Grendel
what is a heathen?
pagan (non-christian)
where is Beowulf from?
The Geats
How is Grendel’s home described?
cliffs
black clouds
duper dark
burning like a torch
no one knows the bottom of it
windy
How does Beowulf become King?
After his uncle and cousin die
why is the story of Beowulf so important to english literature?
it is the oldest poem in the English language and the common themes are still used today.
who is Grendel?
The young prince of the Gates
Who is Hrothgar's father? Where is he from?
Healfdane, they are from the danes
In what ways is Beowulf superhuman?
He can hold his breath underwater for a VERY long time
How long is Beowulf King of the Geats at this point?
he ruled for 50 years
what was the poem written in?
Old english (Anglo-Saxon)
Why won’t Grendel attack King Hrothgar or his throne?
because his throne is protected by God
how is Beowulf described?
stronger than any of the Geats
What does Hrothgar promise to give Beowulf if he kills Grendel’s mother?
“twisted Gold, and ancient treasure”
Why does the dragon begin attacking the Geats?
a thief stole a cup from the dragon
what is a litote?
a negative expression; usually an understatement.
What have King Hrothgar and his advisors begun to do to try to get rid of Grendel?
they are going to sacrifice the old stone gods, and they made heathen vows, hoping for hells support; their consequences are going to make them go to hell
How does Hrothgar know Beowulf?
Hrothgar only knows Beowulf because of Grendel and all of the stories
What are two things Grendel’s mother takes from Herot?
She took Hrothdar’s closest friend, and Grendel's claw
What items does Beowulf leave to Wiglaf?
his golden ring, his helmet, and his chain mail
what is a kenning?
compound metaphor (usually 2 words)
Most were probably used over and over
What is "the presence" Grendel feels in the darkness?
The presence is the dragon(which represents evil).
How does Beowulf intend to fight Grendel?
with God by his side and his bare hands
What did Beowulf use to kill the sea monster?who made it?
a magical sword, given to her from giants
After Beowulf collapses, who stands by Beowulf?
Wiglaf, which was wexstans son (a good soldier)
when did people start writing stories down?
Until after the Norman Invasion (1066)