Beowulf - Thug Notes Summary and Analysis

Yo, check out my new audio series, "Thug Notes GET LIT," now available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts.
New episodes will be comin’ at you every week. ►► Subscribe and download now!
iTunes: wscrk.com/ituGetLit
Stitcher: wscrk.com/stiGetLit
Google Play: wscrk.com/gpmGetLit
Get the Thug Notes BOOK here! ►► bit.ly/1HLNbLN
Join Wisecrack! ►► bit.ly/1y8Veir
From plot debriefs to key motifs, Thug Notes’ Beowulf Summary & Analysis has you covered with themes, symbols, important quotes, and more. This week’s episode is Beowulf by Author(s) Unknown.
Buy the book here on Amazon ►► amzn.to/1GxPNSw
Buy the book here on iBooks ►► apple.co/1d1GWeZ
Twitter: @SparkSweetsPhd
Facebook: on. 1Nhiba7
More Thug Notes:
To Kill A Mockingbird ►► bit.ly/1Bp5epd
The Great Gatsby ►► bit.ly/1BoYKqs
The Hobbit ►► bit.ly/1NhhgGJ
8-Bit Philosophy:
Is Capitalism Bad For You? ►► bit.ly/1NhhX2P
What is Real? ►► bit.ly/1HHC9g1
What is Marxism? ►► bit.ly/1M0dINJ
Earthling Cinema:
Batman - The Dark Knight ►► bit.ly/1buIi1J
Pulp Fiction ►► bit.ly/18Yjbmr
Mean Girls ►► bit.ly/1GWjlpy
Pop Psych:
Mario Goes to Therapy ►► bit.ly/1GobKCl
Batman Goes to Therapy ►► bit.ly/1xhmXCy
Santa Goes to Therapy ►► bit.ly/1Iwqpuo
Shop Thug Notes:►► shop.thug-notes.com
www.thug-notes.com
www.wisecrack.co -
Check out our Merch!: www.wisecrack.co/store

[@vincentvorse]

If this guy were a High school teacher, a bet $10,000 he would never have a student pull a "sick day". In fact, they would probably petition to have his class go on longer than normal classes

[@LuisCabrera-ll5rn]

that would becoo

[@Plankensen]

I bet you they would still be sick of his face because they had to see it every monday morning

[@Dino23968]

Do Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

[@joselopezmendez6145]

Mr. Handel-Bar yeah but it would sure be weird to be the one white kid in the class

[@VivoLaRihvolution]

Mr. Handel-Bar meh not thuggish enough

[@AleisterCrowleyMagus]

As a medievalist I started laughing so hard at his confusion about the author...”Beowulf...by...uhhhh...” Welcome to the Middle Ages my friends!

[@walangchahangyelingden8252]

Hahaha

[@speedwagon1824]

We knew who wrote different texts in the middle Ages much more than earlier times, especially before antiquity

[@ilovepiedoyou2]

Beowulf test tomorrow, of course I had to watch the Thug Notes!

[@daddydisco6280]

Mel deadass😂😂😂

[@Kirschbaumleiche]

Please tell me you wrote your essay in the same way how Sparky Sweets explained it! :D

[@TheGamerAdventurersX]

same

[@azharabdullahi7313]

Well I have the test tomorrow

[@scmook23jordangg]

Hell yea shiii I gotta test in 22 minutes foo frfr foo

[@SeresTheZocker]

I love how we can talk about prose written in old English in an American ghetto slang and still get the point across

[@nataliagarciahess3749]

It's actually verse, not prose, but yeah, I agree :)

[@EliStettner]

African American Vernacular English

[@LuisSierra42]

@@EliStettner Thank you fine gentleman

[@brentgould958]

I understand Beowulf better now.

[@jfowler885]

This ain't nothin but a minstrel

[@Chuschannel]

Beowulf was a straight up gangsta.

[@outsidelo0kingin]

I'm an English major and this guy literally saves my butt for every reading and comprehension quiz/test/exam!! Bless you!!

[@ninjaduck30]

This is literally how I passed my English test on Beowulf. Seriously I read through the whole thing and I barely had a concept of what was going on. So THANK YOU!!!

[@LadyFan05]

I LOVE THIS MAN!

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks!

[@1sam-ef]

Thank Mr.Bauer and Mr Salamon.....

[@Joparkr]

I love him too

[@jaccuse4086]

"Beowulf by... uh..." ba dum tsss

[@cutienerdgirl]

I was looking through the comments hoping someone said something about it!!😅

[@Victor-zd1jr]

The Tin Memesman i dont get iy

[@bul13ts]

Richard, Duke of York The story of Beowulf began as an oral tradition, passed down from one generation to the next by simply telling the tale, and teaching it to other storytellers who would embellish it as they saw fit. When it finally was written down, the story had already existed for centuries, with the name of its original author having long since been lost to time. What we have today are numerous translations courtesty of many noted authors and scholars, including Seamus Heaney and J.R.R. Tolkien, the latter of which famously lifted several narrative elements from this story for use in his own works.

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

The Tin Memesman Well the author of Beowulf remained unknown to this day.

[@swift3602]

his father

[@RunItsTheCat]

Shieeeet, ain't nobody fuckin with death. NOBODY.

[@SweetCaptain77]

You have no idea how helpful this was to me. Thanks a bunch.

[@WisecrackEDU]

No prob

[@viggipedia]

+Wisecrack Can you do epic of gilgamesh? Being the oldest work of fiction counts for something I guess. Thanks for everything!

[@talefromthegrandline]

Holy shit...I actually UNDERSTAND Beowulf now!

[@Apkans]

I laughed in the face of this book and its 60 pages, mockingly I thought: finally a book that won't take me ages, but then the poem initiated and my ego deflated, "These sentences are longer than anything I've read!" so I tossed it aside and watched this video instead.

[@keegster7167]

👏

[@wyldewest5613]

Same

[@202mc4]

It's really good. I reccomend you do.

[@smilingmushroom32]

finally. a channel thats ghetto, educational, and funny at the same time. well done.

[@leornendeealdenglisc]

Actually, the name Beowulf is a combination of Bee and hunter. Beo is bee in Old English, and Wulf can be Wolf but it can also mean hunter. Thus Bee-hunter, and what animal hunts after bees? A bear. To say man-wolf is ǷER-ƿulf, hence the modern day Werewolf. Wer is man in Old English and Wulf in this case, would mean wolf.

[@cmustard599]

Leornende Eald Englisc ...'bee hunter' would be consistent with the use of kennings in the text as well. I think the name has many interpretations and intentionally vague. Just as the bear will endure the wrath of bees to get honey, Beowulf is the archetypical hero who slays the monster to get the gold.

[@graysonkehoe6691]

He also was attacked by bees as a child giving him poor eyesight.

[@gilbertoignacioaguirrevarg4550]

The fuck you talkin' about

[@Dino23968]

One question:Who wrote Beowulf?

[@1984Brandon]

​@@Dino23968 As I recall if memory serves me correctly it was many people. It started out as somewhat of a cultural icon. When Troubadours were going around trying to inform Druids or Pagans of Christianity they also would use relatable homages, in one version when Grendel slaughtered the knights of Hrothgar but the King was unscathed, due to the throne being protected by Jesus Christ's holiness peace be upon him. I consider it like the Finnish Folk tale of Kalevala, Fins fighting CCCP back in the times of Pre European War might sing or chant as they go into battle; Or in Hong Kong a Chinese artisan might read up some Confucianism writings to inspire a building design as a contractor.

[@gadunka888]

What's Beowulf's favourite TV show? How I Met Your Mother *runs away*

[@patrickalexander3964]

***** I think it was a reference to how Beowulf met Grendel's mother (and killed her).

[@bul13ts]

Even Beowulf doesn't like Beowulf (2016)

[@zurieschwartz4101]

Beowulf had 4 sons and 4 daughters according to genealogical records and his descendants live on through his daughters.

[@rolandguiscard]

Not only is this hilarious and entertaining, it's highly educational. You're doing something truly valuable here. Keep it up!

[@TLL555]

i just really need to point this out but while this interpretation of Beowulf's meaning holds some weight, it's about vikings and how they are most alive when they fight. It's not pride when Beowulf challenges Grendel and Grendel's mother all alone. When he promises King Hrothgar that he can and will kill Grendel it is not only a testament to his vitality but also a promise of how honorable a viking warrior he is by putting his life on the line like that. In that sense, the meaning of the name Beowulf can serve to refer to man's animal characteristics and how the urge to fight until your dying breath is a natural part of life. That is especially true when you take into account the opening verses that describe a viking funeral in which the previous king of the shieldlands gets put into a boat in armor and such, and that describe how honorable the king was in fighting until the very end (which is in essence the meaning of the viking funeral format). Interestingly enough though, the poem was likely written between 800 and 1100 by (a) christian monk(s) and despite that, they do not write it from a perspective that attacks paganism but clearly distinguishes Beowulf's pagan practices from God (there are allusions to God in the poem, that is) and it's especially interesting because the time it was written in was when the vikings invaded what is now the UK.

[@anaverageblackgirl_]

i just learned more about this poem than my teacher has taught me in the past two weeks. Thank you kind sir for helping prepare me for my test next week.

[@AntipaladinPedigri]

Guys tell a "yo momma" joke. Grendel's momma appears to beat the sh*t out of everyone there. Best plot twist ever.

[@CD-zg4tj]

I don't think people understand how awesome this video is!

[@mccormit]

This is some of the coolest, most accurate and deep explanations of classics. and it's entertaining too. Keep it up man.

[@LuckyBird551]

Could you do the Epic of Gilgamesh next?

[@choueriito2548]

+Persona Ohnlyne I second this.

[@druffner]

same here

[@yummi4tunekookie]

+Persona Ohnlyne That would be fantastic!

[@desra753]

He did it!

[@jeremybrown9611]

Yep I just watched it before this one, and it was good as always!

[@hbrony1304]

I remember Beowulf being one of my absolute favorite reads in high school.

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

H, Brony I guess Grendel's appearance in Beowulf is kinda more of minor antagonist than he already is in book based on the monster of the same name.

[@stormbringerr7806]

you're hilarious wisecrack. keep em coming.i also liked your review of Dune.

[@theshuttergrind]

I have been laughing for hours now. Thanks a lot.

[@tworavensread9806]

I love this!!!! You're the best Sparky!

[@tinamichelle6969]

Thank you so much for allowing us to experience your gift through these different stories. I have a greater understanding of the literature. My son loves to watch you too.

[@LeonhardEuler1]

You've mentioned Nietzsche in a number of these videos, so why not do an episode on something of his? Perhaps "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" or something?

[@djqkronicles24]

That's philosophy. Besides, Nietzsche wrote most of his other books, just to explain Zarathustra. In the 8 bit philisophy series, they might start with the classics, like Plato, and move down the line, making Nietzsche towards the end.

[@LeonhardEuler1]

Yeah, of course it is philosophy, but I still think it is sufficiently allegorical (etc) to fit nicely in this series. But yeah, I'd imagine Nietzsche will show up in the 8-bit philosophy series soon enough. I guess I just think it would be more fun to have the Thug character discuss it. ;)

[@GeraldMcCray7stonesGFX]

LeonhardEuler1 His 8-bit Philosophy is awesome and episode 2 actually touches on Nietzsche

[@LeonhardEuler1]

Yep, it was quite good. I think Megaman is the perfect choice for discussing Nietzsche too. :)

[@GeraldMcCray7stonesGFX]

I confess I am not at all familiar with the guy, I didnt even know how to pronounce his name until this video!

[@tekobari]

40s fo' evvyone! I thought I would die laughing.

[@jamieford26]

This is literally my college homework assignment. Hands down best educational video I’ve ever watched

[@mdkkarl]

I just found this channel. This is helpful and hilarious. Love it.

[@juliansoria2040]

shout out to my English teacher for telling me to watch this

[@Dysteleologist]

Best summary I've seen yet! I definitely needed a few wisecracks to get through this godforsaken poem.

[@dorianvick8932]

This is a dope way of conveying great books, stories and providing solid analysis.

[@missyshrimp222]

I loved this story back in high school!!! I remember by whole class and I had to write an essay about it and we had so much fun.

[@billoates406]

Watership down please! 🐰

[@milenasaakyan3805]

YOU LITERALLY MADE ME PASS THANKS

[@Ambicatus]

This may be the best thing I've seen on KZbin since forever.

[@cortneydisselkoen289]

I look forward to Tuesday now! You are my favorite subscription. I would love to hear a whole reenactment done by you.

[@rajarb2487]

you make literature even more interesting ! thanks homie ! :D

[@pinkjessjmb]

This guy needs more followers

[@elShit07]

Keep the vids coming you are spitting some serious knowledge

[@Lioness_Es]

Wisecrack you got it goin' on brother! Keep up the good work!

[@RTDice11]

So he's a Medieval Kamina?

[@mikaylastone8244]

Just who the hell do you think he is?! XD

[@nicholasinzunza8887]

Dude, Gurren Lagann is hot shit

[@mikaylastone8244]

But you know who's hotter shit? Yoko Littner that's who.

[@IzzyLovesRock]

+Mikayla Stone Just dont kiss her.

[@deathserpent9747]

Then Grendel is Simone

[@laurenbobo5953]

Could you do Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

[@heavenrose2]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. BEOWULF MADE NO SENSE UNTIL I WATCHED THIS. THANK YOU!! 👏👏

[@immahuman9946]

i seriously listened to the first 7 seconds of the first vid of yours that i came across and hit subscribe. im spending all day tomorrow taking in all the epic Thug Notes. thank you for your awesomeness :)

[@brendenjay2118]

Could you do The Canterbury Tales next?

[@leornendeealdenglisc]

This is an interesting telling of Beowulf. Bear in mind though that Geatland is pronounced as Yeh-atland. Keep it up. :)

[@keegster7167]

is pronounced like the in 'bad' when after though, which makes the 'y' sound as you said, so it'd be pronounced yat-land.

[@brownladyjay0858]

I’m sure he’s aware the correct pronunciation’s however he’s telling it in a different type of slang...I just night time though it is much is you committing all wet he isn’t doing is actually better than cliff notes

[@SophiaPo123]

Sharing this with everyone I know. Geniusly composed and a VERY helpful review. Thug Notes, you get me "dawg."

[@williamblevins4313]

thanks thug notes! I was going to ask you to do a video on Beowulf because me high school class is studying Beowulf. so thanks for helping a brother out!

[@wojtekszeler6756]

That helped my friend to pass the exams from british literature, thank you!

[@MsLulu200]

My class is reading this story it's soo boring and I don't understand anything about this story ... :/ :( >:(

[@CharlieUlivarri]

rock starblow There is a lot of background in Anglo-Saxon tradition that emerges from the story. What Sparky covers in rulership is a part of it, but the greater part is the comitatus (relationship between the king and thane) that is at the core of Beowulf's and Hrothgar's relationship, especially when Hrothgar's wife becomes concerned for her children's inheritance. The giving king and loyal-unto-death vassals are challenged at the end when Beowulf's men flee from the dragon, and Beowulf dies because the system that they are to live by fails. There is also the wergild (life-price or death-price) that entails a payment for causing the death of a kinsman (accidental or intentional); if the wergild is not paid, then vengeance is demanded. This is why Hrothgar is a fallen king, he is powerless to exact the wergild from Grendel, this is why Grendel's mother comes to avenge his death, etc... There is also a nationalist element in the story as Beowulf, a foreigner, comes to battle Grendel since none of the warriors there can handle the job, foreshadowing in the story of Sigmund and the dragon that alludes to Beowulf's battle with the dragon, rich inclusion of pagan Anglo-Saxon mythology and Christianity, and so much more!

[@MsLulu200]

Thnkx for helping me out !! I still don't like the story it's boring and too long !!

[@EyeLean5280]

Subtle! Straight away, he tips us off that he's using Seamus Heaney's translation.

[@caitlintree3132]

well that's the only translation........since the story had never actually been written down before

[@yummi4tunekookie]

Right, because "Hwæt! We Gar-Dena in gear-dagum / þeod-cyninga, þrym gefrunon, / hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon!" (as it was written down in about 1000 BCE) needs absolutely no translation for modern day speakers of English.

[@EyeLean5280]

caitlin tree There have been many translations of Beowulf into modern English. I have four sitting on the table here beside me as I type this.

[@EyeLean5280]

Benedick Cumbersnatch You've entirely missed my point. Who said anything about Beowulf needing no translation??? Please re-read my initial comment, and then listen again to the opening of this video. Greg Edwards begins his summary by saying "So..." which is how Seamus Heaney translates "Hwæt." This translation of the Beowulf opening is highly unusual and was much remarked upon when it first appeared in 2000. Prior to this, all translations began with either an imperative, such as "Listen!" or "Lo!", or a salutation, such as "Hail!" May I suggest to you that it may be better to ask questions of your fellow KZbinrs, rather than attempt to put them down?

[@yummi4tunekookie]

EyeLean5280 My apologies, EyeLean, but my response was towards caitlin; my fault for not tagging appropriately. I own Heaney's and Tolkien's translations myself. You're right, though, in that I should tone down my cynical snark if I truly intend to educate another or have an actual dialogue. I just get incredibly frustrated when commenters make confident (fallacious) assertions online, what with Google being RIGHT HERE.

[@tierneytellsstories]

you have no idea how much this helped me. I did not wanted to read the book so I just read summaries off of shmoop. I love that you are doing this I just wish our teachers can let us watch these.

[@LauraKennelly]

Thanks so much for doing Beowulf. I see other great suggestions--. Looking forward to the next one.

[@nebojsagalic4246]

It`s a folk epic. It was not written by any single author. It was passed down from generation to generation with each bard adding or taking something away. Then some unnamed bard sorted it out to the point of it being a cohesive narrative, an then some monk wrote it down.

[@ombranox]

I could have sworn Beowulf was a kenning for BEAR. Beo- bee, and wulf... is wolf (representing a predator). Or, simply put, a predator of bees. Bears were scary, scary things, and common superstition was that saying its actual name was to invoke its appearance...

[@aya3520]

I love you wisecrack ever since the first time I've seen your videos, thaaaaaaanks ;)

[@reesepuffs81]

Longest 2 weeks of my life, welcome back!

[@levongevorgyan6789]

Didn't he fight the beast naked just to be fair?

[@matts.6234]

In one adaptation of beowulf I read, it implied that beowulf said he hunted down grendel's mother, but she actually seduced him. Later in the story it tells how he actually got her pregnant and she gave birth to the dragon that kills him in the end.

[@catazxy]

just like the movie

[@MrNight48]

Guess that wasn't the right one, but I am just as confused

[@catazxy]

***** unless you are a fan of both :))

[@paul-hugoarcand5197]

It's like that in the movie

[@elijahfoltz3755]

Yes, that is true in some adaptations, particularly the animated Robert Zemeckis film from 2007. In that, Grendel was actually the hideously deformed and diseased son of King Hrothgar who had been seduced by the sea hag (Grendel's mother). Then after Beowulf slew Grendel like a badass, she seduced him, and had another kid: the dragon that finally killed old King Beowulf (not before he killed it, of course).

[@lindagriggs8024]

Surprised how much I appreciated this. THANK YOU

[@mccanlessdesign]

My Tuesdays are again complete - wonderful!

[@TAluclaire]

There are two important inaccuracies in this video which should be addressed. The first is the misconception that Beowulf left any of the Dragon's wealth with his people. Beowulf's military leadership was the only thing keeping the Swedes from invading Geatland, and the poem ends in sadness because it is telling of the end of the Geatish, who either moved to England and assimilated with the Angles/Saxons or were taken over and assimilated into the Swedes. All of the dragon's wealth was sent away on the pyre to keep the Swedish from attaining it, as well as to honor Beowulf's memory. The whole point of being generous with wealth was absolutely correct but that only applies when your kingdom isn't doomed. The poem even mentions how the gold is only symbolically valuable, anyway. The second is the point on the theme of pride in regards to Beowulf fighting Grendel unarmed. Grendel cannot be harmed by man-made metals but nobody thought to fight him unarmed or by slamming his arm in a door because normal people would think trying such things are insane. Beowulf has already been established to have superhuman strength by this point both in narration and his own stories of his exploits. By making a boast and fulfilling it Beowulf is shown in a positive light from the perspective of the narrator, not a negative one. By doing this he is in-tune with the Wyrd, or Fate, and was fated to kill Grendel so long as he went about it the right way. If you don't mind a bit of extra reading, here's an essay I wrote about Beowulf back in University that goes into detail on the historical and cultural contexts of the poem between the period in which it was thought to first have been composed and when the version we are familiar with was written down: docs.google.com/document/d/1DrwvXpDRVcxatzvY53oA6iQ5sxQvAmtIZphwbir8fMI/edit

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

We do not need to read your essay. Make your own video.

[@ParkerBarandon]

I read beowulf in 7th grade and it seemed very short... it was only like 108 pages

[@archm6618]

That's because you read the shortened version that leaves stuff out

[@Kirschbaumleiche]

Yeah, that's right. And belief me... you don't wanna read the long version, even not in modern English... It's awful as fuck. Especially if English isn't your mothertongue like in my case...

[@ibrahimlatif10]

this is actually helping me, i was styuck on this topic at school and now, youve explained it rlly well, thank u my g

[@marysims4096]

This man's videos need to be in all the urban schools. Total Lean On Me happening if they had teachers like this man.

[@MrCedarPawn]

Wait a minute. Beowulf fought Grendel unarmed because the beast was invulnerable to edged steel, and fought the dragon with no backup save Wiglaf because all his other warriors pussied out. In neither case was it about Beowulf being arrogant, this analysis is way off.

[@JAYZM1YST3R3097]

Exactly, that was the way i interpreted it when i read it. i didnt make him out to be this huge arrogant warrior.

[@TrevRockOne]

You mean ThugNotes could be wrong?

[@fmlAllthetime]

It's literature, it tends to be up to interpretation on issues not clearly stated. I don't know the story well, but from what he said and from what you said, it seems like either could be a valid explanation.

[@HazyTown01]

TrevRockOne Dun Dun Duuuuuuunnnn!

[@MrCedarPawn]

Eh, no, if you read it the reasons are very clear. Both are NOT valid according to interpretation.

[@bethanyfaubel6071]

At least every now and then, I must say, you are pretty darn awesome! I love all your work

[@heinwilliamrich]

Thug Notes is seriously the best thing on KZbin.

[@jinbae6076]

You should do more, helps me a bunch. Thanks!

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

I am starting to love these!

[@EmilyJean9]

this was so helpful! thank you so much!

[@lindseywillis6253]

This is the best summary I found!

[@Ghosty144]

Thank you!! This book was not easy to understand!

[@Angelcakes87]

Loved this!!!

[@maryannes6426]

This man helps me learn this stuff. Brilliant!

[@Mechristopheles]

One of the best parts of the week.

[@alexrediger5409]

Absolutely awesome.

[@ohsnapitzberil]

you deserve waaayy more subscribers!!

[@Summdha]

Think i just stumbled across the most interesting educational channel EVER!

[@BranchHeadJim]

Missed you last week, Doc. Thanks for the insight on Beowulf.

[@XxRocQstaRxX]

You never cease to amaze me. I'd love to see your take on Othelli, The Count of Monte Cristo, or The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

[@allstartumbler123]

this is possibly the best thing ive ever watched

[@jessicalin4170]

dude thank you this is so helpful.

[@marysims4096]

I have always loved your "courses" - you ain't never wrong.

[@stephaniemyers160]

Amazing. Bravo Sparky.

[@jocelyng904]

this was incredibly helpful, i now understand the book thank you!!

[@wintersunday6753]

another excellent video

[@moomoocachoo9025]

Always look forward to your videos! Which one are you doing next? Also, would you be willing to do Flowers for Algernon?

[@DualKnifeBlade]

fantastic job

[@14mitceli]

Love this!

[@pjpeej13]

Thanks so much man! I have a Beowulf quiz tomorrow!

[@Thebesteverr007]

Would've loved to have this posted last week, we literally just covered this in school. Great episode, though!

[@Muscari]

Best channel on youtube, ya hear!

[@indyacampbell4071]

this is amazing. how did I not know about this before?

[@doverider2]

I love your vids! You are and awesome teacher!!! Your presentations are engaging, entertaining, and educational!! I've gotten fresh perspective on many of my favorite classics!! I'll be using your work to inspire my students!! Much Love!! Stay Awesome!!

[@her0majesty]

Thank you for doing this a week after I finished this!!!!!!!!

[@Metallman]

LOVE THIS!