The Epic Hero
Monsters of Evil
Culturally Significant
It's in the numbers
Devices
100
What weapons does Beowulf use to kill Grendel? Why?
What is bare hands. Beowulf is honorable and does not wish you fight unfairly. Grendel does not hold a weapon.
100
Name the three monsters Beowulf must fight.
What is Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and the Dragon.
100
Define an Epic Poem
What is a story (poem) passed down orally, reflecting value of society,has epic hero/epic journey, told in a grand style with ceremonial speeches, explained history, heritage.
100
the author of Beowulf
Who is Unknown
100
alliteration
What is the repetition of one vowel or consonant sound in a section of writing. It is usually at the beginning of words or by stressed syllables. Beowulf examples: "The Hall of the Heart", "His pledge and promise", "Dragging the dead men home to his den"
200
To what does the poet give credit for Beowulf's victory over Grendel's mother?
What is God's judgment or fate. God decides who shall win.
200
Why does Beowulf use a sword and shield to fight the dragon?
What is due to the fire breath and poison tongue of the dragon.
200
This relationship is based on intense loyalty, trust, and gift-giving and receiving.
What is comitatus
200
Number of years Grendel terrorizes Heorot
What is 12 years.
200
clan-chiefs, gift-hall, wound-slurry, war-band,
What is kenning
300
Why does Beowulf want a tower built for him?
What is to remind people of his life and famous deeds.
300
Who is Grendel descended from?
Who is Cain
300
How does the poet of "Beowulf" define evil?
What is any creature or spirit opposing God, who is always/usually defeated.
300
Beowulf's strength, in terms of number of men
What is 30
300
The belief that the path of one's life is predetermined
What is fate?
400
Why does Wiglaf think he and his comrades should help Beowulf fight the dragon?
What is in the past they had promised to repay Beowulf's kindness with their lives.
400
Grendel's mother goes to Heorot to avenge her son's death. In killing Aeschere, which part of the Anglo-Saxon code of honor does she exhibit?
What is eye for an eye or blood vengence
400
How does Beowulf's character represent the values of Anglo-Saxon culture?
What is bravery, fairness, responsibility or concern for others, piety (thanking God/fate), ambition, loyalty, and intelligence. They also valued reputation and earthly materials.
400
Number of men Beowulf brought into the Dragon's Hoard
What is 14
400
The break within a line of poetry hames niosan syddan Heardred laeg to the land of Sweeden, leaving Beowulf
What is caesura
500
Define the qualities of an Epic Hero.
What is a larger-than-life figure, typically of noble or semi-divine birth, who pits his courage, skill, and virtue against opposing, often evil, forces.
500
What aspect of life does the dragon symbolize and why? Think about stages of life.
What is death or old age. He has killed Beowulf after he lead a long, victorious life.
500
Pagan ancient peoples believed that fame and glory are the only ideals that will survive death. What evidence can you find in "Beowulf" that supports this ideal?
What is Beowulf's goal to win glory by defeating Grendel. He values or boasts about his victories and heroism. Death equals defeat (loss of glory and fame) when his kinsman mourn his tardiness while defeating Grendel's Mother. Even when old he want to fight the dragon for fame or glory. He builds a tower to keep his name alive after death.
500
Number of men Beowulf brought to Dane-land to fight Grendel.
What is 14
500
Son of Ecgtheow, the people's lord, a prowler through the dark, prince of Danes
What is epithet
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