Class Notes 10/20

Hey guys, I just thought it would be nice to have a little review of what we went over in class today before the big test tomorrow.

Why does the poet have the messenger refer to the raven, the eagle, and the wolf?

What do the raven, the eagle, and the wolf all have in common? All of them are scavengers. After a battle during the Anglo-Saxon times there would be many dead bodies lying on the battlefield. These dead bodies would soon be met by ravens, eagles, and wolves who are all looking to eat them. So when the poet refers to the raven, the eagle, and the wolf, he is talking about how the Geats will soon be at war with the Swedish because Beowulf is no longer able to protect them.

What does Beowulf do for the coast-gaurd? Why does he do so?

When Beowulf is about to leave the Danes to go back home, he gives the watchman a gold sword. This can obviously be looked at as a gift for doing an excellent job while watching over the Geats' ship but giving a sword to someone is a very special and noble thing to do. Beowulf giving a sword away also foreshadows Beowulf's future kingship because an important job of the king is rewarding people with gifts.

How does Beowulf's treatment of Unferth demonstrate his leadership abilities?

When Beowulf first arrives to Heorot, Unferth challenges him about his abilities. Unferth mentions how he heard a story where Beowulf challenges his friend Beca to a foolish swimming race and loses. Beowulf dealt with this challenge as a strong leader would. He put Unferth in his place by telling him that his story was partially untrue because the reason he lost was that he killed a couple sea monsters during the race. Beowulf also questioned Unferth of why he didn't solve the Grendel problem himself, if he was such a good warrior.

Another example of how Beowulf demonstrates his leadership abilities is when he forgives Unferth and recognizes his value as Hrothgar's thane by returning Hrunting to Unferth.

What do Hrothgar's retainers do on their way back to Heorot? What does the poet specifically mention the retainers refrain from doing? Why?

They sang and told stories of Sigemund on their way back to Heorot, however; they refrain from blaming Hrothgar for not slaying Grendel himself. They only refuse to blame Hrothgar because no other Dane was able to kill Grendel. Beowulf was the only man with the strength to do it. Since no other Dane could do it, and since Hrothgar was a kind and good king, they decided to still honor their king.

Quote #31

After Beowulf's death

narrator to reader

literary/cultural device - hearth-companions means friends, family, etc.. (kenning)

significance - Shows how good of a king Beowulf was. He was the fairest, kindest, and wanted to make a name for himself more than any other king.

- Jordan