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Beowulf Discussion Questions
Beowulf Discussion Questions
Grendel. Since no weapons can harm Grendel, Beowulf must fight Grendel bare-handed, and the
other warriors are unable to come to Beowulf's aid.
11) How does Beowulf wound Grendel?
Beowulf yanks Grendels arm behind his own back and rips the arm off. Tendons rip and the scene is
very grotesque.
12) Why is the story of Finn included just before Wealhtheow appear? What do lines 1163-1167 imply will
happen?
Author wanted to compare Wealtheow. The lines foreshadow that Finns story will repeat again in
the future.
13) Describe the scene at Heorot as everyone goes to bed in (Part 18).
As everyone goes to bed, they are festive and relived that Grendel is dead and that they have nothing
to fear.
14) Why does Grendels mother attack Heorot? What does she take with her?
Grendels mother attacks Heorot to have revenge for Grendel. She takes Aeschere, Hrothgars right
hand man, and Grendels arm with her.
15) Describe the lake.
It is infested with lizards. One cannot see the bottom of the lake. It is magical. Animals in the forest
do not go near the lake. It is boiling as well.
16) What does Unferth give to Beowulf? Why?
Unferth gives Beowulf a sword that never failed in a battle. He was being selfish. By giving his
sword to Beowulf, he wanted to be recognized that he took a part in the fight.
The name of the sword is Hrunting.
17) Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendels mother.
They fight underwater but in some kind of cave. Beowulf kills her with the Giant Magical sword
which appeared all of a sudden. Beowulfs shield melts. Beowulf beheads her but not entirely.
18) How does Beowulf defeat her?
He beheads her with the Giant Magical sword. Beowulf thinks God sent the sword to protect him.
19) What does Beowulf do before he swims back to land? What do Hrothgar and the other warriors think has
happened?
Beowulf takes Grendels head before he swims back to land. They all assume that Beowulf is dead
because they saw blood on the surface of the lake. However, Beowulfs warriors wait for Beowulf
while Hrothgar leaves.
20) To what does Beowulf attribute his victory? Why?
God, because Beowulf is religious.
21) What two things does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?
Beowulf gives Grendels head and the handle of the Giant Magical sword to Hrothgar.
33) What request does Beowulf make at the end of the battle with the dragon?
He sends Wiglaf to inspect the dragons treasure and bring him a portion of it, saying that death will
be easier if he sees the hoard that he has liberated.
34) How is Beowulf killed?
The dragon bites Beowulf in the neck. Dragons bite was venomous and Beowulf was poisoned.
35) Summarize Beowulfs last words to Wiglaf.
Bring him wyrd so death can be relaxing.
Burn him on a pyre.
Wiglaf has to take care of Geats
36) What does Wiglaf say to the rest of Beowulfs followers?
Wiglaf rebukes Beowulfs followers for their cowardice. He tells them how Geats is no longer safe
now that Beowulf, ultimate protector of the country, is dead.