Reading Notes, Week 13: Beowulf Conclusion

 There is so much magic at work in this story. Everything concerning the monsters includes layers of magic, spells, defenses. Beginning with Grendel's attack at Hrothgar's hall, Beowulf and his thanes are sleeping far deeper than an ordinary slumber; and throughout the entirety of Beowulf's struggle with Grendel, his men are completely asleep. Is their slumber magical, or simply deep from all the alcohol they took in earlier? The spell is only broken when Grendel's arm is ripped from his shoulder. This is similar to what happens with his mother - her defenses are unbroken until she relaxes, confident that her prey is finished. Even his sword can't cut her initially, and when it finally does her blood is so toxic it dissolves his sword down to the hilt (which is such an epic mental image).

Another item I wondered about was the true distance Beowulf travels to meet Grendel's mother. The creatures he encounters resemble deep sea animals more than anything found in freshwater, even though the mere is described more as a lake than an ocean. I think this mere is a portal, and he's actually swimming down through at least two of the Norse realms of existence. I'm also curious how he breathed during the journey! Fighting monsters, escaping jellyfish, swimming through coral, either his lung capacity is stellar or there's more magic at work. Beowulf isn't described as possessing anything other than extraordinary strength. Could Grendel's mother be drawing him in for vengeance? Her magic is definitely powerful enough for that, and sustaining his life long enough to kill him herself is definitely in character for her.

Finally, the dragon. I was a little sad to learn the dragon wasn't connected to Grendel or his mother; but dragons and their treasure hoards are pretty common in Norse mythology. I would have greatly enjoyed learning the dragon was Grendel's brother, or cousin, or father even. The death of Beowulf could be long overdue revenge, and what a story that could be!

Story source:  The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs
Image source: Pinterest