The Arrival of the Hero

The Arrival of the Hero

Herot under attack

Herot is under attack by Grendel, a descendant of Cain. Cain, who killed his own brother, symbolizes our greed, hate, and ignorance put into action against our own kind. Grendel can represent many things: terrorism, an enemy invader, and or war.

Open Ended

Think of a current situation today that is similar to what is happening in Hrothgar’s Denmark. Explain.

"I am Beowulf"

Beowulf arrives and explains that he has heard of Grendel and his savage attacks on Herot. He praises King Hrothgar, but soon after submits a boastful resumé in order to get the job (kill Grendel).

Multiple Select

What proof does Beowulf offer that he is up to the task? Select all that apply

• He has been victorious in battle

• He drove five great giants into chains

• He has killed monsters in the ocean

• He can fly and shoot lasers from his eyes

Multiple Choice

After examining Beowulf's boast, how does he maintain his humility?

• He will decline any prize or payment for having killed the Grendel

• He fully accepts death as a possibility before his showdown with Grendel

• He tells everyone not to praise him

• He first refuses to tell everyone who he is

Inferring

concluding information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements (seeing the implicit message)

Multiple Choice

What can you infer is Beowulf’s reasoning for fighting Grendel without a weapon?

• He wants to beat him at his own game; prove he is the strongest

• He understands that the only way to beat Grendel is without a weapon

Multiple Choice

Beowulf's father had once killed someone but could not pay the 'death price.' Hrothgar came to his aid and paid.

Why would Hrothgar bring this up?

• To shame Beowulf into humility

• To demonstrate that Hrothgar and Beowulfs' family have history