Beowulf completes his Danish mission
I can describe events in the second half of Chapter 5 and I can discuss how Beowulf fulfils the role of a hero.
Beowulf completes his Danish mission
I can describe events in the second half of Chapter 5 and I can discuss how Beowulf fulfils the role of a hero.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Having defeated Grendel's mother, Beowulf returns to Heorot a hero.
- Beowulf wants to return home to Geatland; King Hrothgar sadly lets him go, rewarding him once more.
- Heroes are common in mythology and epic poetry and they have certain typical attributes.
- These attributes might include courage, determination, physical strength, compassion and leadership.
- Beowulf has demonstrated these attributes throughout his time in Denmark.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle with the concept of 'fate' raised in the lesson.
Discuss the idea of being 'fated' to experience something, using examples - for instance, happening to meet a partner in a particular place might be described as 'fated' to happen.
Keywords
Kenning - a phrase of two words that replaces a noun that is often used in Old English poetry
Summarise - pull out the key information and ideas from the text
Hero - a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others
Attributes - qualities or features of a person’s personality
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2013 Oxford Children’s Classics edition of ‘Beowulf’ written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Charles Keeping for this lesson.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
cut off
hugged
melted
hidden
person who takes your role when you finish it