Additional Questions

Hello everyone,

I have a few questions about Beowulf. I look forward to your interpretation and your replies!

1. I find the parent-child relationship between Grendel's mother and Grendel strange. Why does Grendel attack the Danes by himself? Does his mother just lie around in the cave, accepting the fact that his son and she are outcasts; there is nothing they can do about it?

2. Why did the Anglo-Saxons/early Scandinavians believe so strongly in fate?

3. The kenning Beowulf can denote bear. If so, why would the protagonist of the epic poem be a bear? Was it a revered animal in Anglo-Saxon culture?

4. Why would young Wealtheow give herself up to be old Hrothgar's wife? Was she coerced to do so? Or did she do so to get Hrothgar's property and riches?