Reading Notes: Beowulf; Part A

The story begins setting the scene of Geastland. This area had a ruler named Hygelac. I think it my story I need to put a little more focus into setting up my characters and giving them fitting names and qualities. The intro continued with a great description of the land and the creatures that lived there. There were seamstress and and other creepy characters that make for a spooky kind of story. I like how well the descriptions were attributed to each character and the scene, making it more realistic to imagine being there. I need to work on that in my writings and include better descriptions.

There were many youths, or rather younger men, that were under the Kind Hygelac. One of the men under him was known as Beowulf. Beowulf is appointed the thane of the kind (his uncle). Beowulf had a strong stature, but also had much to learn from the king about war and hunting. Many people were envious of Beowulf because of how close to the king and queen he sat at the feast. People though that he didn't deserve it. Although he was strong he was somewhat "cowardice".

The story continues with a wanderer coming to sing about troubles going on in their land. The wanderer (also a minstrel), pulled out a harp and sang and sang about a monster named Grendel. Grendel brought a great amount of destruction to the land and the people feared him.

All while the wanderer was singing, Beowulf was thinking to himself that he could take on the terrible monster known as Grendel. He then proclaimed that he would go to the land of the Danes and serve as their king to defeat the great Grendel. People didn't know whether to laugh or to cheer.

(Beowulf proclaiming his fight) 

People were then excited for the bravery that Beowulf showed. I think if I am to change the story around, I should maybe change up Beowulf's character or make him a girl fighting for battle. It would be interesting to see this through a female perspective. I could also tell the story through the monster Grendel. That would be an interesting point of view. 

Continuing with the story, Beowulf then prepares for his journey to defeat the great Grendel. Special stuff was made for him and he was also sent with an army of people. I think the story could be made different if Beowulf just fought with what he had himself or with his wits. 

Bibliography: The Story of Beowulf by Stafford Riggs