(1) A well-trained dog is a pleasure to own and people like encountering well-trained dogs, too. The reader is first introduced to Beowulf as he disembarks from his ship, having just arrived in the land of the Danes (Scyldings) from his home in Geatland. What message does wulfgar take Hrothgar concerning Beowulfs arrival? In modern, written poetry, we often judge the excellence of the creator by the use of unusual but appropriate imagery. Teachers and parents! How does Wiglaf speak to the warriors when they return after Beowulf's death? A mighty warrior and noble individual, the poem's hero, with the strength of 30 in his hand-grip, comes to the aid of Hrothgar's Danes. $24.99 Beowulf son of Ecgtheow, and the eponymous hero of the Anglo-Saxon poem. As herald, Wulfgar has the important duty of welcoming strangers to the kings court. He is an impressive-looking man. Beowulf reminds the gathering that Unferth's reputation is sparse except for the fact that he actually killed his own brothers, for which he will be condemned to hell even though he may be "clever" with words. What boast or promise does Beowulf make to Wealhtheow, the Queen? As a contrast to Beowulf's nobility and honor. Beowulf's trusted sword, Naegling, is no match for the monster. An unnamed swamp-hag, Grendels mother seems to possess fewer human qualities than Grendel, although her terrorization of Heorot is explained by her desire for vengeancea human motivation. bookmarked pages associated with this title. It will cause the tragic worsening of an old feud with the Heathobards. Who is the protagonist and antagonist in Beowulf? The legendary Danish king from whom Hrothgar is descended, Shield Sheafson is the mythical founder who inaugurates a long line of Danish rulers and embodies the Danish tribes highest values of heroism and leadership. He mediates between Beowulf and Hrothgar, taking initiative in diplomacy and directions. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% The scop, or bard, at Heorot discusses King Heremod as a figure who contrasts greatly with Beowulf. The dragon is exceedingly greedy marking a stark contrast to good kings, who create loyalty and love, A foundling, he became the first king in the Danish royal line. describe Grendels lair. What do they find when the reach the cliff above the monster's swampy home? Magoun maintains that virtually all of the phrasing could be found elsewhere if we had a larger body of Anglo-Saxon works. Read an in-depth analysis of Grendel's mother. When Hygelac's son dies in a feud, Beowulf becomes king and rules successfully for 50 years. It creates a tension with traditional pagan codes of heroism. He comments on the workings of Fate (Wyrd), saying that it saved him but only because it was not his time and because he had fought courageously. Beowulf refuses to wear armor or use weapons against the ogre because Grendel is not schooled in the fine art of human warfare and will use no weapons himself. The poet's apprenticeship would have included learning certain traditional themes, popular stories, names of various characters, and the formulas through which the bard eventually performed the tales or created his own stories. You'll also receive an email with the link. The bowling league______ celebrated for two hours. The king of the Danes. The Danes suffer many years of fear, danger, and death at the hands of Grendel. The second king listed in the genealogy of Danish rulers with which the poem begins. In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler. He mediates between Beowulf and Hrothgar, taking initiative in diplomacy and directions. An example of a bad queen. He also brought his men from the coast to Herot. He might have been a court poet, or a monastic poet. Why does Grendels mother take back Grendels arm? 6 Where does the poem Beowulf take place Quizlet? As the coastal guard first approaches the Geats, he asks about Beowulf's lineage (251). Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! The question at the end of Beowulf's life is whether he allows pride to blind him from prudent action. Beowulf offers to support the youngsters prospect of becoming king by hosting him in Geatland and giving him guidance. answer choices Unferth Hrothgar Wiglaf Wealhtheow Tags: Question 3 SURVEY Unferth alludes to the story of their contest, and Beowulf then relates it in detail. You just studied 72 terms! From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. No explanation related to lineage is given save the reference that he is a prince born to the Swedes. What qualities characterize Beowulf as a hero? The Geatish king who took Beowulf in as a ward after the death of Ecgtheow, Beowulfs father. How does medieval Christianity play out in the tale? Wulfgar, impressed with the groups appearance and bearing, takes Beowulfs message immediately to Hrothgar. Who is wulfgar And what does he ask Beowulf and his warriors to do? Beowulf was written between A.D. 600 and 1,000. He remains composed and in control, despite his youth. | a famous ancient sword he finds on the sea bottom. Later BEowulf is king of the . Sometimes it can end up there. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. further establishes the hero's character and maturity. First, identify the form of the verb in italics. Beowulf's father was the warrior Ecgtheow, and his mother is a sister of Hygelac. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1725 titles we cover. Unferth's jealousy and shame make Beowulf's honor and might clearer. Beowulf points out that he and Breca swam for five nights, not seven. Eventually, Heardred is killed in battle, leaving his cousin Beowulf to become king of the Geats. Wulfgar is a watchman that delivers a message to Hrothgar. When he arrives in Hrothgar's kingdom, the hero of the epic is still a very young man. Removing #book# Which word or words could best replace steadfast? Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Hrothgar appears in the Anglo-Saxon epics Beowulf and Widsith, in Norse sagas and poems, and in medieval Danish chronicles. He rips Grendel's right claw from its shoulder socket, mortally wounding the beast and sending him scurrying in retreat. After the victory feast, where does Beowulf tell Hrothgar he wants to go? (3) With a little practice, the right technique, and by training your dog with treats, you will have a dog that knows how to sit on command. What makes Beowulf An example of an epic hero? What do Beowulf and Breca swim out to sea to fight? Struggling with distance learning? The Seafarer, The Wanderer, The Wife's Lament, Valediction, On My First Son/Song: To Celia, The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. The more accomplished bard would be the one who made most effective use of the common arsenal of formulas. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The story of his trip to Heorot and his battles with Grendel and his mother, A legendary queen who was evil until she got married to a great king and reformed herself. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! When the ogre reaches for his next victim, he receives the shock of his life. Previous (including. Contact us Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. because of his sense of honor and responsibility, evil, an outcast, lonely jealous, and almost sympathetic creature at times. What feats has Beowulf already accomplished [when he is introduced]? In his youth, Beowulf is a great warrior, characterized predominantly by his feats of strength and courage, including his fabled swimming match against Breca. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. You just studied 61 terms! You can view our. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. With what does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? Subscribe now. The Beowulf Manuscript. Who was not protected by the Bill of Rights? At the end of the sentence is a second verb in parentheses. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Beowulf belongs to this tribe. Why is Hrothgars lieutenant concerned about the arrival of Beowulf? Together, Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon, but the mighty king is mortally wounded. Purchasing Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Shield Sheafson is the founder of the tribe of the Spear-Danes, a great warrior who manages to establish a little dynasty. Wulfgar offers to introduce Beowulf and his men to Hrothgar, King of the Danes. He begins by observing, "What a great deal, Unferth my friend, / full of beer, you have said about Breca, / told of his deeds" (530-32). Please wait while we process your payment. Some scholars suggest that the person who put together the extant version of Beowulf was no more than an editor or organizer of poems created by others, probably over generations. Continue to start your free trial. How long does Grendel menace Hrothgar's kingdom? What does wulfgar tell Beowulf to leave outside? Now up your study game with Learn mode. The bards who performed in the oral-formulaic tradition, however, were evaluated for the skill with which they could weave together familiarphrases in that poetic tradition in order to tell a story that was either already known to the audience or that was an extemporaneous effort by the scop (a traveling bard). Why does Beowulf plan to fight without a sword or shield? In her youth she caused people to be killed merely for looking at her. The more original the poem is, the better. Led by the fugitive and accompanied by eleven of his warriors, Beowulf seeks out the dragon's barrow. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. He has won every battle but one. Why does Unferth disparage Beowulf's reputation with a story about a battle at sea? Part of the motivation for the hero's coming to the land of the Danes is to gain more fame. The claw hangs from Heorot's roof, a macabre trophy. The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendels mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Why is the Danish watchman immediately suspicious of Beowulfs arrival? What happens to the massive treasure hoard? Refine any search. A wicked queen of legend who punishes anyone who looks at her the wrong way. Ironically, the choice to eschew weapons ends up helping Beowulf because Grendel is protected from them by a magic charm. Renews May 7, 2023 The last survivor of an ancient race who gave it up when he realized he would die too. Whatever the method was, the excellence of the work implies that the final result was the product of one very talented poet. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. she kills Hrothgar's advisor and steals Grendel's arm. Beowulf's reputation spreads in the last third of the poem. What vision does Beowulf have before the battle with the dragon? the central figure in a long narrative that reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society What is a common flaw of an epic hero? Beowulf's boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. The hero of Beowulf, Beowulf is a Geatish warrior loyal to his king, Hygelac. The first lines of the epic are devoted to Scylds reign and to his elaborate funeral. When was the poem written? To King Hrothgar (418 ff. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. ), he properly reveals more: Beowulf once killed a tribe of giants and has driven enemies from his homeland. Where does the poem Beowulf take place Quizlet? My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Beowulf also points out that Grendel might not be such a problem for King Hrothgar if Unferth's "battle-spirit, were as sharp as [his] words" (596). Beowulf takes place in early 6th-century Scandinavia, primarily in what is known today as Denmark and Sweden. How does the watchmen respond to Beowulfs explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes? 515)NationalityGeatish4 more rows. Grendel A man-eating monster, one of the tribe of Cain. Grendel's mother. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Character Map, Next How does Beowulf's sword fail him when he fights the dragon? 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. To defeat him, an opponent must be superior in hand-to-claw combat. Wulfgar offers to introduce Beowulf and his men to Hrothgar, King of the Danes. Beowulf once proposed to his daughter Hrothgar was friends with Beowulf's father Beowulf had gained a widespread reputation after slaying a dragon He read about him on the internet Tags: Question 2 SURVEY 30 seconds Q. Seeking to avenge the death of her son and recover his claw, the mother attacks Heorot the next night, surprising everyone. (one code per order). Verified answer. A more important reason for coming to Hrothgar's aid is directly related to a family debt. Beowulf Beowulf Character Analysis Beowulf The reader is first introduced to Beowulf as he disembarks from his ship, having just arrived in the land of the Danes (Scyldings) from his home in Geatland. When Beowulf was an adolescent, he engaged in a swimming match on the open sea with another boy, a royal member of the Brondings tribe named Breca. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Why is Unferth a foil (a contrasting character) to Beowulf? A demon descended from Cain, Grendel preys on Hrothgars warriors in the kings mead-hall, Heorot. Wulfgar is a noble Swede, known for his strength and wisdom. beowulf asks Hrothgar to allow him and his men alone to drive Grendel from Herot. creating and saving your own notes as you read. He also perfectly embodies the manners and values dictated by the Germanic heroic code, including loyalty, courtesy, and pride. The work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the date of its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that it was written in the 8th century. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Hygelac died, Beowulf acted as counselor to Hygelac's son until the son died, and then Beowulf became King. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Beowulf takes place in 6th century Denmark and Sweden. Whose treasure was it in the first place? Cain was marked by God, so others would know him and cast him out of society. (2) One of the easiest and most basic commands to teach your dog is Sit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. The king of the Danes in the story of the Fight at Finnsburg. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. In the world of Beowulf, a man's good name is his key to immortality. You just studied An ancient, powerful serpent, the dragon guards a horde of treasure in a hidden mound. The most dominating example of this is the life of Beowulf himself. A precious sword called Hrunting that has never been in a losing battle. Later BEowulf is king of the Geats. Hes concerned because he wants credit for the things hes done. He personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. Dont have an account? Wulfgar offers to introduce Beowulf and his men to Hrothgar, King of the Danes. What is his role? A fiery dragon terrorizes the countryside because a lone Geat fugitive has stolen a golden flagon from the dragon's treasure-trove. Free trial is available to new customers only. Beowulf, with the hand-grip of 30 men, grabs hold and won't let go. -Graham S. A fire-breathing dragon who discovered a lost tribe's treasure and moved into the barrow housing the gold. SparkNotes PLUS In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler. Central Idea Essay: Honor Codes & Heroism. Francis P. Magoun, Jr., a noted Beowulf scholar, closely examined the first 50 verses of Beowulf and found that approximately 70 percent appear entirely or in part in other Anglo-Saxon poetry, even though there were only about 30,000 lines of Old English poems available for comparison. In the story of the Fight at Finnsburg, Finn is a Frisian king who marries the Danish princess, In the story of the Fight at Finnsburg, the wife of the Frisian King. What's the story of how Beowulf came to rule? A popular piece might be presented over the course of two or three or more evenings. Historical Context Essay: Christianity in Anglo-Saxon Society, Literary Context Essay: Old English Poetry. and any corresponding bookmarks? Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! What is the meaning of the Anglo-Saxon term wyrd? The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendels mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. If a poet happened upon an especially effective formula of his own, the phrasing would become part of the oral-formulaic lexicon. Ecgtheow is dead by the time the story begins, but he lives on through the noble reputation that he made for himself during his life and in his dutiful sons remembrances. What does the messenger tell the people of Geatland in addition to the news of Beowulf's death? The Scylding coastal guard points out that he has never seen "a mightier noble, / a larger man" (247-48) even though he has held this office and served his king, Hrothgar, for many years, watching all kinds of warriors come and go. What happens when Grendel's mother comes to Heorot seeking revenge? The author of Beowulf is a mystery, as most poets of the Anglo-Saxon period are. Hrothgar (Old English: Hrdxf0gu0101r [u02c8ru0325ou02d0xf0u0261u0251u02d0r]; Old Norse: Hrxf3arr) was a semi-legendary Danish king living around the early sixth century AD. Others credit the poet with considerable creativity while welcoming the evidence of oral tradition. He already has a favorable reputation, but he is eager for more achievements that will add to his good name. Who is Grendel in Beowulf and what did he do? Later it breaks. (c) Being an evil king. You just studied 51 terms! Why is wulfgar immediately suspicious of Beowulfs arrival? He serves his king well until Hygelac is killed in battle. She is said to have improved, becoming generous, after her marriage to the king of the Angles. The ensuing battle nearly destroys Heorot but ends with a victory for Beowulf. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Eventually, however, a young Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears of Hrothgars plight. Instant PDF downloads. (a) Slaying nine sea monsters with Breca. She snatches him and drags him down to the depths. Why? How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Years before, Hrothgar sheltered Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, from a dangerous feud and purchased a settlement of the conflict with the Geat's enemies, a procedure incorporating wergild (man-payment or man-worth). How can the duty of a warrior vs that of a king be summarized? The giants, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. He excoriates them for being cowards and abandoning their king. on 50-99 accounts. Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendels mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. It was told orally for many generations before being written down. He is burned on a pyre at the cliff's edge. It is all that remains after death. The quest for personal glory vs. responsibility for a people. He is also the father of Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and a daughter who marries Onela the Swede. for a group? Wulfgar is a noble Swede, known for his strength and wisdom. It represents the return to order and new hope after turmoil. A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf who helps him in the fight against the dragon while all of the other warriors run away. The poem uses the word unabashedly, but a modern audience might feel uncomfortable with the concept, thinking of empty trophies in a superficial frame. In the rewritten sentence, be sure the new verb is in the same form as the original verb. literature. Wexstan: Father of Wiglaf and somehow related to Beowulf. As herald, Wulfgar has the important duty of welcoming strangers to the kings court. Beow is the son of Shield Sheafson and father of Halfdane. Hygelac heartily welcomes Beowulf back from Denmark. He doesnt want only Beowulf to get credited. Lines 2821-3182. Where does Beowulf come from, and why does he travel to Herot? A: Their weapons, because it was a peaceful mission to speak to the king. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Because Grendel never fights with a sword or shield. Beowulf returned to Geatland and became king. Geats (Geatas) A tribe living in the south of the country now called Sweden. The poem opens with a brief account of his rise from orphan to warrior-king, concluding, That was one good king (11). Q. all of them get scared and run off except for Wiglaf, Wiglaf stabs his belly, then Beowulf delivers the final blow, He receives a poisonous dragon bite in his neck. Weohstan belonged to the clan of the Wxe6gmundings, the same clan Beowulfs father Ecgxfeeow belonged to; so Wiglaf is Beowulfs distant cousin, and his only living relative at the time of Beowulfs death. Within this world of heroic struggle, however, fame is more than that. It may be that a trained scop dictated the work to a scribe or that the poet had become literate, probably educated at one of the monasteries that existed in England at the time, which could account for the Christian influences in what probably was originally a pagan poem. He comes from Denmark and he travels to the land of the Danes. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has been under attack by the monster Grendel. How do you evaluate a systematic review article? Heardred is the only son of King Hygelac and Queen Hygd. and any corresponding bookmarks? Although he was the stronger, he would not abandon Breca. What does Beowulf predict for Hrothgar and the Danes when Hrothgar's daughter marries? Because his ruthless and miserable existence is part of the retribution exacted by God for Cains murder of Abel, Grendel fits solidly within the ethos of vengeance that governs the world of the poem. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. The battles of Beowulf, the Geatish hero, in youth and old age. Before Rosa left the shop, a circle of admiring men had formed close to the window. Aeschere's head at the edge of the cliff and sea monsters down below. He is a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king that Beowulf becomes. Depending on the Christian interpretation of the poem, it could be either. He is renounced for his wisdom and stops Beowulf and asks him to state his business. The confrontation with Grendel clearly demonstrates Beowulf's great strength, but it also illustrates his sense of fair play and his cool reasoning regarding tactics. Complete your free account to request a guide. Does he love fame too much? According to Wulfgar, God has sent Beowulf on his mission to help the Danes defeat Grendel. First the sword barely harms the dragon. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. 5 What makes Beowulf An example of an epic hero? Where does Beowulf take place? To whose kingdom does Beowulf go to live? Hrothgar tells Wulfgar that he remembers Beowulf from when he was a young boy and recalls his friendship with Beowulfs father, Ecgtheow. Each sentence contains a verb in one of four forms: (a) the base form, (b) the past form, (c)the present participle, or (d) the past participle. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Beowulf's defeat of Grendel's mother demonstrates remarkable courage and perseverance. In the morning, Beowulf tracks her to a dark, swampy mere where she and her son live in a cave at the bottom of the lake. What does Hrothgar beseech Beowulf to do? We might expect a performer to be able to fit the theme of the piece, and even the length, to a particular occasion, as Hrothgar's scop does in Beowulf. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Where does Beowulf sail from to help the Danes? Although he is losing a friend, Beowulf observes but lies still. Why does the dragon attack Beowulf's kingdom? Why are the characters so concerned with family heritage and identity? Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Beowulfs fight with the dragon constitutes the third and final part of the epic. Borrowing images or phrases from each other was accepted and expected. Francis P. Magoun, Jr., a noted Beowulf scholar, closely examined the first 50 verses of Beowulf and found that approximately 70 percent appear entirely or in part in other Anglo-Saxon poetry, even though there were only about 30,000 lines of Old English poems available for comparison. Herebeald and Haethcyn are the sons of King Hrethel and the brothers of Hygelac. A wise and aged ruler, Hrothgar represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by the youthful warrior Beowulf. There Beowulf defeats her with the help of a magic giant sword and returns with the sword's hilt and Grendel's head as trophies. Beowulfs boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. Why does Hrothgar talk about the evil King Heremond? LitCharts Teacher Editions. How many terms do you know about Beowulf? PDF downloads of all 1725 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Where does Beowulf take place? The way the content is organized, The son of Weohstan the Scylfing, and a relative of, A man-eating monster descended from the Biblical. So they can live up to past ideals and ensure they are remembered. (draw), the King of the Danes whose kingdom is terrorized by Grendel. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. The father of Hrothgar, Heorogar, Halga, and an unnamed daughter who married a king of the Swedes, Halfdane succeeded Beow as ruler of the Danes. Who taunts Beowulf in Herot? Beowulf's response to Unferth (529 ff.) Beow or Beowulf an early Danish king and the son of Scyld, but not the same character as the hero of the poem. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. answer choices someone woke him up a thief stole a cup someone insulted his family Question 16 30 seconds Q. Beowulf did not bring any offerings or gifts from the king of Geatland. An evil king of legend. Who wrote Beowulf? The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulfs father, Hygelacs brother-in-law, and Hrothgars friend. Q: What does Wulfgar (the guard) tell Beowulf and his men to leave outside before they enter Heorot to see Hrothgar? (d) He was Hrothgar's trusted advisor. Beowulf takes place in early 6th-century Scandinavia, primarily in what is known today as Denmark and Sweden. He says that he has heard tales of Beowulfs great prowessone story holds that the Geat has the strength of thirty men in each of his handsand hopes that Beowulf has come to help the Danes against Grendel. Hygd is contrasted with Queen Modthryth. Beowulfs uncle, king of the Geats, and husband of Hygd. Wulfgar is warrior and herald to Hrothgar, king of the Danes. The high regard in which Wulfgar is held is also signified by the context in which we meet him. Beowulf is an example of an _____ hero epic What is an epic hero? Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs April 30, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 answer choices 10 25 50 Question 15 30 seconds Q. bookmarked pages associated with this title. (A) halfhearted He orders Wulfgar to welcome the Geats to Denmark. the dragon burns down Beowulf's throne-hall. A figure from Norse mythology, famous for slaying a dragon. Why does Beowulf take the dragon's attacks so personally? Why Beowulf is not immediately welcomed upon his arrival in Denmark? Beowulf, heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic. The Old Testament of the Bible, in the Book of Genesis, tells the story of how Cain killed his brother Abel.