Beowulf

Scandinavian Mythology

 BACKGROUND OF THE AUTHOR

Beowulf was written by an anonymous Englishman in Old English, the
tale takes place in that part of Scandinavia from which Germanic tribes
emigrated to England.

 CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTHS

1. NATURAL PHENOMENA

 Grendel’s Dwelling in the Murky Marsh-Land

o Grendel resides in a misty, desolate marsh-land, a natural and eerie
setting that enhances the story’s ominous atmosphere. This
environment isolates Grendel and emphasizes his role as a
menacing figure lurking in a remote and mysterious natural habitat.
 The Dragon’s Fiery Breath
o The dragon in “Beowulf” possesses the ability to breathe fire, a
powerful and destructive natural force. When it attacks, its fiery
breath devastates Beowulf’s kingdom, symbolizing the dragon’s
wrath and presenting a significant challenge for Beowulf to confront
and overcome. This event underscores the elemental power of fire
within the narrative, highlighting its role as a notable natural
phenomenon.

2. CHARACTERS

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS

 BEOWULF: The great hero of the Geats, later their king.

o The epic’s central character, Beowulf is a heroic figure known for his
unmatched strength and courage. He comes to the aid of Hrothgar,
the Danish king, to defeat the monstrous Grendel and later
confronts Grendel’s vengeful mother and a fierce dragon. Beowulf’s
deeds exemplify bravery and honor, showcasing his role as a
legendary warrior and eventual king of the Geats.
 BRECA: Beowulf’s childhood friend and competitor.
o Beowulf’s childhood friend and competitor in swimming, Breca
serves to highlight Beowulf’s early feats of endurance and
determination. Their rivalry in youth contrasts with Beowulf’s later
battles against supernatural foes, illustrating his growth from a
skilled youth to a renowned hero.
 GRENDEL: A giant.
o A monstrous giant descended from Cain, Grendel terrorizes
Hrothgar’s mead hall, Heorot, until Beowulf confronts and defeats
him. Grendel symbolizes the chaos and darkness threatening
civilization, embodying the primal fears and challenges that Beowulf
must overcome.
 GRENDEL’S MOTHER: One of the three main antagonists
alongside Grendel and the dragon.
o Seeking vengeance for her son’s death, Grendel’s mother is a
powerful antagonist who challenges Beowulf in his quest. Her lair
beneath a murky lake represents the mysterious and treacherous
aspects of the natural world, posing a significant threat to Beowulf’s
heroism.
 HROTHGAR: The king of the Danes.
o The wise and respected king of the Danes, Hrothgar initially
welcomes Beowulf’s aid against Grendel. His kingdom’s suffering
under Grendel’s attacks sets the stage for Beowulf’s heroic exploits,
showcasing Hrothgar as a contrast to Beowulf’s youthful vigor and
determination.
 HYGELAC: Beowulf’s uncle and king of Geat-land.
o Beowulf’s uncle and king of the Geats, Hygelac provides familial and
political context to Beowulf’s actions. His reign sets the stage for
Beowulf’s eventual ascension to kingship, illustrating the family ties
and responsibilities that shape Beowulf’s journey.
 UNFERTH: The greatest warrior of the Danes.
o A strong warrior among the Danes, Unferth doubts Beowulf’s
abilities at first but later stands by him in the fight against Grendel’s
mother. Unferth changing from doubter to supporter shows how
loyalty and sticking together during tough times are important in
the story.
 WIGLAF: Beowulf’s nephew and a young Geatish warrior.
o Wiglaf is Beowulf’s faithful nephew and a young warrior from
Geatland. He plays a key part in Beowulf’s last fight with the
dragon. Wiglaf’s bravery and loyalty show how heroism and
sacrifice are passed down through generations in the epic story.
 DRAGON: A creature with a venomous bite.
o The dragon has a venomous bite and guards a treasure that
Beowulf finds later in life. When the dragon attacks Beowulf’s
kingdom, it becomes his ultimate challenge, testing his courage and
marking the end of his heroic adventures.

3. SETTINGS

 Denmark
o Denmark, ruled by King Hrothgar, revolves around Heorot, a great
hall that represents wealth, community, and pride. But Grendel’s
attacks turn Heorot into a place of fear and disorder, showing how
 fragile human achievements are against supernatural threats. The
murky marshlands where Grendel and his mother live symbolize
wild and mysterious nature, posing challenges to human civilization.
 Geatland
o Geatland, ruled by King Hygelac, is Beowulf’s homeland and forms
the core of his heroic identity. The final battle with the dragon near
Geatland tests Beowulf’s bravery and highlights his deep bond with
his people, revealing the sacrifices heroes must make.

4. PLOT (CLIMAX)
o In “Beowulf,” the story builds to its most intense moment when
Beowulf confronts a terrifying dragon that threatens his kingdom.
The dragon wakes up after a thief steals its treasure, and it starts
burning homes and causing chaos. Despite being older, Beowulf
decides to fight the dragon to protect his people and their wealth.
He shows incredible bravery and strength as he battles the huge
creature with Wiglaf, his loyal friend, by his side. Although they
manage to defeat the dragon, Beowulf gets badly hurt by its
poisonous bite. This battle shows Beowulf’s heroic qualities—his
courage, determination, and willingness to give everything for his
kingdom. It marks the end of his life, leaving a legacy of courage
and honor that inspires his people and future generations.

5. CONFLICT

 Man vs. Monster (Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and the Dragon)

o Beowulf fights three big, scary enemies. First, Grendel, a monster
who attacks a Danish hall every night. Beowulf hears about this and
decides to help. He fights Grendel and tears off his arm, causing
him to retreat and later die. Grendel’s mother, furious about her
son, attacks the hall next. Beowulf goes after her and battles her
underwater, finally killing her with a special sword. Later, as an
older man, Beowulf faces a dragon that guards treasure. Despite his
age, he fights bravely, showing he’s still strong and brave.
 Man vs. Fate
o Throughout the story, Beowulf knows that his life is guided by fate,
meaning things are already decided. Even so, he faces each
challenge bravely, knowing his actions will affect how people
remember him. This shows that while people can make choices,
they can’t escape fate’s bigger plan.
 Man vs. Society
o Beowulf deals with conflicts within the rules and expectations of his
society. As a warrior from Geatland helping the Danish king, he
must navigate differences in how people act and what they believe.
This includes loyalty, honor, and respect, which are very important
in their world. Beowulf shows he’s a hero by earning respect from
both the Danes and his own people, despite their differences.
6. THEME

 Good vs. Evil: Beowulf portrays the struggle between good, represented
by Beowulf and his allies, and evil, represented by monsters like Grendel
and the dragon. This theme shows that goodness and heroism can triumph
over darkness and evil intentions.
- Evidence: Beowulf battles Grendel and his mother to protect the
Danes from their terror. His victory over these monsters highlights
his role as a champion of good in the face of evil.
 Identity and Reputation: Characters in Beowulf often define themselves
through their actions and reputation. Warriors seek glory and fame
through heroic deeds, which shape their identity and legacy.
- Evidence: Beowulf’s decision to fight Grendel without weapons
demonstrates his courage and builds his reputation as a fearless
warrior. His deeds earn him honor and respect among both the
Geats and the Danes.
 Strength and Courage: Strength and courage are crucial traits for
heroes in Beowulf. Physical prowess and bravery in battle are admired
qualities that define heroism in the poem.
- Evidence: Beowulf’s numerous battles against powerful foes like
Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon showcase his immense
strength and bravery. His willingness to face these dangers head-on
reflects the heroic ideals of the time.

7. SYMBOLISM

 The Mead Hall (Heorot): This hall is a symbol of community and

safety. It’s where people gather to celebrate and feel secure. When
Grendel attacks it, it shows how evil can disrupt peace.
 Grendel and His Mother: These monsters stand for chaos and
evil. Grendel’s attacks show the dangers that threaten society, and
his mother’s revenge shows how violence can keep going.
 The Dragon: The dragon represents greed and the downfall of a
kingdom. It guards treasure, showing how greed can be harmful.
Beowulf’s fight with the dragon is his final challenge, symbolizing
his encounter with death.
 Beowulf’s Armor and Weapons: These symbolize strength and
heroism. When Beowulf fights Grendel without weapons, it shows
his bravery. Armor and weapons also represent the warrior culture
of the time.

8. CULTURAL VALUES
  Heroism and Valor: Beowulf shows the ideal hero by being strong,
brave, and ready to face danger to help others. He fights against
Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, showing how much the
culture values physical courage and fighting skill.
 Leadership: Good leaders are respected and valued. King Hrothgar
and Beowulf are both seen as strong leaders who protect and
provide for their people.
 Wisdom: Being wise and making smart decisions is admired.
Hrothgar’s advice to Beowulf about being a wise ruler shows that
wisdom is valued alongside bravery.
 Generosity: Kings and leaders are expected to be generous. King
Hrothgar shares his wealth with his warriors, and Beowulf also
shares the treasure he wins.

9. MYSTERY

 Beowulf’s superhuman strength

o The source of Beowulf’s extraordinary strength is not explicitly
explained in the text. Unlike modern superhero stories, where
powers are often given clear origins, Beowulf’s might is presented
as an inherent quality. This makes me curious about whether it is
purely physical or has a divine or supernatural component.
 The Magical Sword
o The giant sword Beowulf finds in Grendel’s mother’s lair has
mysterious origins. It is described as being forged by giants, but the
poem provides no further details about its creators or its history.
This absence of backstory enhances the sword’s mystery.
 The Role of the Dragon
o The dragon’s backstory is not thoroughly explored. It is awakened
when a cup is stolen from its hoard, but its previous existence and
the reasons for its guarding the treasure are not detailed. This
keeps the dragon’s real character and reasons hidden.

10. LANGUAGE

 The language of Beowulf is Old English, specifically the West Saxon

dialect. It’s an early form of English spoken in England during the Anglo-
Saxon period, roughly from the 5th to the 11th century.
 Ramayana
Indian Mythology

 BACKGROUND OF THE AUTHOR

o Valmiki, the attributed author of the Ramayana, is a somewhat

mysterious figure, similar to Homer. Scholars believe he composed the
Ramayana between 200 B.C. and A.D. 200, with the last chapter added
later, possibly as late as A.D. 400. Valmiki is thought to have been born
a Brahman and likely had a close association with the kings of
Ayodhya. He compiled various myths, songs, and legends about Rama,
shaping them into a cohesive poetic narrative using a unique meter
and style he invented. According to the epic itself, Valmiki is depicted
as a contemporary of Rama and provides an explanation for how he
created the Ramayana. Through Valmiki’s work, readers gain insight
into the ancient Hindu culture, observing their political, social, and
religious life, and are introduced to their values. Valmiki viewed the
period in which the poem is set as the Golden Age of India.

 CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTHS

1. NATURAL PHENOMENA

 Sita's Trial by Fire

o The use of fire in Sita's trial is a natural element, and her emerging
unscathed suggests a supernatural protection, blending natural fire
with divine intervention.
 The Birth of Rama and His Brothers
o The birth of Rama and his three brothers (Bharata, Lakshmana, and
Shatrughna) is marked by divine events, showing their holy origins.
 Destruction of Lanka
o Hanuman’s burning of Lanka is a key event where fire plays a
central role, symbolizing divine power and anger.

2. CHARACTERS

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS

 DASA-RATHA: King of Kosala; father of Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and

Satrughna. His choices and actions, especially in exiling Rama, set the
entire story in motion and shape the destinies of his sons.
 RAMA: One earthly form of Vishnu; eldest and favorite son of Dasa-ratha;
brother of Bharata, Lakshmana, and Satrughna; husband of Sita. As the
 main hero, Rama's journey and actions drive the plot, demonstrating
ideals like bravery, loyalty, and righteousness.
 BHARATA: Second earthly form of Vishnu; second son of Dasa-ratha;
brother of Rama, Lakshmana, and Satrughna. Bharata's loyalty and refusal
to take the throne in Rama's absence highlight themes of brotherly love
and sacrifice.
 LAKSHMANA: Third earthly form of Vishnu; third son of Dasa-ratha;
brother and companion of Rama; brother of Bharata and Satrughna.
Lakshmana’s unwavering support and protection of Rama and Sita show
his loyalty and dedication, making him a key companion in their journey.
 SATRUGHNA: Fourth earthly form of Vishnu; youngest son of Dasa-ratha;
brother and companion of Bharata; brother of Rama and Lakshmana.
Though less prominent, Satrughna’s role supports the unity and loyalty
among the brothers.
 JANAKA: King of the Videhas; husband of Mother Earth; father of Sita. His
wisdom and righteousness are reflected in his daughter's character and
influence the story through Sita’s marriage to Rama.
 SITA: Earthly form of Lakshmi, Vishnu's wife; daughter of Mother Earth
and Janaka; wife of Rama. Sita’s steadfast loyalty and purity are central to
the story, her abduction by Ravana and her trials shape much of the
narrative’s conflict and resolution.
 RAVANA: Demon king of Lanka and the Rakshasas; enemy of both gods
and mortals. As the main antagonist, Ravana’s actions create the central
conflict, driving the story forward and highlighting the battle between
good and evil.
 MARICHA: Ravana’s adviser is a Rakshasa demon. His role in Sita’s
abduction makes the story more complex and shows the use of deception.
 KUMBHA-KARNA: Giant brother of Ravana; greatest Rakshasa warrior.He
is known for his immense strength and long periods of sleep. His brief but
powerful involvement in the battle against Rama adds to the epic’s drama
and highlights the themes of loyalty and bravery.
 VIBHISHANA: Youngest and good brother of Ravana; king of Lanka and
the Rakshasas after Ravana's death. His loyalty to Ravana and his strength
present a significant challenge to Rama, emphasizing the theme of familial
loyalty even among the villains.
 SUGRIVA: Monkey king who helps Rama fight Ravana. His alliance with
Rama brings in the support of the monkey army, showcasing the power of
friendship and collaboration in achieving goals.
 HANUMAN: Son of the wind; great monkey hero who helps Rama.
Hanuman’s bravery, strength, and devotion are crucial to finding Sita and
battling Ravana, making him an essential hero in the story.
 NARADA: Great wise man who tells Valmiki the story of Rama's life. As a
storyteller, Narada connects the divine to the mortal world and helps set
the stage for the story’s telling.
 VALMIKI: Hermit; poet who composes The Ramayana; teacher of Rama's
twin sons. Valmiki’s role as the poet and narrator ensures that the story of
Rama is preserved and passed down, highlighting the power of
storytelling.
 PRINCIPAL GODS

 INDRA: King of the gods; god of rain. Indra leads the gods and controls
rain, ensuring the world's order and protection.


 VISHNU: Preserver of life on earth. Vishnu preserves life on earth,

keeping everything in balance and safe.
 BRAHMA: Vishnu in the form of the creator of life on earth. Brahma
creates life and wisdom, bringing new beginnings and understanding.
 SHIVA: Vishnu in the form of the destroyer of life on earth. Shiva ends life
when needed, making way for renewal and maintaining harmony.
 LAKSHMI: Goddess of beauty and good fortune; wife of Vishnu. Lakshmi
brings beauty, fortune, and happiness, supporting Vishnu and humanity.
 MOTHER EARTH: Mother of Sita. Mother Earth nurtures life, providing
sustenance and a home for all beings.
 YAMA: Lord of the dead. Yama governs death and the afterlife, ensuring
justice and peace for departed souls.
 AGNI: God of fire. Agni represents fire and energy, bridging humans and
gods, purifying and transforming.

3. SETTINGS

 Ayodhya
o Ayodhya is where Prince Rama grows up under the loving rule of King
Dasharatha. It's a prosperous kingdom known for its beauty and peace,
where Rama and his brothers learn important lessons about justice, duty,
and compassion, preparing them for future challenges.
 Lanka
o Lanka is ruled by the powerful demon king Ravana. It's a wealthy and
formidable kingdom located on an island. Ravana's rule is marked by his
strength and knowledge. Lanka becomes the central battleground where
Rama confronts Ravana to rescue his wife Sita, showcasing the clash
between good and evil.

 Kingdom of Janaka
o This kingdom is ruled by King Janaka. Sita, Janaka's daughter, grows up
here, known for her grace and intelligence. Mithila becomes the setting
where Rama wins her hand in marriage, highlighting themes of love and
destiny.

 Kingdom of Monkeys
o Kishkindha is a forest kingdom inhabited by intelligent and powerful
monkeys, led by King Sugriva. It's a sanctuary where Rama seeks refuge
during his exile.

4. PLOT ( CLIMAX )
 o The climax of the Ramayana focuses on the epic battle between Prince
Rama and the demon king Ravana. After Ravana kidnaps Rama's wife Sita
and takes her to Lanka, Rama gathers an army of monkeys led by
Hanuman. They build a bridge across the ocean to reach Lanka. In Lanka,
Rama challenges Ravana to a fierce battle. Rama, with his divine bow and
arrows, fights bravely against Ravana's powerful attacks. The battlefield
echoes with the clash of weapons and the shouts of warriors. The battle
reaches its peak when Rama's arrows pierce through Ravana's defenses,
striking him down. With his valor and righteousness, Rama defeats
Ravana, rescues Sita, and restores peace. The climax of the Ramayana
demonstrates the triumph of good over evil, courage over fear, and the
power of righteousness. It's a tale of bravery and determination that
inspires people to uphold noble values and face challenges with strength
and integrity.

5. CONFLICT

 Man vs. Man ( Rama vs. Ravana )

o The epic's central external conflict is between Prince Rama and the demon
king Ravana. Ravana abducts Rama's wife Sita, leading to a direct
confrontation between the two where Rama seeks to rescue Sita and
defeat Ravana.
 Man vs. Self
o Bharata, Rama's younger brother, struggles internally with his loyalty to
Rama and his guilt for unintentionally causing Rama's exile. His internal
conflict resolves as he faithfully supports his love and devotion to Rama's
rightful rule.
 Man vs. Society
o Sita, as a woman, faces external conflicts imposed by societal
expectations and her fate. Abducted by Ravana and held captive in Lanka,
she endures trials that test her faith and strength of character, ultimately
proving her purity and devotion to Rama.

6. THEME

 Dharma (Righteousness)
o Rama consistently upholds dharma throughout the epic. He willingly
accepts exile to honor his father's promise, despite it being unjust. His
adherence to dharma is also evident in his respect for elders,
compassion towards all beings, and fair treatment of allies and foes
alike.

 Victory of Good over Evil

o The battle between Rama and Ravana symbolizes the triumph of good
over evil. Ravana, with his immense power and arrogance, represents
evil, while Rama, with his righteousness and divine support, defeats
Ravana and restores balance and justice.

 Family and Relationships

o Rama's deep bond with his brothers, especially Lakshmana, is evident
throughout the Ramayana. Lakshmana accompanies Rama into exile
 and serves him selflessly, demonstrating familial loyalty and support.
Similarly, Sita's unwavering devotion to Rama during her captivity in
Lanka illustrates the strength of marital love and commitment.

7. SYMBOLISM

 Bow and Arrow: Rama's bow and arrows symbolize his strength, and
righteousness. They represent his ability to confront and overcome
challenges.
 Shiva's Bow: The bow serves as a test of strength and skill for suitors at
Sita’s ceremony to find her right husband. Stringing or breaking the bow
demonstrates exceptional prowess and eligibility for marriage.
 Fire: Fire symbolizes purity and transformation. Sita's trial by fire is a
symbolic test of her purity and loyalty, which she emerges from
unscathed, proving her innocence.

8. CULTURAL VALUES

 Respect for Elders: Characters like Rama and Sita show deep respect
and obedience to their parents and elders, following their guidance
even when it's difficult.
 Loyalty and Devotion: Loyalty is shown in relationships like Rama
and Sita's unwavering commitment to each other, and Hanuman's
dedication to Rama's cause.
 Family and Relationships: The epic emphasizes the significance of
family bonds, respect among siblings, and the roles of husbands and
wives in supporting each other.

9. MYSTERY

 Hanuman's Leap
o Hanuman, the monkey god, can leap great distances. It’s a mystery
how he got these powers and how far he can really jump. The story
doesn't fully explain the source or limits of his amazing abilities,
leaving it a fascinating part of his character.
 Shiva's Bow
o The bow used by Rama during Sita's marriage ceremony is not just any
ordinary weapon but a divine bow gifted by Lord Shiva. The mystery
surrounds its origin, powers, and significance in choosing a suitable
husband for Sita.
 Valmiki's Authorship
o The Ramayana is traditionally said to be written by the sage Valmiki.
However, how he got the inspiration to write it and how the story was
shared and passed down to others is not clearly known.

10. LANGUAGE

 The Ramayana was originally written in Sanskrit, which is one of the oldest
languages in the world. Sanskrit is considered a classical language of India
and has been used for many ancient texts, including religious scriptures,
poems, and philosophical works.