Beowulf Final Project
Directions
 Choose one of the project ideas listed below. Design a classroom presentation that reflects
an understanding of Beowulf and your project topic.
 Your project should be historically accurate or consistent with the information in Beowulf.
 Each project must be accompanied by a 400-word paper typed in MLA format, explaining
your research and the process used in making your project.
Grading
 Test grade (100 points)
 60% project/presentation
 40% written portion
Project Ideas
1. 3-D Model of Herot
Carefully read the description of Heorot in Beowulf and construct a 3-D model of Heorot.
When presenting to the class, be able to share what elements of the poem can be seen in your
reconstruction (provide line numbers). Your written paper may be about Herot, Anglo-Saxon
buildings, the purpose and significance of the mead-hall, or a related topic.
2. Beowulf’s Ship
Research Anglo-Saxon ships and carefully read the section about Beowulf’s voyage to Heorot.
Create a representation (drawing, painting, model, etc.) of the Geats’ ship. Be prepared to
discuss the knowledge used to create your masterpiece when presenting to the class. Your
written paper may be about Anglo-Saxon ships, sea-voyages, or a related topic.
3. Monster Art
Create an artistic depiction of Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, or the Dragon. You may use the
medium of your choice (paint, clay, ink, pastels, computer-generated, etc.) Use knowledge
gained from the text and further research. Be prepared to discuss the knowledge used to
create your masterpiece when presenting to the class. Your written paper may be able AngloSaxon art, monsters and mythical creatures in Anglo-Saxon culture, or a related topic.
4. Battle Art
Recreate an artistic depiction of a weapon, shield, or armor from the book. You may use the medium
of your choice (paint, clay, ink, wood, metals, computer-generated, etc.) Use knowledge gained
from the text and further research. Be prepared to discuss the knowledge used to create your
masterpiece when presenting to the class. Your written paper may be about Anglo-Saxon
weapons, armor, military culture, or a related topic.
5. Comic Book
Create a comic book that depicts the story of Beowulf. Include all major plot elements. You
may also illustrate the comic by hand or computer, but make sure it is original work. Your comic
book must include at least a cover, two pages of comic strips, and a back cover.
6. Character Speech
Choose one character from Beowulf. Write a 2 minute speech from his/her/its perspective.
Dress like the character and deliver your speech to the class. You may use index cards during
your speech, but you may not read it word-for-word from paper. You do not have to memorize
the speech, but you should have rehearsed it to the point where you only need to glance down
occasionally at your index cards.
7. Food
Prepare a dish or two to share with the class. Provide pictures of the cooking process and
present facts that you learned during your research. Food must be an accurate depiction of
Anglo-Saxon origin. However, some ingredients may be substituted if necessary. Food must be
ready to eat upon arrival. Your written paper may be about Anglo-Saxon foods, dining customs,
feasts, or a related topic.
Note: there are no actual written recipes from this time period. However, you should be able to find
several recipes of what the Anglo-Saxons probably ate, based on the ingredients and cooking methods
that we do know about. Find recipes that are as accurate to the time period as possible, while
understanding that any recipes you find are best-guesses.
8. Beowulf Parody and Music Video
Take a popular song and re-write the lyrics to create a song about Beowulf and his epic battles.
Option #1: record a music video to go along with your performance.
Option #2: perform your song live during the feast.
You must have a copy of your original lyrics to provide to the class. The video/performance
must not exceed 5 minutes in length.
9. Beowulf Board Game
Create an original game based on Beowulf’s characters and events. Your game should include
playing pieces, a clear set of instructions, and some sort of board. When people play the board
game, they should learn and understand what transpires in the story; for instance, when
players draw cards that direct their next move, the cards instruct them to perform an action
that happens in the story.
10. Scop
Write a poem inspired by Beowulf. Your poem may be a retelling of a dramatic scene or a eulogy
(funeral) poem for a dead character. It must be at least 6-8 stanzas long and you will recite the poem
during the feast. You do not have to memorize the poem, but you should have rehearsed it to
the point where you only need to glance down occasionally.