Beowulf
A Study Guide by Thelma English
Based on the R.K.Gordon translation
This early 3,183 line heroic epic, written by an anonymous, possibly Northumbrian (see Map B) poet, is the single extant manuscript of its kind. Beowulf (Bay’o wolf) represents Old English (Anglo-Saxon) in the lost heroic age; with emphasis on loyalty, courage and vengeance, according to the Germanic tradition. From various archaeological finds we know that paganism existed alongside Christianity during the era in which Beowulf was composed. There are revealing Christian elements in the poem, and certain conventional modes of utterance and traditional forms tell us that the author was a trained poet. Pope Gregory had instructed his missionaries to England to work through the pagan beliefs, rather than wipe them out at a stroke. The Beowulf author reveals advanced capabilities and learning in his fusion of pagan and Christian thought, leading some to believe he came from a monastery.
“ Now, as to Beowulf. Picture this. The time is roughly between 650-750 in what would become England. Northumbria has just undergone her own Renaissance, during which the Roman and Celtic churches went head-to- head over which would take over a previously pagan country. Rome has won.
Now they are sending missionaries to the still-pagan kingdom of Mercia to their southwest in the middle of the country. Problem: how do you make Christianity palatable and attractive to these people? Along with that, how do you assure them that their culture won’t be blown away by this new religion?
Well, you might take an old, old story from the time when their ancestors were still living in North Germany, Denmark, etc., and slide in some Christian stuff. Then, poof! You've got a missionary tract.
For most teachers, the Christian aspect (such as the warriors singing hymns to Christ in their drinking-hall) is a tactless intrusion. To me it is an essential part of the story, linking the first English epic with the Northumbrian Renaissance, and the formation of England itself with Christian missions. Bede, the first historian and a Northumbrian, wrote his vision of England united under Christ, and popularized BC and AD in the bargain. Look for Christian symbolism in the fight with Grendel, the fight with Grendel's mother, and the slaying of the dragon (cf. Revelation) in the end. (But who, then, is Wyglaf? Heh heh.)”1
1. Define, ‘Old English.’
1 Professor J.C.Haluska, personal e-mail correspondence with Mrs. English, June 30th, 1997.
1 2. What is a scop?
3. What is a lay?
4. Define wergild.
5. Define Comitatus.
6. Define wyrd.
7. What is the approximate date of the Beowulf manuscript?
8. When and where do the events of the story take place?
9. List at least three literary devices utilized in Old English epic.
BOOK I
10. On page one there are both Christian and pagan allusions: list them.
11. What were the burial rites for the Danish king, Scyld?
BOOK II
12. How did Hrothgar obtain the glad obedience of the younger men?
2 13. Who built the great hall and what did he name it?
14. Where did Grendel come from and who/what is he?
BOOK III
15. What is a thane?
16. There is mention of an “unflagging feud.” Who are the parties to the feud and how long has it been going on?
17. How is the Heroic concept of wergild demonstrated here?
18. Retell the events of book three in a paragraph or two.
Book IV
19. How did Hygelac’s thane hear of Grendel’s deeds and who is he?
20. What welcome do the “men of the Weders” receive?
Book VII
21. What renowned ability in battle does Beowulf possess, earning him fame among the Scyldings already?
Books IX & X
22. Describe the narratives between the Geat/Weder warrior, Beowulf, and Unferth in
3 these books. What is the tone of their conversations?
Book XI
23. What boast does Beowulf make in reference to battle with Grendel?
24. What is the expectation of Beowulf in this book? Is his worldview pagan or Christian? Utilize quotations.
Book XII
“Then from the moor under misty cliffs came Grendel, he bore God’s anger”, p.13.
25. Using 3-5 sentences, describe the events in this book.
Book XIII
26. Describe the climax of this book in 3-5 sentences.
Book XIV
The Lay of Sigemund is recounted here. Sigemund is an old Norse folk figure, used here as a literary foil to Beowulf. The scop “makes a new story of things that are true” to glorify Beowulf’s victory, p.16.
Book XVI
The poet reminds the audience that Hrothgar and Hrothulf have not “practiced treachery” yet. The Latin Danish Chronicles record this historical element, which the audience would be familiar with.
Book XVII-VVIII
The Fight at Finnsburg, recounted for us in this book, is also historical, although after years of accumulated stories, truth and legend often mix.
4 Book XVIII
27. What does the Scylding Queen, Wealhtheow, request of her husband in the presence of all?
Book XX
28. Relate the events of this book in 3-5 sentences.
Book XXII
Beowulf vows to kill the monster or die himself. The Danes are mournful when they espy Aeschere’s head on the cliff by the mere. Beowulf wears the gift armor for protection. Hrothgar’s squire, Unferth, loans him a trusted sword named Hrunting. In giving away his own weapon, Unferth gives up hope of having any glory for himself. It is a self-protective move.
Book XXIV
“Then came the ninth hour of the day.”
It is noteworthy that all the thanes give up hope and leave the mere at the ninth hour of the day, the hour of Christ’s death on the cross.
Book XXV
25) What Christian element is found in this book, alluding to Genesis chapter six?
Books XXXV & XXXVI
26) What parallels can be made in this story of Beowulf, Wiglaf, and the dragon, with the events in the last days of the Savior?
Author Thelma English requests that no unauthorized copies be produced of this study guide.
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