Archetypes
Beowulf is this type of archetypal hero, known for bravery, strength, and moral integrity.
Epic Hero
The person who fights Grendel's mother.
Beowulf?
The setting of the section Beowulf vs. Grendel's Mother.
Grendel's mother's lair/ underwater cave
"Blood, boiling even after death."
alliteration
The sword that breaks when Beowulf stabs the dragon's scales.
Naegling
The hell-bride
Grendel's Mother
A monstrous creature who fights Beowulf underwater.
Grendel's mother?
The weapon Beowulf uses to kill Grendel's mother.
ornamented sword made by giants
Grendel's mother represents sin and rejection.
symbolism
The number of years Beowulf rules Geatland.
fifty years
What is Grendel's mother's cave?
The underworld
The Geats delivered Grendel's head to this person.
Hrothgar?
The way in which Beowulf was successful at fighting Grendel's mother.
'bare-hands'
"Then he saw the mighty water witch and swung his sword”
alliteration
What is loathsome?
disgusting
Beowulf's willingness to face death for his people shows this trait of the hero archetype.
self-sacrifice
The King of Geatland; Beowulf's uncle.
Hyglac
Beowulf takes these items with him from the lake.
Grendel's skull and the jeweled sword
"The brilliant light shone, suddenly, as though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heaven’s own candle, lit in the sky”
Imagery
A warrior sworn to defend his lord, like Beowulf.
thanes
The dragon hoards this, representing human greed and futility.
treasure/gold
Beowulf's father.
Edgetho
The protection that Beowulf is wearing to protect him in the fight.
metal shirt
These are compound metaphorical phrases replacing simple nouns.
kenning
A long narrative poem written in elevated style.
Epic