Beowulf Journals

Ln. 340 “…The man whose name was known for courage, the Geat leader, resolute in his helmet…” Beowulf: Bee Hunter – A kenning for bear. A Native American Totem and Meaning site defined a bear as; industrious, instinctive, healing, power, sovereignty, guardian of the world, watcher, courage, will power, self-preservation, introspection, and great strength. Beowulf has almost all of these things to a certain extent, but one that’s not listed is that bears are a lot of the time loners. Beowulf tends to do things his way and by himself. He may have warriors with him, but they don’t have great responsibilities. Also, he doesn’t have a family - he’s never seen with a harlot, wife, or child.

Ln. 380. “…a thane, they declared, with the strength of thirty in the grip of each hand…” Grendel slaughtered 30 men, and so this suggests that Beowulf is stronger, equally as strong, or even twice (30x2) as strong as Grendel is. Beowulf has a chance to defeat Grendel.      “Now Hold God has, in His goodness, guided him here…” The Danes can’t decide whom to believe in. They asked for the devil, got Beowulf, and are now giving God the credit. Which actually, kind of makes sense. They asked the Devil to simply kill Grendel… but instead (they believe) God sent a God-like figure, Beowulf to save them. …a much more godly decision. haha

Ln. 397. “…But shields must stay here and spears be stacked until the outcome of the audience is clear…” The Danes are still wary of Beowulf and the Geats– they are protective of their people and kin. 
Ln. 400. “…a party remained under orders to keep watch on the arms…” Beowulf is wary of the Danes.
Both the Geats and Danes are cautious of each other even though they already know that there’s a connection between them (Beowulf-Hrothgar).

Ln. 409-424 “…I had great triumphs…I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats (their enemies brought it upon themselves, I devastated them). This whole section is part of Beowulf’s boasting resume to make him seem more able to fight Grendel.

Ln. 435 “…to heighten Hygelac’s fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand us how it will be…” Beowulf makes it seem like he’s trying to boost Hygelac’s fame trying to fight Grendel without any weapons when really he’s just trying too boost his own. He’s a badass.

Ln. 450 “Moor-nest” Moor- swampy area. Where Grendel lives.

Ln. 455 ”…Fate goes ever as fate must…” Wyrd – whoever wins and whoever dies, it’ll be fate that decides. Beowulf believes a lot in fate, which from there connects into Christianity.