very heavy language use as far as making things more dramatic

a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place.

In Part I & II, the author really developed Beowulf's character describing his strength and his loyalty to the Geats. Beowulf defeats Grendel and in Part II battles Grendel's mother because his mother wanted to seek revenge. It was interesting to learn about the Anglo-Saxon culture. Traditions and aspects I have never encountered previously.

The author waited to reveal that Beowulf is also a good hearted warrior not just a strong warrior.

Beowulf is known to fight the good and evil. Beowulf remains on the good side in order to fight for those who suffered the wrong doings of the evil side.

Murder as a source of revenge is a common part of the culture for the Scandivians

I appreciate that the author tries to remain unbiased. He doesn't give the credit all to Beowulf for his strength as a warrior.

Is Beowulf strength from from God or because he's on the good side?

Traditional pagan imagery of Christian God Weaving referring to metaphors of the Scandinavian culture.

Are all Scandivian warrior heroes as strong as Beowulf or is Beowulf just one of a kind?

Beowulf is stronger than anyone ever imagined. He appeared to be as a "superhuman"

He wasn't able to prove himself before so he wants to prove himself again, but how is it that he will do that this time around? How will it be different?

Filigree definition: Ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery. Word used in the late 17th century, evolved from Latin.

Very interesting to me, that wealth was used in such a way. Wealth truly is important to their culture, because not only does it buy you all the riches but it can even settle wars and disputes.

Easily noticeable how the riches and wealth of people are shown in a prestigious way. In Scandinavian or Viking culture, the show of wealth was an important part of their culture. It was even more important than the economy and trade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcqMp_D5pdE Just a great video I found!

One thing I loved reading Beowulf is that it provides valuable insight into the culture and values of the ancient Anglo-Saxon society, which plays a large part in impacting the modern Anglo-American culture today. I truly admire Beowulf's heroism and was particularly intrigued by his unarmed combat with Grendel as he proves himself stronger than the demon. However, to most readers, I think the antagonist Grendel is more relatable than Beowulf, because many people see themselves more like an outcast than a God-like hero (it's like Spider-man is more relatable than Superman because Peter Parker is a social outcast.)

These are the rewards that the king presents to Beowulf.

Apostrophe - an imaginary "killer" is described here.

Received unfair treatment or simply didn't get the recognition that was deserved.

Too much to take in?

Inspire them.

It kept him going 100%

To make it worth his while.

He scarified himself.

Still much to be done.

Their minds were somewhere else...

"Maybe this isn't over" type of feeling.

Pure loyalty.

Treated like well respected vets.

his time is coming to and end.

They would give up their own lives if it would save their lord.

As a warlord, this kind of cheer was expected.

Whatever happens was meant to happen.

In the unfortunate event he doesn't come out of this alive.

They stand out pretty hard.

This kind of person deserves to come out of war safely.

They were behind him 100%

No one can compare to this man.

He made innocents suffer

Every living soul was not safe.

Life was peaceful, but something or someone came along to disturb that entirely.

It would go on to become one of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. So maybe "eight"

Meaning he fathered four children I suppose.

The people which he rules feel they are in good hands.

They really admire and respect the chief and and must really trust him too given they been under his command for quite some time.

Supports just how famous the son is.

Grendel must have been known greatly all around the world? Was he known for being a violent leader around the world or something else? I wonder how people around the world reacted to this news, were the sad or relieved?

This is hinting to some sort of inner conflict that Grendel might have.

Violent. But what is making Grendel do this? Why does he feel the need to murder and be so insensitive and violent? I wonder if it has anything to do with his past? Or is he just a psychopath?

Extremely negative language. I cant seem to understand why exactly

The hall of halls? What does that even mean?

Just now noticing these numbers increasing by 10 in each sentence. What does this mean? Is it the age?

Interesting how the names of the boys are mentioned but not the name of the daughter. As if she is disregarded since she is a girl. Gives a sense of sexism

bountifully: giving generously

Could be religious text or the writer is more than likely religious.

Once again, the writers love for the king is shown. It seems as though whoever this king is, is quite respectable and has proved himself great in the eyes of most, such as the writer himself.

Gives good perception on the writer and his opinions on the kings

Interesting. Ive never seen a large piece of text start with the word "so".

women's roles in society

Beowulf seems to re-gift some of his precious treasures (also seen with the sword being given back to Unferth), so he's clearly not greedy about keeping his treasures.

The ship is personified to be a woman.

a kenning referring to the sail boat

Foreshadowing that Beowulf will become king of the Geats?

a kenning referring to the sails on a sailboat

It's interesting that this is said because it seems to contradict what was said earlier; with mentions of Beowulf being impatient and warning Beowulf to not become overconfident and too prideful.

to settle securely or snugly

Hrothgar is warning Beowulf not to let pride get to him, pride however is Beowulf's biggest flaw.

This is describing how the sword was made that was able to defeat Grendel's Mother. A sword not made from man but giants back in the day but were destroyed from the flood god casted on them.

Showing excess confidence or pride. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overweening

Another reference to religion.

put clothing on one's body

a sloping mass of loose rocks at the base of a cliff

An unnecessary act of cruelty.

This is an example of an apostrophe because Beowulf is detaching from the subject of death by speaking to God, a powerful deity that the Geats and Danes believe in.

These warriors are not doing the chivalrous things to get into Heaven. They are doing them to be remembered in the greatest way, even after they are dead.

Perhaps a major flaw for a hero/warrior?

Shows that Beowulf does display kindness and cares about his men- and is loyal to them-like an idealized hero.

Interesting statement about Unferth,instead of just saying that Beowulf is a more talented swordsman, battle skills are connected to manhood/masculinity.

This is repeated several times in this story- like Beowulf's father/family gives him a more prestigious title/reputation.

Foreshadowing that this weapon will be what kills Grendel's mother?

This could be connected to the idea at that time of a glorified warrior and also tied to the belief that men should not show emotion.

I feel that you could connect this to the statement said earlier about mourning.Like "Be a man- don't spend your time being wasteful and mourning, lead and fight instead".

She takes one of Hrothgar's most beloved warriors and takes it to her lair.

It mentions the Grendel's mother is technically weaker than Grendel but still a powerful revenged filled monster- like an Amazon Warrior. "Razes the sturdy boar-ride off a helmet", signifies the cutting to the crest (the horsehair) part of the helmet. https://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/strength-skill-quotes-3.html

This is a interesting use of diction to describe Grendel's mother. They try to depict her similarly to Grendel- being a evil monster- but the use of "grief-racked" almost allows the reader to pity Grendel's mother, because its painful to imagine a mother losing her only son.

I think there's significance with Grendel's mothers having no name. Having no name helps rid her of any humanity or connection to the human world, where Grendel clearly displayed human emotions and longed for companionship.

It is Grendel who dies that night and pays from his crimes.

Didn't a "shinning blade refuse to bite" early in the poem? What's different about this sword? must be Valyrian steel...

Part III, was very different than Part I and II. The story line was sort of everywhere but was still very well written. I enjoyed that it gave flashbacks to Beowulf's childhood. It really helped build his character at a personal level instead of just talking about his strength and loyalty. Part III opened up his vulnerability and actually got to see him as a genuine person, especially when he was dying after the battle with the dragon.

What will the Geats do now? He was so loyal to them and was their protector but without him how will they fight their future battles?

Waegmundings: The Wægmundings were a prominent probably Swedish clan in Beowulf. A name such as Wægmunding meant "belongs to Wægmund" Wiglaf inherits Beowulf's throne, and thus the Geats will inherit the Waegmunding/Swede bloodfeud

Would you consider this to be selfish or it is something a dying person would be sad about? He lost his life over that gold but it will also help the Geats

This quote by the author make Beowulf sound like such a genuine person.

Even Beowulf is aware that he has limitations to his strength

Unscathed definition: without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.

How would describe the relationship between Hygelac and Beowulf? Business relationship? Friends?

Glad to finally hear something about his past especially his childhood.

I could imagine. So many people had expectations and held him at such a high standard. Which means he probably held himself to even a higher standard so I could imagine how confused and anxious he is?

Could it be because he broke the rules or just because it's fate?

Is this when the Geats begin to lose hope? Even in Beowulf?

No fear? I like this.

He knows his time is almost done.

Interesting line!

Sounds like the penultimate episode of GoT.

Anyone who actually makes it home could be called lucky...

Dying to kill?

"One of." He's been through many other cruel encounters.

I'm thinking anxiety is not something usual for him.

Defenses are destroyed.

Must be pretty overwhelmed

Wipe out all of life together.

The peace the people maintained was disturbed.

Took out the entire population.

An interesting use of words here.

This says a lot about Beowulf's character. Even others around the world knew about how loyal Beowulf was to his people.

After his fathers death, Heardreds army dwindled and the people backed Beowulf as their ruler.

Hygelac died like most great men of the time, in battle

Is this referring to knife-wounds= the dragon's teeth or knife-wounds with the idea that because Beowulf lost his men and their weaponry this was the reason he died.

Even as he is dying he is thinking of his people and their well-being- I think that says a lot about Beowulf's character.

A tree or shrub that is growing at full height. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard

So a man who's similar to a young Beowulf, where his heroism is born from within and is destined by a more powerful force.

I'm reminded of the wheel of fate/fortune. Sometimes your're at the top and sometimes you are not and this can all happen by chance.

Similar to the metal chain in part 2, where is armour is the only thing that protects him.

Lacked something needed, wanted, or expected. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bereft

There's been so much foreshadowing about Beowulf's death that I'd almost be surprised if he did survive at this point.

I think it's important that they note this. Beowulf seems to take Hrothgar's advice about never being too overconfident or prideful and seems to me to have a similar ruling ability to Hrothgar.

This feels like the first time Beowulf actually plans a battle (seeming to me like he's matured), with Grendel and Grendel's mother there is less planning and more charging into immediate battle.

Similar to Hrothgar's situation with Herot, where once the throne room was burned then he feels his own lost.

So the slave didn't use the treasure for his own freedom, he just wanted to be forgiven and reinstated from his master, so he wasn't greedy when he stole nor was he seeking to better his own life. https://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/lines-2101-2396-summary.html

It seems to me that Beowulf feels that he has no purpose in life until he discovers the dragon to battle, because he is recognizing his mortality and limited time.

This reminds me of part 2, where Beowulf advises against mourning people/life circumstances for Hrothgar.

Beowulf has no family/offspring to leave anything to. Almost like now he recognizes the more important thing is family or close connections in different relationships.

So the dragon was relatively peaceful and seemed to mind his own business before someone stole something from him.

I applaud Wiglaf's loyalty! Love how thankful he is of what Beowulf has done and given him. He knows he must do what is right and stand by Beowulf in his time of need.

Still he is being a great leader doing what he thinks is right and fit to defend his people. Prideful even at an older age to still find the courage and strength to go up against a beast alone. A leader no one will forget I'm sure!

He is infuriated! Wonder what fate awaits the trespasser ?! All I know is he better run for his dear life because I would not want to upset a dragon. Yikes!

The dragon is probably thinking, "the audacity of this dude to steal something from me while I am sleeping like the little angel I am! He should FEAR me!"

person or thing that causes a great trouble or suffering

That's sad that even in desperate times they too knew to leave it hidden knowing they would have the same fate of death.

Orfeo was testing him

that was easy enough.... I bet there's a catch.. we'll soon find out

Orfeo has found where Lady Heurodis is among with others and asks to be presented to the king to play him a melody. The king loves it and asks what Orfeo wants in return and of course he asks for the release of his wife.

omg that much time has passed?! or is that an exaggeration???

Why didn't he prepare for this quest? No shoes, food, jacket?

Orfeo is ready to go on a quest to save Lady Heurodis and if he shall die going to this place where the creatures live, his people should call upon a parliament and choose a new king they feel is best fit.

Orfeo tried to protect and save her but it was too late and she was gone

So some king of creatures came to her while she was sleeping and said she had to go with them and if she refused to do so, she'd be punished at the hand of fairies

so for some reason everything was going good but now she has to part from him because she is doomed?

his land was considered one of the strongest cities and ruling beside Orfeo was his wife Lady Heurodis

He is loved by the people

Elder Days was a term that, during the Second and Third Age, properly referred to the times before the end of the First Age

Days of yore meaning a long time ago when knights roamed the countryside and engaged in daring and romantic quests

In old Celtic, fairy lore the are immortals living in the ancient barrows and cairns. Fairy lore concerns beliefs about elves, dwarfs, gnomes, trolls, mermaids, brownies, pixies, leprechauns, and many other beings found in world folklore. It is particularly prevalent in Ireland, Cornwall, Wales, and Scotland.

jokes, a type of humor ranging from borderline indelicacy to gross indecency

sly and deceptive

referring to the good and bad

Lay people: a non-ordained member of a church without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject.

Great advice for him to give and teach him to stay humble by telling him the story of Heremod

Good use of imagery

Basically saying, "how are you going to be a leader for your people if you are too scared to fight and just hide with everyone else? A leader leads and steps up to the plate. Man up!"

they didn't see this coming...

That was nice that not only did he recognize and reward Beowulf, but also the men who helped him!

He belittles Beowulf in a way thanking God first then saying that he only defeated Grendel with the help of God

so while everything was going sour and everyone was giving up, she was praying to god while the others reverted to Paganism?

formidable: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large and powerful.

At least someone has a heart and is coming to the rescue. I think it's pretty cool that he traveled all that way to help them out. Teamwork!

filled with horror or shock

really no feelings at all! 30!

Shows they respected him enough to give him the best

I wonder what was considered paying tribute?

This was during and after the Middle Ages where paganism is described as a group of religions and spiritual based on reverence for nature. Pagans believe in the divine character of the natural world and is described as an "Earth religion".

The man marked for death could be Beowulf (foreshadowing)? Or it could be Grendel who we already know is fatally wounded and is dying.

Connects with the common belief that the good is always rewarded and the bad is always punished.

Even after Beowulf is being celebrated by everyone, he still desired to have had Grendel's body and not have Grendel flee. It connects to Beowulf's addiction of sorts to his heroic acts, with how he preferred to have the body to prove and show he was the one who defeated Grendel.

Very descriptive imagery.

Spurned= To reject with disdain; scorn https://www.dictionary.com/browse/spurned

The mention of being "joyless" connects Beowulf to his human side with his emotions being present.

"Breast-webbing" is the chain-main/mesh-ringed armour they wore. (It's a kenning). https://emilylit.weebly.com/kennings.html

"Mail-shirts" the metal ringed armoured mesh that was commonly worn at the time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_mail

In some parts of the text Grendel has human qualities, he's isolated and alone knowing he will never be a part of that world, and he desires friendship.companionship.However Grendel is continuously described in a way that makes him a sort of demonic unearthly demon.

The sentenced is phrased in a interesting way, "The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar", creating the idea of a divine force that decides he is the rightful king. After his army is built he begins building a mead hall (a feasting hall), which is interesting because it's a place for the common people not a superior isolated throne one usually thinks of with a king. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mead_hall

Beowulf grasps Grendel so fiercely that the only way Grendel can escape is by leaving behind his arm and hand after his arm is wrenched out of its socket.

Hrothgar and Hrothulf

half-Dane thanes

a symbol of Danish retribution against the Frisians?

Whatever amount of time you live on Earth will have its ups and downs and everything will be worth it.

Beowulf is very devoted to his own king Hygelac, but was also born with respect for his father’s actions.

An alliteration-rich sentence speaks of the majesty with which Beowulf and his men sail.

An apostrophe here. Beowulf speaking on behalf of Breca who is absent in the epic.

An understatement of the death of one of Beowulf's men as they easily set a price for his death.

The speaker switches from talking about how God blesses people to how God curses people -- an example of a chiasmus.

An alliterative powerfully expresses the poet’s craft.

Hrothgar is described as “stricken and helpless,” “bewildered and stunned,” which point to a hopelessness and deflation, as if the king himself is destroyed by the loss of his hall.

This kenning refers to the sea's tide.

preparation applied externally for soothing

an ironic understatement from a laconic speaker

This quotes shows the people once again putting all their faith in god save them from the terrors of Grendel.

Beowulf’s strength is described as non-human, making it clear that he is an epic hero with super strength.

This sentence shows Grendel's evil-natured character.

God plays a large part in the story. All acts of heroism that prove successful are attributed to having received some form of divine assistance.