Aaron Anderson
Introduction:
Beowulf is a relatively unknown ancient hero from Denmark. Beowulf is also the name given to a poem that tells us about his heroic adventures. The name of the author of the poem became lost sometime in this story's thousand year history. The oldest manuscript of the poem was kept in a British library until it suffered damage in a 1731 fire. It was written in Old English and has since been reproduced, translated into modern languages, and told to millions across the globe. The stories of Beowulf take place in a fictitious warrior society somewhere in Denmark. It is an epic poem that pits a good man against evil beasts.
Here is an outline of the story: An ogre named Grendel attacks a small city out of pure hatred for people and happiness in general. He makes the most valiant warriors tremble and causes the locals to live in fear when darkness falls each night for twelve years. Beowulf, who lives across the sea in Gothland, hears of these troubles and vows to protect the people from Grendel's attacks. A battle with Grendel ensues at a town meeting hall, and Beowulf emerges victorious over the beast. Amid the celebrations, Grendel's mother arrives, seeking revenge for her son's death. Beowulf is again called to rescue the people from this new beast. He and his fellow warriors pursue Grendel's mother back to her swamp and Beowulf dives into the murky water and kills her.
Beowulf eventually returns to his home land and is crowned king; however, this is not the end of his adventures. A slave ventures into a dragon's cave nearby and steals a piece of its treasure. The dragon becomes very angry and goes on a fiery rampage, looking for the stolen property. Beowulf and one of his friends are the only warriors willing to face the dragon. A deadly battle ensues and... well, you will have to read the rest of this storybook to find out the ending!
Before the first story begins, however, I want to note that I changed some of the details to suit my frametale. For example, I shortened the time frame in which Grendel terrorized Denmark, and I had a boy steal the dragon's treasure instead of a slave. I explained my reasoning for making these alterations in my author's notes at the end of each chapter.
Going Camping:
Bill and Marie didn't know how much longer they could take it. They were four hours away from home and still had two more before they reached the campsite. Their twin children Billy Jr. and Joanie were arguing in the back seat during the entire trip.
"Marie, all I wanted was a peaceful weekend away from work. Maybe I could teach Billy how to fish and tell ghost stories over the campfire."
"Dear, that only happens in the movies. What else did you expect from a couple of seven-year-olds on a long trip?"
"I don't know. Let's just get back on the road so we can get there in time to set up the tent before it gets dark. Kids! Let's go! I hope both of you used the bathroom because we're not stopping again until we get there. And Billy, for the last time leave your sister alone."
"She started it! She took my..."
"I don't care who started it! You two better settle this before we get out there. You know... there's a monster named Grendel who gets very angry at little boys and girls who don't mind their parents, and he lives out in the woods where we're going."
"Don't tell them that! They're just little kids! You'll give them nightmares!" Marie sternly whispered.
"Don't worry, I have a plan."
"Nuh-uh, you're lying, Daddy!" Billy said, unsure of himself.
"Okay, I'm just trying to warn you. He can sense disobedience, so you better figure something out because we're almost there...."
Beowulf is a relatively unknown ancient hero from Denmark. Beowulf is also the name given to a poem that tells us about his heroic adventures. The name of the author of the poem became lost sometime in this story's thousand year history. The oldest manuscript of the poem was kept in a British library until it suffered damage in a 1731 fire. It was written in Old English and has since been reproduced, translated into modern languages, and told to millions across the globe. The stories of Beowulf take place in a fictitious warrior society somewhere in Denmark. It is an epic poem that pits a good man against evil beasts.
Here is an outline of the story: An ogre named Grendel attacks a small city out of pure hatred for people and happiness in general. He makes the most valiant warriors tremble and causes the locals to live in fear when darkness falls each night for twelve years. Beowulf, who lives across the sea in Gothland, hears of these troubles and vows to protect the people from Grendel's attacks. A battle with Grendel ensues at a town meeting hall, and Beowulf emerges victorious over the beast. Amid the celebrations, Grendel's mother arrives, seeking revenge for her son's death. Beowulf is again called to rescue the people from this new beast. He and his fellow warriors pursue Grendel's mother back to her swamp and Beowulf dives into the murky water and kills her.
Beowulf eventually returns to his home land and is crowned king; however, this is not the end of his adventures. A slave ventures into a dragon's cave nearby and steals a piece of its treasure. The dragon becomes very angry and goes on a fiery rampage, looking for the stolen property. Beowulf and one of his friends are the only warriors willing to face the dragon. A deadly battle ensues and... well, you will have to read the rest of this storybook to find out the ending!
Before the first story begins, however, I want to note that I changed some of the details to suit my frametale. For example, I shortened the time frame in which Grendel terrorized Denmark, and I had a boy steal the dragon's treasure instead of a slave. I explained my reasoning for making these alterations in my author's notes at the end of each chapter.
Going Camping:
Bill and Marie didn't know how much longer they could take it. They were four hours away from home and still had two more before they reached the campsite. Their twin children Billy Jr. and Joanie were arguing in the back seat during the entire trip.
"Marie, all I wanted was a peaceful weekend away from work. Maybe I could teach Billy how to fish and tell ghost stories over the campfire."
"Dear, that only happens in the movies. What else did you expect from a couple of seven-year-olds on a long trip?"
"I don't know. Let's just get back on the road so we can get there in time to set up the tent before it gets dark. Kids! Let's go! I hope both of you used the bathroom because we're not stopping again until we get there. And Billy, for the last time leave your sister alone."
"She started it! She took my..."
"I don't care who started it! You two better settle this before we get out there. You know... there's a monster named Grendel who gets very angry at little boys and girls who don't mind their parents, and he lives out in the woods where we're going."
"Don't tell them that! They're just little kids! You'll give them nightmares!" Marie sternly whispered.
"Don't worry, I have a plan."
"Nuh-uh, you're lying, Daddy!" Billy said, unsure of himself.
"Okay, I'm just trying to warn you. He can sense disobedience, so you better figure something out because we're almost there...."