Reading Notes: Beowulf Part A

Beowulf with the Head of Grendel

By Marshall, Henrietta Elizabeth found on Wiki

There was once a ruler named Hygelac, and he ruled over Geatsland, which is now known as Europe. The land had valleys and mountains, as well as, a long coast. The inhabitants were very brave on both sea and land. There was constant fighting against thieves. There were also many evil monsters that patrolled the coast and killed fishermen and lived in the woods, killing animals and wanderers. They never invaded, but rather just killed people who came into their land. The land was full of great warriors. Beowulf, Hygelac’s nephew, was one of these warriors. Beowulf, at his young age, was one of the better warriors. The warriors gathered in the great hall for grand feasts and fun. They told many stories of great battles and triumphs. Beowulf was prophesized to be a legendary warrior, which made other warriors jealous. For a while after Beowulf became a warrior, there was no real fighting which made Beowulf itch for battle. One feast, a wanderer sung the tale of his homeland. He sang of all the monsters that were fought and killed. Then he sang of a part man, part animal, part bird called Grendel that could not be defeated in Hrothgar. Grendel would come and take men at will. No one felt safe because they failed every attempt to slay the beast. Beowulf then exclaimed he would go slay the beast. The others didn’t know whether to laugh or shout with approval. Beowulf was given the best supplies for his journey. Beowulf was given 14 men to command. They loaded a ship and left for sea. Beowulf was not greeted well by a man on the beach. He was skeptical of who Beowulf was that he thought could just show up with warriors. Beowulf arrived to Hrothgar and announced his presence and intentions.

Bibliography:

The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs with illustrations by Henry Pitz (1933).