Culture/History
Where does Beowulf take place?
Northern Europe, specifically Denmark
Who is Grendel descended from?
Cain
Why did Beowulf's sword fail against Grendel's Mother?
the curse
Running away
Why does Beowulf come to Heorot?
Glory/attention
How is Christianity reflected in the poem?
God mentioned at the end of stanzas ; Beowulf's success is dependent on God ; curse of Cain
Nothing ; the curse prevents him from being hurt
What did Beowulf use to kill Grendel's Mother?
a weapon made by giants
What part of the dragon's body is the weakest?
Underside/belly
Who is Beowulf's king & uncle?
Hygelac
What is a kenning?
What does Beowulf do with Grendel's severed arm?
hang it from the rafters
Where was Beowulf's fight against Grendel's Mother?
The swamp
How long has Beowulf been king at the time of the dragon attacks?
50 years
What does Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do with the dragon's treasure?
send it back to Hygelac/Geatland
Who originally put the poem on paper?
Christian monks
Where does Grendel flee after the fight with Beowulf?
his mother
Where is Grendel's Mother's battle hall?
Swamp
Why doesn't Beowulf survive the fight with the dragon?
Age & God withdrawing his favor
How is Beowulf related to Hygelac?
What real-world location is Geatland (probably)?
Sweden
How many years was Grendel in Heorot?
12 years
What does Grendel's Mother do when she sees Grendel's arm?
Kills Hrothgar's best friend
Why does Wiglaf stay to fight with Beowulf?
Wiglaf is also heroic and believes in loyalty to Beowulf/other authority figures
(Roughly) How old is Beowulf at the time of Pt. 1&2?
19-25