Beowulf A New Telling Setting n SETTING Denmark

Beowulf: A New Telling

Setting n SETTING – Denmark, especially in the regal court of King Hrothgar.

Setting n SETTING The story begins and ends in Geatland, to the south of Lake Vattern in presentday Sweden.

Setting n SETTING – During the story, Beowulf crosses the sea from Geatland to Denmark. – Specific settings are quite varied: § Heorot Hall, where Danish banquets are held § The lair of Grendel’s mother in a murky lake that boils with blood § The cave of the dragon, which is filled with treasure § The elaborate funeral pyre built for Beowulf.

History n No one knows who wrote it n Original manuscript dates back before 1500 s n Probably from 1100 or so n Epic Poem

Characters n Major Characters – Beowulf - Ecgtheow’s son, who is strong in mind and body. He is a true hero and a superman. – Hrothgar - the king of the Danes – Wiglaf - a young and brave Geat who is part of Beowulf's retinue

Characters n Major Characters – Unferth - the son of Ecglaf – Grendel - the dreaded monster who threatens Hrothgar's kingdom – Grendel’s Mother - the troll wife of Cain – The Dragon - a monster that ravages Beowulf's Kingdom

Characters n Minor Characters – Scyld Sceafing - the founder of Hrothgar's mighty Danish royal house – Wealtheow - the wife of King Hrothgar

Theme n Major Theme – Good vs. Evil – Beowulf, the epic hero of the tale, stands for all that is good, brave and proper, while the monsters stand for evil. n Minor Theme – Loyalty – Beowulf stands apart from other men because of his extraordinary loyalty to his king or lord. He rushes to help Hrothgar each time he needs him, conquering Grendel and his mother.