Hrothgar hroth'gar', hing of the Danes, has buile a wonderful mead hall called Heros (h&r'at), where his subjects congregate and make merry. As this selection apens, a fierce and powerful monster named Grendel invades the mead hall, bringing deash and destruction. COs ,U SNE BY Ey A powerful monster, living down In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient @ @ OLD ENGLISH POETRY AAs day after day the music rang Reread lines 1-2 aloud. Notice the use ofaliteration with the repetition ofthe letters p and d ‘What mood, or feeling, does the alliteration convey? Loud in that hall the harps rejoicing 5 Call and the poets clear songs, sung Of the ancient beginnings of us all, recalling The Almighty making the earth, shaping These beautiful plains marked off by oceans, ‘Then proudly setting the sun and moon 10 To glow across the land and light is ANALYZE VISUALS The corners of the earth were made lovely with trees Eramin te composition or ves, made quick with life, with ead arrangement of shapes inthis ee eae See eerie angle of the photo contribute to ‘As now warriors sang of their pleasure: its impact? 3B UNIT I: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIBVAL PERIODS15 So Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall Till the monster stirred, that demon, thac fiend, Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild Marshes, and made his home in a hell Not hell but earth. He was spawned in that slime, 20 Conceived by a pair of those monsters born Of Cain, murderous creatures banished By God, punished forever for the crime Of Abel's death. The Almighty drove Those demons out, and their exile was bitter, 25 Shut away from men; they split Into a thousand forms of evil—spiies ‘And fiends, goblins, monsters, giants, A brood forever opposing the Lord's Will, and again and again defeated. @ 30 Then, when darkness had dropped, Grendel Went up to Herot, wondering what the warriors Would do in that hall when their drinking was done. He found them sprawled in sleep, suspecting Nothing, their dreams undisturbed. The monster's __ 38 Thoughts were as quick as his greed ot his claws: He slipped through the door and there in the silence Snatched up thirty men, smashed them Unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies, ‘The blood dripping behind him, back 40 To his Iais, delighted with his night’ slaughter. ‘Ar daybreak, with the sun’ firs light, they saw How well he had worked, and in that gray morning Broke their long feast with tears and laments For the dead. Hrothgar, ther lord, at joyless 45 In Herot, a mighty prince mourning The fate of his lost friends and companions, Knowing by its tracks that some demon had torn His followers apare. He wepr, fearing ‘The beginning might not be the end. And that night @ 50 Grendel came again, so set On murder that no crime could ever be enougl No savage assault quench his luse For evil. Then each warrior tried ‘To escape him, searched for resin different 45 Beds, as far from Herot as they could find, Seeing how Grendel hunted when they slept. Distance was safety; the only survivors Were those who fled him. Hate had triumphed. 40 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS 17 moors (dor broad, open regions with patches of bog. 19 spawned: given birth to. 21 Cain the eldest son of Adam and ve, Accordingto the Bible (Genesis 4, he murdered his younger brother Abel EPIC Note the description in lines 23~ 29 of supernatural creatures that are “again and again defeated” What universal theme might ‘these lines suggest? lair (li) nthe den or resting place ofa wild animal What words and details convey this tone?— = ieee F E | So Grendel ruled, fought with the righteous, © 6 One against many, and won; so Hetot Stood empry, and stayed deserted for years, ‘Twelve winters of grief for Hrothgar, king Of the Danes, sorrow heaped at his door | By hell-forged hands His misery leaped @ | The seas, was told and sung in all ; What does the kenning “hell ‘Men's ears: how Grendel's hatred began, forged ara line 64 suggest F How the monster relished his savage war souk Grenier i @ OLD ENGLISH POETRY On the Danes, keeping the bloody feud Alive, seeking no peace, offering | 7 No truce, acepting no setlement, no price In gold or land, and paying the living For one crime only with another. No one Waited for reparation from his plundering claws: That shadow of death hunted in the darkness, 5 Stalked Hrothgar’s warriors, old 13 reparation: something done to ‘make amends for loss or suffering In Germanicsoclety someone who killed another person was generally And young, lying in waiting, hidden expected to make a payment tothe In mist, invisibly following them from the edge wedi’ family as a way of restoring Of the marsh, always there, unseen, pee So mankind's enemy continued his crimes, Killing as often as he could, coming Alone, bloodthirsty and horzible. Though he lived In Heror, when the night hid him, he never Dated to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious Throne, protected by God—God, 24 The reference to God shows # Whose love Grendel could not know. But Hothga’s — Heare was bent. The best and most noble Soweiios Of his council debated remedies, sat In secret sessions, talking of teror __ And wondering what the bravest of wartiors could do. ® And sometimes they sacrificed tothe old stone gods, Made heathen vows, hoping for Hill’ 37 heathen thon pagan: non Support, the Devils guidance in driving Christian. Though the Beowulf Poet Their affliction off That was their way, Setentn ea ettae And the heathen’ only hope, Hell fein 1 Always in their hearts, knowing neither God converted to Christianity when they Nor His passing as He walks through our world, the Lor ‘Silwershiped “the ld stone gods Of Heaven and carth; their ears could not hear affliction (e-k’shon) na His praise nor know His glory. Let then Sa ert ieee Beware, those who are chrus into danger, B? Clutched at by trouble, yet can carry no solace In their hearts, cannot hope to be bettet! Hail To those who will rise to God, drop off Their dead bodies and seck our Father’s peace! f F neowrne 41Cienaeaw So the living sorrow of Healfuane’s son 10s Simmered, bitter and fresh, and no wisdom Or strength could break it: that agony hung (On king and people alike, harsh ‘And unending, violene and cruel, and evil In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s uio Follower and the strongest of the Geats—greater ‘And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world — Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror ‘And quickly commanded a boat fitted ou, Proclaiming that held go to that famous king, 115 Would sal across the sea vo Hrothgan Now when help was needed. None @ Of the wise ones regrerted his going, much ‘As he was loved by the Geats: the omens were good, ‘And they urged the adventure on. So Beowulf 120 Chose the mightiest men he could find, The bravest and best of the Geats, fourteen Inall, and led them down to their boat; 42. UNIT L: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS “The Ode Ship (850), Viking. Viking Ship Miseam, Brady, Nova © Werner Formanlarc Resource, New York 108 Heaifdane's son: Hrothgar. 109-M10 Higlac' follower: a warrior loyal to Higlac nig), kingof the CGeats (and Beowul’ uncle). © EPIC Reread lines 109-116,in which Beowuifis first introduced, ‘what trats of an epic hero does he appear to possess?He knew the sea, would point the prow Straight to that distant Danish shore. .. Beowulf and his men sail over the sea to he land of the Danes to offer help to Hrothgar. They are escorted by a Danish guard to Heras, where Wilfgar, one of Frothgar’s soldiers, tells the king oftheir arrival. Hvothgar knows of Beowulf and is ready to weleome the oung prince and his men. 15 Then Walfgar went to the door and addressed ‘The waiting seafarers with soldier’ words: “My lord, the great king of the Danes, commands me ‘To tell you that he knows of your noble birth ‘And that having come to him from over the open 130 Sea you have come bravely and are welcome. Now go to him as you are, in your armor and helmets, But leave your battle shields here, and your spears, Let them lie waiting for the promises your words May make.” Beowulf arose, with his men 135 Around him, ordering a few to remain ‘With their weapons, leading the others quickly Along under Herot’s steep roof into Hrochgars Presence. Standing on that prince's own hearth, Helmeted, the silvery metal of his mail shire 139 malls: eb body armor Wo Gleaming with a smith’ high art, he greeted tadeof eta nso oaping ‘The Danes’ great lord: os ase ‘Mo smiths high art the sled “Hail, Hrothgart craft of blacksmith (a person who Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days fashion objects from ton Of my youth have been filled with glory. Now Grendel’s 142 cousins here,a genera tem fora ‘Name has echoed in our land: sailors a ae 14s Have brought us stories of Herot, the best fall mead-halls, deserted and useless when the moon Hangs in skies the sun had lit, Light and life fleeing together. My people have said, che wisest, most knowing 150 And best of them, that my dury was to go to the Danes’ Great king, They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me rise from che darkness of war, Dripping with my enemies’ blood. I drove Five great giants into chains, chased 155 All of that race from the earth, I swam ~ In the blackness of night, hunting monsters Out of the ocean, and killing them one peowure 43By, one; death was my errand and the fate “They had earned, Now Grendel and I are called @ co Together, and I've come. Grant me, then, Lord and protector of this noble place, 'A single request! T have come so far, ‘Oh shelterer of watriors and your people’ loved friend, That this one favor you should not refuse me— 165 Thac I, alone and with the help of my men, May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, “Too, that the monsters scorn of men Ts so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord His tro Might think less of me if I let my sword Go where my feet were afraid to, if hid Behind some broad linden shield: my hands ‘Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life ‘Against the monster. God must decide 175 Who will be given to death’s cold grip. Grendel's plan, I think, will be What it has been before, to invade this hall And gorge his belly with our bodies. Ifhe cans fhe can. And I think, if my time will have come, 140 There'll be nothing to mourn over, no corpse to prepare For its grave: Grendel will carry our bloody Flesh to the moors, crunch on out bones "And smear torn scraps of our skin on the walls Ofhis den. No, I expect no Danes 1s Will fret about sewing our shrouds, if he wins. ‘And if death does take me, send the hammered Mail of my armor to Higlac, return The inheritance I had from Hrethel, and he From Wayland. Fate will unwind as it must!” 190 Hrochgar replied, protector of the Danes “Beowulf, you've come to us in friendship, and because (Of the reception your father found ac our court. Edgetho had begun a bitter feud, Killing Haehlaf, a Walfing warrior: 19s Your father’s countrymen were afraid of war, Ifhe returned to his home, and they turned him away. ‘Then he traveled across the curving waves To the land of the Danes. I was new to the throne, Then, a young man culing this wide 44 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS OFC Notice that in lines 153-59, Beowulf boasts about past victories that required superhuman strength and courage. Why might the people of Beowulf: time have valued such traits? purge (0) to cleanse or rid of. something undesirable 12 linden shield shield made rom the wood ofa linden tee: 172-124 Beowulf insists on fighting Grendel without weapons. {gorge (904) v-to stuff with food; glut 185 shrouds: cloths in which dead bouies are wrapped. 188 Hrethel th’ alla former king of the Geats—Miglac’s father and ‘Beowul's grandfather. 189 Wayland: a famous blacksmith and magician. 193 Edgetho [othe Beowulf’ father 194 Wulfing: member of another Germanic tribe209 Kingclom and its golden city: Hergar, My older brother, a far better man ‘Than I, had died and dying made me, Second among Healfdane's sons, first In this nation. I bought the end of Edgetho's 205 Quarrel, sent ancient treasures through the ocean's Furrows to the Wulfings; your father swore ‘Held keep that peace. My tongue grows heavy, ‘And my heart, when I try to tell you what Grendel Has brought us, the damage he’s done, here 210 In this hall. You see for yourself how much smaller @ © OLD ENGLISH POETRY ‘Our ranks have become, and can guess what we've lost Observe that as Hrothgar begins tospeak about Grendel in lines To his terror. Surely the Lord Almighty f 207-210, the mood becomes Could stop his madness, smorher his lust! ticiaal deeaing: wat How many times have my men, glowing ‘repeated sounds does the poet 215 With courage drawn from too many cups use to suggest this mood? fale, sworn to stay afer dark And stem that horror with a sweep of their swords. ‘And then, in the morning, this mead-hall glittering With new light would be drenched with blood, the benches 220 Stained red, the floors, all wet from that fiend’s Savage assault—and my soldiers would be fewer Sill, death taking more and more. But to table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: Lec us toast your victories, and tall of the future.” @ © Eric 25 Then Hrothgar’s men gave places to the Geats, Note that Hrothgar delivers Yeldd benches to the brave vistors aongpetchto Beowultin ‘And led them to the feast. The keeper of the mead feecelintessec ‘Came carrying out the carved flasks, ‘And poured that bright sweetness. A poet 230 Sang, from time to time, ina clear Pure voice. Danes and visting Geats Celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced...After the banquet, Hrothgar and his followers leave Herot, and Beowulf and his warriors remain to spend the night. Beownf reiterates his intent to fight Grendel without a sword and, while his followers sleep, les waiting, eager for Grendel 1 appear. (Out from the marsh, from the foot of misty Hills and bogs, bearing God's hatred, 235 Grendel came, hoping to kill @ Anyone he could crap on this trip to high Herot He moved quickly through the cloudy night, Up from his swampland, sliding silencly Toward that gold-shining hall. He had visited Hrothgar's 240 Home before, knew the way— But never, before nor after that night, Found Herot defended so firmly, his reception So harsh, He journeyed, forever joyless, Seraight to the door, chen snapped it open, 215 Tore its iron fasteners with a touch 46 unr i: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS @ OLD ENGLISH POETRY Reread lines 233-235. Notice ‘that the translator uses punctuation to convey the effect of the midline pauses, or caesuras, in the lines. In what way does the rhythm created by ‘the pauses reinforce the action recounted here?And rushed angrily over the threshold. ‘He strode quickly across the inlaid Floor, snarling and fierce: his eyes Gleamed in the darkness, burned with a gruesome 250 Light. Then he stopped, seeing the hall Crowded with sleeping warriors, stuffed With rows of young soldiers resting together. ‘And his heart laughed, he relished the sight, Intended to tear the life from those bodies 255 By morning; the monster's mind was hot With the thought of food and the feasting his belly ‘Would soon know. But fate, that nighs, intended Grendel ro gnaw the broken bones Of his last human supper. Human 260 Byes were watching his evil steps, Waiting to see his swift hard claws. Grendel snatched ac the first Gear He came to, ripped him apart, cut His body to bits with powerful jaws, 265 Drank the blood from his veins and bolted Him down, hands and feet; death And Grendel's great teeth came together, Snapping life shut. Then he stepped to another Sail body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws, 270 Grasped at a strong-hearted wakeful sleeper —And was instantly seized himself, claws Bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one arm. ‘That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, Knew at once that nowhere on earth _ 75 Had he meta man whose hands were harder; His mind was flooded with fear—but nothing Could take his talons and himself from that tight Hard grip, Grendel's one thought was to run From Beowulf, flee back co his marsh and hide there: __ 0 This was a different Heror than the hall he had emptied, But Higlac’s follower remembered his final Boast and, standing erect, stopped ‘The monsters flight, fastened those claws In his fists tll they cracked, clutched Grendel > Closer. The infamous killer fought For his freedom, wanting no flesh but retreat, Desiring nothing but escape; his claws Bad been caught, he was trapped. That trip to Herot ‘Was a miserable journey for the writhing monster! 286 threshold: the trp of wood or ‘Stone at the Bottom ofa doorway. talon (tl'an) n.aclaw 278-289 Up to this point Grendel has Killed his human vctes easily. Infamous (tenes) adj. having a very bad reputation20 The high hall rang, its roof boards swayed, And Danes shook with terror, Down the aisles che battle swept, angry ‘And wild, Herot trembled, wonderfully Buile co withstand the blows, che seruggling 295 Great bodies beating ac its beaucful walls; Shaped and fastened with iron, inside And out, artfully worked, the building Stood firm. Its benches rattled, fell To the floor, gold-covered boards grating 500 As Grendel and Beowulf battled across them. @ © OLD ENGLISH POETRY Hrothgar’s wise men had fashioned Herot Retead lines 293-300. What To stand forever; only fire, ee They had planned, could shateer what such skill had put si “Together swallow in hoc flames such splendor 305 Of ivory and iron and wood. Suddenly: ‘The sounds changed, the Danes started In new terror, cowering in their beds as the terrible Screams of the Almighty’s enemy sang In the darkness, the horrible shrieks of pain si0 And defeat, the tears torn out of Grendel’ aut throat, hell’ captive caught in the arms Of him who of all the men on earth ‘Was the strongest. ‘That mighty protector of men Meant to hold the monster till is life 315 Leaped out, knowing the fiend was no use ‘To anyone in Denmark. All of Beowulf’s Band had jumped from their beds, ancestral Swords raised and ready, determined To protect their prince if they could. Their courage sap Was great but all wasted: they could hack at Grendel From every side, crying to open ‘A path for his evil soul, but their points Could not hurt him, the sharpest and hardest iron Could nor scratch at his skin, for that sin-stained demon 205 Had bewitched all men’s weapons, laid spells ‘That blunted every mortal man's blade. ‘And yet his time had come, his days ‘Were over, his death near; down To hell he would go, swept groaning and helpless 30 To the waiting hands of still worse fiends. 48 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS aNow he discovered—once the afflictor Of men, tormentor of their days—what it meant “To feud with Almighty God: Grendel Saw that his steengch was deserting him, his claws ass Bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at His hands. The monster's hatred rose higher, But his power had gone. He twisted in pain, ‘And the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder Snapped, muscle and bone split Mo And broke, The battle was over, Beowulf Had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, But wounded as he was could flee to his den, His miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh, Only to die, to wait for the end is Ofaall his days. And after that bloody Combat the Danes laughed with delight. He who had come to them from across the ses, Bold and strong-minded, had driven affliction Off, purged Heror clean. He was happy, 350 Now, with that night's fierce works the Danes Had been served as held boasted held serve thems Beowulf, A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, Ended the grief, che sorrow, the suffering Forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people 455 By a bloodthirsty fiend. No Dane doubred The victory, forthe proof, hanging high From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monsters ‘Arm, claw and shoulder and all. 388 sinews sIn"yObal the tendons ‘that connect muscles to bores. ‘And then, in the morning, crowds surrounded seo Herot, warriors coming to that hall From faraway lands, princes and leaders Of men hurrying to behold the monsters Great staggering tracks. They gaped with no sense Of sorrow felt no regret for his suffering, 465 Went tracing his bloody footprints, his beaten ‘And lonely flight, to the edge of the lake ‘Where he'd dragged his corpselike way, doomed [And already weary of his vanishing life. The water was bloody, steaming and boiling so In horrible pounding waves, heat Sucked from his magic veins; but the swirling, Surf had covered his death, hidden peowuLr 49 aDeep in murky darkness his miserable End, as hell opened to receive him. @ @ GRAMMAR AND STYLE 375 Then old and young rejoiced, turned back Tocapturea scene, the poet From that happy pilgrimage, mounted their hard-hooved eT eee fetes Horses, high-spirited stallions, and rode them example of adjectives suchas Slowly toward Herot again, retelling Bloody steaming, pounding, and Beowulf’s bravery as they jogged along. swirling to help readers see and 320 And over and over they swore that nowhere feel the violent, churning water. On earch or under the spreading sky Or between the seas, neither south nor north, ‘Was there a wartior worthier co rule over men. (But no one meant Beowull’s praise to belittle 385 Hrothgar, their kind and gracious king!) ‘And sometimes, when the path ran straight and cleat, ‘They would let their horses race, red ‘And brown and pale yellow backs streaming ‘Down the road. And sometimes a proud old soldier 90 Who had heard songs of the ancient heroes And could sing them all through, story after story ‘Would weave a net of words for Beowulf’s Victory, tying the knot of his verses Smoothly, swifly, into place with a poets Ceisrteaaertn 395 Quick skill, singing his new song aloud reflect the techniques used by ‘While he shaped it, and che old songs as wel... ‘Anglo Saxon poets? cite deals, @ OLD ENGLISH POETRY Literary Analysis 1. Clarify Why does Beowulf journey across the sea to the land of the Danes? 2. Summarize How does Beowulf trap and kill Grendel? 3, Analyze Motivation What drives Grendel to attack so many men at Herot, the mead hall? 4, Make inferences Why does Beowulf hang Grendel's arm from the rafters of Herot? 50 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS,GRENDEL’S MOTHER Although one monster has died, another still lives. From her lair in a cold and murky lake, where she has been brooding over her loss, Grendel's mother emerges, bent on revenge. So she reached Herot, Where the Danes slept as though already dead; Her visit ended their good fortune, reversed 4oo The bright vane of their luck. No female, no matter How fierce, could have come with a man's strength, Fought with the power and courage men fight with, Smashing their shining swords, their bloody, Hammer-forged blades onto boar-headed helmets, 495 Slashing and stabbing with the sharpest of points The soldiers raised their shields and drew Those gleaming swords, swung them above The piled-up benches, leaving their mail shires And their helmets where they‘ lain when the terror took hold of them 410 To save her life she moved still faster, TTooka single victim and fled from the ball, Running co the moors, discovered, but her supper Assured, sheltered in her dripping claws. Shed taken Hrothgar’s closest friend, 415 The man he most loved of all men on earth She'd killed a glorious soldier, cut Anoble life short. No Geat could have stopped her Beowulf and his band had been given better ANALYZE VISUALS. What mood is conveyed by this photograph? Which elements help create that mood? 400 vane: device that turns toshow the iection the wind {is blowing—here associated ‘metaphorically with luck, which 35, changeable asthe wind 408 boar headed helmets: Germanic warrior often wore helmets bearing the images of wild pigs. other fierce ceaturesin the hope that the Images would increase their ferocity and protect them against their enemies. neowure 51Beds; sleep had come to them in a different 400 Hall. Then all Herot burst into shouts: She had carried off Grendel claw. Sorrow Had returned to Denmark. They'd traded deaths, Danes and monsters, and no one had won, Both had lost. - Devastated by the loss of his friend, Hroshgar sends for Beowulf and recounts what Grendel: mother has done. Then Hrothgar describes the dark lake where Grendel’ mother has dwelt with her son «25 “They live in secret places, windy CCifs, wolf-dens where water pours From the rocks, then runs underground, where mist ‘Steams like black clouds, and the groves of erees Growing out over their lake are all covered 40 With frozen spray, and wind down snakelike Roots that reach as far as the water ‘And help keep it dark. At night that lake Burns like a torch, No one knows its bottom, No wisdom reaches such depths. A deer, 435 Hunted through the woods by packs of hounds, ‘A stag with great horns, though driven through the forest From faraway places, prefers to die ‘On those shores, refuses co save its life In thac wacer. I isnt fat, nor i ie {uo A pleasant spot! When che wind stirs ‘And stotms, waves splash toward the sky, ‘As dark as the ait, as black as the rain Thac the heavens weep. Our only help, ‘Again, lies with you. Grendel’ mother 14s Is hidden in her terrible home, in a place ‘You've not seen. Seek it, if you dare! Save us, ‘Once more, and again twisted gold, Heaped-up ancient treasure, will reward you For the bate you win! 52 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEYAL PERIODS 1447-449 Germanic warriors placed great Importance on amassing treasure as a sway of acquiring fame and temporary defeating fate | | } |(ues) Eau De Oo aausuee GRENDEL’$ MOTHER Beowulf accepts Hrothgar’s challenge, and the king and bis men accompany the hero io she dreadful lair of Grendels mother. Fearlesly, Beownaf prepares 10 battle the terrible creature. 0 He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone's Answer; the heaving water covered him Over, For hours he sank through the waves; Aclast he saw the mud of the bortom. And all at once the greedy she-wolf 45 Whold ruled those waters for half a hundred Yeats discovered him, saw that a creature From above had come to explore the bottom Of her wet world. She welcomed him in her claws, lurched at him savagely bue could noc harm him, 40 Tried to work her fingers through the tight Ring-woven mail on his breast, but tore neowulr 53And sctatched in vain. Then she carried him, armor ‘And sword and all, co her home; he struggled To free his weapon, and failed. The fight 465 Brought other monsters swimming to see Her catch, a hose of sea beasts who beat at His mail shit, stabbing with tusks and teeth [As they followed along, Then he realized, suddenly, That she'd brought him into someone's battle-hall, ‘0 And thete the water’ heat could not hurt him, Nor anything in che lake attack him through. ‘The building's high-arching roof. A brilliant Light burned all around him, the lake Isself like a fiery fame. © Then he saw 475 The mighty water witch, and swung his sword, His ring-marked blade, straight ar her head The iron sang its fierce song, Sang Beowulf’ strength. But her gues Discovered that no sword could slice her evil 4s0 Skin, that Hruncing could not hurt her, was useless Now when he needed it, They wrestled, she ripped ‘And tore and clawed at him, bit holes in his helmet, ‘And that too failed him; forthe first time in years Of being worn to war it would earn no glory; 4s5 Itwas the last time anyone would wear it. Bue Beowulf Longed only for fame, leaped back Into battle. He tossed his sword aside, ‘Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where He dropped it. If weapons were useless he'd use 40 Hlis hands, the strength in his fingers. So fame ‘Comes to the men who mean to win it ‘And care about nothing else! He raised His arms and seized her by the shoulder; anger Doubled his strength, he threw her to the floor 45 She fell, Grendel's fierce mother, and the Geats’ Proud prince was ready to leap on het. But she rose ‘Aconce and repaid him with her clutching claws, ‘Wildly tearing ac him, He was weary, that best And strongest of soldiers; his feet stumbled soo And in an instant she had him down, held helpless. Squatting with her weight on his stomach, she drew ‘A dagger, brown with dried blood, and prepared To avenge her only son. But he was stretched 54 UNIT 1; THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS @ EPIC Reread lines 464474. What details ofthe battle andits setting are characteristic of an epic? 476 hisring-markedblade:For the battle with Grendel mother Beowulf has been given an heirtoom sword with an intieately etched blade. 4480 Hrunting (hva'tinglsthe name (of Beowulf’: sword. (Germanic ‘wartiors swords were possessions of such value that they were often sven names)On his back, and her stabbing blade was blunted 5a By the woven mail shirt he wore on his chest. The hammered links held; the point Edgetho's son, and died there, if chat shining ‘Woven metal had not helped—and Holy 510 God, who sent him victory, gave judgment For truth and right, Ruler of the Heavens, ‘Once Beowulf was back on his feet and fighting, Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong sis And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift Its carved and decorated lengch. He drew it From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt, And then, savage, now, angry san And desperate, lifted it high over his head ‘And scruck with all che strength he had left ‘Caught her in the neck and cut it through, Broke bones and all. Her body fell To the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet 525 With her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight. ‘The brilline light shone, suddenly, AAs though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heaven's Own candle, lit in che sky. He looked @ Ather home, then following along the wall sso Went walking, his hands tight on the sword, His heare still angry. He was hunting another Dead monster, and took his weapon with him For final revenge against Grende!’s vicious Attacks, his nighttime raids, over 585 And over, coming to Herot when Hrothgars Men slepr, killing chem in their beds, Eating some on the spot, fifteen Or more, and running to his loathsome moor With another such sickening meal waiting 540 In his pouch. But Beowulf repaid him for those visits, Found him lying dead in his corner, Armless, exactly as that fierce fighter Had sent him out ftom Heror, then struck off His head with a single swift blow. The body %5 Jetked for the last time, then lay still, Could nor touch him. Hed have traveled to the borcom of the earth, © Eric What does the light described in lines 526-528 suggest about Beowulf’ victory? loathsome (6th'sem) ad). disgusting 55‘The wise old warriors who surrounded Hrochgar, Like him staring into the monsters lake, Saw the waves surging and blood Spurting through. They spoke about Beowulf, 550 All che graybeards, whispered together 550 graybeads: old men ‘And said that hope was gone, that the hero Had lost fame and his life at once, and would never Recurn to the living, come back as triumphant As he had lef; almost all agreed that Grendel’ 555 Mighty mother, the she-wolf, had killed him. @ © Eric “The sun slid over past noon, went further Wha toleersaa-speene Down, The Danes gave up, left ' eee ‘The leke and went home, Flrothgar with them, eee reer The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, sco Imagining they saw thei lord bue not believing ‘They would ever see him again. —Then the sword Melted, blood-soaked, dripping down Like water, disappearing like ice when the world’s Eternal Lord loosens invisible ss Fetters and unvvinds icicles and frost As only He can, He who rules “Time and seasons, He who is truly God. The monsters’ hall was full of Rich erasures, but all that Beowulf ook s70 Was Grendel’ head and the hile of che giants Jeweled sword; the rest of that ring-marked Blade had dissolved in Grendel's steaming Blood, boiling even after his death. ‘And then the bate’ only survivor 57s Swam up and away From those silent corpses; “The water was calm and clean, the whole Huge lake peaceful once the demons who lived in it Were dead. “Then that noble protector ofall seamen 518 that noble protector ofa Swam to land, rejoicing in the heavy seamen: Beowulf wh wil be sso Burdens he was bringing with him, He Aeon And all his glorious band of Geats “Thanked God that their leader had come back unharmed; ‘They left the lake together. The Geats Carried Beowulf’s helmet, and his mail shire. 585 Behind them the water slowly thickened {As the monsters blood came seeping up. 56 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS‘They walked quickly, happily, across Roads all of them remembered, left “The lake and the cliffs alongside i, brave men soo Staggering under the weight of Grendel’ skull, Too heavy for fewer than four of them to handle— ‘Two on each side of the spear jammed through it— ‘Yet proud of their ugly load and determined ‘That the Danes, seated in Herot, should see it. @ 595 Soon, fourteen Geats arrived Acthe hall, bold and warlike, and with Beowulf, ‘Their lord and leader, they walked on the mead-hall Green. Then the Geats’ brave prince entered Herot, covered with glory for the daring «ao Battles he had fought; he sought Hrothgar To saluce him and show Grendel's head. He carried that terrible trophy by the hais, Brought it straight to where the Danes sat, Drinking, the queen among them, Ie was a weird 0s And wonderful sight, and the warriors stared. Literary Analysis 1. Clarify Why does Hrothgar ask Beowulf to battle Grendel's mother? 2. Summarize What does Beowulf do after he kills Grendel's mother? 3. Compare and Contrast Compare the two monsters. Does the behavior of Grendel's mother seem as wicked or unreasonable 5 Grendel's behavior? Support your opinion. O Eric Reread lines 587-594. Why do you think the Geats want the Danes to see Grendel's skull? {604 queen: Welthow, wife of Hrothga. aeowulr 57With Grendels mother destroyed, peace is restored to the land of the Danes, and Beowulf, laden with Hrothgar’ gifs, erurns to the land of bis Geais, y in peace and prosperity for 50 years. One day, however, a fire-breaching dragon shas has been guarding a treasure for hundreds of years is disturbed by a thief ‘who enters the treasure tower and steals a cup. The dragon begins terrorizing the Geaus, and Beowulf now an old man, takes on the challenge of fighsing it And Beowulf uttered his final boast: “Tve never known fear, as a youth I fought les. Tam old, now, again, seek fame still, 610 If the dragon hiding in his tower dares To face me.” 58 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PeAroDs, Eee teen‘Then he said farewell to his followers, Each in his turn, for the last time: “Td use no sword, no weapon, if this beast Could be killed without it, crushed to death as Like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn Limb from limb, But his breath will be burning, Hor, poison will pour from his tongue. 1 feel no shame, with shield and sword ‘And armor, against this monster: when he comes to me © 20 mean to stand, not run from his shooting "Flames, stand tll fate decides ‘Which of us wins. My heart is firm, My hands calm: I need no hot Words. Wait for me close by, my friends. 05 We shall see, soon, who will survive This bloody battle, stand when the fighting Is done. No one else could do ‘What I mean to, here, no man but me Could hope to defeat this monster, No one 0 Could ry. And this dragon's treasure, his gold And everything hidden in that tower, will be mine (Or war will sweep me to a bitter death!” ‘Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong, "G5 Strode calmly, confidently, coward the tower, under ‘The rocky cliffs: no coward could have walked there! And then he who'd endured dozens of desperate Battles, who'd stood boldly while swords and shields Cashed, the bese of kings, saw 4a Huge stone arches and felt the heat Of the dragon's breath, flooding down Through the hidden entrance, too hot for anyone To stand, a streaming current of fire __ And smoke that blocked all passage. And the Geats’ "5 Lord and leader, angry, lowered His sword and roared out a battle ery, Acall so loud and clear that it reached through The hoary rock, hung in the dragon's Ear, The beast rose, angry, 60 Knowing a man had come—and chen nothing But war could have followed. Its breath came firs, A steaming cloud pouring from the stone, ‘Then the earth itself shook. Beowulf And with his shield at his side, and a mail shire on his breast, OLD ENGLISH POETRY Notice the repeated use of the letter in lines 606-61, What tone does the alliteration help. convey? 1548 hoary (hos: gray with age, srowuir 59Swung his shield into place, held ie «65s In front of him, facing the entrance. The dragon Coiled and uncoiled, its heart urging it Into batce, Beowulf’s ancient sword “Was waiting, unsheached, his sharp and gleaming Blade, The beast came closer; both of them 660 Wete ready, each set on slaughter. The Geats’ Great prince stood firm, unmoving, prepared Behind his high shield, waiting in his shining ‘Armor. The monster came quickly toward him, Pouring out fire and smoke, hurrying «665 To its fate, Flames beat atthe iron ‘Shield, and for a time ic held, protected Beowulf as held planned; then it began to melt, ‘And for the first ime in his life chat famous prince Fought with fate against him, wich glory «vo Denied him. He knew it, but he raised his sword ‘And struck at the dragon's scaly hide, @ The ancient blade broke, bit into “The monster’ skin, drew blood, but cracked ‘And failed him before it went deep enough, helped him. «675 Less than he needed. The dragon leaped. ‘With pain, thrashed and beat at him, spouting ‘Murderous flames, spreading chem everywhere. ‘And the Geats' ring-giver did not boast of glorious Victories in other wars: his weapon ao Had failed him, deserted him, now when he needed it Most, that excellent sword. Edgetho’ Famous son stared at death, Unwilling to leave this world, to exchange it For a dwelling in some distant place—a journey 695 Into darkness tha¢ all men must make, as death Ends their few brief hours on earth, Quickly, the dragon came at him, encouraged ‘As Beowulf fell back; its breath flared, ‘And he suffered, wrapped around in swirling 0 Flames—a king, before, but now Abeaten warrior. None of his comrades ‘Came to him, helped him, his brave and noble Followers; they ran for their lives, fled Deep in a wood. And only one of them 95 Remained, stood there, miserable, remembering, ‘Asa good man must, what kinship should mean. @ 60 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS © EPIC Reread lines 668-673. What do these lines reveal about the {qualities of an epic hero? 678 ing: gver:king:lord. When ‘man swore allegiance toa Germanic lordin return for his protection, the loed typically bestowed a ring on his follower to symielze the bond. © EPIC ‘What values are implied in lines 691-696? What message about ‘these values do the lines convey?His name was Wiglaf, he was Wexstan's son ‘And a good soldier; his family had been Swedish, Once. Watching Beowulf, he could see 700 How his king was suffering, burning, Remembering, Everything his lord and cousin had given him, ‘Armor and gold and the great estates ‘Wexscan's family enjoyed, Wiglal’s ‘Mind was made up; he raised his yellow 705 Shield and drew his sword. . ‘And Wiglaf, his heart heavy, uttered ‘The kind of words his comrades deserved: “T remember how we sat in the mead-hall, drinking ‘And boasting of how brave weld be when Beowulf ‘0 Needed us, he who gave us these swords And armor: all of us swore to repay him, ‘When the time came, kindness for kindness —With our lives, if he needed them. He allowed us to join him, Chose us from all his great army, thinking 715 Our boasting words had some weight, believing Our promises, rusting our swords. He took us For soldiers, for men. He meant to kill This monster himself, our mighty king, Fight this bactle alone and unaided, 720 As in the days when his strength and daring dazzled, Men's eyes. But chose days are over and gone ‘And now our lord must lean on younger ‘Arms. And we must go to him, while angry Flames burn at his flesh, help 725 Our glorious king! By almighty God, Td rather burn myself than see Flames swieling around my lord. And who are we to carry home Our shields before we've slain his enemy 730 And ours, to run back co our homes with Beowulf So hard-pressed here? I swear that nothing He ever did deserved an end Like this, dying miserably and alone, Butchered by this savage beast: we swore 735 That these swords and armor were each for us all!” srowur 61 nlIron hela conered with decorative pans of tated broae (ety 6009 Anglo-Saxon, Prom Moand i, Suton Ho, Sal, Englind, © The Bish Meu, Wiglaf joins Beowulf. who again attacks the dragon single-handed; but the remnant of his sword shatters, and the monster wounds him in the neck, Wiglaf then strikes the dragon, and he and Beowulf together finally succeed in killing the beast. Their triumph is short-lived, however, because Beowulfs wound proves to be mortal. Beowulf spoke, in spite of the swollen, Livid wound, knowing heid unwound livid (vTap. discolored trom His string of days on earth, seen being bruised As much as God would grant him; all worldly 740 Pleasure was gone, as life would go, Soon: “Pd leave my armor to my son, Now, if God had given me an heir, A child born of my body, his life Created from mine. I've worn this crown 745 For fifty winters: no neighboring people Have tried to threaten the Geats, sent soldiers 62 UNIT I: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS‘Against us or talked of terror. My days Have gone by as fate willed, waiting, For its word co be spoken, ruling as well 750 As I knew how, swearing no unholy oaths, Seeking no lying wars. I can leave ‘This life happy: I can die, here, Knowing the Lord ofall life has never Watched me wash my sword in blood 755 Born of my own family. Beloved @ @ ePIC ial ai. Sed Soomenwene ‘The dragon's treasure: we've taken its life, ae Ser ee oe afc a But its gold is ours, too, Hurry, a wattesgeecht Bring me ancient silver, precious 760 Jewels, shining armor and gems, Before I die. Death will be softer, Leaving life and this people I've ruled So long, if I look at this las of all prizes.” ‘Then Wexstan's son went in, as quickly 265 As he could, did as the dying Beowulf Asked, entered the inner darkness Of the cower, went with his mail shirt and his sword. Flushed with victory he groped his way, ‘A brave young wartios, and suddenly saw 70 Piles of gleaming gold, precious Gems, scattered on the floor, cups And bracelets, rusty old helmets, beautifully ‘Made but rowing with no hands to rub And polish them. They lay where the dragon left them; 795 Iehad flown in the darkness, once, before fighting Its final battle. (So gold can easily “Triumph, defeat the strongest of men, ‘No matter how deep it is hidden!) And he saw, @ @ EPIC Hanging high above, a golden Reread lines 768-778. What 70 Banner, woven by the best of weavers ‘theme do the lines suggest? ‘And beautiful. And over everything he saw A strange light, shining everywhere, (On walls and floor and treasure. Nothing Moved, no other monsters appeared; 785 He took what he wanted, all the treasures That pleased his eye, heavy plates And golden cups and the glorious banner, Loaded his arms with all they could hold. srowurr 63Beowulf’s dagger, his iron blade, 790 Had finished the fire-spicting tertor That once protected rower and treasures Alike; the gray-bearded lord of the Geats Had ended those flying, burning raids Forever. @ “Then Wiglaf went back, anxious 795 To return while Beowulf was alive, to bring him ‘Treasure they'd won together. He ran, Hoping his wounded king, weak And dying, had nor left the world too soon. Then he brought their treasure to Beowulf, and found +800 His famous king bloody, gasping For breath. But Wiglaf sprinkled wacer Over his lord, until the words Deep in his breast broke through and were heard. Beholding the treasure he spoke, haltingly: 805 “For this, this gold, these jewels, I chank Our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earch— For all of this, hat His grace has given me, Allowed me to bring to my people while breath Still ame to my lips, I sold my life 810 For chis treasure, and I sold it well. Take ‘Whar I leave, Wiglaf, lead my people, Help them; my time is gone. Have ‘The brave Geats build me a tomb, ‘When the funeral flames have burned me, and build ic 815 Here, at the water's edge, high On this spie of land, so sailors can see This tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf’s tower, and boats in the darkness And mist, crossing the sea, will know it.” @ s20 Then char brave king gave the golden Necklace from around his chroat to Wiglaf, Gave him his gold-covered helmet, and his rings, And his mail shirt, and ordered him to use them well: “You're the last of all our far-flung family £5 Fate has swept our race away, Taken wartiors in their strength and led chem To the death that was waiting. And now I follow them.” The old man's mouth was silent, spoke No more, had said as much as it could; #20 He would sleep in the fire, soon. His soul 64 UNIT 1: THE ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL PERIODS @ OLD ENGLISH PoeTRY Identify the kennings used in lines 789-794 to refer to the dragon and to Beowulf. What does the phrase used to describe Beowulf emphasize about the warrior? 816 spite 2 narrow point of and extending into a body of water © EPIC Reread lines 812-819. Why isi Important to Beowulf that he leave a legacy behind?Left his flesh, flew co glory... And when the battle was over Beowulf’ followers Came out of the wood, cowards and traitors, Knowing the dragon was dead. Afraid, 455 While it spit its fires, to fight in their lord’ Defense, to throw their javelins and spears, ‘They came like shamefaced jackals, their shjelds In their hands, to the place where the prince lay dead, ‘And waited for Wiglaf to speak. He was sitting 840 Near Beowulf’s body, wearily sprinkling ‘Water in the dead man’s face, eying To stir him. He could not. No one could have kept Life in their lord’s body, or turned Aside the Lords will: world 45 And men and all move as He orders, ‘And always have, and always will. ‘Then Wiglaf turned and angrily told them ‘What men without courage must heat ‘Wexstan's brave son stared at the traitors, 150 His heart sorrowful, and said what he had to: “T say what anyone who speaks the truth Must say... ‘Too few of his warriors remembered ‘To come, when our lord faced death, alone. 855 And now che giving of swords, of golden Rings and rich estates, is over, Ended for you and everyone who shares Your blood: when the brave Geats hear How you bolted and ran none of your race 40 Will have anything left but their lives. And death Would be better for them all, and for you, than the kind Offlife you can lead, branded with disgracel”. .. @ ‘Then the warriors rose, Walked slowly down from the cliff stared 865 At those wonderful sights, stood weeping as they saw _ Beowulf dead on the sand, their bold Ring-giver resting in his last beds Hel reached the end of his days, their mighty War-king, the great lord of the Geats, #70 Gone to glorious death. ... 1836 Javelins (ina light spears used as weapons. £837 jackals (3a dogl ke animals that sometimes feed on the flesh of end beasts, 859 bolted: ran away:fled @ EPIC What does Wiglat’s speech in lines 851-862 tell you about the importance of honor and the ‘consequences of dishonorable bbehavior in Beowult’s time? srowuur 65