Beowulf - The Storybook Version

Summary

In this whimsical retelling of Beowulf, Grendel wreaks havoc in Denmark, feasting on livestock and warriors, causing King Hrothgar much distress. Enter Beowulf, a mighty warrior who, after a drunken slumber, confronts Grendel, tearing off his arm. The victory is celebrated with a feast, but Grendel's mother seeks revenge. Mistaken for a beauty by Beowulf, she disappears with him, and peace returns to Denmark.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Grendel enjoys eating Danish, particularly those with a yellow coating, for breakfast.
• 😔 Hrothgar is depicted as a sad character due to the loss of his warriors and the scarcity of food.
• 🏰 Grendel's presence has caused fear and sadness among Hrothgar's warriors, leading them to avoid him.
• 🌊 Beowulf arrives in Denmark with the intention of helping Hrothgar, unaware of the meager resources available.
• 🥩 There is a scarcity of food in Denmark, with only enough meat left for one feast upon Beowulf's arrival.
• 💪 Beowulf is portrayed as strong and brave, ready to fight Grendel despite his initial unconscious state.
• 🎉 After defeating Grendel, Beowulf is celebrated with a feast, and there is a sense of relief and joy among the warriors.
• 🍺 The warriors and Hrothgar are particularly happy not just because Grendel is dead, but also because there is more mead to drink.
• 😢 Grendel's mother is grieving and angry, which leads her to seek revenge and potentially more Danish.
• 🥂 Beowulf's victory celebration involves a lot of drinking, which affects his judgment when encountering Grendel's mother.

Q & A

What does Grendel enjoy eating for breakfast?

Grendel enjoys eating Danish for breakfast, particularly the ones with a yellow coating on top.

Why are Hrothgar's warriors sad?

Hrothgar's warriors are sad because Grendel has eaten many of their friends, and they no longer want to interact with Grendel due to his mean behavior.

What is one of the reasons Hrothgar is sad?

Hrothgar is sad because his food supply is almost depleted, as Grendel has been eating the cows, pigs, and horses.

Why is Hrothgar's wife complaining?

Hrothgar's wife is complaining because Grendel's actions have caused distress and loss, and Hrothgar has been unable to stop her for three days.

What are some of the characteristics of Beowulf?

Beowulf is described as big, strong, handsome, with long Viking braids and pointy horns on his hat. He carries a really big sword.

Why is there not enough food for a feast when Beowulf arrives in Denmark?

There is not enough food for a feast when Beowulf arrives because Grendel has consumed much of the available food, leaving only enough for one feast.

What does Beowulf do to Grendel during their encounter?

During the encounter, Beowulf, in a fit of anger due to a severe headache, rips off Grendel's arm and hangs it over the door.

How does the feast hall atmosphere change after Grendel's death?

The feast hall becomes bright and cheery after Grendel's death, with food on the tables, and people singing, laughing, and drinking.

Why is Hrothgar particularly happy after Grendel's death?

Hrothgar is happy not only because Grendel is dead, but also because there is more mead available, and his wife has stopped complaining.

What is the reason for Grendel's mother's sadness and anger?

Grendel's mother is sad and angry because her son is gone, she feels neglected by her other children, and she is upset about not receiving Mother's Day presents anymore.

What happens when Grendel's mother comes to the feast hall?

When Grendel's mother comes to the feast hall, Beowulf, who has consumed a lot of mead, mistakes her for the most beautiful woman and makes a pass at her.