Lesson 1.06: Beowulf’s Fight with Grendel’s Mother

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to: Read an Anglo-Saxon text to build an understanding of the culture and to acquire new information Apply strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate the text The above objectives correspond with the following Alabama Course of Study Objectives: CCRS 8Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of European literature with a concentration in British literature and CCRS 9By the end of Grade 12, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the end of the Grades 11-College and Career Readiness (CCR) text complexity band independently and proficiently..

Introduction

In the last section you read, Beowulf fought and whipped the monster Grendel. He tore Grendel's shoulder, arm, and claw from his body and hung it in the mead-hall for all to see. The word spread quickly, and people—rich and poor, young and old—came from near and far to see this proof of Grendel's defeat.

A group followed his bloody footsteps to the edge of a bloody, boiling, foaming lake. Convinced that Grendel was dead, they returned and took part in a great celebration. Hrothgar gives Beowulf many fine gifts and offers his hospitality to both Danes and Geats. The court poet sings while the Danes and Geats partake of the feast.

Finally, the party is over and many leave for home; however, a "great multitude" of the warriors decided to sleep at Herot. They went to sleep peacefully, never even dreaming that the danger was not yet over.