Motif
“[Heremod] suffered in the end for having plagued his people for so long: his life lost happiness” (p 119, ln 1720-1722).
What is Fate?
“With Hrunting I shall gain glory…” Who says this before diving into the lake? (p. 103, lines 1490-1491)
Who is Beowulf?
"After these words, the prince of the Weather-Geats was impatient to be away and plunged suddenly: without more ado, he dived into the heaving depths of the lake." (p103, 1492-1495)
Beowulf is dragged into Grendel’s mother’s underwater lair
“Then, in a flurry, he flung his sword away.” (p107 1531)
What is Alliteration?
“With sword held high, its hilt raised to guard and threaten, Hygelac’s thane scouted by the wall in Grendel's wake. Now the weapon was to prove its worth” (p 109, ln 1573-1576).
What is Weaponry?
This character attacks Beowulf because she wants to “avenge her only child”. Who is she? (p. 107, lines 1545-1550)
Who is Grendel’s mother?
"But he soon found his battle-torch extinguished: the shining blade refused to bite." (p105, 1522-1524)
Beowulf’s sword fails in battle against Grendel’s mother, leaving Beowulf weaponless.
“Then he saw a blade that boded well, a sword in her armoury, an ancient heirloom from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon, one that any warrior would envy, but so huge and heavy of itself only Beowulf could wield it in a battle.” (p107-109 1557-1562)
What is Variation?
“Beowulf in his fury now settled that score: he saw the monster in his resting place, war-weary and wrecked, a lifeless corpse … Beowulf cut the corpse's head off” (p 109, ln 1584-1590).
What is Revenge?
“Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part…” Who gives Beowulf this warning about pride? (p.121, line 1760)
Who is Hrothgar?
"Then he saw a blade that boded well, a sword in her armoury, an ancient heirloom from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon, one that any warrior would envy, but so huge and heavy of itself only Beowulf could wield it in a battle." (p107, 1557-1562)
Beowulf discovers the giant sword in Grendel's mother's possession, taking advantage and using it against her.
“Then the prince of War-Geats, warming to this fight…” (p107 1537)
What is Compounding?
"It was easy for the Lord, the Ruler of Heaven, to redress the balance once Beowulf got back up on his feet” (p 107, ln 1554-1556)
What is Paganism vs. Christianity?
Beowulf returns Hrunting and thanks the man who lent it to him. Who originally gave Beowulf Hrunting? (p125 1805-1810)
Who is Unferth?
"So the Shieldings' hero, hard-pressed and enraged, took a firm hold of hte hilt and swung the blade in an arc, a resolute blow that bit deep into her neck-bone and severed it entirely, toppling the doomed house of her flesh; she fell to the floor. The sword dripped blood, the swordsman was elated." (p109, 1561-1569)
Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother, then finds Grendel’s body and cuts off his head to bring back as a symbol of his victory and revenge.
“The hero observed that swamp-thing from hell...” (p105 1518)
What is a Kennings?
“If this combat kills me, take care of my young company, my comrades in arms” (p 103, ln 1480-1481).
What is the Warrior Code?
This former king is described as having “grew bloodthirsty” and stopped rewarding his people. Who is he? (p. 117-119, lines 1709-1720)
Who is Heremond?
"A protector of his people, pledged to uphold truth and justice and to respect tradition, is entitled to affirm that this man was born to distinction." (p117, 1700-1709)
Hrothgar praises Beowulf's strength, wisdom, fame, and leadership potential, saying he was born for greatness.
“Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke…” (p103 1473)
What is Formula?