1. Describe Wealhtheow's appearance. What role does she play in the hall? Explain why the phrase "Hashtag: blessed" is used to describe her (line 623). 2. Why do you think Beowulf chooses to forego weapons and fight Grendel hand-to-hand? 3. In line 731, Headley writes about Grendel's wyrd, choosing to use an archaic term rather than the more familiar fate. Discuss the etymology and connotations of wyrd. Why use it here when the word fate was used for Beowulf?

1. Describe Wealhtheow's appearance. What role does she play in the hall? Explain why the phrase "Hashtag: blessed" is used to describe her (line 623). 2. Why do you think Beowulf chooses to forego weapons and fight Grendel hand-to-hand? 3. In line 731, Headley writes about Grendel's wyrd, choosing to use an archaic term rather than the more familiar fate. Discuss the etymology and connotations of wyrd. Why use it here when the word fate was used for Beowulf?