... consequences would eventually lead to the fatalistic aftermath of their culture. At the beginning of the poem, the country under Shield Sheafson's descendants seems to be portrayed as an idealistic place of the medieval world. As they have been fighting a long way to protect their own land, the prosperity gets to its climax under the ruling of the "ring-giver" Hrothgar. "The fortunes of war favoured Hrothgar ... ."(64) After delivering liberty and peace to his thanes and people, the noble king constructed a great mead-hall called Heorot to symbolize his power and opulence of his country ...

• Word Count: 1553
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... may usually be found obediently following Hrothgar throughout the meadhall and "waiting for hope-news" (l. 923). However, as queen, Wealhtheow shows her intelligence and ability to control men, to some degree, despite her limited powers; accordingly, the author expands her role from that of a traditional Anglo-Saxon woman to include gift-giver and guardian of the throne. Following Beowulf's fearless victory over Grendel, ... Wealhtheow offers a toast to the Geats and gives Beowulf rewards for his heroism. She tells Beowulf, "Have luck with this neck ... her tracks back to her underwate...

• Word Count: 1587
• Approx Pages: 6