Beowulf

1
Beowulf
People, Monsters, Places, and Things
2

• Beowulf is an epic
• (book length-long narrative poem).
• Beowulf was originally told orally by
• scops (Anglo-Saxon storytellers).
• Probably written around 700-750 AD.
• Only known existing manuscript written
• around
  1000 AD.
• Hand written by monks in monasteries.

Background on Beowulf
3
Beowulf
A Geat, son of Edgetho and nephew of Higlac,
king of the Geats. Geats are from Sweden.
His name means bear.
4
Brecca
Chief of the Brondings, a tribe, and Beowulfs
friend who competed in a swimming contest.
5
Edgetho
Beowulfs dad killed Hathlaf
6
Grendel
Man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a
foul mere, or mountain lake. Name might be
related to Old Norse grindill, meaning storm,
or grenja, to bellow. Descendant of Cain and
the embodiment of evil.
7
Herot
Golden guest-hall built by King Hrothgar, the
Danish ruler. Located in Denmark where the
first half of Beowulf story takes place.
8
Hathlaf
The Wulfing warrior killed by Edgetho,
Beowulfs dad.
9
Helfdane
Hrothgars father
10
Hrothgar
King of the Danes, builder of Herot. His father
paid Edgethos reparation to the Wulfings.
11
Hygelac
Also spelled Higlac Beowulfs uncle and the
ruler of the Geats.
12
Unferth
One of Hrothgars courtiers, reputed to be a
skilled warrior. Has sword name Hrunting.
13
Welthow
Hrothgars wife, queen of the Danes
14
Wiglaf
Geat warrior, one of Beowulfs select band, and
the only one to help him in the final Battle
with the dragon.
15
Mead
An alcoholic drink made from fermented honey.
16
Chain Mail Shirt
17
Swords
Hrunting Unferths sword that Beowulf takes
to kill Grendels mother. The damascened sword
that Beowulf uses to slay Grendels
mother. Hrethels sword given to Beowulf by
his uncle Hygelac for his help to Hrothgar,
used in the final battle.