Who is Unferth And how does he feel about Beowulf?

Unferth is clever and generous, and he also lends Beowulf his famous sword, Hrunting, with which to fight Grendel’s mother.

What sin does Unferth accuse Beowulf of?

Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming race. Beowulf answers him by saying he was fighting a sea monster.

How does Unferth taunt Beowulf?

At the feast, a Dane named Unferth, envious of his kinsmen’s admiration of Beowulf, begins to taunt the Geat. Beowulf notes that neither Unferth nor Breca could have survived such an adventure and mocks Unferth by pointing out his obvious helplessness against Grendel.

Why was Unferth jealous of Beowulf?

In fact, Unferth is jealous of Beowulf’s celebrated reputation and probably a little embarrassed that he can’t defeat Grendel himself. Unferth figures that if Beowulf could not beat Breca, then he will never be strong enough to defeat Grendel.

When Beowulf finds Grendel’s body what does he do?

He swings it toward Grendel’s mother in a wide arc, cutting deeply into her neck and killing her. The lair becomes brighter after Grendel’s mother dies, and Beowulf is able to inspect his surroundings. He finds Grendel’s body and, to take further revenge, he decapitates the corpse.

Why is Unferth allowed to speak that way?

Why is he allowed to speak that way ? A thane of Hrothgar, he is jealous of him.

What protects Beowulf from Grendel’s mother?

chain-mail armor
By Unknown. Grendel’s mother senses that a human being has penetrated her lair. She catches him, but his body is protected by his chain-mail armor, which she can’t tear. Once Grendel’s mother touches the bottom of the lake, she carries Beowulf to her “court” (1507).

What is Beowulf proud of as he dies?

He describes the wars between the Geats and the Swedes after Hrethel’s death, recalling his proud days as a warrior in the service of Hygelac. He then makes his final boast: he vows to fight the dragon, if only it will abandon its barrow and face him on open ground.

What is the effect of Unferth to Beowulf?

Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf’s honor differentiates him from Beowulf and helps to reveal some of the subtleties of the heroic code that the warriors must follow. Unferth is presented as a lesser man, a foil for the near-perfect Beowulf.

Why did Beowulf cut off Grendel’s head?

Why does Beowulf cut off Grendel’s head? To avenge the attacks on the Danes. While Beowulf is fighting Grendel’s mother, what are Hrothgar’s men doing? They are speaking of Beowulf as a warrior who has died in battle.

Why is unferth so angry?

Unferth becomes enraged at Grendel’s apparent indifference. Unferth claims that heroism gives the world meaning, for a hero sees “value beyond what’s possible,” thereby fueling the struggle of humanity.

Why is Unferth important to the story of Beowulf?

Character Analysis Unferth. Along with Grendel, Unferth represents the theme of envy in the epic. Shortly after Beowulf’s arrival, Unferth, full of mead, insults the guest at a banquet. This is more than an awkward moment for the hosts. Unferth’s behavior goes against the code of hospitality. Unferth accuses Beowulf, as a lad,…

How is Unferth different from Beowulf and Grendel?

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 ). Further, Unferth appears to be jealous of Beowulf and never responds to Beowulf’s taunt that Unferth once killed his own brother,…

Why did Unferth challenge Beowulf to a swimming race?

From a dramatic point of view, Unferth’s challenge gives Beowulf a chance to demonstrate his skill at boasting. Boasting was considered a legitimate way for a warrior to enhance his reputation, and as Beowulf tells the story of his swimming race we learn that the hero is as good at boasting as he is at fighting.

Why did King Hrothgar have a problem with Unferth?

Rough seas separated them, and Beowulf had to kill nine mighty sea monsters before going ashore the next day. Beowulf points out that Unferth’s fame lies mainly in the fact that he killed his own brothers. If the Dane could fight as well as he talks, says Beowulf, King Hrothgar might not have such a problem with Grendel.