Beowulf, Burton Raffel Translation

Major Themes

Directions: Working in your groups, complete the chart associated with your assigned theme. For
each theme, you’ll be asked to find five to six pieces of textual evidence (quotes, symbols, and/or specific
plot points) that the author uses to explore the theme. In the right-hand column, provide context and a
brief analysis for your quote. Be sure to also include a theme description below, about one to two
paragraphs in length. Below is my example!

Questions to consider when writing your character description:

- How do the ideas or actions of the main characters reflect different aspects of the theme?
- Does the theme develop or change over the course of Beowulf? If so, how?
- If your evidence includes symbols, explain how the author uses those symbols to explore the
theme.
- If your evidence includes specific quotes from the text, explain how those quotes provide
examples of how the theme applies to Beowulf?

Theme: Christianity and Paganism

Group Members: Ms. Walker

Textual Evidence Context and Analysis

1: In Herot, when the night hid him, he never - Context: Hrothgar, the great Danish king,
Dared to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious was trying to find a solution to Herotbeing
Throne, protected by God—God, attacked relentlessly by a monstrous
Whose love Grendel could not know. creature each night for twelve winters.
But Hrothgar’s Heart was bent. The best and most - Only his men were the ones
noble Of his council debated remedies, sat getting eaten and killed
In secret sessions, talking of terror And wondering - Contradiction: Hrothgar was
what the bravest of warriors could do. And protected by God and could not
sometimes they sacrificed to the old stone gods, be touched by Grendel
Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s
Support the Devil’s guidance in driving Their - First significant conflict between
affliction off. That was their way, And the Christianity and Paganism in the text
heathen’s only hope, Hell Always in their hearts, - Though the author of the Beowulf tale
knowing neither God Nor His passing as He walks was a recognized Christian, in his writing,
through our world, the Lord Of Heaven and earth; he identified that the characters in the text
their ears could not hear His praise nor know His lived before the conversion of Christianity
glory. (lines 167-183) for the Germanic tribes; they still
worshipped “the old stone gods”
- Belief in more than one god is a pagan
virtue

2: Then God’s bright beacon Appeared in the east, Context: Beowulf is bragging about his race with
the water lay still, And at last I could see the land, Unferth. He was surrounded by other sea
wind -swept Cliff -walls at the edge of the coast monsters, continuously attacking him.
Fate saves The living when they drive away death
by themselves! (lines 569-573) - In his time of fear, or even hopelessness…
he looks to God for guidance. His “bright
beacon” gave him the strength he needed
to overcome.
- However, in the next line, Beowulf
essentially explains that fate, a paganistic
concept and belief, can be influenced by
one’s own acts of courage. In other words,
he has the power to change his fate based
on his undaunted acts of bravery.
- In the Christian faith, they did not believe
in fate. Instead, the Christian faith
believes that man has free will and their
actions will ultimately determine their
future.
- This further pushes the “eye for an eye”
agenda in the poem.

3: Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all - Context: Beowulf explains that Grendel’s
To avenge our friends, not mourn them forever. mother will be able to seek no shelter,
(lines 1384 -1385) because he and his men will find her and
punish her for her sins. After Beowulf
Each of us will come to the end of this life says that he will avenge the death of his
On earth; he who can earn it should fight counselor, King Hrothgar leaps to his feet,
For the glory of his name; fame after death thanking God for his goodness.
Is the noblest of goals.
The old king leaped To his feet, gave thanks to - Roles appear to be reversed here: while
God for such words (lines 1397-1398) Beowulf is typically portrayed as a
Christian figure, he is exemplifying
paganistic qualities, seeking vengeance
through murder (placing a target on
Grendel’s mother and living up to pagan
belief “an eye for an eye”
- Conversely, Hrothgar, who is typically
portrayed as a pagan, is exemplifying
Christian qualities, thanking God for his
blessing; believes that God has given
Beowulf the green light for the operation
- Neither are truly exhibiting ‘Christian
values’ here, as they are both looking to
carry out a murder based soley on
vengeance

4: He'd survived, Had come close enough to touch - Context: When the dragon is first
its scaly Head and yet lived, as it lifted its introduced in the poem. When the slave
cavernous Jaws, through the grace of almighty stole the chalice from the dragon, he
God And a pair of quiet, quick moving feet. (lines angered the dragon. He began planning
2289-2293) “bloody revenge.”

It left the tower, impatient to repay Its enemies. - This further instills that in the Christian
The people suffered, everyone Lived in terror, but faith, man has free will and is able to alter
when Beowulf had learned Of their trouble his the course of their life based on their
fate was worse, and came quickly. (lines decisions.
2308-2311) - In lines 2308-2311, the narrator is
foreshadowing the downfall of the great
warrior, Beowulf. With the single use of
the word fate, the narrator pays homage to
paganism.
- Foreshadowing alone is interconnected to
the concept of fate, destiny,
predetermination.

5: Their words brought misery, Beowulf's Sorrow - Context: Beowulf learns that the dragon’s
beat at his heart: he accused Himself of breaking “burning breath” swallowed his hall and
God's law, of bringing The Almighty's anger down his throne. He begins beating himself up;
on his people. (lines 2327-2331) the Geats deserved revenge.

- Beowulf believes the destruction of the

hall is God’s way of punishing him for
his downfalls as king. To him, he has
broken divine law, and it wasn’t just a
simple streak of bad luck. His people were
feeling the Almighty's wrath for his
breaking of “God’s law.”

Theme Description

The undetermined author of the epic poem Beowulf integrates both elements of paganistic values, as
well as the moral principles of Christianity. The story of Beowulf most likely emerged in the 7th
century through oral tradition, and was later committed to parchment paper by Christian scribes; the
only known surviving manuscript of Beowulf was recorded in the 11th century. It is still unknown
whether the integrity of the story as it was once told was upheld by the Christian scribes or if they
inserted Christian implications as a form of propaganda during the transcription process. Regardless of
the original integrity of the story, the tale of Beowulf, as readers now know it, carries some
unsuspecting inconsistencies; Beowulf is essentially a pagan story with elements of Christianity
diffused throughout.

For example, the narrator of this harrowing journey describes Hrothgar, the Danish king, as a
practicing pagan who does not embrace the mercy of God, yet is consistently described as thanking the
Almighty for his good fortune. Additionally, the line between the paganistic belief of fate and God’s
good will becomes quite blurred. An example of this is when Beowulf and the narrator seem to believe
that through courageous acts, Beowulf can alter the trajectory of fate, yet there are other instances
throughout the poem where either Beowulf or the narrator attribute his victories to God and God alone.
Theme: Family and Tribe
Group Members: Names Redacted

Textual Evidence Context and Analysis

1: “Till the monster stirred, that demon, that Context:

fiend, - Unknown author is introducing Grendel to the
Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild reader
- Describing Grendel getting enraged and in pain
Marshes, and made his home in a hell because everyone is rejoicing in Herot while he
Not hell but earth. He was spawned in that has never felt love from God but only
slime, punishment
Conceived by a pair of those monsters born
Of Cain, murderous creatures banished Analysis:
By God, punished forever for the crime - Grendel had done nothing evil or wicked, at this
point in the poem. He was judged based on his
Of Abel's death. The Almighty drove heritage.
Those demons out, and their exile was bitter, - The situation connects to the theme because
Shut away from men; they split characters are judged by God based on family
Into a thousand forms of evil-spirits not based on personal deeds and actions.
And fiends, goblins, monsters, giants, - By Grendel being judged on the choices of his
A brood forever opposing the Lord's ancestors, it shows the reader how other
characters, in the novel, prioritize family
Will, and again and again defeated.” (lines
legacies over personal character and actions.
101-114) - Grendel, unlike other characters seen
throughout the poem, has no true family or
tribe. He is described to be “shut away from
men”.
- His lonely and secluded life played into
the overarching idea that he was
developing into a monsterous, evil
creature

2: “The Danes' high prince and protector Context:

answered: - Beowulf is being introduced to King Hrothgar
“I knew Beowulf as a boy. His father - Hrothgar recognizes him through the stories of
his father
Was Edgetho, who was given Hrethel's one
daughter Analysis:
Hrethel, Higlac's father. Now Edgetho's - Despite never meeting Beowulf, Hrothgar is
Brave son is here, come visiting a friendly very welcoming and excited about Beowulf’s
King.” (371-375) arrival because of his father’s reputation of
being a good warrior and friends with Hrothgar
- Beowulf has not done anything to merit this
reaction of Hrothgar but because of nepotism
and the value the Anglo-Saxons put on family
relations, Beowulf is received better than a say
a peasant would be
3: “Too few of his warriors remembered Context:
To come, when our lord faced death, alone. - This is after Beowulf fights and kills the
And now the giving of swords, of golden dragon, as well as dies himself. Wiglaf runs into
the tower to help Beowulf while the other
Rings and rich estates, is over, soldiers run away in terror.
Ended for you and everyone who shares - After all of this transpires Wiglaf yells at the
Your blood: when the brave Geats hear cowardice soldiers for their acts of treachery.
How you bolted and ran none of your race
Will have anything left but their lives. And Analysis:
death - Wiglaf is enraged at the soldiers unwillingness
to protect their lord, who is part of their tribe.
Would be better for them all, and for you, - So he wishes bad luck and disgrace on not only
than the kind the soldiers but also the soldiers “race” or
Of life you can lead, branded with families, because of their treachery against their
disgrace!"(lines 2,883-2891) tribe (the other soldier/king).

4: “And now it was known that a monster had Context:

died - After the death of Grendel, his mother is furious
But a monster still lived, and meant revenge. and desires revenge on his murderers.
- Since they are both related to Cain, Grendel and
She'd brooded on her loss, misery had his mother have a prejudice against them from
brewed God, and, in turn, are hated by everyone on
In her heart, that female horror, Grendel's Earth.
Mother, living in the murky cold lake
Assigned her since Cain had killed his only
Brother, slain his father's son Analysis:
- Wanting to avenge Grendel shows her motherly
With an angry sword.” (1256-1263) qualities towards him and determination to
stand up for her son
- Both are descendants of Cain, so the
banishment from God creates a bond between
them that Beowulf and the other soldiers would
never understand
- As a relative should act, she knows, in her
heart, that Grendel’s death deserves to be
avenged
- From the perspective of Grendel and his mom,
the conflict is also caused by their relation to
Cain and the consequences of his actions.

5: Context:
“I bought the end of Edgetho’s - Beowulf has just bravely traveled from across
Quarrel, sent ancient treasures through the the sea, the land of the Geats, to help rid the
ocean’s Danes of Grendel and the terror that he is
causing them.
Furrows to the Wulfings; your father swore - Wulfgar, who met Beowulf and his men as they
He’d keep that peace. My tongue grows arrived on the shore of Hrothgar’s kingdom, led
heavy, them to meet the king, and speaker of this
And my heart, when I try to tell you what quote, in person.
Grendel - Many years prior, Hrothgar had sent treasures to
Has brought us, the damage he’s done, here the Wulfings on behalf of Beowulf’s father,
In this hall. You see for yourself how much Ecgtheow, in order to end the feud between him
smaller and a neighboring tribe, ensuring peace.
Our ranks have become, and can guess what
we’ve lost Analysis:
To his terror.” (lines 470-478) - A source of motivation for Beowulf traveling
with his men to defeat Grendel is Hrothgrar’s
past with Beowulf’s father.
- Because Beowulf values family and
tribe, he returned the favor for his
father. Since Hrothgar helped Edgtheo,
Beowulf will help Hrothgar.

6: And Welthow spoke: Context:

"Wear these bright jewels, beloved Beowulf; - Welthow is sitting her two sons at the table with
Enjoy them, and the rings, and the gold, oh Beowulf.
- She loves Beowulf's favorable personality,
fortunate bravery, and wisdom. Therefore, she asks
young Beowulf to teach her sons to be the same way.
Warrior; grow richer, let your fame and your
strength Analysis:
Go hand in hand; and lend these two boys - This scene demonstrates to the reader the pure
Your wise and gentle heart! I'll remember strength of family and tribe. Even though
Beowulf is not related to Hrothgar or Welthow,
your he is welcomed into their family with open
Kindness. Your glory is too great to forget: arms. And there is even talk of Hrothgar
It will last forever, wherever the earth adopting Beowulf to be his own son.
Is surrounded by the sea, the winds' home, - Beowulf is so loved by the king and queen that
And waves lap at its walls. Be happy they ask him to teach their own sons to grow up
For as long as you live! Your good fortune to be “wise and gentle heart[ed]” like he is.
- Beowulf is not a Dane, he is a Geat. But the
warms
Danes have welcomed him into their homes like
My soul. Spread your blessed protection he was family.
Across my son, and my king's son! - Kin is important in Anglo-Saxon culture, so
All men speak softly, here, speak mildly when one sacrifices himself for another´ s skin,
And trust their neighbors, protect their lord, he becomes one of them.
Are loyal followers who would fight as joyfully - Beowulf risking his life for the Danes is
As they drink. May your heart help you do as I his entry into their tribe, and Welthow
and Hrothgar welcome him with open
ask!" (1215-1231) arms.

Theme Description

The theme of family and tribe is seen all throughout the tale of Beowulf. This theme can be identified in
small and large ways such as when others are identified by saying the son, wife, or daughter of a particular
person or when the reader witnesses a character betraying another family or tribe member. An important part
of this theme is understanding that a family or a tribe is not necessarily tied together by blood. A family and a
tribe can be bonded together by a similar goal as well as by heritage.
Within the entirety of Beowulf the reader witnesses a fraternity structure. First God, next the King, who
has a direct line to God, then kin, or the brotherhood. It is easy for the reader to see and understand how the
soldiers, the Danes and the Geats, act as if in a brotherhood. A prime example of this is when the soldiers
sleep in Herot together. Obviously the soldiers are a part of their own family. They sleep together, fight
together, protect each other, etc. These soldiers demonstrate the strength of kinship.
Another example of kinship within Beowulf is at the end of the tail when Wiglaf runs into the fiery tower
to help Beowulf. These two men are not only brothers in arms but also cousins making their bond even
stronger. This is a sign of an indestructible tribe as he was willing to risk his own life to protect Beowulf.
*contrast between family and tribe; Grendel and Hermod is said to not have a family or tribe; because of the
tribes there are feuds*
Theme: Good Warriors and Good Kings
Group Members: Names Redacted

Textual Evidence Context and Analysis

1: (Julia) Beowulf's Context: Beowulf has just been informed that his
Sorrow beat at his heart: he accused land, the land of the Geats, has been ravaged by
Himself of breaking God's law, of bringing The the dragon as a result of the stealing of its
Almighty's anger down on his people. treasure.
Reproach pounded in his breast, gloomy - Beowulf feels that the dragon ravaging
And dark, and the world seemed a different place. Geatland is a result of him breaking the
But the hall was gone, the dragon's molten law of God.
Breath had licked across it, burned it To ashes, - Beowulf decides that the dragon must be
near the shore it had guarded. The Geats slain to avenge the Geats and begins to
Deserved revenge; Beowulf, their leader have weaponry built for the battle.
And lord, began to plan it, ordered - Beowulf declares that he will fight the
A battle-shield shaped of iron, knowing that dragon alone, believing he is equal to the
Wood would be useless, that no linden shield dragon in battle given all of his previous
Could help him, protect him, in the flaming heat accomplishments such as defeating
Of the beast's breath. That noble prince Grendel and his mother in Herot.
would end his days on earth, soon, - However, Beowulf also knows at this time
Would leave this brief life, but would take the that this battle may be his last.
dragon
With him, tear it from the heaped-up treasure It Analysis: Here we see a clear overlap of the traits
had guarded so long. And he'd go to it alone, Beowulf should possess as a “Good King” and the
Scorning to lead soldiers against such traits he still, but should not, possess of a “Good
An enemy: he saw nothing to fear, thought Warrior.”
nothing - As a “Good King,” he should be
Of the beast's claws, or wings, or flaming “powerful and fearless in defending his
jaws-he had fought, before, against worse Odds, land and people. A good king does not
had survived, been victorious, in harsher seek unnecessary conflict that might lead
Battles, beginning in Herot, Hrothgar's to death of his people or himself.”
Unlucky hall. (lines 2327-2352) Beowulf clearly breaches this unspoken
code of what a “Good King” should be
when he chooses to fight the dragon
knowing that it could mean the end of his
life and the loss of a ruler for his people.
- In this part, Beowulf more clearly takes
on the role of a “Good Warrior.” A “Good
Warrior” is described to support “his
people through the pursuit of personal
fame, whether on the battlefield, in feats
of strength, or by purposely seeking out
conflict.” Beowulf is still so engrossed in
the idea of fame from his own strength
and success in battle that he cannot
abandon the “Good Warrior” traits within
himself and become a fully and truly
“Good King” for his people.
2 (Sarah): Then Hrothgar, taking the throne, led Context: Evidently, Hrothgar is noted as a
the Danes to such glory that comrades and timeless King and leader for the Danes. He led his
kinsmen men to countless victories, and he is seen as a
Swore by his sword, and young men swelled triumphant man. Thus, a mead hall, which would
His armies, and he thought of greatness and be deemed Herot, was built in commemoration of
resolved him and his accomplishments. Herot was the
To build a hall that would hold his mighty “most beautiful of dwellings” and stood tall in its
Band and reach higher toward Heaven than glory. In said hall, people would gather to feast
anything and rejoice in song. It was used as a safe haven for
That had ever been known to the sons of men. the time being.
And in that hall he’d divide the spoils
Of their victories, to old and young what they’d Analysis: When referencing the Good Kings and
earned Warriors theme, it is said that a good king is
In battle, but leaving the common pastures “generous with gifts, provides a haven in which
Untouched, and taking no lives (lines 63-74) his people can eat and drink and socialize, is
powerful and fearless in defending his land and
people.” Such a stereotype does not steer far from
Hrothgar and his character. The fearless leader had
a magnificent tower built in his own honor. Herot
was used as a hall of hospitality and comfort. This
directly justifies the quote above and suggests
Hrothgar as a suitable honoree that can be linked
with the theme of Good Kings and

3: (Isabella) “nine was the number Context: While having dinner in Herot, Unferth
Of sea monsters I killed. What man, insults Beowulf, calling him a boastful fool and
Anywhere under Heaven’s high arch, has fought attempts to disprove one of his previous feats. To
In such darkness, endured more misery or been defend his honor, Beowulf goes on to describe his
harder victorious feat.
Pressed? Yet I survived the sea, smashed
The monsters’ hot jaws, swam home from my Analysis: Beowulf shows many signs of being a
journey. Good Warrior in this passage. For starters, he is
The swift-flowing waters swept me along And I fighting for the good of his people in the aspect
landed on Finnish soil. I’ve heard that killing nine sea monsters made the seas safe
No tales of you, Unferth, telling to travel again. In the mention of the trial earlier,
Of such clashing terror, such contests in the night! Beowulf goes in great detail over his physical
Brecca’s battles were never so bold; exploits, in an effort to brag to Unferth. He also
Neither he nor you can match me--and I mean goes out of his way to engage in the conflict with
No boast, have announced no more than I know Unferth, instead of staying silent.
To be true” (lines 574-586)

4 (Abby): Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still Context: Beowulf is challenged with the task of
strong, slaying the dragon. This passage describes the
And with his shield at his side, and a mail shirt on events of Beowulf making his way up to the tower
His breast, to defeat the dragon.
Strode calmly, confidently, toward the tower,
under Analysis: This scene depicts Beowulf as being
The rocky cliffs: no coward could have walked ¨strong¨, ¨brave¨, ¨calm¨, ¨confident¨, and ¨no
there! coward¨. This is a great example because a good
And then he who endured dozens of desperate king should be characterized as the things
Batteles, who stood boldly while swords and Beowulf just was. He demonstrates that no matter
Shields the amount of battles one has endured, a good
Clashed, the best of kings, saw king arrives at the next battle strong and brave.
Huge stone arches and felt the heat Beowulf is literally described as being ¨the best of
Of the dragonś breath, flooding down kings¨ in this passage.
Through the hidden entrance, too hot for anyone
To stand, a streaming current of fire
And smoke that blocked all passage.
(Lines 2537-2559)

5 (Avery): He looked Context:

At her home, then following along the wall - Nearly facing death, Beowulf has just
Went walking, his hands tight on the sword, finally defeated Grendel’s mother.
His heart still angry.He was hunting another - As he starts to return to the rest of the
Dead monster, and took his weapon with him For Geats on the surface of the lake, his anger
final revenge against Grendel’s vicious Attacks, causes him to find Grendel’s body.
his nighttime raids, over - Even though he is already dead, Beowulf
And over, coming to Herot when Hrothgar’s Men is compelled to decapitate Grendel and
slept, killing them in their beds, take his head as a trophy
Eating some on the spot, fifteen - This is similar to his arm displayed in
Or more, and running to his loathsome moor With Herot.
another such sickening meal waiting
In his pouch. But Beowulf repaid him for those Analysis:
visits, Found him lying dead in his corner, - This instance resinstates the poem’s
Armless, exactly as that fierce fighter Had sent themes of a good warrior.
him out from Herot, then struck off - Unlike a good king, Beowulf seeks out
His head with a single swift blow. The body unnecessary conflict in order to fulfill his
Jerked for the last time, then lay still. . . . own desire of power and strength.
- Further slaying Grendel was not at all
(Lines 1573-1589) mandatory, and was purely an act of rage.
- Here, Beowulf fulfills the Anglo-Saxon
principles of a good warrior, such as
power, glory, strength, and heroism.
- Taking his head as a trophy was also an
act of a “good warrior,” and was praised.
This was similar to the arm that was hung
in Herot.

6: (Isabella) “Then Beowulf had been honored by Context: Beowulf had just defeated Grendel, and
both the gifts Hrothgar could have given him, as a thank you Hrothgar is throwing a party in the
horses and weapons” (lines 1043-1041) great hall in Beowulf’s honor.

Analysis: Hrothgar is the perfect example of a

protector and nurturer. He is being generous in the
gifts he is giving Beowulf and Beowulf’s men.
Hrothgar is also a good king’s responsibility to
provide a space for his citizens to eat, drink, and
socialize.

Theme Description
 The narrator of Beowulf emphasizes on the importance of both good warriors and good kings
throughout the poem. It is evident as Beowulf unfolds that while similar attributes are shared between
good kings and warriors, such as courage, loyalty, and selflessness, the values of a good warrior and a
good king do not always overlap.
As a protector and nurturer, a good king must put the good of the people above his own desire for
fame and glory. A good king is generous with gifts, provides a haven in which his people can eat, drink,
and socialize, and is powerful and fearless in defending his land and people. A good king does not seek
unnecessary conflict that might lead to death of his people or himself.
Contrastly, a good warrior supports his people through the pursuit of personal fame, whether it is
through shows of strength in battle, or by directly seeking out conflict in the name of glory.
Beowulf has the ability to have attributes of both a good warrior and a good king; with the good
warrior traits being prominent in his youth, with them dying out slightly as he grows into kingdom.

Theme: Fame, Pride, and Shame

Group Members: Names Redacted

Textual Evidence Context and Analysis

1: Fame
Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: Context:
Let us toast your victories, and talk of the - After Beowulf meets with Hrothgar,
future.” Then Hrothgar’s men gave places to he states that he will battle Grendel
the Geats, unarmed. Hrothgar accepts Beowulf’s
Yielded benches to the brave visitors offer remembering Beowulf’s father’s
And led them to the feast. The keeper of the loyalty to him.
mead - He invites the Geats to a feast in Herot
Came carrying out the carved flasks, with the Danish warriors. This banquet
And poured that bright sweetness. A poet is held in Beowulf’s honor to celebrate
Sang, from time to time, in a clear his past victories and his future
Pure voice. Danes and visiting Geats triumphs.
Celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced. _____________________________________
Unferth spoke, Ecglaf’s son,
Who sat at Hrothgar’s feet, spoke harshly Analysis:
And sharp (vexed by Beowulf’s adventure, - Hrothgar and the Danes seek someone
By their visitor’s courage, and angry that who possesses bravery and courage.
anyone Beowulf steps in hoping to bring
In Denmark or anywhere on earth had ever strength to the Danes by helping to
Acquired glory and fame greater. Than his defeat Grendel and ultimately end the
own): (lines 488-504) lasting torment. Beowulf’s desire for
fame is arguably one of his motives
for wanting to battle Grendel unarmed.
- Beowulf’s past victories and
 willingness to battle Grendel gains
him fame and respect from the Danes.
Hrothgar throws a banquet in his
honor because of his generosity.
- At the feast, Unferth begins to taunt
Beowulf because he is jealous of what
Beowulf has and will accomplish.
Unferth is upset that Beowulf is
receiving attention and glory from the
banquet because he does not want
anyone to have more fame than
himself.

2: Shame
“And for the first time in his life that famous
prince Context:
Fought with fate against him, with glory - Beowulf is in the midst of his
Denied him. He knew it, but he raised his painstaking battle with the dragon.
sword - He resolved to fight this battle as a
And struck at the dragon's scaly hide. promise and redemption for his
The ancient blade broke, bit into feelings of responsibility and guilt for
The monster's skin, drew blood, but cracked the dragon’s attacks
And failed him before it went deep enough, - He is older and wiser than he used to
helped him be.
Less than he needed.” (lines 2573-2580) - He attempts to strike the dragon, but
his sword breaks in the dragon’s flesh.
“Quickly, the dragon came at him, encouraged - As Beowulf is surrounded by the
As Beowulf fell back; its breath flared, dragon’s flames, his friends and
And he suffered, wrapped around in swirling supporters abandon him, fleeing for
Flames-a king, before, but now their lives.
A beaten 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.” (lines 2592-2599) Analysis:
- Leading up to this point, Beowulf has
continued to show pride and
boastfulness to both his comrades and
rivals. His arrogance and
determination has previously given
him the strength and will to slay the
monstrous creatures he faces.
- However, in his old age and wisdom,
Beowulf possesses a heavier heart and
knows fate is not on his side. He has
witnessed multiple of his comrades’
deaths and carries the experience of
 battle with him.
- His weapons fail him in a time of dire
need, which turns Beowulf’s prideful
and haughty demeanor into shame and
disappointment concerning his
abilities and promise to the Geats.
- Beowulf has an eye-opening
realization about his fate and that he
will not win the battle for the first time
in his life.
- This is a reality check for Beowulf and
it brings down his excessive pride.

3: Shame -nat
To save her life she moved still faster,
Took a single victim and fled from the hall, Context:
Running to the moors, discovered, but her - Grendel’s Mother snuck into Herot
supper while the soldiers slept “as though
Assured, sheltered in her dripping claws. already dead,” essentially leaving
She'd taken Hrothgar's closest friend, themselves vulnerable in the same
The man he most loved of all men on earth; way as they had to Grendel.
She'd killed a glorious soldier, cut - She snatched up Esher, King
A noble life short. No Geat could have Hrothgar’s closest friend and advisor,
stopped her: an important person to the Geats.
Beowulf and his band had been given better - She also stole back Grendel’s claw,
Beds; sleep had come to them in a different which served as a trophy symbolising
Hall. Then all Herot burst into shouts: Grendel’s defeat to the Geats and
She had carried off Grendel's claw. Sorrow Danes.
Had returned to Denmark. They'd traded
deaths, Analysis:
Danes and monsters, and no one had won, - After the Geats and Danes believe
Both had lost! themselves to be victorious against a
(lines 1299-1306) heinous monster terrorizing Herot,
another monster comes to seek
revenge.
- The new monster is the mother of
Grendel, meaning she is a woman,
who, according to the unnamed author,
would never be able to fight with
courage, power, and strength near
equivalent to that of a man’s.
- She wins, easily, which might be
considered embarrassing or shameful.
- They were once again tricked while
asleep. They lost a noble soldier’s life
because of their inability to learn from
 their past altercations with Grendel.
Additionally, their cultural tradition
was to be always ready for war and
battle, which they did not uphold,
contributing to the harm of Esher.

4: Fame -nat
In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac's
Follower and the strongest of the Context:
Geats-greater - This quote is from the introduction of
And stronger than anyone anywhere in this Beowulf’s character into the storyline.
world- - It is describing Beowulf’s prestige and
Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror honors in relation to the area he is
And quickly commanded a boat fitted out, from, Geatland.
Proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king, - Further, this passage illustrates the
Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, love and respect the Geats have for
Now when help was needed. None Beowulf, as well as the bravery and
Of the wise ones regretted his going, much power the other fourteen Geat soldiers
As he was loved by the Geats: the omens possess.
were good,
And they urged the adventure on. So Beowulf
Chose the mightiest men he could find,
The bravest and best of the Geats, fourteen Analysis:
In all, and led them down to their boat; - Featuring an emphasis on Beowulf’s
(194-207) renowned strength and greatness to the
Geats contributes to the theme of fame
by establishing the idea that Beowulf
was famous for his warrior skills even
before the quest he is taking on.
- This passage transitively proves that
so long as he only achieves more
success, Beowulf will only acquire
more fame, nobility, and prestige.
Asserting this before Beowulf’s
character has actively contributed to
the plot through a physical
demonstration of his character
indicates how highly valued fame and
notoriety is, particularly within the
context of the poem.
- To further emphasize the greatness of
Beowulf and the status he holds, the
author also chose to highlight that the
Geats who praised him were also
well-qualified with warrior attributes.
5: Pride
“But the truth Is simple: No man swims in the Context:
sea As I can, no strength is a match for mine. - Unferth taunts Beowulf after he shares
As boys, Brecca and I had boasted We were his past accomplishments and stories
both too young to know better—that we’d risk with the Danes.
Our lives far out at sea, and so We did. Each - Beowulf then explains his side of the
of us carried a naked Sword, prepared for story of what happened with Brecca in
whales or the swift Sharp teeth and beaks of the ocean.
needlefish. He could never leave me behind, - Beowulf describes being pulled under
swim faster Across the waves than I could, the water and having to fight off
and I Had chosen to remain close to his side.” multiple sea creatures for five days
(lines 532-543, pg. 40) and five nights until he finally washed
ashore on the coast of Finland.
Analysis:
- Due to the false claims made by
Unferth about what actually occurred
in the ocean with Brecca, Beowulf
explained what happened from his
perspective.
- In the explanation, Beowulf shows
excessive pride and boasts about his
strength. He believes he is stronger
and a much faster swimmer than
Brecca. This results in Beowulf also
believing that it would be impossible
for Brecca to leave him behind, and
instead, only Beowulf could have left
Brecca behind. Beowulf claims that he
chose to stick by Brecca’s side for the
five days and five nights and talks
proudly about himself and his abilities
during his time with Brecca.
- This again shows that Beowulf is
proudly talking about himself and his
strength over Brecca, and everyone
else for that matter. This can be seen
as bragging and that Beowulf thinks
he is high above others.

6: Context:
“Then old and young rejoiced, turned back After the night of victory for Beowulf over
From that happy pilgrimage, mounted their Grendel that ended the torment of Herot,
hard­-hooved warriors, princes, and leaders of men came to
Horses, high-spirited stallions, and rode them Herot retelling the story of Beowulf’s
Slowly toward Herot again, retelling courage. They came to see the arm of the
Beowulf's bravery as they jogged along. monstrous Grendel as well as praise Beowulf
And over and over they swore that nowhere for his bravery and strength.
On earth or under the spreading sky _____________________________________
Or between the seas, neither south nor north, Analysis:
Was there a warrior worthier to rule over men. - This quote and context emphasizes the
(Line 853-861) fame of Beowulf.
- Beowulf seeks fame through feats of
strength and bravery in the face of
danger, which explains why he chose
to fight Grendel alone with his bare
hands.
- His fame is amplified and made
known after he defeated Grendel by
the people “retelling Beowulf’s
bravery as they jogged along” and told
each other that Beowulf was no
“warrior worthier to rule over men.”

Theme Description

Fame, pride, and shame are recurring themes throughout Beowulf that are exuded by warriors
and specifically Beowulf. Fame, pride, and shame are viewed as a triangle, meaning that every
time one happens the others can be references and have an effect on one another. The narrator
utilizes these three ideas that signify the characters’ emotional states and social well being in
the poem to establish the tone and feelings that are present. Both pride and shame can be
viewed as being derived from Beowulf’s continuous desire for fame and riches. The quest of
fame is of the utmost importance to a warrior. His quest for fame heads down the path of pride
during Beowulf’s boasts of his feats with Brecca and Grendel. This has the potential of causing
harm to his character as fame is associated with generosity and community while pride is
associated with greed and selfishness. Contrarily, the path to fame can lead to shame such as
when Grendel’s mother takes the life of Esher or during Beowulf’s battle with the dragon. The
state of shame acts as a curse to its inhibitor and their family that displays a lack of courage,
will, or might to protect oneself. According to Anglo-Saxons, shame is not always seen as
embarrassment; it is more of a curse placed on you and your family name based on your lack
of courage to follow through or protect.
Theme: Repetition and Change
Group Members: Names Redacted

Textual Evidence Context and Analysis

2: Death of Kings Repetition Context and Analysis: The story of Beowulf

utilizes repetition as a major theme, creating
Shild’s Funeral: symmetry within the plot and establishing a sense
“And there they brought the beloved body of their of balance (even acting as a foreshadow within
ring-giving lord, and laid him near the mast. Next certain levels).
to that noble corpse they heaped up treasures, - The story opens with the death of Shild,
jeweled helmets, hooked swords and coats of the mythological king of the Danes,
mail… no king sent forth more deeply mourned.” known as a fearless and greatly adored
leader, beloved by all. Shild’s character is
Beowulf’s Funeral: almost a direct reflection and possible
“For ten long days they made his monument, foreshadow of Beowulf and his journey as
sealed his ashes in walls as straight and high as a leading King. The story then closes with
wise and willing hands could raise them… and the the death of Beowulf, another fierce king
treasures they'd taken were left there too... ground and beloved heroine. This emphasizes the
back in the earth.” idea and theme of repetition and fame,
creating a state of steady event’s formed
out of emotional emphasis and balance.
- As seen in the quotes (left), both funerals
are comparable in style, commenting on
both of the King’s for their honest rule
and being marked with great
send-offs/memorials to acknowledge their
faithful services to the people.
- Shild was given a magnificent
send-off, surrounded by treasures
and jewels to acknowledge his
noble stature. This is significant
from an Anglo-Saxon perspective,
as their funerals generally
consisted of a burning on a
funeral pyre rather than any type
of send-off or formal service.
- Beowulf was given a much more
traditional funeral in the
Anglo-Saxon style. His life was
celebrated and a beautiful pyre
was built in his name, at which he
was burned. The people then built
a memorial monument for all
kingdoms to see, worshipping
him as the heroic king he was and
giving him the fame he had
sought through the entirety of his
life. They sealed the monument
 with his ashes and surrounded it
with some of his most prized
treasures (just like Shild).
- There are select differences that do make
each situation independent from the other,
such as the origins of the death (Shild’s
was invoked through old age, beginning a
dynasty, while Beowul’s death came from
battle.
- However both funeral’s contained very
similar parallels that not only execute the
theme of repetition, instilling the idea of
fame and the results of its role after their
death (shows the cyclic workings of fame
repeatedly, from Shild to Beowulf and
now Beowulf to Wiglaf), but it also
creates a sense of balance and symmetry.
By the story beginning with the death of a
great king and setting up a great hero, the
cycle had to come to a close with an equal
amount of power and significance in order
for the scale to be universally even (one
close marks the beginning of another’s
adventure).

3: Celebration and glory Context: Celebration and glory: After each great
Herot as a symbol: battle is fought, a huge celebration is held and
“Then Hrothgar, taking the throne, led the Danes glory is given to the victor
to to such glory that comrades and kinsman swore Analysis: Herot is a symbol of glory and
by his sword, and young men swelled his armies, eminence. It represents the prosperity and
and he thought of greatness and resolved to build magnificence of the Danes and the victory and
a hall that would hold his mighty band and reach courage of the Geats. It is a source of life for its
higher toward Heaven than anything that had ever people, it is the center of life and energy but
been known to the sons of men. And in the hall becomes taken over by death 2 specific times after
he’d divide the spoils of their victories, to old and 2 significant battles.
young what they’d earned in battle… that Context: Beowulf brought back Grendel’s arm to
towering place, gabled and huge, stood waiting for Hrothgar as a trophy after defeating Grendel and
time to pass, for war to begin, for flames to leap as was rewarded with a helmet, golden banners, a
high as the feud that would light them, and for coat of mail, and ancient sword, and 8 horses by
Herot to burn.” (Lines 63-85) Hrothgar and a mail shirt, golden armbands, and a
beautiful necklace from Welthow
Rewards: - He then brought back Grendel’s head and
“I have almost no family, Higlac, almost no one, the hilt of the Giants; sword as trophies
now, but you. The Beowulf ordered them to bring for Hrothgar after defeating Grendel’s
in the boardhead banner, the towering helmet, the mother and was rewarded with even more
ancient, silvery armor, and the gold-carved sword: treasure from Hrothgar.
This war-gear was Hrothgar’s reward, my gift - Upon returning to his homeland, Beowulf
from his wise old hands… These are yours: may gives all his treasure from Hrothgar to his
they serve you well!” (Lines 2150-2163) king Higlac and in return Higlac rewards
him with Hrethel’s sword and 7,000 hides
Retelling of victories: of land
“The whole tale of how I killed him for all the evil Analysis: Rewards are a way of showing gratitude
he’d done, would take too long… He escaped, and compensating for the great lengths the warrior
found a few minutes of life, but his hand, his has gone to rid the evil in the world. This can be
whole right arm, stayed in Herot; the miserable seen several times throughout the novel after
creature crept away, dropped to the bottom of his important battles
lake, half dead as he fell. When the sun had Context: There is a repetition of retelling past
returned, the Danes’ great king poured out victories and accomplishments to increase the
treasure, repaid me in hammered gold for the fame and highlight the kingly traits of the
bloody battle I’d fought in his name. He ordered a character in question (Beowulf, Unferth, Hrothgar,
feast; there were songs, and the telling of Wiglaf, etc.) such as loyalty and courage.
tales...He begged me, in your name, half-weeping Analysis: This serves to further immortalize the
as he spoke, to seek still greater glory deep in the person’s fame as a warrior and/or king.
swirling waves, to win still higher fame, and the - Although there is repetition here, change
gifts he would give me. Down in that surging lake can be seen too:
I sought and found her, the horrible hag, fierce and - Beowulf recounts his victories
wild; we fought, clutching and grasping; The before his big battles in order to
water ran red with blood and at last, with a mighty increase morale of him and his
sword that had hung on the wall, I cut off her followers and to provide courage
head. I had barely escaped with my life, my death in the face of fear.
was not written. And the Danes’ protector, - In another light Beowulf recounts
Healfdane’s great son, heaped up treasures and his victories to Higlac and
precious jewels to reward me.” (Lines Hrothgar to assure them of his
2093-2144). warrior-like traits and loyalty to
his followers and the people he
follows.

4: Siegmund's tale and Beowulf killing the Analysis: Siegmund and Beowulf have similar
dragon stories in the sense that both were regarded as
¨No prince, no protector of his warriors, knew strong warriors and were successful in many
power battles against different monsters. The battle that
And fame and glory like Siegmund´s; his name they are most remembered for is the battle against
And his treasures grew great. Hermod could have the dragon.
hoped for at least as much; he was once the - Siegmund fights the dragon first. His
mightiest of men. But pride and defeat and battle with the dragon foreshadows
betrayal sent him into exile with the Jutes, and he Beowulf's later on in the poem
ended his life on their swords. That life had been (repetition). Siegmund´s battle is at the
misery after misery, and he spread sorrow as long beginning of his story while Beowulf's
as he lived it, heaped troubles on his unhappy battle happens towards the end of his life
people´s heads, ignored all the wise men´s - His story is told as a response to
warnings, ruled only with courage. A king born, Beowulf´s
entrusted with ancient treasures and cities full of - Siegmund became king because of
stronghearted soldiers, his vanity swelled him so defeating the dragon while Beowulf was
vile and rank that he could hear no voices but his already king when he battled the dragon
own. He deserved to die. But Beowulf was a - Siegmund survives his battle while
prince well-loved, followed in friendship , not Beowulf unfortunately does not
fear; Hermod´s heart had been followed by sin (pg - Both of them fighting the dragon
51-52). symbolizes repetition but there are two
very different outcomes to their battles
Siegmund´s battle: ¨ḧis daring battle was with a (both win but only one actually lives)
treasure-rich dragon. Heaving a hoary gray rock - Both men will be immortalized as heroes
aside Siegmund had gone down to the dragon and good kings
alone, entered the hole where it hid and swung his - Beowulf fights Grendel and his mom
sword so savagely that it slit the creature through, alone but does not fight the dragon alone
pierced its flesh and pinned it to a wall, hung it like Siegmund; needed the help of Wiglaf
where his bright blade rested. (51)

Beowulf's battle: Flames beat at the iron Shield,

and for a time it held, protected Beowulf as he’d
planned; then it began to melt, And for the first
time in his life that famous prince Fought with
fate against him, with glory 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’s skin, drew blood, but cracked
And failed him before it went deep enough,
helped him Less than he needed. The dragon
leaped With pain, thrashed and beat at him,
spouting Murderous flames, spreading them
everywhere. And the Geats’ ring-giver did not
boast of glorious Victories in other wars: His
weapon Had failed him, deserted him, now when
he needed it Most, that excellent sword. Edgetho’s
Famous son stared at death, Unwilling to leave
this world, to exchange it For a dwelling in some
distant place—a journey Into darkness that 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 Flames—a king, before, but now A
beaten warrior.

5: Fighting Grendel Context: Grendel is a monster descended from

“Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Cain, where he lives in the swampy moors,
Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild banished by God, and split from all people.
Marshes, and made his home in a hell Not hell but Analysis: When Beowulf arrives in Denmark, to
earth. He was spawned in that slime, Conceived help the Danes defeat Grendel, his objectives are
by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, to kill Grendel, overall repaying Hrothgar.
murderous creatures banished By God, punished Beowulf feels that he has a debt to pay to
forever for the crime of Abel’s death. The Hrothgar, since Hrothgar had helped his father
Almighty drove Those demons out, and their exile make peace with the Wulfing tribe, after
was bitter, Shut away from men; they split Into a Beowulf’s father killed a member of their tribe. In
thousand forms of evil-spirits And fiends, goblins, order to make peace, Hrothgar sent the Wulfing
monsters, giants, A brood forever opposing the tribe treasures, resulting in an allegiance between
Lord’s Will, and again and again defeated.” (Lines Hrothgar and Beowulf’s father.
101-114). Context: Grendel has just died. His mother seeks
revenge on the Danes for killing him. She comes
Fighting Grendel’s mother to Herot that night, and kills Esher, Hrothgar’s
“And now it was known that a monster had died most trusted counselor and friend.
But a monster still lived, and meant revenge. Analysis: This battle with Grendel’s mother is far
She’d brooded on her loss, misery had brewed In more dangerous than Beowulf’s battle with
her heart, that female horror, Grendel’s Mother, Grendel; however, he takes on the challenge to
living in the murky cold lake Assigned her since protect Hrothgar and the Danes. Hrothgar believes
Cain had killed his only Brother, slain his father’s Beowulf is the only man capable of dealing/killing
son With an angry sword. God drove him off, such monsters as Grendel and his mother. Beowulf
Outlawed him to the dry and barren desert, And killing both Grendel and his mother for the Danes
branded him with a murderer’s mark.” (Lines creates a lifetime friendship between Hrothgar the
1256-1264). king of Danes and Beowulf a prince from
Geatland. Beowulf fighting both Grendel and his
mother show a repetition of how the monsters in
the epic are outcasts and a repetition of Beowulf’s
need for adventure.

6: Beowulf being greeted when he goes to save Context: Beowulf and his men make their way to
the Danes: "Shaking his heavy spear Denmark so they can save the Danes from
In their faces he spoke: Grendel. As they make their way to the Danish
"Whose soldiers are you, shores and are greeted by a guardian of the docks.
You who've been carried in your deep-keeled ship He interrogates them as to why Beowulf and his
across the sea-road to this country of mine? soldiers are there in Denmark.
Listen! I've stood on these cliffs longer Analysis: Beowulf and his men are not being
Than you know, keeping our coast free greeted very kindly and this will be changed later
Of pirates, raiders sneaking ashore when Beowulf arrives at home, but the way that
From their ships, seeking our lives and our gold. Beowulf is greeted is not very friendly at all.
None have ever come more openly- And yet Context: Beowulf makes his way back to his
you've offered no password, no sign home and he is greeted by his people. They are
From my prince, no permission from my people very excited to see him and his men back alive
for your landing Here." (Lines 235 - 248) and with all of the riches, so they bring him to the
King so they can talk. He is then greeted by the
Beowulf being greeted when he gets back King who asks many questions of Beowulf's
home: "Beowulf and his handful of brave adventure.
Men, come safely home; he sat, Analysis: The purpose of this quote is to show the
Now, waiting to see them, to greet difference (change) between the greeting Beowulf
His battle-comrades when they arrived at his coun and his men receive when they go to Hrothgar,
… Higlac, unable to stay silent, anxious and when they arrive back on their home soil.
To know how Beowulf's adventure had gone, When they go to Denmark, as soon as they arrive,
began to question him, courteous but eager they are interrogated and they are not really
To be told everything. welcomed at all until they get to Hrothgar. WHen
"Beloved Beowulf, they arrive back home though, they are
Tell us what your trip to far-off places whole-heartedly welcomed by the people and they
Brought you, your sudden expedition on the salty are rushed right away to the King to tell their tales
waves, your search for war in Herot?" (Lines 1971 and share all of their glory that they have achieved
- 1990) in their time with Hrothgar and the Danes.

Theme Description

The epic poem Beowulf is submerged in repetition, allowing it to serve as a major theme and
emphasizing the concepts of change and difference. As the storyline persists, event’s become repeated
and extenuated, and the reader’s are able to find and highlight not only the significance within each
instance, but are also able to note the contrasts and symmetrical changes that peak as patterns
throughout the plot. The endless procession of events, both included in the story and inferred by the
reader, and their repetition can also be viewed as an enforcement of balance (centering around the
concept that with every event or action, there must be one of equal and similar weight in order to
maintain the balanced scale of nature). These repetitions are ultimately able to symbolize the continuity
of the world and importance behind such cyclical movements. This essentially demonstrates that events
within life are often varied forms of the same instance resurfaced to teach a moral lesson and/or to
create universal balance.