What kind of character is Unferth?
Unferth is clever and generous, and he also lends Beowulf his famous sword, Hrunting, with which to fight Grendel’s mother. Of course, the sword doesn’t work on the demon, but Unferth didn’t know that would happen.
How is Unferth characterized?
Unferth is presented as a lesser man, a foil for the near-perfect Beowulf. Rather than heroism, Unferth’s blustering reveals pride and resentment. Later, Unferth’s gift of his sword for Beowulf’s fight against Grendel’s mother heals Unferth’s breach of hospitality, but it does little to improve his heroic status.
How is Unferth’s character different from Beowulf?
Unferth is presented as contrast to Beowulf, providing a glimpse of a poor warrior in contrast to Beowulf’s good warrior. Unferth is boastful, just as Beowulf is, but unlike Beowulf Unferth lacks the moral courage to back up his boasts (and unlike Beowulf Unferth never does anything to stand against Grendel).
What story does Unferth cite when challenging Beowulf?
When Beowulf arrives at Heorot Hall, Unferth challenges him by telling the story of a swimming contest that Beowulf once lost to a man named Breka. However, Beowulf says that he only lost because he had to fight nine sea monsters after five days in icy water.
Why does it seem that Unferth is challenging Beowulf?
Unferth challenges Beowulf because of Beowulf’s boasts about his abilities as a warrior. Unferth boasts, too, as is common behavior for men in the Old…
What is Beowulf’s greatest trait?
Some of Beowulf’s most important traits as an epic hero include bravery, loyalty, honor, superhuman physical strength, and the willingness to risk his life for the greater good.
What does unferth think about Beowulf How does Beowulf respond?
Unruffled, Beowulf accuses Unferth of drunkenness and describes his own version of what happened in the swimming match. She thanks God for sending Beowulf to fight Grendel, and Beowulf replies with a formal boast, stating that he will either distinguish himself with a heroic deed or die in the mead-hall.
Who was Beowulf’s enemies?
Enemies – beowulf. These are the enemies that Beowulf had to face throughout the epic. Beowulf first had to fight Grendel. Grendel was a monster terrorizing the Danes for 12 years. Though Beowulf was a Geat he felt it was necessary to fight Grendel and bring peace to the Geats. When Grendel and Beowulf fought he tore Grendel’s arm off mortally wounding him.
Who is Odin in Beowulf?
Odin is the son of Bestla and Borr and has two brothers, Vili and Vé. Odin is attested as having many sons, most famously the gods Thor (with Jörð) and Baldr (with Frigg ), and is known by hundreds of names.
Who is Esher in Beowulf?
Beowulf’s father, a notable warrior married to Hrethel’s one daughter (Beowulf’s mother is never named) Esher A Danish nobleman, high in the councils of King Hrothgar, his longtime close and trusted friend.
Who is Beowulf’s friend?
Breca (sometimes spelled Breoca or Brecca) was a Bronding who, according to the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, was Beowulf’s childhood friend.