Who is unferth in grendel

Along with Grendel, Unferth represents the theme of envy in the epic. Shortly after Beowulf's arrival, Unferth, full of mead, insults the guest at a banquet. This is more than an awkward moment for the hosts. Unferth's behavior goes against the code of hospitality. Unferth accuses Beowulf, as a lad, of entering a dangerous, foolish seven-night swimming match on the open sea against a boy named Breca — and losing.

Fortunately for the Dane, Beowulf demonstrates a noble spirit as well as ease with language as he refutes the charge and puts Unferth in his place.

In fact, Beowulf says, he swam with Breca for five nights, not wanting to abandon the weaker boy. Before Unferth finishes, however, he abandons his poetic tone and confronts Grendel about his condemnation of heroism. Unferth claims that heroism is about more than simply fairy tales and poetry. Grendel retorts that heroism also breaks up the boredom of life. Further angered, Unferth declares that either he or Grendel will die that night in the cave.

Grendel, however, says that he plans to carry Unferth back to the meadhall unscathed. Unferth swears he would rather kill himself, but Grendel points out that such an action would appear rather cowardly. Unferth lives throughout the twelve-year war, crazy with frustration at the fact that Grendel taunts him by sparing his life during every raid.

Whereas the dragon used to manifest himself as a dark, intangible presence in the woods, now he haunts Grendel as a smell in the air, leading him on and goading him into more intense nihilism. SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook.

Themes Motifs Symbols. Mini Essays Suggested Essay Topics. Summary Chapter 6. The way the content is organized and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive. When he attempts to fight Grendel , though, he is humiliated. Grendel mocks his ideas of heroism and refuses to allow Unferth to die a heroic death.

For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:. Chapter 6 Quotes. Related Characters: Grendel speaker , Unferth speaker.

Related Themes: Heroism. Page Number and Citation : 87 Cite this Quote. Explanation and Analysis:. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Chapter 6. Then, a man named Unferth appeared.

Grendel calls Unferth his salvation. Taller than the other men, Unferth took on Grendel Grendel returned to his cave. Three nights later, Unferth arrived, having followed him. Grendel woke up startled, stopped his mother from going to Unferth ,