Discussion Questions On Beowulf's 'Hall'

1. Why does Hrothgar decide to build a mighty hall? What does he call it? Describe this hall.
Hrothgar earned large amounts of respect on the battlefield. As a result, friends and family began to obey him and the size of his band grew, thus he decided that he would construct himself a large mead-hall. The work of the hall was dispersed all throughout the world. He named the hall Heorot and quickly left an image on gatherers by giving out rings and armbands at banquet. Within the hall, the atmosphere is relaxed while music from the harp plays and singing from the poet.

2. Describe what transpires in the mead hall to evoke the anger of the monster. In the darkness near the mead hall was a monster which we later learn is Grendel, Grendel
To what measures do Hrothgar and his nobles resort to rid themselves of Grendel? Praying aloud, promising unholy sacrifices if they could be free from Grendel's wrath.

9. How does Beowulf react when he hears of the plight of the Danes and Hrothgar?
He asks that a ship (wave-cutter) be made for him and a group of fierce, brave men join him on his journey to Heorot. 10. How are Beowulf and his men received when they arrive on the Danish shore? Hrothgar shook his spear at them and demanded they state who they are. The wrong image was given off considering that the men were dressed in armor, it could be assumed they came for battle. 11. Why does Beowulf describe himself by recounting his heritage? Why has he come? Beowulf wants Hrothgar to know he can be trusted and show that he alone is capable of taking on the monster. He has come to determine if Grendel is real and them take on the task of defeating the monster causing harm 12. How does the watchman respond to Beowulf’s explanation of why they have come to the rescue of the Danes?
A quick man in thought must be the one to take on the task. He must also be able to distinguish actions and
What is Beowulf’s response to Unferth? Beowulf says how he gave Unferth a good fight until he was attacked by a sea monster which left Unferth victorious. 24. Beowulf continues with his story, countering Unferth’s tale. How does his tale end?
Beowulf’s tale ended with him challenging Unferth to match Beowulf with any man who could match his bravery.
25. Describe Wealhtheow.
Wealhtheow is the queen to Hrothgar who greeted the Geats in the hall. She offered the first cup to the land’s guardian. 26. What is Hrothgar’s declaration to Beowulf at the end of line 661.
There has never been a man like Beowulf in the land of Heorot and Hrogthgar vows to always remember him no matter where in the world.

27. Beowulf and his men move into Heorot for the night while Hrothgar sleeps peacefully. What is Beowulf’s boast?
That in the night he will not fight Grendel with a sword but rather let the fate be in the hands of God.

28. What do Beowulf’s men think of their chances against Grendel? The men did not believe they would ever make it home. Page 72 stated, “Not one of them thought he would thence be departing ever to set eyes on his own country, the home that nourished him, or it's noble