Characters
Who was Shield Sheafson?
a powerful founding king of the Danes/Shieldings, remembered for conquest and order.
What makes Grendel attack Heorot in the first place?
Grendel hated the joy, feasting, and music in Heorot.
What is wyrd?
fate/destiny, unavoidable
What is a kenning? Give one example from Beowulf.
A kenning is a compound metaphor
“Life is short. Glory lives on.” What Anglo-Saxon value does this express?
reputation/legacy
Who is the current ruler of the Danes/Shieldings?
Hrothgar
How long does Grendel terrorize the mead-hall before Beowulf arrives?
12 years (12 winters)
What is comitatus?
loyalty between a lord and his warriors
What is alliteration? Give one example from the poem.
repetition of initial consonant sounds
“The ring-giver welcomed his warriors into the hall.” Identify the kenning
Which tribe does Beowulf belong to?
The Geats
How does Shield Sheafson’s funeral reflect Anglo-Saxon values?
He was buried in a treasure-filled ship set out to sea → reflects wealth, glory, and legacy.
How does Grendel’s descent from Cain blend Christian and pagan traditions?
Grendel is cursed and evil, combining Biblical sin with pagan monster/supernatural beliefs
What is flyting? Give the example from Section 3.
verbal duel/insults.
Unferth challenges Beowulf, who replies with a boast.
“So Grendel waged his lonely war, inflicting constant cruelties.” Identify the alliteration.
waged/war
constant/cruelties
Who challenges Beowulf’s credibility in a verbal duel?
Unferth
Why does Beowulf refuse to use weapons against Grendel?
He refuses weapons because Grendel uses none and wants to demonstrate his bravery and strength
Compare how fate (wyrd) and God’s providence are both referenced in Beowulf.
Wyrd emphasizes impersonal fate; Providence = God actively governs with justice. Both appear in tension in the poem.
Why is boasting considered a good quality in Anglo-Saxon culture?
Boasting was proof of bravery, a vow to achieve great deeds, not arrogance.
“Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgment by God.” What concept does this show?
example of wyrd/fate and God's will
What role does Wealhtheow, Hrothgar’s queen, play in the mead-hall?
hostess and peace-weaver; shows the role of queens as dignified and unifying
What accusation does Unferth make against Beowulf, and how does Beowulf respond?
Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming contest; Beowulf explains he killed sea monsters during it, turning the tale into a victory.
What is wergild?
repayment for a previous feud or wrongdoing
Identify the literary device in this phrase: “the whale-road.” What does it mean?
the sea/ocean
“Unferth, son of Ecglaf, spoke: Beowulf’s bravery was not without flaws…” What literary practice is this an example of?
this is an example of flyting, a verbal duel