Eaters of the Dead is presented as a true story, even though the novel makes many changes to its source material. How does the novel’s claim to authenticity affect the portrayal of the characters? Cite at least five examples from the text.

Do your own research on the epic poem Beowulf. How similar is the story of Buliwyf? Why do you think Crichton chose to keep or change the elements he did in Eaters of the Dead? Connect Crichton’s narrative choices to the themes of the novel.

How does Buliwyf’s embodiment of the idea of a Norse hero affect the broader portrayal of heroism in the novel? Cite at least three examples from the text.