October 2

Agenda:

• Finish working on resumes
• Read and discuss Beowulf

13-18 Summary

After the battle with Grendel, the Danes rejoice. The proof of the victory is seen as they follow the trail of blood to Grendel’s swamp where he dies in the murky waters. The people rejoice throughout Denmark, and many race back and forth telling the mighty deeds of Beowulf- often comparing him to Sigemund the dragon slayer. Hrothgar returns to the hall and adopts Beowulf (symbolically) as a son. He praises the mighty hero and blessings of God.

Hrothgar orders the hall to be restored to its former glory, and soon a victory feast begins. Beowulf and his men are awarded gold, jewels, swords, and armor for their reward. Then a minstrel sings a tale of Hildeburh, a Danish princess, who was married off to an ally of her enemies as part of a truce. In this story, the Danes are in exile after a stalemate battle with the Jutes and Frisians, but they thirst for vengeance. After a year, they attack and kill the king and bring his widow Hildeburh back home to Denmark. This story foreshadows the feud between the Geats and the Swedes.

Eventually, everyone decides to sleep. Hrothgar has gone to his own bed, leaving the warriors to finish the party and sleep in Herot, swords at the ready as was their tradition.

Homework:

• Boasts have already been turned in but be prepared to present them on Friday!