Beowulf Story Map

*start*

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow

Born in Geatland

A Great Warrior Is Born

"There was no one else like him alive.

In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth,

high-born and powerful."

(Heaney 15)

Beowulf vs Grendel

Grendel wreaks havoc on Heorot

Heorot Hall was a mead-hall created

by King Hrothgar, ruler of the Danes

"He handed down orders for men

to work on a great mead-hall meant to be a

wonder of the world forever..." (Heaney 7)

Grendel's onslaughts

last for 12 years

Beowulf attacks Grendel, and they leave destruction in their path. "The story goes that as the pair struggled,

mead-benches were smashed and sprung off the floor, gold fittings and all." (Heaney 53)

Beowulf is Victor

After struggling for some time,

Beowulf tears Grendel's arm off;

a fatal wound.

"The monster's whole body was in pain, a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split and the

bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted the glory of winning..." (Heaney 55)

Beowulf takes Grendels arm

Beowulf vs Grendels Mother

When the Danes think they are finally at peace,

Grendel's mother comes to avenge her son. Beowulf

goes on a chase to kill her at her lair.

Hrunting--the sword Unferth gave

Beowulf--fails

him at his time in need.

Deus ex machina occurs: a sword appears under the water, and Beowulf slays Grendels mother with it. It melts and Beowulf returns to the shore with the hilt.

Beowulf Sails Home

The Danes sailed "until finally

the Geats caught sight of coastline

and familiar cliffs. The keel reared up, wind lifted it

home, it hit on the land." (Heaney 131)

Beowulf tells of his time in Geatland

to Hygelac

Beowulf Rules the Geats

for 50 Years

After Hygelac and Heardred die,

Beowulf dons the crown.

"He ruled it well for 50 winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land."

Beowulf vs the Dragon

A slave steals from a dragons cave,

and the dragon attacks the Geats land.

"The dragon began to belch out flames and burn

bright homesteads; there was a hot glow that

scared everyone, for the vile sky-winger would leave nothing alive in his wake." (Heaney 157)

Beowulf fights alone, and his sword fails him yet again.

His men all withdraw out of fear, except brave, young Wiglaf. The dragon delivers what would later be Beowulf's fatal wound, but Wiglaf helps him kill the dragon with 2 final blows.

Beowulf's Death

• Beowulf recounts his life and his accomplishments
• Tells Wiglaf to go to the dragons lair and bring back treasure, that he may feast his eyes on the ancient gold
• He orders the construction of his burial and gives specifications
• Gives his necklace of gold to Wiglaf
• Speaks his last words: "You are the last of us, the only one left of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, sent my whole brave high-born clan to their final doom. Now I must follow them." (Heaney 189)

Beowulf Story Map

By Eliana Bergdoll

Task