Beowulf Notes: Modern Text

Prologue
-Scyld Scefing was a great king who ruled because he was more powerful than everyone else so no one else wanted to challenge him.
-Because everyone feared and respected the king it was peaceful and he was awarded gold in tribute.
-Scyld's son was Beow(ulf) took over his rule and fave the gold to those who deserved it which earned him respect and loyalty.
-Beow(ulf) became famous for his good deed all throughout the North-lands.
-When Beow(ulf) died they adorned him and his ship with treasure and buried him at sea.
Chp.I
-The kingdom was left to Healfdene who followed in the footsteps of the Scyldings.
-Healfdene had three kids; Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga.
-Hrothgar was popular because of his great skills in battle and his generosity, they built him an all gold hall in his honor.
-A creature haunted the hall.
-The creature was named Grendel who came from Cain who was one of the giant race that survived God's flood.
Chp.II
-At night Hrothgar took 30 men with him to his lair where Grendel killed them and continued to haunt Hrothgar for 12 years.
-Hrothgar became too afraid to even approach the hall.
Chp.III
-Beowulf heard about Grendel and decided to take 14 brave men with him to challenge him.
-They were stopped by a watchman who asked them where they came from and why they were there.
Chp.IV
-The leader tells the watchman that he is the son of Ecgtheow and has come to battle the creature that haunts the hall.
-The watchman escorts them to the hall.
Chp.V
-When they arrive Wulfgar stops them and asks them their business there.
-Beowulf introduces himself and tells Wulfgar that he seeks audience with Hrothgar.
-Hrothgar notices that Beowulf appears to be a very strong warrior.
Chp.VI
-Hrothgar remembers Beowulf and Ecgtheow and has heard of his great strength which he thinks is good news for his war against Grendel.
-Wulfgar allows the men to speak with Hrothgar.
-Beowulf tells Hrothgar about his most recent battle and that he is there to get rid of Grendel.
-Beowulf says he will do whatever it takes to get rid of Grendel.
Chp.VII
-Hrothgar talks about losing his brother, Heogar, in a battle.
-The men sat down to feast together.
Chp.VIII
-The men discuss some of Beowulf's past battles.
-Hrothgar fears that Beowulf will be defeated.
Chp.IX
-Hrothgar is satisfied with Beowulf's commitment to the task.
-Wealhtheow admired Beowulf.
-Beowulf was to remain in the hall overnight.
Chp.X
-Hrothgar and Wealhtheow went to bed with a guard standing watch at their door.
-Beowulf remains in his armor, he challenges Grendel to a duel without Beowulf's weapons or armor.
-The men all laid down to rest.
-Beowulf lay awake, waiting for the upcoming battle.