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Beowulf

Beowulf. Part II The Defeat of Grendel’s Mother. Grendel’s Mother Attacks!. Hrothgar’s valued friend Aeschere taken as man-price for her son Grendel Aeschere’s head disgracefully found as Grendel’s arm was disgracefully displayed

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Beowulf

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  1. Beowulf Part II The Defeat of Grendel’s Mother

  2. Grendel’s Mother Attacks! • Hrothgar’s valued friend Aeschere taken as man-price for her son Grendel • Aeschere’s head disgracefully found as Grendel’s arm was disgracefully displayed • Beowulf takes Grendel’s head -- blood corrodes the prized giant’s sword • No true victory for mortal or monster

  3. The Lair in the Tarn • Represents the hero’s journey to the underworld • Monsters dwell in the watery swamp of the imagination = id • Beowulf emerges with the boons that will restore the community

  4. The Lair in the Tarn • Ordered, godly nature is repelled by it = the hart • Nature is returned to order by Beowulf’s victory

  5. The Germanic Warrior Code • Beowulf sees revenge as better than mourning • The hero’s goal is fame after death • The second confrontation is an opportunity for greater glory

  6. Fate and Free Will • Beowulf submits to fate yet relies on the tiny amount of free will at his disposal • Free will = the courageous man • This combination results in lof

  7. Humanization of Beowulf • Honors Unferth’s gift of Hrunting • Returns Hrunting to its owner • Graciously does not mention its uselessness

  8. Hrothgar’s Sermon on Pride • Warns Beowulf against pride (hubris) • Heremod succumbed to ego and was too proud to share his treasure • The downfall of death comes soon enough -- do not hasten it by turning heart against the thanes

  9. Group Work: What’s the connection? • Sigemund and Fitela (59)/Hrothgar and Heremod (117)? • Modthryth and Offa (133)/Frewaru and Ingela (139) • The Finn episode (71)/Unferth, Grendel

  10. Breca digression Sigemund and Fitela digression (Heremod) Modthryth and Offa digresson/Finn episode Beowulf swims in the tarn for hours! Hrothgar’s sermon on pride = Heremod Freawaru’s marriage to Ingeld Parallel Actions and Digressions

  11. Queen Modthryth Beowulf is Hygelac’s nephew Wealhtheow/ Hygd Hrothulf is Hrothgar’s nephew Parallel Actions and Digressions

  12. Beowulf’s Parting • All debts paid = all valor rewarded • Gracious invitation to Hrethric • Brotherhood between the Geats and Danes

  13. Beowulf’s Past and Future • Hrothgar predicts that he will become King of the Geats • Beowulf was a weak and unpromising youth • Joins a host of other cultural heroes with unremarkable beginnings

  14. The Queen • A mere type • Diplomatic hostess • Role of women in Anglo-Saxon society? • Prototype for the idealized woman of courtly love?

  15. Anglo-Saxon Conventions • Courtly manners and customs • Engraved swords • Woven chain-mail • Servants pouring mead • Stately, eloquent speeches • Comitatus • King’s generosity

  16. 3 Weapons Hrunting Giant’s sword Dragon sword Characteristics? Relationship to owner? 3 Monsters Grendel Grendel’s mother Dragon Coming Attractions

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