When the poet tells us that the "pillow took the cheek" of the mighty warrior, he is pointing out that Beowulf wears no protective helmet even though the Geat champion is sure that Grendel will come. And come he does. In a passage that almost everyone agrees is one of the finest in Anglo-Saxon poetry , Grendel ascends from the fen. The poetry here is best appreciated if read aloud in Old English with a literal understanding of each word. Chickering's "Glosses to Select Passages" p.
In set stages, Grendel approaches the "house of … joy to men" Angry, defiant, and cursed, Grendel resents, above all, the hope and happiness of mankind. The poet effectively contrasts the light of Heorot with the darkness of the fen and Grendel's soul. One metaphor for killing warriors is to drag them into the "shadows" , which even the ogre cannot accomplish if it is not God's will. Grendel comes "up from the marsh, under misty cliffs" , a demon ascending from a dark hell.
The night is noticeably dark as he approaches the "shining wine-hall" where the Geats wait. The only brightness coming from Grendel is "an ugly light [that] shone out [from his eyes] like fire" The door to Heorot bursts open at the ogre's touch, implying Grendel's great strength.
His heart laughs, an effective metaphor, at the sight of the sleeping Geats. Grendel's entrance into Heorot anticipates his brutality. In a device often used by the poet, this image anticipates the next major action: Grendel's ripping apart of the Geat warrior, Hondscio ff. Grendel quickly guts the man while the warrior still sleeps. Blood swills from veins ripped open by the ogre's mouth, and the warrior is quickly devoured. With an appreciation for gruesome detail, the poet reveals that Grendel even gulps down "fet ond folma" , the feet and hands of the Geat.
Meanwhile, Beowulf watches, learning the likely approach of his adversary. Some critics complain that Beowulf should attack immediately instead of observing as his man dies, but A. Moore Modern Language Notes 68 [], has it right when he points out that Beowulf's responsibility lies in the mission , not the protection of one warrior. When Grendel reaches for Beowulf, the world's strongest human hand grips the ogre and won't let go.
He builds a great mead-hall, called Heorot, where his warriors can gather to drink, receive gifts from their lord, and listen to stories sung by the scops, or bards. Grendel terrorizes the Danes every night, killing them and defeating their efforts to fight back. The Danes suffer many years of fear, danger, and death at the hands of Grendel. Inspired by the challenge, Beowulf sails to Denmark with a small company of men, determined to defeat Grendel.
During the feast, an envious Dane named Unferth taunts Beowulf and accuses him of being unworthy of his reputation. Beowulf responds with a boastful description of some of his past accomplishments. His confidence cheers the Danish warriors, and the feast lasts merrily into the night.
At last, however, Grendel arrives. Libby Diz Supporter. What is the name of Beowulf's sword? Irshad Hatesohl Supporter. How is Grendel different from his mother? Grendel and his mother are similar beings.
The thing is that they have some glaring differences. Grendel killed for revenge of his banishment under the earth while his mother was killing to revenge his son.
Both lived at the bottom of a lake with many other earth dwelling monsters. Clemencio Alen Supporter. Does Beowulf rips off Grendel's arm? Their battle concludes with Beowulf's ripping Grendel's arm off , fulfilling his promise to Hrothgar to kill the monster with his bare hands. Beowulf nails Grendel's severed arm to the mead hall rafters and, although Grendel runs away , he is later found to have bled to death in his underwater lair.
Chunxiang Harriolha Beginner. Does Beowulf cut off Grendel's mother's head? At this moment, the fire brightens and lits the cave from inside, "just as from the sky heaven's candle shines clear.
Yuleima Galvany Beginner. What was Beowulf's motive for fighting Grendel mother? They each have their own reasons for their evil deeds. The dragon wreaks havoc because his treasures are stolen, Grendel's mother is seeking revenge for the mutilation and death of her son, and Grendel eats people because the inhabitants of Heorot sounded like they were having too much fun in their great hall. Etxahun Brock Beginner. What is Beowulf's motivation for fighting Grendel's mother?
Interestingly, Beowulf's subsequent fight against Grendel's mother seems to be motivated primarily by the desire to finish the job and rid the Danes of evil, which again supports the good vs. Ask A Question. This clash is not a mere battle in a culture dominated by warfare but rather a more personal, primal conflict between equal, opposite forces.
SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Why does Beowulf want to fight Grendel? What warning does Hrothgar give Beowulf? What is Grendel? Why does Beowulf want to see the treasure? Summary Lines Page 1 Page 2. Summary Gleefully imagining the destruction that he will wreak, Grendel bursts into Heorot.
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