BEOWULF WAS WRITTEN IN OLD ENGLISH, SO THIS WORK HAS BEEN BASED ON THE TRANSLATION, FROM ITS ORIGINAL

VERSION, BY DR. DAVID BREEDEN. BASICALLY, TWELVE STUDENTS OF LANGUAGE SCHOOL HAVE WORKED ON THIS WORK AND FOUR EPISODES, OF TWELVE, HAVE BEEN SUMMARIZED; FROM THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE DANES TO THE DEATH OF GRENDEL. Miguel Donayre Benites. CONTENT PART I: Early History of the Danes. Hrothgar becomes king of the Danes.

PART II: Grendel attacks. Beowulf hears of Grendel.

PART III: Beowulf comes to Herot.

PART IV: Grendel attacks again.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

BEOWULF

PART I EARLY HISTORY OF THE DANES

In ancient times there were Danish kings who were warriors. Shield, the son of Sheaf, fought against his enemies and managed to succeed. He became a good king. Grain was famous throughout the north, who was sent by God to comfort and protect his people from fear. He was respected and did right for his people. Young princes did good things while they are young so that they were supported by people when they were old in time of war. Succeed depends on our good deeds. History of went English Shield died and to Literature: Beowulf God. He was carried by his people to the sea where a well-built ship adorned with gold and

Shield died and went to God. He was carried by his people to the sea where a well-built ship adorned with gold and full of treasures, also his weapons that he used when he was
.

a warrior was waiting for him which was his last request for long trip. He was sent out a naked orphan in an empty boat and once dead he was given to the sea surrounded by many treasures. After a long time Shields death, Grain his son succeeded and ruled over the Danes. To Grain was born the great Healfdene who was a brave warrior and ruled almost his whole life. Healfdene had four children Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga the Good, and a daughter who married Onela, King of the Swedes.

HROTHGAR BECOMES KING OF THE DANES

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Hrothgar was king and defeated his enemies. He was respected and was obeyed by his family and people. His childhood friends became his famous soldiers. Hrothgar built a mead-hall and was the biggest construction in the world where he shared out everything for his people, except for public lands and mens lives.

That building was built by tribes throughout the world. Hrothgar called the building Herot the hart, which was the worlds greatest mead-hall. Hrothgar kept his word. He gave out gold and treasure at huge feasts. (Though destruction awaited, fire and swords of family trouble; and outside in the night waited a tortured spirit of hell). The words of the poet, the sounds of the harp, the joy of people echoed. Everything was happy in Hrothgars people. The poet told about the origin of the world how God made the earth and the water surrounding, how He set the sun and the moon as lights for people and adorned the earth with limbs and leaves History of English Literature: Beowulf for everyone until one day Grendel, possessor of the moors,the demon started crimes.

Grendel belonged to a race of monsters and was exiled from humanity by God for his bad deeds. He was considered like evil being such as monsters, elves, zombies, the giants who fought with God.

PART II GRENDEL ATTACKS One night, after the Danes were at a beer party they settled and slept in the hall, they did not know that there were sorrows in this world. Suddenly, the evil creature appeared, cruel and hungry, who took thirty warriors and went to his lair laughing.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

At dawn, the Danes knew how strong Grendel was, people wept and the old king felt sad and cried for his men. The creature had left his bloody footprints. That was considered but the following night Grendel continued to kill more men he was blinded by sin, he didnt even feel guilty for what he was doing (you can bet the survivors started sleeping elsewhere) so this time Grendel began to rule, fighting night, one against many and the hall stood empty, because nobody wanted to sleep there at night for fearing of the creature. Twelve years had passed and Hrothgar kept on suffering many sorrows there was no longer happiness Hrothgar suffering the greatest of sorrows poets sang sad song in every part of the world how Grendel would make Hrothgar suffer. There was no warrior who no matter how much stronger, could kill Grendel. Grendel didnt seem to stop to kill or pay his harms and Grendel kept on attacking from hiding.

Grendel, the cruelest of all injuries, went and stayed there every night (God would never allow this to actually touch the throne).

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Hrothgar felt tamed, council after council didnt know what to do against Grendels attacks. They did everything to end the evil creature, such us going to heathen temples, worshipping idols and invoking the Devil for help. They forgot God (woe be to those who go to the fires embrace, even in great distress. There was no consolation there).

There was no counselor, no warrior who could destroy the evil. They wept and seethed.

BEOWULF HEARS OF GRENDEL. There was a warrior by the name of Hylegac who heard of Grendels thing, he was the strongest of all who had survived until that day he was mighty and noble. He calls for a ship for crossing the ocean and helping the king. Wise men urged him and forecast omens and encourage him in that journey.

So the good Geat chose the bravest warriors (fourteen in total), and led them to the lands brim, to the ship. They readied the ship, bore

History of English Literature: Beowulf

bright weapons, and fitted armor into the ship and the warriors stood at the prow.

When the ship was ready the men shoved it was the journey theyd dreamed of the journey continued until the seafarers saw land, the shore cliffs were shining there were also steep mountains when the journey was already over the ship was pulled to the shore. The Geat warriors stood on land wearing rattling shirts which were their war- clothes. So they gave thanks to God for they had arrived and safe there. When the sea-guard of the Danes, the protector of the cliffs, saw people with bright shields nearing to his hall, he wondered who they were. Hrothgars warrior rode his horse and headed for the shore. Spear in hand, he asked who they were, in armor, who come over the sea-road in that steep keel?

He said that he guarded there so that no forces hostile to the Danes may raid. He had never seen such a ships army with warriors without the permission of his kinsmen.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

He noticed a greater man among them and was astonished by seeing him just wearing armor his stature was peerless. He wished to know what his linage was because he thought that they were spies he asked then to hurry and tell him where they come from. His name was Beowulf, leader of the host, he said that they belonged to the Geat nation, and his father, Edgtheow, was a leader well known among the people.

Beowulfs father stayed many winters before he went away, aged, from the court. Edgtheow was remembered in every part of the earth. Beowulf said that they had come with friendly hearts to see his lord, Hrothgar they asked him to be good counsel to them, and told him that they had come because they had heard of a dark enemy in the night who killed the Danes. Beowulf said that he could help Hrothgar overcome his enemy and everything would be like before. Otherwise, he would suffer great misery as long as he lived in that place.

The protector of the coast, still riding his horse (a wise shield warrior, one who thinks well, must judge two things: works and words). He saw that they were friendly to Hrothgar and said that he would guide and order his men to protect his ship.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Once there they rope they were and helmets on the helmets.

left the ship pulling at its wearing gold, adorned figures of boars shone

The men excitedly marched and in the distance they saw that decorated hall which was that the finest and glittered light one, never seen before on earth.

The guard of the coast decided to go back he turned his horse and said that it was time for him to go. He prayed the father omnipotent would keep them safe and sound against his enemies.

PART III BEOWULF COMES TO HEROT

Beowulf got into the Herot with his warrior, they seems like an iron troop because of their weapons and armors.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Then the kings officer and messenger asked them: from where they brought such a amazing war weapons and he expects they were there to fight, cause he has never seen such a braver warriors.

One warrior answered him: we are Hygelacs companions, my name is Beowulf. I will declare my errand if your prince, my lord will greet us.

Then

wulfgar

( wendla tribe man ), with fighting experience and wisdom, went to ask to the giver of rings so that, the lord of Danes would reward their journey.

Wulfgar went to where Hrothgar sat, with his most trusted men, a man of the Geats, the chief of warrior named Beowulf, came from far far over the seas expanse and they asked to talk to you, then the lord asked if they were worthy of being called warriors.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Hrothgar, the king, said that he knew Beowulf dad, who gave his only daughter and none his offspring came here to save us from the monster Grendel and also the seafarers said that this man has an amazing force( 30 men in his hand grip) and the king welcomed and offered treasures gifts to him for his impetuous courage.

Wulfgar went to the door to talk to the king and he said that he knew their descent and their welcome, please come in, but let your war weapons await.

Then, Beowulf arose, supported by his band of mighty men, some of them to were about to use their weapons, but Beowulf ordered to calm down.

Then the great warrior, helmet and coat of mail, to Hrothgar.

under his stood and went

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Beowulf spoke: Im Hygelacs kinsman and warrior, I have undertaken many glorious deeds as you know, I know all about Grendel, I ask you, my lord, to fight by myself with the monster, please dont refuse us, enemy against enemy and let god decide who shall be taken by death: If death and battle, takes me, you must do a special burial and send my war Garments to Hygelacs. Beowulf also told Hrothgar, about his deeds when he destroyed a family of giants and killed water monsters.

Hrothgar, protector of the Danes said that ,Beowulfs father was his friend, and was a good warrior too and has fought with monster as well. Hrothgar felt bad about Grendels horror, losing a lot of loyal men. Now the king invited Beowulf: sit and feast, glory of warriors, and speak your thoughts as your heart tells you.

Then the Geats and brave men sat down.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Suddenly, Beowulf took a cup and poured sweet drink the poet song in clear voice, there was such joy, so brave men, Danes and Geat celebrated.

Then

Unferth,

Ecglafs

son,

asked

some

questions to Beowulf with envy: in the Are you that Beowulf who struggled with

Brecca in the broad sea in a swimming contest? The one who, out of pride, risked his life deep water though both friends and

enemies tol you it was too dangerous? Are you the one who hugged the sea, gliding through the boiling waves of the winters swell? And Unferth also said that he doesnt expect much from him if he dares await Grendel in the night.

Beowulf spoke: well my friend Unferth, yes, Im Beowulf who walked with Brecca in the board sea, but

Im stronger than him, because he was weaker than me at the sea nights. Im who risked his life, losing a friend, suffering pain.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

You dont know the other part of the story, where I have a lot of hardships, suffered 5 nights in the sea killing nine sea monster with such a cold weather. I am a stronger warrior.

The king felt glad because he could count on Beowulf help and the guardian felt sure and glad also as well.

Then the men laughed, and the words turned friendly. Suddenly, Wealhtheow, Hrothgars queen

appears adorned in gold to greet the men. First she gave the cup

to the country's guardian. She greeted Beowulf, thanking god, because her wishes had

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Been fulfilled, a heroe came to save them from Grendels crimes.

So, Beowulf said eagerly of battle: I alone, will fulfill the wish of your people or die in the foes grasp.

The queen liked those words and her lord.

went to sit by

Now again, people were happy because of the brave speech of Beowulf once again, the warriors continued feasting until Beowulf decided to rest. Hrothgar knew that a strong battle was coming, when the night arrived.

Then all the warrior saluted to each other and the king Hrothgar wished luck to Beowulf in the fight for the hall and said these words:

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Never, since I have been able to lift shield, have I entrusted this hall, this mighty house of the Danes, to any man, but now I entrust it to you, so you must do your best.

Then Hrothgar and his band of warrior left the hall.

Before Beowulf got in bed prayed and spoke some brave words:

I dont claim myself any lower in strength or brave deeds than Grendel. Therefore I will kill him without a sword, just with my strength if he comes without weapons. Wise God shall choose who shall win glory.

Then Beowulf got to bed and his brave warriors sought rest around him, everyone though Beowulf will die cause many brave and strong

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Danes warrior have died there, but the Lord, God, would give to the Geat and Danes people, helping and supporting , (it is well known that God always rules the race of men) .

PART IV GRENDEL ATTACKS AGAIN Grendel the walker of darkness arrived at Heorot in the night while all the warriors were sleeping, all except one.

Grendel was a monster that come again watched in anger but what he didnt know is that Beowulf was waiting to fight against him.

Grendel came from the moor Hills, under the misty hill, to counteract with all the men of Heorot.

He walked under the clouds, coming to the Wine-hall, the treasure-hall. It was not the first time that Grendel was looking for Hrothgars home, but this time, never in his life before, he did find worse luck.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

The creature entered to the building with bad intention and enraged, he swung at the door wide and rapidly moved around the floor. He saw many warriors were sleeping together. He expected to finish with the life of these warriors, by ripping life from the body of each one. He thought to have a big meal, but what he didnt know is that, he would eat no men after that night. The powerful warrior Beowulf was observing how the malignant monster began to eat a warrior, crushing his bones, drinking his blood and swallowing enormous morsels of meat, including his hands and feet.

Grendel, the walker of darkness approaching increasingly towards Beowulf to begin a fight.

The powerful Beowulf grasped his arm and snatched it. Grendel, then, felt the great strength of his hilt, felt fear in his heart and just looking for ways to flee to his hiding place. had never met this kind of man. Grendel

Beowulf kept in mind the speeches he had made in the evening. He firmly grasped Grendels hand and holding the arm as well, the fingers broke.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

The monster tried very hard to escape, but Beowulf stepped closer to him. The monster wanted to flee to the swamps and disappear because he realized the great power of the warrior. After the battle between Beowulf and Grendel the whole city was in fear, the beautiful building did not fall to the ground. Nobody thought that the great building would be destroyed because it was well built and decorated in gold. The panic was invading in Heorot. Grendel, hells friend, Gods enemy, sang his defeat. The whole world listened to his lament. The most powerful man of all the warriors celebrated Grendel's defeat. The warriors tried to protect Beowulf and were trying to kill Grendel, those brave warriors as they fought seeking to take Grendel's soul. Miserable life, Grendel, the foe of God, started to face and found that he already hadnt gotten the sufficient force. His body was not resisting to the powerful force of Beowulf. The horrible monster endured a terrible wound, for certain, that his life came to an end when Beowulf injured him deadly. Grendel knew that the victory was Beowulfs.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

The Danes put all the hopes in Beowulf, because he was the one who brought peace, finished with all the Heorot's problems, and saved them from affliction. Beowulf was acclaimed because he had fulfilled his promise sworn to the Danes; every evil attack these people endured had come now to an end. When Beowulf laid that arm and shoulder down Grendel's claw, under the vaulted roof. THE WARRIORS REJOICE The warriors come from near and far places and also close to see the great death of Grendel. The fingerprints that Grendel had left were evident, the bloody tracks that existed in the way and in the waters were the evidence; Grendel had died, deprived of joy, in his fen refuge. The warriors after seeing that place returned to Heorot, They said that Beowulf is a brave and holy man, and that there was no man in the world, with the force that Beowulf had, was more worthy The warriors made a contest for the best horse, Sometimes a king's man, a warrior covered in glory who knew the old traditions, would be reminded of an ancient song. Then he sang of things he'd heard about Sigemund's valorous deeds, things about Weals's son, his struggles, his wide journeys and feuds. After Sigemund's death day not a little fame sprang to him, about his hardy fight and killing of a dragon, keeper of a hoard.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Sigemund's sword went clear through the huge dragon, the dragon died violently. By brave deeds the hero won a ring hoard for himself. He bore into a ship's bosom those bright treasures of the Weal kin, and the dragon melted of its own heat. Sigemund was by far the most renowned adventurer, He had first prospered under King Heremod, and Among the Jutes Heremod was betrayed into enemy hands and put to death. Sorrow oppressed him and was a trouble to his people. He had loved the Geats more than his own people: evil had seized him. Thus told the song. The warriors raced their horses on the yellow road; many a brave warrior went to the high hall to see the wonder. So also the king and Queen left the room with his famous company with a troop of maidens walked among the mead seats. TO BE CONTINUED

PRIMARY CHARACTERS: Beowulf: a Geat, son of Edgetho and nephew of Higlac, king of the Geats. Higlac is both Beowulfs feudal lord and his uncle.

History of English Literature: Beowulf

Brecca: chief of the Brondings, a tribe, and Beowulfs friend. Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a foul mere, or mountain lake. His name might be related to the Old Norse grindill, meaning storm, or grenja, to bellow. Herot: golden guest-hall built by King Hrothgar, the Danish ruler. It was decorated with the antlers of stags; the name means hart [stag] hall. Scholars think Herot might have been built near Lejre on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark. Hrothgar: king of the Danes, builder of Herot. He had once befriended Beowulfs father. His father was called Healfdane (which probably means half Dane). Hrothgars name might mean glory spear or spear of triumph. Unferth: one of Hrothgars courtiers, reputed to be a skilled warrior. His sword, called Hrunting, is used by Beowulf in a later battle. Welthow: Hrothgars wife, queen of the Danes. Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulfs select band, and the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon. Wiglaf might be related to Beowulf.

SOURCE: http://www.lone-star.net/literature/beowulf/ http://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/characters.html

History of English Literature: Beowulf