Burton Raffel
What is the translator of Beowulf?
To what does the poet give credit for Beowulf's victories?
What is God's judgment or fate. God decides who shall win.
What is the name of the people who wrote down the story of Beowulf?
What is Anglo-Saxons
Why does Beowulf want a tower built for him?
What is to remind people of his life and his deeds; memorialize him.
Who is Grendel descended from?
What is Cain
Where was "Beowulf" believed to have taken place?
What is Scandanavia
Why does Wiglaf think he and his comrades should help Beowulf fight the dragon?
What is in the past they had promised to repay Beowulf's kindness with their lives.
Why can Grendel not touch Hrothgar's throne?
What is it was protected by God
The Anglo-Saxons converted largely to Christianity. What was the religion in much of western England before that occured?
What is Norse or paganism
Define the qualities of an Epic Hero (name at least three)
What is a larger-than-life figure. Typically of noble or semi-divine birth. Great warrior, embodies cultural values, glorified by their people, transcends time.
What happens to the Giant's sword? (be specific!)
It melts in Grendel's blood, leaving only the hilt behind
The pagan Germans, Greeks, and other ancient peoples believed that fame and glory are the only ideals that will survive death. What evidence can you find in "Beowulf" that supports this ideal? (name three)
What is Beowulf's goal to win glory by defeating Grendel. He values or boasts about his victories and heroism. Death equals defeat (loss of glory and fame). Even when old he wanted to fight the dragon for fame or glory. He builds a tower to keep his name alive after death.
How old is the story of Beowulf?
1,000 years old