Characters
This Geatish hero crosses the sea to help Hrothgar defeat Grendel
Beowulf
This great mead-hall, built by Hrothgar, is the central setting of Grendel’s attacks.
Heorot
At the end of his life, Scyld Scefing is sent off in this type of ceremonial vessel.
A funeral ship
Beowulf’s battle against Grendel highlights this central theme of the hero’s life.
Bravery / Heroism
Heorot, the great mead-hall, primarily symbolizes:
A) Chaos and danger
B) Wealth and greed
C) Community, civilization, and kingship
D) The ocean
C) Community, civilization, and kingship
Beowulf chooses to fight Grendel using only this—no weapons
His bare hands
The poem opens in this land, home of Scyld Scefing and the earliest Danish kings.
Denmark
How long does Grendel terrorize Heorot before Beowulf arrives?
12 years
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
How does Beowulf explore the theme of good versus evil?
Grendel represents a force of evil or chaos, while Beowulf represents good and order
Grendel’s arm, torn off by Beowulf, symbolizes:
A) Human weakness
B) The defeat of evil and the hero’s strength
C) The passage of time
D) Treasure
B) The defeat of evil and the hero’s strength
This Danish king builds a grand mead hall named Heorot
Hrothgar
Beowulf sails from this land across the sea to help the Danes.
Geatland (land of the Geats)
During their battle, Beowulf does this to Grendel, leading to the monster’s defeat.
Tear off his arm
The poem portrays loyalty between leaders and warriors as central to society.
True
The sea often symbolizes:
A) A path for trade only
B) Fate, challenge, and the heroic journey
C) The home of Grendel
D) Wealth and prosperity
B) Fate, challenge, and the heroic journey
This monster terrorizes Heorot for 12 years
Grendel
The poem describes the sea as a place of danger and adventure, often called this in Old English poetry.
A whale-road
Why does Hrothgar build Heorot?
To celebrate and reward his warriors
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Why is generosity such a significant theme in the story of Hrothgar and Heorot?
Generosity is important because Hrothgar shows good leadership by sharing wealth and gifts, which builds loyalty and strengthens his community.
Hrothgar’s giving of treasure to Beowulf symbolizes:
A) The dangers of greed
B) The bond between a king and his warrior
C) The passage of time
D) The power of monsters
B) The bond between a king and his warrior
This Danish warrior initially doubts Beowulf’s ability to defeat Grendel
Unferth
Fill in the blanks: Beowulf and his men land on the ______ ______ and speak with the guard to inform him why they are there. The guard then leads Beowulf and his men to _______ to speak with ________.
Danish coast, Heorot, Hrothgar
Grendel attacks Heorot at night, killing these people.
Hrothgar's thanes/warriors
How does the story of Scyld Scefing emphasize the theme of leadership and legacy?
It shows that a good leader brings peace and leaves a lasting legacy.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Beowulf’s decision to fight Grendel unarmed exemplifies this recurring concept in the poem, which highlights the limits of human control despite courage and strength.
Fate (wyrd)