1. The Coming of Beowulf
p. 33 Millennium 1

2. Guided Analysis Focus on Beowulf and his companions Read lines 1 – 4
What is the epithet used to refer to Beowulf and what does it mean?
Beowulf is referred to as “thane”, which means ‘noble warrior’ (l.2)
What adjectives are used to introduce the hero?
“the strongest,/ Fearless and gallant and great of heart” (ll. 3-4).
Does the description of Beowulf fit with the idea of the warlike Anglo-Saxon hero?
Yes, it does.
Move down to line 15
Focus on Beowulf and his companions
What is Beowulf about to do and why?
Beowulf is about to sail and fight against the monster Grendel so as to give help to the king of Denmark, Hrotgar.
What expressions are used to describe Beowulf’s companions?
“his bold retainers*” (l.9), “Brave was the band” (l.12), “Fourteen **stalwarts seasoned*** and bold” (line 13).
Did anyone try to retain Beowulf?
No, his retainers found little to blame in his venture (l. 9-10)
* retainer= a servant who has usually been with the same family for a long time.
** stalwart =a person who has been loyal for a long time
*** seasoned = with a lot of experience - expert

3. Guided Analysis Now read lines 16- 28
Focus on the sea and on the vessel and note down:
The words that describe the sea;
“Billows were breaking , sea against sand” (l.19), “breaking billows” (l.24)
The words that describe the ship;
“the boat was riding / The waves ...” (ll ); “the well-braced bark” (l.22); “with bellying sail / And foamy beak, like a flying bird / The ship sped on” (ll.24-26)
The atmosphere on the vessel.
“eager mariners” (l.18); “joyous journey” (l.23). The expressions used emphasize the feeling of safety, speed and strength the ship enacts.
Read to the end.
What words make us conscious that Beowulf’s people are warriors rather than sailors?
“And the Weder people waded ashore / With clatter of trappings and coats of mail” (ll.30-31).
Can we find similar expressions in other parts of the excerpt?
Yes, we can: “In the ship’s hold snugly they stowed their trappings / Gleaming armour and battle-gear” (ll20-21).

4. Guided Analysis alliteration kenning (metaphor) simile
Focus on sound and language.
How many beats are there to each line? Mark the stresses in lines 1 – 4. The first ones have already been done for you as an example.
There are four beats to each line.
beats: “The tales of the terrible deeds of Grendel” (l.1);
“Reached Hygelac’s thane in his home with the Geats” (l.2);
“Of living strong men he was the strongest” (l.3) ;
“Fearless and gallant and great of heart” (l.4);
Highlight examples of the technical devices typical of Old English poetry in the text. The first ones have been down for you.
Alliteration: “the tales of the terrible deeds of Grendel” (l.1);
“ Of living strong men he was the strongest” (l.3);
“He gave command for a goodly vessel” (l.5);
“Fitted and furnished; he fain would sail” (l.6);
“Seeking the shore where the ship lay waiting”;
Kenning: (metaphors): “the swan-road” (l.7); “Sea-paths” (l.33);
Simile: “like a flying bird” (l.25).
alliteration kenning (metaphor) simile

5. Guided Analysis What is their aim?
Alliteration and kennings reinforce the meaning making the sound aspect more powerful and increasing the musicality of the poem.
What would you call this poem? Choose from:
Epic poem (it tells of great actions)
Narrative poem (it has a moral and didactic aim)
Religious poem (it deals with religious matters)
Personal response.
Would you say that men, things (e.g. the ship) and natural elements have any qualities in common, in the world of Beowulf ?
They all share the same qualities: hardness and strength,