Some critics feel that, despite the warnings by Hrothgar, pride and age have brought down the epic hero. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He is a father figure to Beowulf and a model for the kind of king that Beowulf becomes. He might have been a court poet, or a monastic poet. A precious sword called Hrunting that has never been in a losing battle. Removing #book# An evil king of legend. Beowulfs boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Beowulf takes place in Denmark and Sweden. Geats (Geatas) A tribe living in the south of the country now called Sweden. When Hygelac's son dies in a feud, Beowulf becomes king and rules successfully for 50 years. Central Idea Essay: Honor Codes & Heroism. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Aeschere's head at the edge of the cliff and sea monsters down below. Hygd is contrasted with Queen Modthryth. Insert an adjective clause to modify the noun or pronoun in italics. In her youth she caused people to be killed merely for looking at her. Beowulf is huge and strong. Beowulfs uncle, king of the Geats, and husband of Hygd. He ruled for ______________ years in peace. Magoun maintains that virtually all of the phrasing could be found elsewhere if we had a larger body of Anglo-Saxon works. In the rewritten sentence, be sure the new verb is in the same form as the original verb. If a poet happened upon an especially effective formula of his own, the phrasing would become part of the oral-formulaic lexicon. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Who is wulfgar And what does he ask Beowulf and his warriors to do? 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. answer choices Unferth Hrothgar Wiglaf Wealhtheow Tags: Question 3 SURVEY Reputation is a key theme of the poem and of central importance to Beowulf. What was Beowulf known for quizlet? Hes concerned because he wants credit for the things hes done. (a) Slaying nine sea monsters with Breca. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Others point out that Beowulf did not have long to rule anyway and deserved the right to choose a warrior's death. Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendels mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. How does medieval Christianity play out in the tale? they throw it over the cliff's edge into the water. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. 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? Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Grendel A man-eating monster, one of the tribe of Cain. You can view our. 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. He serves his king well until Hygelac is killed in battle. $24.99 Why is Hrothgars lieutenant concerned about the arrival of Beowulf? Wiglaf adheres to the heroic code better than Beowulfs other retainers, thereby proving himself a suitable successor to Beowulf. Reputation can protect a leader's people and settle a conflict before it comes to blows, as Beowulf's reputation later does when he is the king of Geatland. beowulf asks Hrothgar to allow him and his men alone to drive Grendel from Herot. In a seminal lecture, often anthologized (see CliffsNotes Resource Center), English novelist and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien ("Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics," Proceedings of the British Academy, XXII [1936], 245-95) argues that the central structural motif of Beowulf is the balance between beginnings and endings, of youth and age. 515)NationalityGeatish4 more rows. Why is the Danish watchman immediately suspicious of Beowulfs arrival? Despite his noble lineage read analysis of Beowulf Hrothgar The King of the Danes, the son of Healfdene, the brother of Heorogar and Halga, and the brother-in-law of Onela the Swede. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendels mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. (one code per order). Lines 2821-3182. Wulf: A warrior, a Geat and brother to Efor. (c) Being an evil king. Just as important is the way that the young warrior (not much more than 20 years of age) carries himself; the Geat has the bearing of a noble leader, a champion, perhaps a prince. and any corresponding bookmarks? A dragon becomes angry because ___________ and he starts attacking people. In his youth, Beowulf is a great warrior, characterized predominantly by his feats of strength and courage, including his fabled swimming match against Breca. (including. So they can live up to past ideals and ensure they are remembered. He is out to establish a name for himself. literature. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Hrothgar tells Wulfgar that he remembers Beowulf from when he was a young boy and recalls his friendship with Beowulfs father, Ecgtheow. He has won every battle but one. It is all that remains after death. He is also the father of Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and a daughter who marries Onela the Swede. Who is the protagonist and antagonist in Beowulf? 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. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Wulfgar is a watchman that delivers a message to Hrothgar. Where does Beowulf come from, and why does he travel to Herot? Grendel's decapitated head and the hilt of a melted sword. How do you evaluate a systematic review article? $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Does he love fame too much? The way the content is organized, The son of Weohstan the Scylfing, and a relative of, A man-eating monster descended from the Biblical. (C) steady 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. Please wait while we process your payment. Later it breaks. Seeking to avenge the death of her son and recover his claw, the mother attacks Heorot the next night, surprising everyone. creating and saving your own notes as you read. 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. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. First, identify the form of the verb in italics. Modthryths story is told in order to contrast her cruelty with Hygds gentle and reasonable behavior. Beowulf's trusted sword, Naegling, is no match for the monster. He is an impressive-looking man. The first lines of the epic are devoted to Scylds reign and to his elaborate funeral. A demon descended from Cain, Grendel preys on Hrothgars warriors in the kings mead-hall, Heorot. example:: in secret sessions Herot is a mead hall built by Hrothgar, King of the Danes. The watchmen believes Beowulf and decides to escort him, himself, to the court of Hrothgar. Beowulfs childhood friend, whom he defeated in a swimming match. He mediates between Beowulf and Hrothgar, taking initiative in diplomacy and directions. She is said to have improved, becoming generous, after her marriage to the king of the Angles. An example of a bad queen. What does Beowulf bring back to King Hrothgar as a prize? 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. To whose kingdom does Beowulf go to live? Why does Beowulf come to the Danish Hall? 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 may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. 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. The story is set in pagan Scandinavia in the 6th century. The giants, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Cain was marked by God, so others would know him and cast him out of society. Why does Hrothgar talk about the evil King Heremond? Fame is a positive quality, having to do more with earned respect than vanity. In modern, written poetry, we often judge the excellence of the creator by the use of unusual but appropriate imagery. Beowulf's response to Unferth (529 ff.) Why is wulfgar immediately suspicious of Beowulfs arrival? He is burned on a pyre at the cliff's edge. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. What does Wiglaf bring the dying Beowulf? You just studied 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. further establishes the hero's character and maturity. Hygelac heartily welcomes Beowulf back from Denmark. What was the goal of the Missouri Compromise? Sometimes it can end up there. Wulfgar offers to introduce Beowulf and his men to Hrothgar, King of the Danes. The king of the Danes. Renews May 7, 2023 What tale does Beowulf tell Hygelac at great length? 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. Why are the characters so concerned with family heritage and identity? What is his role? Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Grendel's mother. (2) One of the easiest and most basic commands to teach your dog is Sit. Beowulf belongs to this tribe. answer choices 10 25 50 Question 15 30 seconds Q. Then rewrite the sentence, substituting the verb in parentheses for the italicized verb. Where does Beowulf sail from to help the Danes? 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. The scop, or bard, at Heorot discusses King Heremod as a figure who contrasts greatly with Beowulf. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# He dies and Beowulf rules the kingdom for 50 years. What message does wulfgar take Hrothgar concerning Beowulfs arrival? Who taunts Beowulf in Herot? Read an in-depth analysis of Grendel's mother. 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. Beow or Beowulf an early Danish king and the son of Scyld, but not the same character as the hero of the poem. Shield Sheafson is the founder of the tribe of the Spear-Danes, a great warrior who manages to establish a little dynasty. It creates a tension with traditional pagan codes of heroism. The more original the poem is, the better. A mighty warrior and noble individual, the poems hero, with the strength of 30 in his hand-grip, comes to the aid of Hrothgars Danes. At the end of the sentence is a second verb in parentheses. The Geats (Beowulfs tribe) inhabited the southern part of Sweden) and Hrothgar and his glorious mead-hall Heorot were from the Danish island, Sjaelland. What do they find when the reach the cliff above the monster's swampy home? Beowulf is an example of an _____ hero epic What is an epic hero? -Graham S. A fire-breathing dragon who discovered a lost tribe's treasure and moved into the barrow housing the gold. Hrothgar enjoys military success and prosperity until Grendel terrorizes his realm. because of his sense of honor and responsibility, evil, an outcast, lonely jealous, and almost sympathetic creature at times. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Whose treasure was it in the first place? He orders Wulfgar to welcome the Geats to Denmark. He is renounced for his wisdom and stops Beowulf and asks him to state his business. The ensuing battle nearly destroys Heorot but ends with a victory for Beowulf. Scyld Scefing (whose name is sometimes translated into modern English as Shield Sheafson) is the great-grandfather of Hrothgar, king of the Danes during Beowulfs time. 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. You just studied 51 terms! How does it compare to Herot? The king of the Danes in the story of the Fight at Finnsburg. Wulfgar offers to introduce Beowulf and his men to Hrothgar, King of the Danes. The Beowulf Manuscript. He already has a favorable reputation, but he is eager for more achievements that will add to his good name. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. As herald, Wulfgar has the important duty of welcoming strangers to the kings court. the King of the Danes whose kingdom is terrorized by Grendel. 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. PDF downloads of all 1725 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Q. As a contrast to Beowulf's nobility and honor. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. SparkNotes PLUS The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. What is the meaning of the Anglo-Saxon term wyrd? Why is the feasting after Beowulf's defeat of Grendel so important? Beowulf's defeat of Grendel's mother demonstrates remarkable courage and perseverance. The most dominating example of this is the life of Beowulf himself. Heorogar, Halga, and their unnamed sister are the siblings of Hrothgar, king of the Spear-Danes. | 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. Beowulf points out that he and Breca swam for five nights, not seven. Previous He exemplifies the maxim, Behavior thats admired / is the path to power among people everywhere (2425). 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). Unferth's point is that, if the Geat could not win that swimming match, he is surely no match for Grendel. 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. You just studied 61 terms! From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. (A) halfhearted Wulfgar is warrior and herald to Hrothgar, king of the Danes. The Geatish king who took Beowulf in as a ward after the death of Ecgtheow, Beowulfs father. The author of Beowulf is a mystery, as most poets of the Anglo-Saxon period are. Sigemunds story is told in praise of Beowulf and foreshadows Beowulfs encounter with the dragon. When he arrives in Hrothgar's kingdom, the hero of the epic is still a very young man. Seeing his king in trouble, one thane, Wiglaf, goes to his assistance while the others flee to the woods. 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. Hrothgars wife, the gracious queen of the Danes. (draw), the King of the Danes whose kingdom is terrorized by Grendel. As herald, Wulfgar has the important duty of welcoming strangers to the kings court. Wulfgar is a noble Swede, known for his strength and wisdom. Unferth alludes to the story of their contest, and Beowulf then relates it in detail. 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. Eventually, Heardred is killed in battle, leaving his cousin Beowulf to become king of the Geats. Beowulfs fight with the dragon constitutes the third and final part of the epic. 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. In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler. He mediates between Beowulf and Hrothgar, taking initiative in diplomacy and directions. It is the cause of Beowulfs death. Why is Hrothgars lieutenant concerned about the arrival of Beowulf and his men? Others credit the poet with considerable creativity while welcoming the evidence of oral tradition. In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. Like Hrothgar, however, his peace in his declining years is shattered by a menacing monster. Where does the poem Beowulf take place Quizlet? ), he properly reveals more: Beowulf once killed a tribe of giants and has driven enemies from his homeland. 6 Where does the poem Beowulf take place Quizlet? Beowulfs boasts and encounters reveal him to be the strongest, ablest warrior around. Before Rosa left the shop, a circle of admiring men had formed close to the window. First the sword barely harms the dragon. To King Hrothgar (418 ff. How does Beowulf's sword fail him when he fights the dragon? 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. slaying a dragon. He comes from Denmark and he travels to the land of the Danes. Within this world of heroic struggle, however, fame is more than that. 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. and any corresponding bookmarks? Who was not protected by the Bill of Rights? Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 5 What makes Beowulf An example of an epic hero? The poem uses the word unabashedly, but a modern audience might feel uncomfortable with the concept, thinking of empty trophies in a superficial frame. He is the strongest warrior in the world. Beowulf is a hero in youth because he is strong and brave, but why is he a hero as an older man? The narrator presents Beow as a gift from God to a people in need of a leader. 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. It will cause the tragic worsening of an old feud with the Heathobards. 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. Ace your assignments with our guide to Beowulf! How does the watchmen respond to Beowulfs explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes? A more important reason for coming to Hrothgar's aid is directly related to a family debt. (1) A well-trained dog is a pleasure to own and people like encountering well-trained dogs, too. (b) Slaying a dragon. He rips Grendel's right claw from its shoulder socket, mortally wounding the beast and sending him scurrying in retreat. The high regard in which Wulfgar is held is also signified by the context in which we meet him. Wulfgar is warrior and herald to Hrothgar, king of the Danes. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Why does Unferth question Beowulfs ability? Who was Scyld Scefing? Part of the motivation for the hero's coming to the land of the Danes is to gain more fame. The Geatish king who took Beowulf in as a ward after the death of Ecgtheow, Beowulfs father. The bowling league______ celebrated for two hours. Although he is losing a friend, Beowulf observes but lies still. Later BEowulf is king of the Geats. He is the father of, Sometimes called Beowulf I or Beowulf the Dane, he ruled the Danes after his father. It was told orally for many generations before being written down. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Discount, Discount Code Why does Beowulf take the dragon's attacks so personally? In his youth, he personifies all of the best values of the heroic culture. 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. Removing #book# A wise and aged ruler, Hrothgar represents a different kind of leadership from that exhibited by the youthful warrior Beowulf. describe Grendels lair. The second king listed in the genealogy of Danish rulers with which the poem begins. 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). Beowulf did not bring any offerings or gifts from the king of Geatland. With what does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? Historical Context Essay: Christianity in Anglo-Saxon Society, Literary Context Essay: Old English Poetry. What qualities characterize Beowulf as a hero? from your Reading List will also remove any for a group? When the ogre reaches for his next victim, he receives the shock of his life. Why is Unferth a foil (a contrasting character) to Beowulf? Now up your study game with Learn mode. How does Wiglaf speak to the warriors when they return after Beowulf's death? Beowulf takes place in early 6th-century Scandinavia, primarily in what is known today as Denmark and Sweden. Wexstan: Father of Wiglaf and somehow related to Beowulf. Why? April 30, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Because Grendel never fights with a sword or shield. (d) He was Hrothgar's trusted advisor. He has arrived to help the Scyldings; for 12 years, a mighty man-like ogre named Grendel has menaced Hrothgar's great mead-hall, Heorot, terrorizing and devouring the Danes. Why Beowulf is not immediately welcomed upon his arrival in Denmark? What does wulfgar tell Beowulf to leave outside? Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Previous Although he would be justified in calling Unferth out and attacking him physically, Beowulf instead uses wit and facts to correct the Dane. To study the ogre's approach, Beowulf allows Grendel to attack and devour another of the Geats when the descendant of Cain enters Heorot that night. Whatever the method was, the excellence of the work implies that the final result was the product of one very talented poet. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. 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. Hrothgars nephew, Hrothulf betrays and usurps his cousin, Hrethic, the rightful heir to the Danish throne. Beowulf insists on fighting the dragon alone even though the king's death will leave Geatland vulnerable to attack from old enemies. To defeat him, an opponent must be superior in hand-to-claw combat. the dragon burns down Beowulf's throne-hall. Led by the fugitive and accompanied by eleven of his warriors, Beowulf seeks out the dragon's barrow. Instant PDF downloads. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. The question at the end of Beowulf's life is whether he allows pride to blind him from prudent action. Hrothgar (Old English: Hrdxf0gu0101r [u02c8ru0325ou02d0xf0u0261u0251u02d0r]; Old Norse: Hrxf3arr) was a semi-legendary Danish king living around the early sixth century AD. His subjects conjugate there // like a bar. This is the place Grendel invaded. How many terms do you know about Beowulf? In his old age, he proves a wise and effective ruler. Beowulf, heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic. Which of the following options most closely explains why Beowulf is not immediately welcomed upon his arrival in Denmark? What does Beowulf predict for Hrothgar and the Danes when Hrothgar's daughter marries? Who helps Beowulf fight the dragon at the end of the tale? 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). Borrowing images or phrases from each other was accepted and expected. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Read an in-depth analysis of King Hrothgar. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Who wrote Beowulf? The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendels mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. He also brought his men from the coast to Herot. No explanation related to lineage is given save the reference that he is a prince born to the Swedes. Which word or words could best replace steadfast? At a banquet in the Geats' honor on the first day of their visit, a drunken, jealous Dane named Unferth challenges Beowulf's reputation. An early Danish king, he was once great but was moved by pride to suppress and kill his own people. The protagonist of the epic, Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. bookmarked pages associated with this title. The last survivor of an ancient race who gave it up when he realized he would die too. A figure from Norse mythology, famous for slaying a dragon. Eventually, however, a young Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears of Hrothgars plight. Although he was the stronger, he would not abandon Breca. He brings it up to try and make Beowulf appear like less of a hero. Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. What does Hrothgar beseech Beowulf to do? The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Complete your free account to request a guide. You just studied 72 terms! What does Unferth give to Beowulf for the battle? How can the duty of a warrior vs that of a king be summarized? Hrothulfs treachery contrasts with Beowulfs loyalty to Hygelac in helping his son to the throne. He mediates between Beowulf and Hrothgar, taking initiative in diplomacy and directions. Hrothgar appears in the Anglo-Saxon epics Beowulf and Widsith, in Norse sagas and poems, and in medieval Danish chronicles. The more accomplished bard would be the one who made most effective use of the common arsenal of formulas. 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. In the world of Beowulf, a man's good name is his key to immortality. Contact us What did the Warriors promise to do for Beowulf? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What vision does Beowulf have before the battle with the dragon? In a sermon designed to guide Beowulf through a life of leadership, King Hrothgar warns the young warrior of the dangers of pride and the perils of old age. According to Wulfgar, God has sent Beowulf on his mission to help the Danes defeat Grendel. 20% on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% We are soon told that he has the strength of 30 men in his hand-grip. 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.