Beowulf Journals

Ln. 778. “…there was any power or person upon earth capable of wrecking their horn-rigged hall unless the burning embrace of a fire engulf it in flame…” there is nothing strong enough to hurt Hereot but fire. It’s one weakness is a foreshadow to its downfall.

Ln. 785 “…a God-cursed scream…” the meaning of the name of the monster that made the sound.

Ln. 794. “…worked to defend their lord’s life…” Beowulf’s warriors who are under Hygelac’s rein know that protecting their ‘lord’ and being brave with him is the most important thing a warrior can do. (Unlike that in the end of the poem when under Beowulf’s rein, they become afraid and flee.)

Ln. 802. “…that no blade on earth, no blacksmith’s arty could ever damage their demon opponent…” The monsters with Cain’s curse are protected by the curse. God wanted to protect Cain so everyone knew who he was, and he and his kin could forever live in exile.
    Beowulf, by killing Grendel, basically saved him from living in an exiled world forever. Because God wants Cain’s offspring to be cursed forever, it could be that Beowulf, by killing Grendel, could now be cursed. Long live Cain!

Ln. 834. “… the whole of Grendel’s shoulder and arm, his awesome grasp…” a trophy that was won by Beowulf even though he was still unsatisfied that he wasn’t able to finish Grendel off completely. It then sat in Hereot.

Ln. 851. “…hell claimed him there…” Grendel is dead, but is restricted from heaven. Even though he’s free from exile in the living world, he’s still exiled from Heaven. Hell is the only place he’s welcome – living or dead.

Ln. 859. “…anyone better to raise a shield or to rule a kingdom…” foreshadow to Beowulf ruling a kingdom even though he’s not an heir to any king.

Ln. 885. “…Sigemund’s glory grew and grew because of his courage when he killed the dragon, the guardian of the hoard…” A foreshadow to Beowulf killing the dragon, and his fame growing because of his courage. Dying in battle gives a warrior the most glory and fame even though they can’t enjoy it.

Ln. 888 “…without Fitela…”  Sigemund was left to face the worst by himself against the dragon when his friend abandoned him. A foreshadow to Beowulf’s men leaving him to fight the dragon by himself (even though that’s what he wanted all along).

Ln. 945 “…So now, Beowulf, I adopt you in my heart as a dear son…” even though they are already family as nephew and uncle, Hrothgar looks at Beowulf like a son because of how proud he is of him. Beowulf’s respected.

Ln. 979. “…There was less tampering and big talk then from Unferth the boaster…” this is another litotes. Unferth has nothing to say now to Beowulf because he’s proven himself. Unferth knows that if he continues to talk he’ll have to prove his worth (but he has none).