2) Explain how the following themes work and what characters can be looked at as symbols of the theme.

Role of Kings: role of kings is shown by how Hrolf leads his men, and is shown in a bad way by King Frodi when he is not a fair king and doesn’t share his loot. All of the kings of the story represent this theme.

Role of the Warrior: showed best by Bodvar Bjarki when in the final battle he is described as always being by his king in Bear form and always being next to his king during and away from battle to protect him. He is honorable, he does not kill for no reason, and he defends his country and king. King Hrolf’s 12 champions are examples of warriors as are all of the unnamed soldiers.

Role of Women: this is shown by Queen Olof negatively and by her daughter Yrsa positively. Women are traditionally supposed to be wives and peace offerings to powerful men like Yrsa does. Queen Olof is a strong, opinionated woman. Hrolf’s daughter is another example of a traditional woman.

Concept of Magic: shown when Haki the farmer uses magic to move his farm ahead of Hrolf and his men. Also by the brothers Elk-Frodi, and King Thorir who use magic and can sense their brother Bodvar’s death. Magic is also used when Bodvar has Hott drink the Dragon-troll’s blood to become powerfull. Skuld, Bodvar, Elk-Frodi, Hott-Hjalti, Bodvar, and Thorir are magical.

Revenge: is best shown by Queen Olaf’s revenge on Helgi by tricking him into marrying his daughter. Olaf, Helgi, Adils, Elk-Frodi, and Thorir are characters involved in revenge.

Hospitality: shown at Hrolf’s court when the champions are inhospitable to Hott and Bodvar, also the Berserkers are inhospitable. King Adils court is also very inhospitable to the champions and Hrolf when they try to burn them. King Adils, Bodvar, the Berserkers, the Champions, King Hrolf, Hott, and Olaf are involved in this theme.

3) Discuss one event in the story that seems to represent what you believe the book to be about.

When Hrolf and his champions are visiting Adils in order to extract his inheritance is a good example of what the book is about. Adils attempts to kill Hrolf but his champions stand rue to their king and do not reveal which one is Hrolf. They protect him through all of the obstacles thrown at them. I believe this represents that this book is about the relationship between a king and his warrior.

4) How do hrolf and is champions compare with Arthur and the round table?

Arthur and his nights are much more about the code and being honorable. Hrolf’s champions are very harsh, they are brute warriors who demolish every enemy. Arthurs champions are also much more independent, there are many tales of them individually and not as one team like Hrolf’s champions are.

8) Compare Hrolf Kraki to Beowulf.

Hrolf Kraki is similar to Beowulf in that in the final battle he went on a warrior rampage and was an incredible warrior, however, he is a much better king than Beowulf, he controls and leads his men. Also he allows his men to fight for him and protect him. He realizes his importance, where Beowulf is a warrior first. Also, Hrolf does not go about doing things only to gain honor but to attempt to help his kingdom. Beowulf acts mainly to be a warrior and gather honor.