What is Beowulf summary?

Beowulf is an Old English story by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet. The poem tells a story of a strong and brave warrior (Beowulf) who defeats monsters and goes on to become King. Beowulf’s first major battle was against Grendel, a monster that had been terrorizing the Scyldings.

What happened in the first battle of Beowulf?

Choosing to fight Grendel in hand-to-hand combat, Beowulf wrestles the demon into submission and eventually tears off his arm at the shoulder. Mortally wounded, Grendel flees into the wilderness and dies.

What did Beowulf battle?

There are three major battles that Beowulf fights against: with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the Dragon. The second battle is between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother. Grendel’s mother is very masculine figure. Grendel’s mother attacked the mead hall to take a revenge on the death of her son, Grendel.

Why is Beowulf so important?

Beowulf is an important work of English literature because it contextualises historical culture and heroic literary themes during the formation of modern English history.

What happens after Beowulf kills Grendel?

After he kills Grendel’s mother, Beowulf sees the body of Grendel nearby and he cuts off Grendel’s head as a trophy. Having cleansed the mere of evil, Beowulf swims back to the surface and proceeds with the Danes to Heorot, where he presents the head to Hrothgar.

What is the main theme in Beowulf?

There are three main themes found in Beowulf. These themes are the importance of establishing identity, tensions between the heroic code and other value systems, and the difference between a good warrior and a good king.

What do we learn from Beowulf?

One of the most important lessons we can learn from Beowulf is that our greatest strength comes from our mind, not from weapons. Beowulf is a hero not just because he can wield a sword, but because he has humility and respect when he needs to, and he knows how to use his head.

What happens to Beowulf in the battle with the Dragon?

Beowulf goes to the cave where the dragon lives, vowing to destroy it single-handed. He is an old man now, however, and his strength is not as great as it was when he fought against Grendel. During the battle, Beowulf breaks his sword against the dragon’s side and the dragon, enraged, engulfs Beowulf in flames, wounding him in the neck.

What is the story of the poem Beowulf?

Beowulf is an Old English story by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet. The poem tells a story of a strong and brave warrior (Beowulf) who defeats monsters and goes on to become King. Beowulf’s first major battle was against Grendel, a monster that had been terrorizing the Scyldings.

How did Beowulf become the king of the Geats?

Beowulf goes back home to the Geats and becomes their King. Fifty years after his last battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf is forced to fight a dragon after a slave steals a golden cup from its lair. This last battle is however difficult for Beowulf who receives help from one of his men and the two finally defeat the dragon.

How did Wiglaf predict the outcome of Beowulf’s Battle?

Wiglaf sends a messenger to a nearby encampment of Geat soldiers with instructions to report the outcome of the battle. The messenger predicts that the enemies of the Geats will feel free to attack them now that their great king is dead. Wiglaf supervises the building of Beowulf ’s funeral pyre.