Monsters
How many monsters does Beowulf fight? Name them.
Three:
1) Grendel
2) Grendel's Mother
3) Dragon
What is the heroic code?
It is a set of values and ideals that guide the behavior of heroes in epic literature, particularly in warrior cultures. These values often include bravery, loyalty, honor, and the pursuit of glory.
What is a compound word which uses figurative language to describe something, rather than a single straight forward noun called?
*BONUS (+100)*: Give an example of one.
Kenning
Possible Responses:
-"Sky-candle" = sun
-"Whale-road" = ocean
-"Sea-Stallion" = ship
GOOD vs EVIL
Possible Responses:
-The forces of evil will always attempt to destroy the forces of good.
-Attempts to fight for good will eventually lead to victory.
-Evil is born out of greed, desire for power, jealousy, and/or isolation from a group.
King of the Danes (Denmark)
Hrothgar
Why does Grendel's Mother attack Heorot?
She is avenging her son.
What aspect of the heroic code does Hrothgar fulfill by giving Beowulf gifts?
Reciprocal loyalty
"Beowulf spoke, made a formal boast for the last time." What is this an example of?
Foreshadowing
LOYALTY
Possible Responses:
-Absolute loyalty leads to glory and fame.
-Loyalty can lead to death and downfall.
Beowulf's king--King of the Geats (Sweden)
Hygelac
Who are Grendel and his mother descended from?
Cain
What do Beowulf's men do when he fights the dragon?
They run away, they show cowardice.
What is a pause in the middle of a poetic line called?
Caesura
HEROISM
Possible Responses:
-Heroes fight solely for the greater good.
-The true mark of a hero is taking risks.
-A hero fights a fair battle.
-Seeking heroism leads to bravery and generosity.
One of Hrothgar's men who challenges Beowulf
Unferth
What is stolen from the dragon to incite its rage?
A goblet (treasure)
How does Beowulf demonstrate that he is qualified to fight against Grendel?
He demonstrates his pride and masculinity by boasting.
"the tail-turners, ten of them together." What is this an example of?
Alliteration
PRIDE
Possible Responses:
-Excessive pride ultimately leads to one's downfall.
-Pride inspires a hero into action.
-Pride is a necessary component of glory.
The only thane to stand with Beowulf against the dragon; he is the Geats' future king and a symbol of loyalty within the social/political structure of the comitatus.
Wiglaf
Why is the dragon's treatment of the treasure evil to the Anglo-Saxon culture?
Treasure is meant to be shared, not hoarded.
Why is it significant that Beowulf fights Grendel with no weapons?
This shows Beowulf's bravery and commitment to a "fair fight."
Why are there so many allusions to Christianity in Beowulf, even though the Anglo-Saxons practiced a pagan religion?
Christian poets were the ones who wrote the story down. They combined their religious beliefs with the story.
REVENGE & JUSTICE
Possible Responses:
-It is dishonorable to not avenge the death of a family member or friend.
-Seeking revenge leads to honor and respect.
A friend who competed in a swimming match against Beowulf when they were young men.
Breca