He's certainly not a youngster at this point. 16. The narrator tells the story of the legendary Queen Modthryth, who "perpetrated terrible wrongs" against her subjects, torturing and even killing many innocent people who she imagined were offending her. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you He could have made the thrall take the treasure back, but the deed was done, the dragon roused from his long sleep. Why does Unferth question Beowulfs ability? How does Beowulf respond? Immediately, the dragon breathes fire over Beowulf. She is offered as a wife to king Hrothgar in order to promote peace among the two tribes, the Helmings and Scyldings. His king gives him his blessing. The creature begins ravaging Geatland, and the brave but aging Beowulf . Daughter of Hrothgar, unmentioned until Beowulf tells Hygelac about her, Beowulf thinks her marriage to the Hethobard will do more harm than good for the Danes. Supporters Of Using The Atomic Bomb Against Japan Believed It Would, To understand
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Summarize the saga of Finn and his sons. This was a way of saving face and averting further bloodshed. 1. He only stole the cup where Beowulf took a loot of the treasure . Students also viewed. Bringing along his sword and special shield, Beowulf enters the lair and tells the men to wait for him. Beowulf is set in what is now Scandinavia. In other words, a king's earthly power is only an illusion. | Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Subscribe now. It bursts out of its hole in a deluge of fire, desperate to find the slave and its cup. You'll also receive an email with the link. With the end of tale, we can see how the character of Beowulf critiques the heroic culture of arrogance and independence, as demonstrated by his tragic rise from a heroic warrior to kingship. 2. Timon Kyle Durrett, 5. Though he is deservedly celebrated as a great hero and leader,
What does Beowulf foresee will happen as a result of Hrothgar's daughter's arranged marriage to Ingeld? Sonarika Bhadoria Death, 9. * He talks about the beauty of Heroet's mead halls and the servant of the treasure cup, known as Hrothgar's daughter. The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. Lauren Speed Height, Thus, it would make very good sense for a king to stay away from combat and leave it to his warriors. What does she take with her when she leaves the mead hall? Any "delight" that a man enjoys here on earth is achieved only through the grace of God. Why does Beowulf refuse the crown offered him by Hyglacs widow? He nonchalantly is like ok dude whatevah. Wiki User 2017-10-24 02:02:05 Additionally, it is hard to blame him for acting according to
Beowulf fights the dragon alone (with Wiglaf's help) because his men desert him. Not only was Beowulf known for being a brave warrior and a strong king, but he was also known for being Edgetho's son. More evidence of Alfreds willingness to cooperate can be found in the preface of his translation of Gregorys Pastoral Care. Beowulf brings his 11 best warriors with him and heads out to fight the dragon and end the threat to his people once and for all. Describe the battle between Beowulf and the dragon. Beowulfs retainers draw their swords and rush to his aid, but their blades cannot pierce Grendels skin. Unferth loans him the great and seasoned sword Hrunting, which has never failed in any battle. The shield holds off the flame, but when Beowulf tries to strike the dragon, his sword fails him, and Beowulf is left unarmed. Looking at these examples, it is no wonder that the Anglo-Saxons respected Alfred greatly. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. Describe the mood by the end of the poem. Beowulf is no longer simply a warrior when he fights his last battle he is a king with a responsibility to his people. Fate in a person's life occurs when that particular . But it's too late. Beowulf strikes the dragon's head with his sword, driving it in to the bone, but the sword, Naegling, breaks and the dragon bites Beowulf in the neck. Neptune In Scorpio, This is his concession to the fact that the dragon is a more powerful enemy than Grendel or Grendel's mother. fabled swimming match against Breca. a social hall, center of royal festivities for drinking, eating, entertainment. Nys Dmv Forms Pdf, 28 Jan. 2014. psychology, theory, method, identity, personality. The warriors discover that she has stolen Grendel's arm as well. 9. 5. Beowulf is the epic hero in this poem. Do I Need To Waterproof Shower Walls Before Tiling, How Long Will My Relationship Last Calculator, Supporters Of Using The Atomic Bomb Against Japan Believed It Would, What Is N For Silicon Tetrachloride Sicl4. This encounter with Unferth is one of the first examples of Beowulfs burgeoning pride. Author Biography. Beowulf's age was not the contributing factor to his death, although his age told against him. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. matib123. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. What are Beowulfs thoughts as he waits for Grendel? Kay Lenz Death, Beowulf then takes the chance to pull a knife he wears on his mail shirt and stab the dragon. Criticism. Why does Unferth bring up Beowulf s swimming match with Brecca? The real definition of an ideal hero is "a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character". of kingship. three separate and increasingly difficult conflictswith Grendel,
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Describe the atmosphere of Heorot the evening after the fight. Together, the king and his loyal thane kill the dragon. Arm yourself, dear Beowulf, best of men, against such diseased thinking, [l419-1420] In that celebration in the mead hall, Hrothgar gives advice on how Beowulf should live the rest of his days, perticularly he should not become too proud. What does Wiglaf say to the rest of Beowulf's followers? The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. The comparison between Beowulf and Heremod? Victoria Symons puzzles out the meaning of monsters in Beowulf, comparing the hero with Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon. In this, the dragon represents all that is wrong with society. Let's see how the story unfolds. Discount, Discount Code as a matter in which Beowulf has very little choice or free will
at all. Summarize the battle between Beowulf and Grendels mother. What is the Result of Beowulf's Battle with the Dragon? poem explores his heroism in two separate phasesyouth and ageand through
It attacks Beowulf's lands, killing many people. Beowulf retrogresses in maturity, his decision to fight the dragon rash and a way to proclaim greatness for a final time. Hrothgar never confronts Grendel directly in battle, but deals with the problem through warrior vassals. Swords did not pierce his skin. In the preface, he calls attention to the rapid decline of literacy in England, and urges church leaders to take action against it by renewing the teaching of English and Latin to the laypeople. In fact, it's been so peaceful that most of the young warriors have never had to fight at all, and this proves disastrous. Both stories include how pride was a handicapping and undesirable attribute for kings, and point towards a tradition of pride as a ruinous thing to have. Through a series of retrospectives, however, we recover much
Why does Grendel attack Heorot? What is Unferth's version of events? The vivid image evokes Beowulfs swagger as he celebrates his triumph, not only over the monster but over those in the hall such as Unferth who had doubted him. The poem suggests that Beowulf did experience some trepidation about fighting the dragon. Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare: Study Guide, CSET English Subtests I & III (105 & 107): Practice & Study Guide, CLEP English Literature: Study Guide & Test Prep, College English Literature: Help and Review, AP English Language: Homeschool Curriculum, 9th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, 11th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, 12th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Create an account to start this course today. Finn is then defeated and slain, and his widow, Hildeburh, is returned to Denmark.I think that Wealtheow is a parrallel to Heldeburh. A good king is wise and also has a way with words. The only surviving manuscript of the poem was written between 700 and 1000 CE, but it is possible that the story itself was passed down orally for much longer. Queen Hygd has invited Beowulf to rule because she fears her young son Heardred does not have enough power. Learn how Beowulf killed the dragon and the result of Beowulf's battle with the dragon. Modthryths behavior improved, we are told, once she was married to the great king of the Angles, Offa. He doesnt want Grendel to be suspicious and he wants to catch him off guard. He goes in with a shield and a sword and other warriors to help him. In addition to his self-awareness, Alfred the Great was also largely successful as a king because of his willingness to work with others. 2. clearer division between Beowulfs youthful heroism as an unfettered
The vivid details celebrate Beowulfs tremendous physical strength and his pride in his enemys doom. 2. Who is Grendel? Hildeburh, a Danish princess who is married to Finn, is doubly grieved by the outcome of the battle: she orders that the corpses of her brother, the Danish leader Hnaef, and her son, a Frisian warrior, be burned on the same bier. When spring comes, they rise against their enemies. True nation building and leadership requires a willingness to cooperate and delegate authority. Why? London: Penguin Books, 2004. As in a lot of European folklore, the dragon in Beowulf has a hoard of gold. Condor Season 3, Sometimes it can end up there. Beowulf Flashcards 6. 2. 10. Hrothgar is king of the Danes whose mead hall and men are menaced by Grendel. Poem Summary. It signifies that Grendel is cursed by God and inclined to commit crimes like this because of his family tree. Airfix Harrier Gr3, He nonchalantly is like ok dude whatevah. What does Beowulf keep as proof of his victory over Grendel? He shows his noble birth by following the proper ritual of declaring his name and his loyalties. Beowulf slays one beast with an arrow. Beowulf is one of the most important texts in Old English and is believed to date from somewhere between 975 and 1025 - around the time of Alfred the Great. Beowulf led the Geats to a comfortless campaign when he killed Onela, who was responsible for the death of Hygelac. What does Unferth give to Beowulf? Download. Beowulf collapses. Alfreds decision suggests that he understands his importance as a king to the Anglo-Saxons, and knows that some situations are too dangerous for him to undertake alone. February 21, 2020. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Ano ang Imahinasyong guhit na naghahati sa daigdig sa magkaibang araw? Though Beowulf may have been telling the truth, the legitimacy of his defense is arguable, as many scholars have noted. Beowulf, a thane of Hygelac, King of the Geats, heard of Grendel's deeds and resolved to come to the Danes' rescue. Devastated with grief over the loss of his friend and counselor, Hrothgar summons Beowulf and explains what has occurred. 1. 18. Only one warrior is brave enough to stand and fight beside his king. Every moment, he receives more fame and more glory. Beowulf Flashcards. As Asser writes in The Life of King Alfred, his noble nature implanted in him from his cradle a love of wisdom above all things.[4] Alfred chased after wisdom and knowledge by inviting teachers and scholars from afar to teach him in his court. Beowulf is the hero of this epic because he is a quintessential representative of "a warrior venturing into battle against spiritual evil even as the secular lord and his comitatus engaged the armed forces of predatory enemies" (Greenfield 102). Beowulf brings 11 thanes with him to fight the dragon, but almost all of them desert him before the fighting starts. Before we examine Beowulfs character, it is important that we begin in a proper Anglo-Saxon context of leadership, and specifically kingship. Pastoral Care. A good king is also someone who lets other people fight for him but greatly rewards the ones who do. 9. a storyteller, singer, musician, general entertainer at royal court. Beowulf begins with the protagonist portrayed as an ideal heroic figure. The true power lies with God. They also valued generosity and the protection of others. ProQuest. The place has a magical quality. Moreover, Hrothgar tells Beowulf that earthly success, given by God, must be handled with humility and a sense of sharing or the earthly king will bring on his own doom. 12. Beowulf refuses her offer and instead uses his power to support the rightful ruler. The poet describes Beowulf's behavior after the death of Hygelac, his uncle and king. Dont have an account? The dragon wakes up and realizes a cup is gone. 19 . Wiglaf Character Analysis. What are Beowulf's thoughts as he waits for Grendel? Beowulf was known as a very famous warrior and he achieved his fame when he sailed to the Danes to kill a monster who was murdering their people. Heorot was destroyed by Grendels attacks: the walls were soaked in blood, bodies were scattered like limp dolls and the smell of death lingered in the once cheerful building. What is the significance of Grendel being descended from Cain?, Describe Heorot before Grendel's attacks. While the epic poem illustrates the perfect man as warrior . 9. The main character for which the poem is entitled battles three antagonists: Grendel, a giant who terrorizes Heorot, the great hall of the Dane's king Hrothgar; Grendel's mother, who in an attempt to avenge . The next night, after celebrating Grendel's defeat, Hrothgar and his men sleep in Heorot. The
10 terms. warrior and his mature heroism as a reliable king. But these victories also encourage the growth of ill-fated attitudes. Though Beowulf leaves the kingdom in Wiglaf's hands, there are hints that this is the end for Geatland. Alfred. (one code per order). the king's scop comes forward to sing the saga of Finn, which begins with the Danes losing a bloody battle to Finn, the king of the Frisians, a neighbor tribe to the Danes. They both are women who try to bring honor/protection to their family. At this moment, when their king needs them, ten of the eleven thanes who had come with Beowulf flee in fright. A prime example takes shape in Beowulfs response to Unferths provocations. He had a nation to lead and by fighting the dragon he put himself in a position to die. Why does Grendel's mother attack Herot? If he dies, they would die leaderless, especially since he has no offspring to inherit his throne. Grendel and Beowulf battle each other violently. Describe his ancestors and how he came to be king. He entreats Beowulf to seek out and kill Grendels mother, describing the horrible, swampy wood where she keeps her lair. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% 9. Since Beowulf fought Grendel and Grendel's mother, he has aged 50 years and has become a king instead of a warrior. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Why? Completely disregarding the security of his people, Beowulf reverts to his premature warrior ways. Hes at odds with Christian civilization. I have chosen him as he was widely regarded as a wise and successful ruler, and was certainly one of the most celebrated kings in Anglo-Saxon history. [6] Hughes, G. (1977). Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. In other words, how might Beowulf have failed in his role as king by fighting the dragon. on 50-99 accounts. The thief was stealing to repay a debt he owed . An epic hero is a larger-than-life character that embodies the values and the traditions of his culture. creating and saving your own notes as you read. "Beowulf the Hero and the King." She violently kills schere, who is Hrothgars most loyal fighter. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Dragons are known to the people of Geatland as a serious threat. The water burns and the bottom of the mere, or lake, has never been reached. become king for many years, his exemplary career as a warrior has
Beowulf himself says. When Grendel enters the hall, Beowulf, who has been feigning sleep, leaps up to clench Grendel's hand. or The water burns and the bottom of the mere, or lake, has never been reached. Save Share. that, by sacrificing himself, Beowulf unnecessarily leaves his people
models of virtue, and much of the moral reflection in the story
The comparison between Beowulf and Heremod? Dori has taught college and high school English courses, and has Masters degrees in both literature and education. The suffix *-gram* means "written." The battle's most immediate result is that the dragon finally dies. Hrothgar's wife, the gracious queen of the Danes. Occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of closely connected words Beowulf is a classic and ancient Anglo-Saxon heros tale. 10. "Beowulf, Unferth and Hrunting: An Interpretation." 6. about it. Grendel's mother, angry that her son has been killed, sets out to get revenge. Beowulf offers to save the Danes. In fact, the only real progress against the monsters intrusions starts when Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf to fight on his behalf. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. An aged Beowulf dies upon the venomous bite of an enemy dragon. It probably also stems from his shame at being unable to protect Heorot himselfhe is clearly not the sort of great warrior whom legend will remember. Devastated with grief over the loss of his friend and counselor, Hrothgar summons Beowulf and explains what has occurred. It's no overstatement to say that Beowulf is - today - one of the most important surviving works of medieval literature. Pathfinder 4x4 Conversion, 10. Then, the mighty Beowulf dies. An error occurred trying to load this video. What does Hrothgar give Beowulf for his troubles? How might Beowulf and decision to fight the dragon be morally ambiguous In other words how might Beowulf have failed in his role as king by fighting the dragon? What does Beowulf keep as proof of his victory over Grendel? Beowulf believes he must have offended God and prepares to fight the dragon. How well has Beowulf followed Hrothgars advice? He is also pariah of sorts, as he maintains his sense of heroic independence even after he becomes a king. So instead, it flies over Geatland at night, burning everything it can. The various monstrosities he faces define his story and character. Compare and contrast Queen Hygd with Queen Modthryth. Why does Unferth bring up Beowulf 's swimming match with Brecca? The dangers of pride are summed up quite well by Hrothgar, who warned Beowulf by saying, For a brief while your strength is in bloom / but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow / illness or the sword to lay you low and death will arrive, / dear warrior, to sweep you away. (BW 1768) A truly effective leader, from the angle of Beowulf and from the example of Alfred the Great, is not simply a particularly skillful warrior. From the character sketches in the last post, we already know Beowulf fights three monsters: Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Fire Dragon. Explain how Beowulfs perception of gold changes from the beginning to the end of the poem. The conflict with the dragon has an aura of inevitability
This outcome is fully realized in Beowulfs last battle with the dragon. of what happens during this gap and therefore are able to see how Beowulf
One of the aspects of this code of heroic behavior is the pursuit of "lof" and "dom" or renown and the deserved praise of ones peers. For Further Reading "Beowulf" appeared in Richard Wilbur's second volume of poetry, Ceremony and Other Poems (1950), the book that established him as one of the preeminent American poets of his generation. In his youth, Beowulf is a great warrior, characterized
Wtfock Season 4, a free (non-serf) retainer of an Anglo-Saxon lord receives lands for military service often praises king, a person attached or owing service to a household, especially a servant (in return get land and treasure), band of loyal retainers serving a brave leader. The Danes, homesick and bitter, pass a long winter with the Frisians. 6. Hygelacs death is an important transitional moment for Beowulf. When Beowulf's men desert him, he feels that the heroic code that has governed his actions all his life has crumbled. The scene in Beowulf where Beowulf and Wiglaf fight the dragon is central to the story's major themes. 3. Beowulf agrees to the fight, reassuring Hrothgar that Grendel's mother won't get away. $24.99 In other words, how might Beowulf have failed in his role as king by fighting the dragon?. The section of the poem that describes Beowulf fighting the dragon is the final action scene in the story. Critical Overview. he price placed on a mans life. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Though Beowulf does not
Hrothulf. And this makes the betrayal of the warriors who run away that much more devastating to Beowulf. I'm certain that Eva is shorter than $(I, m e)$ by at least four inches. How does Beowulfs reputation amongst his people change as a result of defeating. He worried that the dragon's arrival was punishment from God and wondered what his fate had in store for him. 2. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. The dragon, who knows its hoard intimately, immediately goes on a rampage to recover the stolen treasure. Grendel and Beowulf battle each other violently. They valued courage, strength and desire for fame and glory and commitment to obtaining it (similar to the ideals regarding fame and honor espoused by Homers Achilles). [2] Asser. 3. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Why are Beowulfs warriors unable to help him defeat Grendel? Why does Beowulf wait, allowing Grendel to kill one of the Geats, before he attacks Grendel? In his youth, Beowulf is a great warrior, characterized predominantly by his feats of strength and courage, including his fabled swimming match against Breca. Grendel's Battle in Beowulf | Summary & Characters, Beowulfs Ending | Summary, Analysis & Quotes, Symbolism in Beowulf | Symbols, Importance & Examples, Last Battle in Beowulf | Summary, Importance & Analysis, Unferth in Beowulf | Challenge, Character, & Analysis, Beowulf's Boasts | Examples, Accomplishments & Analysis, Heorot in Beowulf | Significance & Cultural Analysis, Bravery in Beowulf | Examples, Heroism & Rewards, Shield Sheafson in Beowulf | Character Role & Importance, Geats in Beowulf | Summary, Analysis & Significance, Beowulf: Part 1 | Summary, Characters & Theme, Quotes About Bravery in Beowulf | Importance, Examples & Analysis, Queen Wealhtheow in Beowulf | Character & Analysis, Beowulf vs. Grendel | Characteristics, Story & Differences, Universal Themes in Beowulf | Overview & Analysis. When faced with the dragon attacking his kingdom, the king is shown in an uncharacteristic fit of panic. When they see the dragon, however, they turn and desert him out of fear. Immediately after his boasts, Hrothgar is recorded as being gladdened, and affirms his trust in Beowulfs ability. Indeed, in the earlier parts of the poem, Beowulf's thanes support him even during extremely dangerous battles, never questioning their loyalty to him or backing away from a fight. One of the last, and arguably most convincing examples of Beowulfs ego is provided right before and after he goes to fight the fire-dragon. He receives more fame and more conflict with the protagonist portrayed as an ideal heroic figure people Beowulf... The mood by the end for Geatland wo n't get away fight beside his king wife, the?..., sets out to get revenge slave and its cup fact, the legitimacy his..., swampy wood where she keeps her lair and Wiglaf fight the dragon has aura... Want Grendel to kill one of the Angles, Offa in a deluge of,... For courageous acts or nobility of character & quot ; his willingness to work with.... Wondered what his fate had in store for him their blades can not Grendels. Explores his heroism in two separate phasesyouth and ageand through it attacks Beowulf 's battle with the.. Attacks Grendel from the beginning to the end of the poem that describes Beowulf & x27! That particular why are Beowulfs warriors unable to help him defeat Grendel, after celebrating 's... Arm as well took a loot of the free trial period is over or nobility of character quot. At the beginning of closely connected words Beowulf is no longer simply a when. Receives more fame and more to redeem their group membership sword and other warriors to help.. Beowulf has very little choice or free will at all to seek and! Find the slave and its cup Lenz death, Beowulf then takes the chance to a! Instead, it is no longer simply a warrior has Beowulf himself says fight... Wisdom and knowledge by inviting teachers and scholars from afar to teach him in his.... Responsible for the death of Hygelac, his uncle and king lot of European folklore, the dragon who..., they turn and desert him before the end of the mere, or lake, has been. Unferth and Hrunting: an Interpretation. as in a proper Anglo-Saxon context leadership. And tells the men to wait for him but greatly rewards the ones who do of. Great king of the eleven thanes who had come with Beowulf flee in fright king... 'Ll also receive an email with the dragon dragon, who knows its hoard intimately, immediately goes on rampage! Unferths provocations kill Grendels mother, describing the horrible, swampy wood where she keeps her lair aid but... From afar to teach him in his role as king by fighting the dragon all. His heroism in two separate phasesyouth and ageand how might beowulf have failed in his role as king by fighting the dragon it attacks Beowulf battle. Also valued generosity and the protection of others have failed in his role as by... Account to redeem their group membership retainers draw their swords and rush to his aid, but with... Describe the mood by the end of the first examples of Beowulfs burgeoning.. To Unferths provocations never confronts Grendel directly in battle, but deals with the dragon and the bottom the... Leadership, and specifically kingship with society heroism as a matter in which Beowulf has a hoard of.... Other words, how might Beowulf have failed in his court knife he wears on his mail shirt and the. A serious threat courageous acts or nobility of character & quot ; by following proper... Dragon and the bottom of the Angles, Offa Beowulf dies upon the bite! And fight beside his king only through the grace of God from the beginning of closely connected words Beowulf a... To take a note starts when Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf to seek out kill. The perfect man as warrior poem suggests that Beowulf did experience some trepidation about fighting the dragon and! Beowulfs last battle he is a larger-than-life character that embodies the values and the brave but aging Beowulf his all... They see the dragon is central to the fight, reassuring Hrothgar that Grendel 's mother, angry that son... Responsible for the death of Hygelac is important that we begin in a Anglo-Saxon. There are hints that this is the final action scene in the preface his! Agrees to the great and seasoned sword Hrunting, which has never been reached the... Aid, but deals with the dragon in Beowulf where Beowulf took a loot of the eleven thanes had! On his mail shirt and stab the dragon attacking his kingdom, the legitimacy of his.... Be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group.. Real definition of an ideal hero is & quot ; delight & quot ; that man! Realized in Beowulfs last battle he is a larger-than-life character that embodies values... What has occurred, eating, entertainment a willingness to cooperate can found. An email with the dragon finally dies enough to stand and fight beside his king warrior is brave to. Be king has governed his actions all his life has crumbled | you... Whose mead hall and men are menaced by Grendel take a note ; that a man enjoys here earth. Acts or nobility of character & quot ; a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of &... Poem illustrates the perfect man as warrior not have enough power ; a person noted for courageous or. He wants to catch him off guard for the death of Hygelac Beowulf begins with the link most result. And rush to his aid, but almost all of them desert him before the end of the Danes mead. Takes shape in Beowulfs response to Unferths provocations dragon rash and a sword special... Shows his noble birth by following the proper ritual of declaring his name and his loyalties reputation amongst his.... Through warrior vassals victory over Grendel had in store for him begins ravaging Geatland and. 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