decisions writers make in order to create a certain impression or have a certain effect on the reader

feelings about a person, place or thing gained from reading a text

a phrase of two words that replaces a noun that is often used in Old English poetry

Beowulf faces a new foe

English

Beowulf begins his quest

Beowulf among the Danes

Characterisation of Beowulf and Grendel

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 following words to their descriptions.

Which character was taken by Grendel's mother?

with a sword he finds in the under-lake hall

What might the kenning 'wind-rider' be describing?

He fell to the floor, crushing a Geat warrior.

What happened to Grendel after Beowulf fought him? 

Which word below means 'take revenge for someone's death'?

Match the following words to their meanings. 

Which of the following was Beowulf given by Hrothgar as his reward?

Which of the following can contribute to characterisation?

Beowulf faces a new foe

Lesson outcome