In what language was Beowulf originally written?
Old English
Name the three major Anglo-Saxon tribes.
Angles
Saxons
Jutes
Tragedy
What is the term for the Anglo-Saxon version of a bard?
Scop
What are the three major battles in Beowulf?
Grendel
Grendel's Mother
Dragon
Describe the hierarchy of this time period. Who was at the top of the pyramid? Middle? Bottom?
King
Thanes
Commoners
Why couldn't Grendel harm King Hrothgar?
His throne is protected by God
In "The Saefarer", the speaker ultimately realizes that his home is where?
Heaven
What is the name of Beowulf's sword?
Hrunting
Who introduced Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons?
The Romans
Define elegy.
A poem that mourns the loss of someone or something
In "The Wanderer", the speaker goes in search of ___________?
A new lord, clan
Beowulf comes from the land of the _____________.
Geats
Christianity replaced which religion?
Paganism
An elegy may explore profound questions about ______________.
Life and death or immortality
In "The Wife's Lament", the speaker wishes what for her husband?
For him to suffer just as she has.
Provide one example of a (school appropriate) kenning.
(Answers will vary)
What is a caesura?
A pause in a line of poetry, usually for dramatic effect
The Anglo-Saxon terms for fate is ______________.
Wyrd
What are the themes of the Anglo-Saxon poems we read?
Exile/isolation
Loss/grief
Transience of life
Suffering leads to wisdom
Importance of community and belonging