The Legend
This represents the futility of battle, and reminds us that relying on something to fight for us is never 100% reliable. (Hint: Beowulf is more successful fighting with his hands.)
What is the sword, Hrunting?
Stole the town's treasure and ends up fatally wounding Beowulf.
What is the dragon?
A symbol of Beowulf's victory; and represents Grendel's mother personal loss and mankind's gruesome sense of what might be an appropriate trophy.
What is Grendal's claw?
A long, narrative poem about a hero whom embodies the values of that society.
What is an epic poem?
He is the first sinner in Christianity, whom Grendel is descended from.
Who is Cain?
The celebrations in Hereot Hall cause this conflict. (Hint: the conflict is that everyone in Hereot Hall was killed.)
What is Grendal's attack?
The she-monster who lives under the lake in a cave.
Who is Grendal's mother?
The item that Wealhtheow gives Beowulf, which is a symbol of the bond of loyalty between her people and Beowulf.
What is the Golden Torque?
The use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse.
What is Alliteration?
Challenged Beowulf to a swimming contest.
Who is Brecca?
This was how Beowulf became king of the Geats. (Hint: there was a battle Hygelac fought).
What is the war against the Shylfings?
The monster who terrorizes the town.
Who is Grendal?
Represents the outcasts of society.
What is Grendal's cave?
A metaphorical compound. ie - "the shadow of death."
What is a kenning?
Grendel bled to death. (Hint: "What happened when [answer]")
What happened when Beowulf ripped Grendel's arm off?
He is the one who defeats the dragon. (Hint: Beowulf's most loyal servent)
Who is Wiglaf?
The king of the Geats.
Who is Beowulf?
Represents the vanity of human wishes as well as the unpredictability of time.
What is the dragon's treasure?
The repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words.
What is assonance?
He insulted Beowulf's honor.
Who is Unferth?
Is Beowulf a story of Christianity or paganism? (Hint: You do not have to answer in the form of a question, but explain your answer).
It's both: Originally may have been written in pagan themes, but when rewritten or transcribed by the monks, Christianity was added. Both elements are found in the story. (Also acceptable: there is a struggle on pagan culture and Christianity/there is a struggle of balance when combining these two types of religion)
The king of the Danes.
Who is King Hrothgar?
Represents the achievements of the Scyldings, specifically Hrothgar, and their level of civilization.
What is Heorot Hall?
A pause or break in a line of poetry.
What is a Caesura?
What is the greatest honor, according to the story? (Hint: you don't have to answer in a question)
Having fame and glory after death.