a long, narrative poem telling the story of an extraordinary individual

a protagonist (main character) with noble qualities, often saving or helping others

old-fashioned language that is no longer widely used today

Beowulf begins his quest

English

Beowulf among the Danes

Characterisation of Beowulf and Grendel

Beowulf faces a new foe

Beowulf completes his Danish mission

Beowulf and the dragon

Beowulf's burial

In 'Beowulf’, pupils read and discussed the tale. In ’Beowulf Narrative Writing’, they will use the book as a stimulus for writing.

In 'Blackberry Blue’, pupils read and discussed the features of a traditional tale. In ’Beowulf’, pupils develop their understanding of traditional tales by discussing and reading a classic.

In this unit, pupils read and explore a translation and adaptation of the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf', written by Kevin Crossley-Holland. They explore the language and the context of the poem and then explore and discuss the chapters sequentially, gaining strong comprehension.

'Beowulf': reading

Match the characters to their descriptions. 

Why does Beowulf have a good impression of King Hrothgar? 

Which of these are features of an epic poem?

in Denmark, in 1000 CE, in Modern English

in England, in 1000 CE, in Modern English

Where and when was 'Beowulf' originally written, and in which language? 

Where does Beowulf travel from and to at the start of 'Beowulf'?

He has killed Danish men, women and children. 

He once killed thirty thanes in one night. 

No-one has been able to do anything to stop him. 

People are safe from him when they're in Heorot.

Which of the following are true of Grendel? 

Which of the following countries are in Scandinavia?

the Anglo-Saxons occupied parts of England

Which of the following events happened **after** the Romans left Britain?

someone who has good qualities and helps and saves others

Which of these is the best definition of a 'hero'?

In a story about a hero, which of these are we most likely to find?

What might the role of a monster be in a story involving a hero?

If a story is set in the 500s CE, which of the following will we **not** find in it? 

Beowulf begins his quest

Lesson outcome