ANGLO-SAXON CULTURE AND HISTORY
What do mead halls represent?
Anglo-Saxon social life/community
Who is the Danish king Beowulf travels to help?
Hrothgar
What is the name of Hrothgar's mead hall?
Herot
What is a kenning?
A kenning is a 2-word metaphor for something or someone.
Who stays to help Beowulf fight the dragon?
Wiglaf.
How was the story of Beowulf originally shared?
It was passed down orally through storytelling and recitation.
Why does Grendel attack Herot?
He resents/is angry about the happiness, celebration, and fellowship of the Danes.
What does Beowulf tear off Grendel during their battle?
Beowulf tears off Grendel's arm.
Beowulf is important because it is the _______ surviving poem in the English language.
Oldest
How long does Beowulf rule the Geats before fighting the dragon?
He rules the Geats for 50 years.
In which century was Beowulf composed?
The 8th century.
Why does Grendel's mother attack Herot?
She seeks revenge for Beowulf killing her son, Grendel.
Where does Beowulf fight Grendel's mother?
In her underwater lair beneath the lake.
What does the kenning "whale-road" refer to?
The ocean.
Why does Beowulf choose to fight the dragon?
A thief steals a cup from the dragon's lair, angering it. It attacks the Geats, and Beowulf chooses to defend his people.
In which century was Beowulf written down?
The 11th century.
What motivates Beowulf to travel from Geatland to Denmark?
Beowulf wants to earn honor and fame by helping Hrothgar and defeating Grendel.
How does Beowulf finally defeat Grendel's mother?
He discovers a massive viking sword in her lair and uses it to kill her.
Beowulf was originally a _______ poem (indicative of many gods). Christians later added references to their beliefs when they did what?
Pagan; They conquered the pagans.
What does Beowulf ask to be built in his honor?
He asks for a large burial monument (tower) near the sea so sailors can remember him.
What were the poets who recited epics called?
The poets were called scops.
Who in the Bible is Grendel said to be a descendent of and what crime did that person commit?
Cain. He killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger.
What happens to the dragon's treasure after Beowulf's death?
The treasure is buried in the earth and remains hidden and useless to mankind.
Give two examples of kennings from the poem and explain what each means.
Various answers.
"Battle sweat"
"Almighty's enemy"
What is the name of Beowulf's father?
Edgetho