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Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part A

For this week, I read Beowulf. I had read the story previously in high school but it has been a while and I am glad I get to revisit it and refresh my memory.

The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs 

We are first introduced to the Geats of Geatland, a mountainous country with a large expanse of coastline. The Geats are ruled by their king, Hygelac. There are many formidable warriors there who fend off the monsters lurking in the forest and the sea.
His nephew is Beowulf, who is known for his strength, however, people see him as a sluggard because he hasn't proven himself and seems to only have favor with his king because of their kinship. Most of them are either disdainful of him or jealous and, therefore, he has grown up to be a solemn loner type.
Finally, a Wanderer comes and tells them of the plight of their neighbors, the Danes in Daneland, where King Hrothgar and his people are being attacked by the monster, Grendel. For twelve years he has killed their warrior until only the elderly and women remain.
At once, spurred by a chance to prove himself, Beowulf immediately volunteers to go and kill Grendel. His father and the king were war brothers and so he has connections to the king of the Danes.
Hygelac agrees and sends fourteen earls with him to help fight. They are equipped with the best armor and sent by sea to Daneland.
After a rough voyage, they arrive and are accepted into the king's hall, Heorot, where they are treated mostly with praise and respect, except by Unferth, the king's friend, who calls Beowulf a coward. Beowulf rebuts this and in turn, points out Unferth is the coward for not facing Grendel.
Now the night has come and Beowulf and his companions wait for Grendel.


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