Beowulf Notes Prologue-Chapter X

• The poem opens up with Sheild Sheafson, a great king of Ancient Danes and founder of their royal line. He began life as an infant abandoned by his parents, but quickly rose to become strong and powerful. All the clans had to pay him tribute and when he died they had an elaborate funeral ceremony. His body was put into a boat covered with armor and treasures, and cast off into sea.
• Sheafson's son the renowned Beow had inherited the kingdom after his father's death.
• In time Beow too passed away and Halfdane his son, became king. After Halfdane, Hrothgar stepped forward to rule the Danes.
• Under Hrothgar, the kingdom prospered and enjoyed great military success. Hrothgar decided to build monument his success.
• The hall was called Heorot.
• Men gathered there to drink mead (beer-like beverage) and listen to the songs of the bards.
• The kingdom enjoyed peace and prosperity for some time. One night a demon named Grendel descended from Cain, emerged from the swampy lowlands, to listen to the nightly entertainment at Heorot.
• Once the men in mead hall fell asleep Grendel lumbered inside and slaughtered thirty men. Hrothgar's warriors were powerless against him.
• The following night Beowuld, nephew of Geatish king Hygelac, is the greatest hero in the world. He lives in Geatland. When Beowulf hears about what Grendel has done he decides to travel the Danes and help Hrothgar defeat Grendel.
• The watchmen see the newcomers dressed for combat and stop Beowulf and demand to know his business. He explains he is the son of Ecgtheow and owes loyalty to Hygelic. The watchmen give Beowulf consent.
• The watchmen guide Beowulf and his men to the mead hall, Heorot where he takes his leave. A herald named Wulfgar, who is renowned for his wisdom, stops Beowulf and asks him to state his business with Hrothgar. Beowulf introduces himself and asks to speak to the king. Wulfgar impressed with the appearance of the men takes the message to Hrothgar right away.Hrothgar recalls his friendship with Beowulf's father when Beowulf was a young boy and has heard of Beowulf's great prowess. (one story holds that he has the power of thirty men in each of his hands).
• Beowulf meets Hrothgar who he greets solemnly. Beowulf offers to fight Grendel unarmed and after considering it Hrothgar accepts Beowulf's offer. He invites the Geats to have a feast in Heorot with the Danish warriors.
• During the feast a Dane names Unferth, who is jealous of the admiration of Beowuf, begins to taunt the Geat. He claims Beowulf will meet defeat for a second time when he faces Grendel in the mead-hall. Beowulf accuses Unferth of drunkenness and describes his own version of the swimming match. They are carrying swords to defend themselves against sea monsters, he and Berca had struggled in icy waters for five days and nights when suddenly Beowulf found himself pulled under by a monster. After slaying the moster and eight other sea beasts, Beowulf was washed ashore on the coast of Finland. He notes neither Unferth or Berca could have survived such an adventure and mocks Unferth about his obvious helplessness against Grendel.
• Beowulf's confidence cheers the whole hall and the warriors were laughing and drinking happily. Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's wife and Queen of Danes, enters with ceremonial goblet which she offers everyone in the room. She thanks God for sending Beowulf to fight Grendel.
• When night falls, the Danes leave the hall to Beowulf and his men/ Beowulf lays next to his weapons, removes his armor, restating his intention to fight Grendel unarmed. He says he thinks of himself to be as dangerous as Grendel. Beowulf lies down to wait while his fearful men lie awake, doubting they will live to see morning. In the dark night Grendel approaches stealthily, creepily toward the small band of Geats.