1. Do Now How do you define a hero? How do you define a hero? – What qualities are found in a hero? – Describe the actions you might see a hero display.

2. Beowulf Beowulf is an Epic Tale and one of the oldest literary works. Beowulf is an Epic Tale and one of the oldest literary works. In order for a story to be an Epic Tale (Epic Poem) it has to meet certain criteria. In order for a story to be an Epic Tale (Epic Poem) it has to meet certain criteria.

3. Epic Tale Criteria The hero is from a noble family. The hero is from a noble family. The hero has characteristics like bravery, honesty, loyalty, all of which are important and valued in that society. The hero has characteristics like bravery, honesty, loyalty, all of which are important and valued in that society. The hero performs powerful and supernatural acts as described in the epic story. The hero performs powerful and supernatural acts as described in the epic story. The actions of the hero save the society. The actions of the hero save the society.

4. Epic Tale Criteria (cont): There is more than one setting or nation involved. There is more than one setting or nation involved. There are long, formal speeches. There are long, formal speeches. There are supernatural beings to battle. There are supernatural beings to battle. The theme of the story is good vs. evil. The theme of the story is good vs. evil.

5. Beowulf, Part One Study Guide Who were Grendel’s earliest ancestors? How did he come to exist? Who were Grendel’s earliest ancestors? How did he come to exist? –Cain and Abel are his ancestors. He was born out of the slime that was the original start for the earth. He was thrown out of heaven. Who is Grendel terrorizing? Who is their King? Who is Grendel terrorizing? Who is their King? –The Danes are being terrorized, and the King is Hrothgar. For how many years did Grendel wage terror on the warriors? For how many years did Grendel wage terror on the warriors? –12 years

6. Beowulf, Part One Study Guide (cont) Where are the warriors when they are attacked? Where are the warriors when they are attacked? –They are sleeping in Herot, which is the mead hall where they all gather to celebrate a victory. What is the purpose of the repetitive consonants in lines 30-35, and what is this literary device called? What is the purpose of the repetitive consonants in lines 30-35, and what is this literary device called? –This helps build suspense and is called alliteration. What is meant by “The beginning might not be the end?” What is meant by “The beginning might not be the end?” –The terror that Grendel is creating has just started. There is more misery and death to come.

7. Beowulf, Part One Study Guide (cont) In what way has hate triumphed? In what way has hate triumphed? –Grendel’s hatred of man has caused the mead hall to be empty, and the warriors don’t rejoice anymore after their victories. What is the meaning of “his (Grendel’s) misery leaped the seas?” What is the meaning of “his (Grendel’s) misery leaped the seas?” –The story about his terror reached the land of the Geats where Beowulf lives. What does the phrase “hell-forged hands” suggest about Grendel? What does the phrase “hell-forged hands” suggest about Grendel? –He was made in hell and is evil. What does Grendel’s inability to know God’s love suggest about him? What does this suggest about the Danes? What does Grendel’s inability to know God’s love suggest about him? What does this suggest about the Danes? –Grendel can never be loved or forgiven by God. This shows the reader that the Dane’s society valued God. God was also viewed as the one who chose the king, so he cannot be harmed by Grendel.

8. Do Now What makes a good thesis? What is included in a good thesis? What is the job of the thesis statement?