Beowulf completes his Danish mission
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe events in the second half of Chapter 5 and I can discuss how Beowulf fulfils the role of a hero.
Key learning points
- Having defeated Grendel's mother, Beowulf returns to Heorot a hero.
- Beowulf wants to return home to Geatland; King Hrothgar sadly lets him go, rewarding him once more.
- Heroes are common in mythology and epic poetry and they have certain typical attributes.
- These attributes might include courage, determination, physical strength, compassion and leadership.
- Beowulf has demonstrated these attributes throughout his time in Denmark.
Keywords
Kenning - a phrase of two words that replaces a noun that is often used in Old English poetry
Summarise - pull out the key information and ideas from the text
Hero - a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others
Attributes - qualities or features of a person’s personality
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle with the concept of 'fate' raised in the lesson.
Discuss the idea of being 'fated' to experience something, using examples - for instance, happening to meet a partner in a particular place might be described as 'fated' to happen.
Teacher tip
You may want to have pupils repeatedly re-read the short sections discussed in this lesson in order to develop fluency. Model fluent reading and have children practise in their pairs.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2013 Oxford Children’s Classics edition of ‘Beowulf’ written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Charles Keeping for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which characters have died so far in 'Beowulf'?
Q2.Compared to how he fought Grendel, what did Beowulf do differently when fighting Grendel's mother?
Q3.Which of the following is most important to Beowulf?
Q4.How many words are used in a kenning?
Q5.Which of these could be used as a kenning to describe Beowulf?
Q6.Which character could be described by the kenning 'Geat-devourer'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When Beowulf surfaced from the lake, what had the Danes done?
Q2.Which of these is a kenning for the monsters?
Q3.Which character might have said this line? '"We Danes are lucky to count you as a friend!"
Q4.Match these words to their meanings.
Q5.Since Beowulf arrived, what has happened to the relationship between the Geats and the Danes?
Q6.Which of the following are common attributes of heroes?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Beowulf completes his Danish mission, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Beowulf completes his Danish mission, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'Beowulf': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.