Anglo-Saxon Culture
Beowulf Characters
The Battle with Grendel
The Battle with Grendel's Mother
The Battle with the Dragon
100

Fill in the blank: Beowulf is a(n) _____ hero.

Epic

100

Who is Hrothgar's brother who died and made him king?

Hergar

100

Grendel is a descendant of whom?

Cain

100

Why does Grendel's mother attack and who does she kill?

To get revenge for her son's death, King Hrothgar's closest friend

100

Why does Beowulf fight the dragon?

A jewel cup is stolen from the dragon's cave

200

Who led the Romans and what did the Romans contribute?

Julius Caesar, organization, great defensive wall, roads

200

What is Herot and who is the King that built it?

mead hall, King Hrothgar

200

How does Beowulf kill Grendel?

By ripping his arm off

200

What does Beowulf find to kill Grendel's mother?

An ancient sword

200

As he is dying, why does Beowulf give Wiglaf his armor and weapons?

He does not have a son/heir

300

Which two religions are combined in Anglo-Saxon culture and what is the dominant literary type in Anglo-Saxon culture?

Christianity & Paganism, poetry

300

What is the name of the jealous warrior who lends Beowulf his sword?

Unferth

300

What does Beowulf do with Grendel's arm?

Keeps it as a trophy & displays it in the rafters of Herot

300

Where does the battle with Grendel's mother take place and what is she referred to (kenning)?

Underwater in her dark lake, a "she-wolf"

300

How does Beowulf die and what happens with Beowulf's body?

He is bitten by the dragon (poisonous venom), he is given a proper burial and buried in a large tower/monument by the sea

400

Which event marked the beginning of the Anglo-Saxon era?

Arrival of the Celts

400

Who is Beowulf's uncle and leader of the Geats?

Higlac

400

Why doesn't Beowulf bring any weapons to fight Grendel?

He wants it to be a fair fight since Grendel does not use weapons

400

At the end of the battle, what happens to Grendel's mother, and what does Beowulf do before he leaves?

Beowulf cuts off her head, then he cuts off Grendel's head too

400

What is Beowulf's social status when he goes to fight the dragon and how much time has passed since his last battle?

King of the Geats, 50 years

500

What event marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era?

The Norman Conquest

500

Who is the warrior that encourages Beowulf to fight the dragon?

Wiglaf

500

Which earthly virtue does Beowulf display when he fights Grendel?

Bravery

500

Why does Grendel's mother only take and kill one person in the beginning?

Revenge, an eye for an eye, to lure Beowulf to her lair 

500

What is Beowulf's dying wish?

To see the dragon's treasure