Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)
1. Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?
-The unusual thing about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes was that he was abandoned by his parents as a young child. That is unusual because power came from family status and since he was abandoned he didn’t come from wealth or power. At his funeral, he was put into a boat with many treasures and floated away in the sea. Shield is Hrothgar’s grandfather.
[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)
1. What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?
-The magnificent work that Hrothgar undertook was making Danes prosperous and building a spectacular mead hall for celebrations. Grendel attacked Danes and murdered 30 men. The Danes responded by making offerings to the pagans in hopes of destroying Grendel.
[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)
1. What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?
-When Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s problems with Grendel he and 13 of his warriors travels to Danes to help them with the demon.
2. Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?
-When the Geats first arrive in Denmark they meet the of the watchman. He initially questions the Geats motives for coming to Denmark. After the guard questions them, they tell him why they are there.
3. They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?
-Hrothgar’s herald is Wulfgar. His job is the messenger of news. He tells them that he needs to know what their business with Hrothgar is. He takes their message to him and he remembers Beowulf.
4. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?
-Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he and his men have come to fight Grendel. In return, Hrothgar sends treasure to the Wolfing tribe in hopes of mending the feud between the Wolfing tribe and Beowulf’s father.
[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)
1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?
-The Unferth accuse Beowulf of losing a swimming match against Breca. Beowulf responds to him by telling his views on what really happened. This episode is relevant to the poem as a whole because it shows how highly he thinks of himself. Beowulf accuses Unferth of being a drunkard.
2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?
- Durning the feasting, Queen Wealtheow passes around her ceremonial goblet tells that she wants Beowulf to take care of her children and provide them with protection in the unfortunate event that Hrogthar dies.
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