Characters
True or False?
Beowulf becomes King of Geatland.
True
The mead-hall is a symbol for what?
Community gathering, family, warrior culture, celebration
The overriding theme of the story of Beowulf is what?
Good versus evil
The chief diety of the Anglo-Saxons was ______.
Odin
What is Heorot?
Hrothgar's mead-hall
Prior to Beowulf's kingship, ______________ was King of Geatland.
Hygelac
A sword is symbolic of what?
A warrior's identity
If the role of treasure is a theme, what does it mean? Explain.
The act of gift-giving represents respect, loyalty, and generosity. Treasure is also something that is valuable and could lead to greed.
Name 3 Germanic groups that invaded villages in England in the 5th century.
Anglos, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians
What is the story of Breca about?
A swimming match between Beowulf and Breca, boyhood friends. Beowulf fended off many sea-monsters.
This person was responsible for waking up the dragon.
A slave
What gifts are offered in the text? What do they symbolize?
Collars, horses, bracelets, gold, land...
Respect, generosity, reward
Explain how Beowulf embodies the characteristics of an "epic hero."
He is:
larger than life, responsible for slaying monsters, displays incredible acts of heroism, is assisted by supernatural forces (God), shares courageous speeches
Explain feudalism.
Feudalism was the social, political, and economic structure at the time (king/nobles at the top and enslaved people and serfs at the bottom).
What weapon(s) does Beowulf use against Grendel?
None
True or False?
When Beowulf prepares to fight the dragon, he takes 1 man with him.
False
Beowulf himself represents what?
Good
Give 2 examples of how Christianity plays a role in the story.
1. Before each battle, Beowulf recognizes God as a supreme being who holds his fate
2. When battling the sea-hag, a "monster sword" appears on the wall.
The Anglo-Saxon era is also known as the __________.
Dark Ages
What weapon(s) does Beowulf use against the sea-hag?
Hrunting (doesn't work), chainmail, giant sword
This is the name of the warrior who helped Beowulf defeat the dragon.
Wiglaf
A barrow
Describe how this poem embodies the theme of "the hero's journey."
There is the departure (Beowulf leaves Geatland), the initiation (Beowulf battles Grendel and the sea-hag), and the return (Beowulf returns to Geatland and ultimately defeats the dragon).
What year did Roman rule end?
410
He is angry because they ran away from the battle with the dragon, leaving Beowulf alone and unaided. He will tell the world how they deserted him and will strip them of their riches, honors, possessions, homes, and friends. "You and yours will be condemned to wander the world as beasts, homeless and friendless forever."