What's In A Name
THIS Geatish warrior is described as a "boy who knows nothing of this terror" before his legendary feats.
Who is Beowulf?
Beowulf insists on fighting Grendel using only THESE, as Grendel uses no armor or blades.
What are his (bare) hands?
THIS central theme is represented by contrasting the fellowship of the Danes' hall with the dark, lonely lair of the monsters.
What is 'good vs. evil'?
The story of Beowulf is known as THIS country's oldest piece of literature in their native language.
What is England?
A classic kenning that calls the ocean THIS is used by Headley when describing Beowulf’s journey to the Danes to "find a fight."
What is a "whale-road"?
THIS "Hell-dweller" is a descendant of Cain who terrorizes the Danes because he is pained by human joy.
Who is Grendel?
Beowulf hangs THIS specific "trophy" from the rafters of Heorot as proof of his victory over the monster.
What is Grendel's arm?
By reframing Grendel's Mother as a "warrior-woman" and Queen Wealhtheow as a "peace-weaver", Headley explores THIS major theme using the female characters in the story.
What is 'identity'?
What is Old English?
Grendel's motivation for his actions is summed up in THIS memorable alliteration: "He hurt, so he _____."
What is "hunted"?
The setting for most of the story is in THIS hall, described as a magnificent structure worthy as one of the Seven Wonders of the World: "eight of seven."
What is Heorot Hall?
Grendel’s Mother attacks the hall in revenge for her son and kills THIS close friend of King Hrothgar.
Who is Aeschere?
The Anglo-Saxon concept of "wyrd" often translates as THIS concept, governing life and death in their world.
What is Fate?
Also called 'scops' in the poem, these storytelling singers were responsible for spreading the story of Beowulf in the various courts they entertained.
What are bards?
Headley (the author) famously translates the opening word of the epic, "Hwaet," as THIS modern, attention-grabbing slang.
What is "Bro!" ?
THIS King of the Danes, son of Healfdane, represents the "Almighty Big Boss" archetype of kingship but is helpless against Grendel’s raids.
Who is King Hrothgar?
THIS is the name of the sword Unferth lends to Beowulf, which ultimately fails to pierce the skin of Grendel's Mother.
What is Hrunting?
THIS theme is exemplified by Beowulf’s "epic boasting" and his desire to have his name "kissed by legions of lips".
What is the 'Heroic Code'?
Beowulf's story setting is actually placed much further north in THIS region.
What is Scandinavia?
A sharp alliteration is used to describe Sigemund the dragon-slayer: he was known for "slicing through THIS and skin".
What are "scales"?
THIS jealous Dane and "barstool-brother" challenges Beowulf’s reputation by bringing up a swimming match against Breca.
Who is Unferth?
Beowulf eventually kills Grendel’s Mother with massive sword he finds in her cave, described as made by THESE ancient, legendary beings.
Who are giants?
The societal code of revenge or "blood-price" --also called THIS--is what drives Grendel's Mother to attack after her son is slain.
What is Wergild?
(Literally translates as "blood-money" or "man-price")
The only surviving copy of the Beowulf story, stored in the British Museum, is THIS type of medieval document.
What is an illuminated manuscript?
During the battle in the cave, THIS kenning is used to describe the sword that fails Beowulf as one that "sang its final war-_____".
What is "song"?