General
What did Grendels mother steal from the mead-hall?
Grendels arm
Who is the monster in this reading?
Grendel's Mother
“The poem was over, the poet had performed, a pleasant murmur started on the benches…”
Pg. 83 → 1158
The vivid descriptions of the lake, including dark waters and monstrous creatures
Imagery
Hrothgar laments the death of Aschere, and Beowulf pledges to kill Grendel’s mother to avenge his death, demonstrating his commitment to this principle.
Revenge
What does Hildeburh do to mourn the loss of her brother and son?
She orders that the corpses of her brother, Hnaef, and her son be burned on the same bier.
Who lends his armor to Beowulf for the battle against Grendel’s mother?
Unferth
“Her onslaught was less only by as much as an amazon warrior’s strength is less than an armed man’s…”
Pg. 91 → 1282
What literary device best fits this quote: “how could they know fate, / the grim shape of things to come” (1233–1234)
foreshadowing
Beowulf’s willingness to face the monster in the depths of the lake reflects which principle of his character?
Warrior code
Which weapon does Unfreth loan to Beowulf for his fight against Grendel's mother?
The sword Hrunting.
Who is the trusted adviser of Hrothgar taken by Grendel's mother from Heorot?
Aeschere
“A few miles from here a frost-stiffened wood waits and keeps watch above a mere;”
Pg. 95 → 1362
The golden torque shows the bond and loyalty between Wealhtheow’s people and Beowulf
Symbolism
Symbols of wealth, loyalty, and peacekeeping
Women
What gifts does Wealhtheow present to Beowulf, and what does she ask of him regarding her sons?
Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a torque of gold and a suit of mail armor, asking him to guide her sons and treat them kindly.
Who tells the saga of Finn?
The Kings scop.
“It was of beaten gold, princely headgear hooped and hasped by a weapon-smith…”
Pg. 101 → 1450
What type of device is used in this section of a line, “sea-lanes”
kennings
Beowulf’s actions are driven by his desire to be remembered for his bravery, ensuring his name lives on through stories of his triumphs.
Warrior Code
Describe the setting where Beowulf finds Aeschere's head and the scene he encounters there.
At a cliff's edge, with Aeschere's head lying on the ground and the murky water below filled with serpents and sea-dragons.
Who is the Danish leader killed in the battle against the Frisians?
Hnaef
“Retainers in great numbers were posted on guard as so often in the past.”
Pg. 87 → 1237
What type of device is used in this line: “And from Cain there sprang misbegotten spirits, among them Grendel”
Variation
What motif does this quote hint towards: “Beowulf got ready, donned his war-gear, indifferent to death;”
Fate