This Danish king finds himself in hot water when his village is attacked by the vengeful demon Grendel.
Who is Beowulf?
100
In "The Wrath of Grendel," the poet's comparison of Grendel's home/earth to hell is an example of this commonly used literary device.
What is a metaphor?
100
The Danes anger the demon Grendel by doing this at the beginning of the story.
What is singing about God's creation of earth?
100
The Geats' swords are useless against Grendel for this reason.
What is Grendel has an enchantment that makes all mens' swords useless?
100
Beowulf celebrates his victory over Grendel's mother by doing this.
What is taking Grendel's severed head back to Herot?
200
This character comes to Herot seeking vengeance against the Danes after her son's death.
Who is Grendel's mother?
200
The "Beowulf" poet utilizes this literary device in the following quote from the epic:
"...went up to Herot, wondering what the warriors would do in that hall."
What is alliteration?
200
Herot remains empty for this span of time before Beowulf arrives to fight Grendel.
What is 12 years (12 winters)?
200
Beowulf defeats Grendel by doing this.
What is ripping off his arm?
200
Describe the Danes' reactions as they wait for Beowulf at the lake vs. the Geats' reactions.
-Danes: go home because they believe that Beowulf is dead
-Geats: remain by the lake waiting for their leader; loyalty
300
This creature is responsible for Beowulf's death at the end of the epic.
Who is the dragon?
300
This is the common term for an Anglo-Saxon poet or storyteller - he would have told the story of Beowulf orally.
What is a scop?
300
Grendel never touches Hrothgar's throne for this reason.
What is the throne is protected by God?
300
Following his battle with Grendel, Beowulf does this, which angers another monster living in the area.
What is hangs Grendel's severed arm from the rafters?
300
Beowulf's soldiers respond to Beowulf's imminent death and the threat of the dragon by doing this.
What is running and hiding in the woods?
400
These men/women are followers of Hrothgar and citizens of Hero.
Who are the Danes?
400
This literary term refers to a comparison made between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
What is a simile?
400
Beowulf makes the decision to fight Grendel this way after requesting permission from the king.
What is with his bare hands?
400
Beowulf realizes this about Grendel's mother during their fight in the battle hall.
What is ordinary weapons cannot harm her?
400
Wiglaf criticizes his fellow soldiers and their cowardice, and states this reason for sticking by Beowulf even in the face of certain death.
What is they all vowed to repay Beowulf for all that he had done for them?
500
This young Geat is the only one to come to Beowulf's aid in his final battle, and is rewarded handsomely for his efforts.
Who is Wiglaf?
500
Describe the difference between the Geats and the Danes.
Geats - followers of Beowulf; from Geatland
Danes - followers of Hrothgar; from Herot
500
Beowulf proclaims that his battle with Grendel will be decided by this.
What is fate?
500
According to the poet, this is Beowulf's only concern .
What is fame?
500
As he is dying, Beowulf makes several requests of Wiglaf. Name two.
1. Fetch the treasure from the dragon's lair
2. Rule as king of Geatland
3. Build a tower on the shore so that he will be remembered