would consider religious?

How did they show it?

Was the book overtly religious?

How did it affect the book's story?

What would you ask the translator if you had a chance?

What “takeaways” did you have from this book?

What central ideas does the translator present?

Are they personal, sociological, global, political, economic, spiritual, medical, or scientific

Are there translations which seem controversial?

To whom and why?

Describe the culture talked about in the book.

How is the culture described in this book different than where we live?

How did this book affect your view of the world?

Of how God is viewed?

What questions did you ask yourself after reading this book?

Talk about specific passages that struck you as significant—or interesting, profound, amusing, illuminating, disturbing, sad...?

What was memorable?



New Words:

  • Bringer: exactly what it sounds like, someone or thing which brings something. In this case, a battle
  • Sashimi: thinly sliced, raw food. It is one of the most famous dishes in the Japanese cuisine. Seafood is most commonly eaten as sashimi, but other types of meats (such as beef, horse and deer) and foods (such as yuba tofu skin and konnyaku) can also be served as sashimi. Some people confuse sashimi with sushi. Unlike sashimi, sushi includes vinegared rice. From the Japanese Guide

Book References:

  • The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley


Good Quotes:
  • First Line: Bro!
  • Last Line: He was the man!
  • I know the difference between words and deeds, as anyone with half a brain does. Line 287
  • God’s the final decider, and men only the question-askers, students seeking solace. Line 700
  • God’s in charge, always has been, always will be, and anyone who lives long will endure both ecstasy and ugliness. Line 1060
  • Gifts are for granting...Line 1173
  • men in the end are fools, Line 1732
  • every warrior should step up to serve his lord, step down regardless of odds. Line 2707
  
Table of Contents:
  • Introduction
  • Beowulf

References:
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