Pronunciation
Pronounce the Old English word "Beowulf"
BAY - oh - wolf
What does the Old English word "sceadu" mean in Modern English?
Shadow
Who is the hero of the epic "Beowulf"?
Beowulf
What sound does the letter "þ" (thorn) make?
Th, as in "thin"
What is a kenning? Give an example from "Beowulf."
A compound expression with metaphorical meaning, e.g., "whale-road" for the sea
Pronounce the Old English word "Hwæt."
Hwat
Translate the Old English word "þegn."
Thane/Warrior
Who is the king of the Danes in "Beowulf"?
Hrothgar
What is the Old English letter "æ" called, and what sound does it represent?
Ash, a sound like the "a" in "cat"
What literary device is used heavily in Old English poetry, characterized by the repetition of consonant sounds?
Alliteration
Pronounce the Old English name "Hrothgar."
HROTH-gar
What is the Old English word for "fate"?
Wyrd
What monster terrorizes Heorot?
Grendel
How is the letter "ð" (eth) pronounced in Old English?
Th, as in "this"
What is foreshadowing, and how is it used in "Beowulf"?
A hint of future events, used to build suspense
Pronounce the Old English word "Wyrd."
"weerd"
What does "Hwæt" translate to in Modern English?
Listen
Who is Hrothgar's queen?
Wealhtheow
Which letter represents the "y" sound before front vowels in Old English?
G
What is allusion, and can you identify an example in "Beowulf"?
A reference to another text or story, e.g., references to biblical stories like Cain and Abel
Pronounce the Old English name "Wealhtheow."
WALH-theow
What does the Old English word "wyrm" mean?
Dragon or Serpent
Who is Beowulf's king and uncle?
Hygelac
What is the modern English equivalent of the Old English letter "ƿ" (wynn)?
W
What is the significance of the mead-hall Heorot in terms of symbolism?
It represents community, kingship, and civilization
Pronounce the Old English word "þegn."
Thane
What does "Heorot" mean in Modern English?
Hart or Stag
Who challenges Beowulf's strength and bravery in Hrothgar's hall?
Unferth
Which letter in Old English is used to represent the "ch" sound in "child"?
C before front vowels
How does the poet use imagery in "Beowulf" to create vivid descriptions?
By using detailed and sensory language to paint pictures of scenes, such as the descriptions of Grendel's lair or the battles