Background Check
This Category is Brought to You By the Letter “H”
Lit Terms & Themes
100
Beowulf was originally written down in this now dead language.
What is Old English or Anglo-Saxon?
100
Hrothgar’s famous mead-hall.
What is Heorot?
100
“Out of the night came the shadow-stalker, stealthy and swift”
What is alliteration?
200
This is the Anglo-Saxon word for a warrior who is loyal to a king.
What is retainer or thane?
200
The King of the Danes
Who is Hrothgar?
200
The only weapon that can kill Grendel’s mother just happens to find its way to Beowulf.
What is Deus ex Machina?
300
Women were often referred to as this kenning for their ability to end a blood feud through marriage.
What are Peace-Weavers?
300
The King of the Geats
Who is Hygelac?
300
Heaven’s Candle; Death-Shadow; Treasure-Seat
What is kenning?
400
Paying a dead man’s worth in gold.
What is Wergild?
400
The sword gifted to Beowulf from Unferth
What is Hrunting?
400
Examples include: Beowulf; Wiglaf; Shield Sheafson.
What is the Heroic Ideal?
500
The cultural center of the Anglo-Saxon universe.
What is a mead-hall?
500
Kenning for Grendel’s Mom.
What is Hell-Dam?
500
Light emerging after Grendel’s mother is killed; Grendel’s arm; the torque; the goblet
What is symbolism?
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