Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part A

King Hygelac of Geatsland

• Really good imagery in explaining what Hygelac and Hygd looked like and what the rest of the scenes in the story looked like
• The community in Geatsland sounds like one big, warm family

The Young Beowulf

• Why did his parents give him up?
• He had immense strength, but clearly it wasn't a good thing for him when he was young since he was made fun of and he broke everything he touched
• This reminds me of Hercules
• If I were to rewrite this story, I would begin with the backstory of Hercules and really try to outline the similarities 
• In both stories, the parents gave up their son and the son grew to be the strongest and most awkward child in the community

Beowulf's Resolve

• This is where he started becoming a true hero??
• Nobody paid attention to him or respected until he actually stood up and claimed he was going to defeat a monster? I find that very sad 

Beowulf's Journey

• Although he is going on a dangerous adventure, it seems like he is the most respected and cared for at this point
• I could rewrite this part of the story as well and describe the journey of someone through a forest and add some obstacles along the way
• This part reminds me of the Ramayana, when Rama had to journey through the forest during his 14 years of exile. 

Source: Beowulf about to trek on his journey to defeat Grendel.

Bibliography: Beowulf, Part A.