Characters
This character is a king of a great hall. In recent years, he has had terrible fortune and is at a loss of how to help his people.
Where did a community meet to share feasts and stories together?
Mead hall
Grendel finally shows fear when?
he is held fast in Beowulfs grip
A poetic device that works a metaphor for a noun.
Kenning
Where did the Anglo-Saxons originally come from?
Germany
This character has defeated sea beasts, giants, and demons in many battles to prove his bravery and strength.
Beowulf
What religion did the Anglo-Saxons use to practice that is criticized throughout Beowulf?
Paganism
Why does Grendel initially attack Herot?
He can't stand the sound of singing in the hall.
The repeated use of the initial consonant sound that carries over in a line of poetry.
Alliterative verse
Who most likely originally wrote Beowulf?
A christian monk
This is a demon who cannot stand to hear the word of God. No one has been able to best him in battle for 12 years!
How did the Anglo-Saxons feel about water?
They saw it as something to be feared. It was dangerous and only the bravest would venture into it.
How does Beowulf hear about Grendel?
Sailors
The following is a kenning for what..."Head of the Heavens and High King of the World"
God
What is an epic poem about?
A hero's battles who embodies the values of their culture.
This Dane is jealous of Beowulf. He challenges his boast, but is proven wrong. He is revealed to have betrayed his kin. He is also a coward.
Unferth
What is the Anglo-Saxon word for "fate", and what is their attitude towards it?
"Wyrd" and the Anglo-Saxons were very matter of fact about fate. They believed it was pre-destined and if poor fortune befell them, it was how it was supposed to be.
How does Beowulf finally defeat Grendel?
He rips his arm off. Grendel runs back to his den and bleeds out.
The following is a kenning for what: "Sail-road"
The ocean or sea
Approximately how many lines is Beowulf? (give or take 200)
3182
This character is the wife of the king. It is her job to be a good host and spread good-will among the visitors to build friendship and trust.
What is the Anglo-Saxon name for a warrior that is fiercely loyal to their king.
Thane
What does Beowulf's thanes do during the battle
They try to help him by hitting Grendel with their swords, but Grendel's hide is so tough they are unable to break through.
Why does the poet use the kenning "God-cursed" when referring to Grendel?
What is a fate worse than death for a thane who fails their king in Battle?
To be exiled and become an outsider from their community.