Read Beowulf first before Grendel, or you won’t recognize the nuances!

In your Beowulf book, there is a list of characters to which you can refer.  Please do as you read, because it is helpful.  Additionally, remember that the last portion of the hardback copy that you have is not a part of the actual poem; rather, it is a section comprised of thematically connected readings.  (I don’t expect you to read this.)  There is also a notes section that is helpful.

Get ready, set, read!  (And begin posting your comments and questions.)

Background Information for Beowulf

Please access the following website in order to understand what you’re reading.  It features information concerning the history of this famous epic poem, the cultures of the people who passed the poem down through the ages, and particular religious elements of the poem–all important to understand before you begin reading.

http://historymedren.about.com/od/beowulf/p/beowulf.htm