What is Beowulf about?

Answer 1

Beowulf is about the journey of Beowulf. It is a story of 3 agons (or struggles). The first struggle is with the monster Grendel. This fight occurs during Beowulf's zenith. The second struggle deals with Grendel's mother. The final is with the dragon. With each struggle Beowulf loses strength. Finally his superhuman strength dies out and he fails his quest. However, Beowulf was a noble man and he lives a long life as a good king.

Answer 2

Beowulf is a Scandinavian from the people known as Geats. On hearing a history of the Danes leading to the latest story that Hrothgar, a king of the Danes, is being terrorised by a monster (Grendel) he decides to travel (with 12 others) and save them.

After much boasting he beds down in the great hall to face Grendel (with 12 others).

The 12 others are attacked and they fight with the loss of one man, before Beowulf steps in, rips an arm from Grendel who leaves a trail of blood as he runs into the night.

There's much rejoicing at the victory, the arm is hung from the great halls rafters, and Beowulf is rewarded with long-winded speeches, tales, and treasure.

As in all such tales though, the monster has a mother who seeks revenge - killing much as her son Grendel did.

Beowulf seeks out this woman beneath a lake (alone this time), and kills her.

Returning to the great hall with the head of Grendel (the body of whom he found in the mothers lair) there is more celebration before he (and the 11 others) return home.

Back in Geatland everyone is surprised he has returned at all, and he recounts the story.

Years later when Beowulf, himself, is a king in Geatland (probably southern Sweden), a dragon has it's treasure stolen by a thief.

The dragon seeks revenge by burning villages so, the now much older, Beowulf sets out to fight it. Others go with him but are too scared to join in despite Beowulf obviously having difficulty.

One bravely does charge in, and Beowulf kills the dragon. The dragon, however, has poisoned him with its venom and Beowulf dies.

There is then a protracted lament to Beowulf at his funeral.

Answer 3

Beowulf is the main character in the story Beowulf. He is a man who comes to help Hrothgar, king of the Danes, with Grendel (an outsider, possibly a monster). He is toted as the greatest hero in his time within the story.

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, is a mighty warrior and a slayer of monsters. He is also a thane (lord) in the hall of the Geats' ring-giver (king.) He first hews down the monster Grendel, who has been slaughtering folk in huge numbers, at Heorot, the hall of the Danish ring-giver, and then kills the monster's mother. Later on, he becomes ring-giver over the Geats. In his old age a wyrm (dragon) starts to terrorize Geatland, so Beowulf goes off to kill it. He slays it, despite being mortally wounded, and then dies.

Answer 4

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, is a mighty warrior and a slayer of monsters. He is also a thane (lord) in the hall of the Geats' ring-giver (king.) He first hews down the monster Grendel, who has been slaughtering folk in huge numbers, at Heorot, the hall of the Danish ring-giver, and then kills the monster's mother. Later on, he becomes ring-giver over the Geats. In his old age a wyrm (dragon) starts to terrorize Geatland, so Beowulf goes off to kill it. He slays it, despite being mortally wounded, and then dies.
Beowulf was an ancient warrior who killed Grendal and diedwhile fighting a fire breathing Dragon

Answer 5

Beowulf is the hero of the story. He is from Scandinavia and he helps King Hrothgar of the Danes save his country from destruction by Grendel.
The protagonist of the poem. Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf's exploits prove him to be the strongest, ablest warrior of his time. In his youth, he personifies the values of the heroic culture. In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler.

Answer 6

"Beowulf" is an Old English epic poem that follows the hero Beowulf as he battles various monsters, including Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. The poem explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. Beowulf is celebrated for his strength and courage in defending his people from these supernatural threats.

Answer 7

Beowulf means intelligent wolf.

Answer 8

Beowulf oldest survivng english poem