Extra Reading: The Story of Beowulf

This week I chose to read Beowulf. Below are my reading notes:

• I find it interesting that the King of Hygelac does not wage war against the strange inhabitants unless they go into more densely populated areas. I would definitely want to move closer to town.  I could write a story where a farmer is killed and the creature sneaks into town acting as the farmer.
• I always like stories with a main hero. I like how they included the backstory of the great Beowulf. I could write a story where someone pretends to be a great hero but in reality they are a fraud.
• I like how this author introduced the dreaded Grendel in a song. I could incorporate a story where the villain is a nasty creature who is almost impossible to defeat. However, a young woman is actually the hero because she softens the creature up and talks him out of killing everyone.
• I am excited to see Beowulf fight this Grendel. I wonder who will win. I am sure that Beowulf will but I may write a story where it is from the perspective of the creature. It could make for an interesting twist.
• I wonder if Grendel will make an appearance into the hall as they celebrate Beowulf coming. I am sure that it will not be easy if Beowulf does indeed defeat this creature.
• I like how the Unerth questioned Beowulf. I always feel that stories move past the logistics of some random person coming and saying they can do something. This will provide Beowulf with the fire to defeat Grendel.
• It would make for a good story to have my hero tell stories in first person in order to prove that he is qualified. This could really make a story be more interesting to have it written in terms of the main hero.

Beowulf

The Story of Beowulf. Written by Strafford Riggs. 1933.