COURSE Mythology and Folklore

TEACHER Mrs. Jezreel V. Verallo

STUDENT Lovely Joy B. Villagonzalo

BEOWULF Scandinavian Mythology

Background of the Author:
 A well-known masterwork of Old English literature, the epic poem "Beowulf"
describes the valiant actions of the Scandinavian hero Beowulf. The poem's
author is unidentified, however it is thought to have been written between 700
and 750 CE. The poem is set in Scandinavia in the early sixth century, mostly
in Denmark and Sweden. The main character of the story is Beowulf, who
fights monsters and rises to become the Geats' 50-year king.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTH
1. Natural Phenomena (if applicable):
 The sea, or ocean, is one significant natural phenomenon that is included into
the narrative. The ocean serves as a metaphor for both the size of the globe
and the unknowable risks that are out of human control. Important points in
the poem are Beowulf's experiences with sea monsters, such as Grendel's
mother, and the fabled fight with the sea monster, which demonstrate the
hero's bravery and ability to face uncertainty and triumph over hardship. The
sea also acts as a barrier between the world of humans and the world of
monsters, highlighting the themes of bravery and the conflict between good
and evil.
2. Characters:
 Beowulf is the protagonist and hero of the epic. He is a Geatish warrior known
for his exceptional strength, courage, and loyalty. Beowulf embarks on a quest
to help King Hrothgar of the Danes by defeating the monster Grendel and later,
Grendel's mother. His heroic deeds and selfless actions exemplify the ideals of
heroism and valor in the poem.
 King Hrothgar is the ruler of the Danes and the lord of Heorot, a grand mead-
hall plagued by the attacks of the monster Grendel. Hrothgar seeks Beowulf's
assistance in defeating Grendel and restoring peace to his kingdom. He is a
wise and respected leader who values honor, hospitality, and the well-being of
his people.
 Grendel is a monstrous descendant of Cain who terrorizes the Danes by
attacking Heorot and killing many of Hrothgar's warriors. Grendel is a symbol
of chaos, darkness, and the destructive forces that threaten civilization. His
defeat by Beowulf represents the triumph of good over evil and the restoration
of order.
 Grendel's mother seeks revenge for her son's death at the hands of Beowulf.
She is a formidable adversary who dwells in an underwater lair and poses a
 new challenge to Beowulf. Her character represents the complexities of
vengeance, maternal instinct, and the cyclical nature of violence.
 Wiglaf is a loyal great warrior and kinsman of Beowulf. He plays a crucial role
in the epic's climactic battle against the dragon that threatens Beowulf's
kingdom. Wiglaf's bravery, loyalty, and unwavering support for Beowulf
highlight the themes of loyalty, duty, and the passing of heroic legacy.
3. Settings:
 Heorot is the grand mead-hall built by King Hrothgar of the Danes. It serves as
a symbol of prosperity, community, and hospitality, where the Danes gather
for feasting, celebration, and storytelling. Heorot is described as a magnificent
hall adorned with gold, where the Danes enjoy music, mead, and camaraderie.
However, the hall becomes a site of terror and tragedy when the monster
Grendel attacks, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
 Grendel's lair is a dark and desolate marshland where the monstrous
creature dwells. It is depicted as a place of isolation, fear, and malevolence,
reflecting Grendel's nature as a creature of chaos and violence.Beowulf tracks
Grendel to his lair after the monster's attacks on Heorot. The eerie setting of
Grendel's lair, with its murky waters and oppressive atmosphere, adds to the
sense of danger and suspense as Beowulf confronts the creature in its own
domain.
 Dragon's barrow is a remote and treacherous location where the ancient
wyrm guards a hoard of treasure. It is a symbol of greed, power, and the
cyclical nature of violence in the world of Beowulf. In the later part, Beowulf
faces the dragon in its barrow, a harrowing battle that tests his courage and
mortality. The desolate landscape of the dragon's lair underscores the themes
of fate, heroism, and the inevitability of death.
 Geatland is the homeland of Beowulf and his people, the Geats. It is depicted
as a rugged and noble land inhabited by fierce warriors known for their valor
and loyalty. Beowulf's departure from Geatland to aid King Hrothgar in
Denmark marks the beginning of his heroic journey. The contrast between the
landscapes of Geatland and Denmark highlights the interconnectedness of
different realms and the bonds forged through alliances and quests.
 Underwater caves where Grendel's mother resides are dark, mysterious, and
perilous. They symbolize the depths of the unknown, the subconscious, and the
hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. Beowulf ventures into the
underwater caves to confront Grendel's mother, descending into the watery
depths to face a new challenge. The setting of the caves adds an element of
mystery and danger to the narrative, emphasizing the themes of bravery,
exploration, and the supernatural.
4. Plot (Climax):
 As Beowulf grows older and assumes the throne as the king of the Geats, a
dragon is awakened and enraged by the theft of a golden cup from its hoard.
The dragon begins to terrorize the countryside, burning villages and spreading
fear among the people. In a display of his enduring heroism and loyalty to his
 kingdom, Beowulf decides to confront the dragon and protect his people from
its wrath.
Gathering a small band of warriors, Beowulf ventures to the dragon's lair, a
treacherous barrow filled with ancient treasures. As the dragon emerges in a
blaze of fire and fury, a fierce and epic battle ensues. Beowulf, despite his
advanced age, fights valiantly against the dragon, wielding his sword and
shield with unmatched skill and courage.
During the climactic battle, Beowulf's loyal retinue is forced to retreat, leaving
Beowulf to face the dragon alone. In a moment of great peril, the dragon
delivers a fatal blow to Beowulf, mortally wounding the legendary hero.
However, in a final act of heroism and sacrifice, Beowulf manages to deliver a
fatal strike to the dragon, ultimately killing the beast but succumbing to his
own injuries.
As Beowulf lies dying, he passes on the leadership of the Geats to his loyal
warrior Wiglaf, entrusting him to continue his legacy and protect the kingdom.
Beowulf's death marks the end of an era, symbolizing the passing of a heroic
age and the inevitable cycle of life and death.
The climax of Beowulf encapsulates themes of heroism, valor, sacrifice, and
the inevitability of mortality. Beowulf's final battle against the dragon
showcases his unwavering courage and dedication to his people, leaving
behind a legacy of bravery and honor that reverberates through the ages in
Scandinavian mythology.
5. Conflict:
 Internal Conflict (man vs. supernatural)
While Beowulf is portrayed as a heroic figure, he also experiences internal
conflicts. One notable internal conflict occurs during his final battle with the
dragon. Despite his advanced age, Beowulf feels compelled to confront the
dragon and protect his kingdom. However, he also grapples with the
knowledge that this battle may be his last and that he will not survive. This
internal conflict reflects Beowulf's inner struggle between his duty as a hero
and his mortality. Ultimately, he chooses to face the dragon, demonstrating his
courage and resolve in the face of death.
 External Conflict (man vs. supernatural)
Beowulf faces numerous external conflicts in the form of battles against
monstrous foes such as Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. These
conflicts involve physical confrontations and tests of strength and bravery.
They serve as the primary driving force of the plot and showcase Beowulf's
heroic qualities as he battles against supernatural adversaries to protect his
people and earn glory.
6. Theme:
 A key theme in "Beowulf" is the warrior's valor and the ideal of heroism.
Beowulf is the epitome of the heroic character; he fights monsters and defends
his people with bravery, strength, and selflessness. The hero's confrontations
against terrifying foes like Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon depict
 the never-ending struggle between forces of darkness and light. The combat
between good and evil is a prominent subject in "Beowulf." The poem
investigates the subject of fate and the notion that a predestined fate controls
human behavior. Beowulf accepts that fate has shaped his existence and that
his death is a necessary element of that destiny.
7. Symbolism:
 Grendel symbolizes the forces of darkness, chaos, and existential threat. As a
descendant of Cain, he embodies the biblical notion of original sin and the
curse of violence. Grendel's attacks on Heorot represent the disruption of
social order and the intrusion of primal, uncivilized forces into human society.
 Weapons and armor are symbolic of power, status, and identity in "Beowulf."
Beowulf's sword, Hunting, and his armor represent his prowess as a warrior
and his commitment to honor and duty. Similarly, the treasure hoard guarded
by the dragon symbolizes the wealth and prestige associated with kingship and
conquest.
8. Cultural Values:
 Grendel is represented as a terrifying stranger who is descended from Cain in
the Bible. He stands out from the other human figures in the poem due to his
demeanor and physical characteristics. This demonstrates the societal
propensity to fear and vilify people who are thought to be unique or outside
the accepted social order. Characters frequently blame events on fate or ward,
the Anglo-Saxon concept of fate or destiny. The idea of fate and destiny is
central to "Beowulf." Even Beowulf admits that fate has a part in shaping the
path of his life.
9. Mystery:
 The poem never fully explains Grendel's origins or motivations. While it's
mentioned that he is a descendant of Cain, the biblical figure, the specifics of
his existence and why he targets Heorot remain mysterious. This ambiguity
adds to the eerie atmosphere surrounding Grendel and emphasizes his status
as a supernatural antagonist. The chronicler behind the Beowulf poetry,
unfortunately, remains a mystery to this day. The poem's authorship is
anonymous, which has kept the scholars speculating about their background
and motivation throughout the years.

10. Language:
 Beowulf has been translated into many different tongues. Best-selling modern
English translations were produced by Seamus Heaney (1999) and Tolkien
(1926; released 2014). It served as the inspiration for numerous works'
retellings as well. For instance, Maria Dahvana Headley's The Mere Wife
(2018), which is set in modern American suburbia, gave a more sympathetic
portrayal of Grendel's mother, who was shown as an army veteran suffering
from PTSD. John Gardner's Grendel (1971) took the perspective of the monster.
In 2020, Headley released a feminist translation of Beowulf that used
contemporary vocabulary, such as slang and foul language.