Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Final Battle


After 50 years since my battle's in Herot, I have reigned as King of the Geats. I learn that a fire breathing dragon has been terrorizing my country. This dragon is fire breathing, but he also has poison in his breath. I take my men with me in hopes of defeating yet another monster. But this time, age is against me. No man but me could hope to defeat this monster. We go, and stand in awe of the monster. Knowing a man had come, its breath came first, a steaming cloud pouring from the stone. Then the earth itself shook. I swung my shield into place and then held it. The monster came quickly toward me, pouring out fire and smoke.. Flames beat at the iron shield, and for a time it held, protected me as I had planned; then it began to melt. I raised my sword and struck at the dragons scaly hide. Doing little to no damage, for the first time, my sword had failed me. I faced Death in the face. With nothing to protect me, the dragon came at me, and his flames surrounded me. No one had come to help me. I looked around, and I was there.. all alone. Alone, except for one good man, Wiglaf, a good soldier who could see his king suffering. I remember his words well, "I’d rather burn myself than see flames swirling around my lord." I sold my life, for this treasure, and I sold it well. I leave everything to Wiglaf, my treasure and my throne. I request that the Geats build me a tower in my honor facing the ocean.. For all those who pass by can remember me in fame. The Legend of Beowulf.

The Battle with Grendel's Mother.


I vow to seek out Grendel's mother, no matter where she may hide, proclaiming to the Danes:
"Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all
 To avenge our friends, not mourn them forever.
Each of us will come to the end of this life
On earth; he who can earn it should fight
For the glory of his name; fame after deatH
 Is the noblest of goals. Arise, guardian
Of this kingdom, let us go, as quickly as we can,
And have a look at this lady monster." 

I travel down to her dungeon, facing many more monsters along the way. She takes me into her meadhall, which is to her disadvantage. With my sword, shield and armor the battle begins. My sword fails me, it does not pierce through her rough skin. I found a sword in her meadhall, made by the giants with magic, and I behead the evil monster. This victory, is mine. I make my way back to the surface with my fellow Geats and see Grendel's lifeless body lying there. I take his head with me for a token of what once haunted Herot.
Beowulf beheading Grendel's mother.


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Who I am.

I am hero of the Geats. I am the son of Edgetho, nephew of Hygelac. I am a larger than life hero, who will fight fairly until the end. I am the leader of the Geats and will do my best to lead my men to victory. To be a leader, you must be skillful and be a smart thinker when it comes to defeating your opponent. I long to seek fame, so my name will live on long after I do. I believe in fair fighting and I do not believe in losing. My old friend Brecca and I once put on a swimming match, swimming for three days until we got separated from each other. Many may think I left Brecca to die, but that it not true. I slayed 9 sea monsters during out time apart, making the waters much safer to travel. I have been hearing many stories of a monster that haunts Hrothgar's kingdom through the scops and sailors. The wise men of the Geat land have encouraged me to go forth and defeat this villain that terrorizes the Kingdom, so I will take 14 of my strongest men to assist me in this monsters death.


Beowulf is challenged by a Danish coast guard, Evelyn Paul (1911).
(photo by wikipedia)

Friday, December 10, 2010

The Battle with Grendel

 As me and my men arrive to Hrothgar's country, we are greeted and questioned by his Lieutenant. As we explain who we are, we learn that Hrothgar's Kingdom has been under attack for twelve long years. He strikes at night, killing everyone in his path. I learn that Grendel was born out of the sin of Cain so he was born to be a murderer. The only thing keeping the people of Hrothgar safe is distance. Me and my men go to the mead hall which is where Grendel will strike at night. We try to get as much sleep as we can while awaiting the vicious attack of the fiend. During the night, Grendel came and slaughtered one, then went on to the next one, to his surprise was me. We struggled for a minute, but I took his arm off, claw and all. And sent Grendel away, never to return again. Finally Hrothgar's kingdom may return, never having to live in fear again! When we arose the next morning, we found that Hrothgar's lieutenant had been murdered for wergield by Grendels mother...