Characters
This character is an epic hero who clearly demonstrates his abilities by facing off against three formidable foes.
Who is Beowulf?
Beowulf dies by this.
What is the dragon's bite/ venom/ poison?
Beowulf's is expected by his society to battle all three of the monsters that he does. In doing so, he is protecting his people, his ideals, and his beliefs, and follows a specific code. What is the theme that this represents?
What is the heroic code?
Culturally speaking, Beowulf does this action upon entering Hrothgar's presence. This characteristic is also a common trait among epic heroes.
What is brag/ be a braggart?
The Roman Empire held the Celtic lands (what we refer to as Great Britain today) for many generations. The Celts benefited from this because the Romans gave them this.
What is protection/ safety from invaders?
This character only wants to stop the party that is disturbing his home life. He attacks Herot for 12 years straight. When he finally battles Beowulf, he ends up losing an arm.
Who is Grendel?
Beowulf ends up facing these three antagonist.
Who are Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon?
Beowulf, upon facing the Dragon, acknowledges that it would be foolish to fight without a weapon and he leaves it up to fate to decide the victor. This theme addresses Beowulf's emotions and delivers one of the strongest life lessons that we can still use today.
What is death?
The battles between the three antagonist best represents this part of the Hero's Journey.
What are trials?
Paganism was the primary religion for the people of Great Britain until this major religious entity took over.
What is Christianity?
This character is a king who, after taking the throne when his elder brother dies, builds a mead hall to commemorate his many successes. This action ultimate forces another character to attack because, hey, plot.
Who is Hrothgar?
Beowulf is a member of this group of people. When he hears of Hrothgar's trouble, he travels to help these people.
Who are the Geats and Danes? (Right order.)
Hrothgar, and later Beowulf, are expected to protect the people that are their followers because they are the rulers. Which theme does this define?
What are Ruler's Obligation?
Beowulf immediately moves to help Hrothgar when he learns of his troubles. This action is this part of the hero's journey.
What is the call to action/ adventure?
Name the author of Beowulf.
Who is "Unknown"/ "Not Known"?
This character made a huge mistake. He killed a Wulfling Solider and nearly started a war because of it. Hrothgar helps him by paying off his debt. Beowulf returns many years later to help Hrothgar as a form of paying off this man's debt to him.
Who is Edgthetho/ Beowulf's Father?
Beowulf, the poem, can be classified in several different ways. Name two of them.
What is an epic poem, oral tradition piece, and song?
Beowulf refuses to give in to any of the antagonist, despite the overwhelming odds he might face. Which theme does this idea embody?
What is the denying defeat?
In the second battle against an antagonist, Beowulf lifts a Giant's specially made sword to slice down on the neck of said antagonist. This item best represents this part of the hero's journey.
What is the weapon/ talisman?
This language became the language of British Monarchy after the Norman Conquest. Parlez vous?
What is French?
This character was the only one to remain at Beowulf's side when he fought the final of his fierce foes. In doing so, he became king of the Geats after Beowulf's death.
Who is Wiglaf?
Scops (pronounced "shops") described all the battles in great detail in order to build this literary device.
What is imagery?
There is a lesson to be had in seeing Beowulf battling the three antagonist. In order for him to be the hero, they must exist and cause pain. Therefore, there is the idea that this theme is necessary to show balance.
What is good vs. evil?
Like many stories that follow the Hero's journey, Beowulf was told in this manner.
What is orally/ oral tradition?
It was thanks to these practices that, instead of dying out, English became mixed with Old Norse.
What are marriage practices?