Key Moments 1
Why did Grendel attack Herot?
He didn't like the singing and music.
What does Beowulf ask Hrothgar to do if he dies fighting?
Send his treasure / weapons / armor back to his people
The king of the Danes
Hrothgar
This is referenced often when describing the warriors. These objects are usually made of metal, and are often described as "shiny" or "gleaming". They were very important for this culture.
armor/weapons/helmets/swords/mail (steal 100 points!)
What are the settings of the story? Name at least 2.
Denmark, Geatland, Herot, the tower
How did Beowulf hear about Grendel attacking the Danes?
Sailors spread the news (double points!)
Where does Beowulf fight Grendel's Mother?
At the bottom of the lake (double points!)
The monster who attacks Herot
Grendel (double points!)
Beowulf is always rewarded for his efforts in defeating enemies. What sort of things is he rewarded with?
Treasure / gold / jewels (double points)
What is the inciting incident (the initial conflict)?
Grendel is angered by the music in the hall. /Grendel attacks the hall. (steal 200 points!)
How many years did Grendel attack Herot?
12 (steal 200 points)
What does Beowulf use to kill Grendel's mother?
A giant, enchanted sword (steal 200 points)
The name of Beowulf's people
the Geats (steal 200 points!)
There are many references to "the Almighty" and "God" in Beowulf. This shows influence from which major religion on the Anglo-Saxon culture?
Christianity
What is the climax (the most exciting part) of the story?
When Beowulf fights Grendel's mother. / When Beowulf fights the dragon. (double points!)
What did Beowulf use to fight Grendel?
No weapons / his hands (double points)
What does Wiglaf say about the other warriors in the fight with the dragon?
He denounces them. / He calls them cowards. (double points!)
Grendel's Mother
Beowulf often talks about things he has done in the past. What sorts of things does he talk about?
His victories / his strength / boasting (double points!)
What is the point of view of the story? (think: 1st person, 2nd person, or 3rd person - who is telling the story?)
3rd person
What part of Grendel does Beowulf tear off?
his arm
Where is Beowulf buried?
In the tower where he fought the dragon.
A warrior who helps Beowulf slay the dragon
Wiglaf (steal 300 points!)
There is a consistent theme of overcoming evil in Beowulf. What is one difference in the origin of Grendel and his Mother and the dragon at the end?
Grendel and his Mother are spawn of Cain, while the dragon is not (steal 300 points)
What is the conclusion of the story?
Beowulf and Wiglaf kill the dragon, Wiglaf becomes king, they bury Beowulf.