Beowulf
Beowulf discards his weapons in order to be on equal ground with Grendel. What does this action reveal about Beowulf's personality?
He is an honorable warrior, he has a strong faith in God, and he wants there to be no question about his strength
Who is Beowulf's king?
Hygelac
Describe Grendel's heritage including why he is cursed
Grendel is a descendent of Cain, whom God punished, along with all his descendants, for killing his brother, Abel.
Why does Hrothgar build a mead hall and what is it called?
The mead hall is called Heorot, and it serves as a place for tribesmen to gather in celebration and to receive gifts from their king. Hrothgar designs a mighty hall so that all may see how the Lord has blessed him.
Who helps Beowulf against the dragon and why?
Wiglaf, a warrior and Scylding thane, does not hesitate to help Beowulf because he remembers all the kindness and treasure that the king had bestowed upon him in the past.
How does Beowulf make a final act of retribution against Grendel?
Beowulf finds Grendel's body in the cavern and cuts off his head.
Why does Wealtheow ask Hrothgar to be gracious and kind toward the Geats?
She believes that her sons may need Beowulf's help after Hrothgar's death. Hrothgar is old and his nephew, Hrothulf, covets the throne. Her intention is evident when she says, "For I deem that my gracious Hrothulf will rule honorably over the young ones if you quit the world earlier than he does, Scyldings' friend."
How is Grendel described? Why does the author describe him this way?
The author doesn't give a description and only refers to Grendel as the "shadow-walker." The vague, dark description adds to the mystery of the story.
What do the warriors do before they go to sleep in the mead hall?
In the hall and on the field, warriors place their helmets, mail, and spears above their heads in order to be ready for battle. The narrator approves of this practice, calling the warriors "good clansmen."
What does Ecglaf's son, Unferth, do that causes him to fall "short of glory and the honor of court?"
He loans the famous battle-sword, Hrunting, to Beowulf because he is afraid to fight.
In what way was Beowulf's death noble?
Beowulf fought to protect his people, knowing that he would likely die in battle. His death was a selfless act.
Why does Hrothgar cry when he bids Beowulf farewell?
Hrothgar is very fond of Beowulf and he believes that he will never see the Geatish prince again. Hrothgar cries because he is sad.
Where does Grendel's mother live?
At the bottom of the lake
What do Danish people do with their dead?
The dead are burned on a pyre. Aeschere cannot receive a proper funeral because Grendel's mother took his body.
Of what does Unferth accuse Beowulf?
Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a sea-swimming race to Breca
How is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel an example of good versus evil?
Beowulf is an honest warrior who fights Grendel to protect mankind; he is not driven by material gain. Grendel is a cursed descendant of Cain who dwells in the darkness and kills out of jealousy.
Both Hygelac and Beowulf own land and estates because of their inheritance, but why does the kingship go to Hygelac?
Because Hygelac is older
When does the dragon attack and why?
The dragon attacks at night so that it can hide in the cave during the day
What does Wiglaf say to the warriors when they return? How are they punished for their cowardice and is the punishment fitting for their culture?
Wiglaf chastises the men for their cowardice and failing their king when he was in need. Wiglaf says, "All will you lose when highborn lords from afar hear of your flight and ignoble deeds. Verily, death is better for warriors than an entire life of shame!" (Pg. 90)
Wiglaf tells the warriors that they will not receive treasure for their services: "Now must the giving of treasure, the presentation of swords, and the joys of homes and welath, depart from you." (Pg. 90) This punshment is fitting because the warriors primarily receive land and money from the king for services provided; not receiving rewards is a clear indication of their dishonorable behavior.
What do the Geats decide to do with the dragon's treasure?
They decide to burn it on Beowulf's funeral pyre
What is Beowulf's greatest natural gift? Provide two examples from the story that prove his talent.
Beowulf's greatest natural gift is his strength. Feats of his strength are repeated throughout the text including his ability to swim while wearing armor and wielding his sword, his ability to defeat Grendel in hand-to-hand combat, and his ability to wield a sword forged by giants.
In the past, why did Beowulf's father swear loyalty to Hrothgar?
Hrothgar paid a blood-price to the Wylfings in order to save Ecgtheow and settle the feud after Ecgtheow killed Heatholaf
How is the conflict between the monsters and Hrothgar's clan similar to a blood-feud? How does it differ from a blood-feud?
The murdered men are kinsmen, and the monsters are related. Grendel's life is the price for years of killing, but his mother seeks a blood-price for her son by killing someone special to the king. The conflict is not like a blood-fued because money is not exchanged to cease fighting. If Grendel and his mother are not destroyed, they will likely continue to kill for years. Also, Beowulf is a member of another clan and would not normally be involved in the feud.
How does Beowulf plan to fight Grendel and why does he plan to fight Grendel in this way?
Beowulf plans to fight Grendel in hand-to-hand combat without weapons because he believes it would be dishonorable to have an advantage over the monster. Honor is a crucial concept in this culture and Beowulf allows it to serve as his guiding light along with his Christian faith.
What does the woman sing about during Beowulf's funeral? Why is this woman put in the story?
She sings about "the evil days to come—days full of death, bloodshed, the horror of warriors, and captivity." The woman is put in the story to foreshadow the extinction of her tribe.