High Risk
What is the name of Hrothgar's great mead-hall, and what does it represent for the Danes?
Heorot. It represents Hrothgar's power, community, celebration, and civlization.
What monster first attacks Heorot?
Grendel.
Why does Grendel attack Heorot?
He is angered by the sounds of joy, music, feasting, and community in the hall.
What body part of Grendel is displayed in Heorot?
His arm, hand, or claw.
What does Grendel’s descent from Cain suggest about him?
It connects him to exile, evil, violence, and separation from God/human society.
Why is Beowulf connected to Hrothgar before he even arrives in Denmark?
Hrothgar once helped Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow, settle a feud, so Beowulf's mission also repays an old debt.
Who challenges Beowulf about his swimming contest?
Unferth.
How many men does Beowulf bring with him to Denmark, according to many versions of the poem?
Fourteen companions, making fifteen Geats total including Beowulf.
Who is Beowulf's father?
Ecgtheow.
Why does Beowulf fight Grendel without weapons?
Because Grendel uses no weapons, and Beowulf wants to prove his strength in an equal hand-to-hand fight.
Who is Hrothgar's father, and what royal family/dynasty does Hrothgar belong to?
Hrothgar's father is Healfdene, and Hrothgar belongs to the Scylding/Shielding line.
Who was Beowulf's opponent in the swimming contest?
Breca.
What does Beowulf claim gives him the right to fight Grendel?
His proven reputation, past victories, strength, and heroic accomplishments.
Who is Beowulf’s king back in Geatland?
Hygelac.
How does Beowulf prove that Unferth's criticism is misleading?
He explains that the swimming contest was dangerous because he fought sea monsters and survived, so the story actually proves his strength.
Which earlier king is contrasted with Beowulf as a negative example of pride and bad kingship?
Heremod.
What is the name of the sword Unferth lends Beowulf?
Hrunting.
What is the purpose of the Finnsburg/Finn episode during the celebration after Grendel’s defeat?
It reinforces the theme that feuds and revenge can destroy peace, even after attempts at settlement or alliance.
Who is the queen who passes the cup and speaks during the feast?
Wealhtheow.
Before entering Grendel’s mother’s lair, what does Beowulf ask Hrothgar to do if he dies?
Care for/send support to his men and send his treasures to Hygelac. He also says Unferth should receive his sword.
In Hrothgar’s warning after Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother, what danger does he say can corrupt a successful ruler?
Pride/arrogance. Hrothgar warns that power, success, and life are temporary, so a ruler must remain humble and wise.
Who is the Danish adviser killed by Grendel's mother?
Aeschere.
Who is Hondscio and what happens to him in Heorot?
Beowulf's most trusted companions. Grendel kills and eats him before fighting Beowulf.
Who is the Danish king who is killed in the Finnsburg episode?
Hnaef.
What happens to the weapon used to kill Grendel's mother? What does that show?
The blade melts, leaving only the hilt, which Beowulf brings to Hrothgar as proof of victory. It also shows that this victory involved something beyond ordinary human weapons.