Origins & Beliefs
How was Beowulf originally shared and passed down before it was written?
It was sung aloud in mead halls by scops.
What value does Beowulf show when he fights Grendel without weapons?
Courage and/or seeking glory (fairness in battle)
What is the Christian view of fate in Beowulf?
God guides outcomes and rewards righteousness (closeness to God/just and godly behavior).
What is a kenning?
A compound phrase that replaces a common noun metaphorically.
Why does Wiglaf become involved in the fight between the dragon and Beowulf? (2 Anglo Saxon Values)
He is courageous and loyal to his king
Name two major ways the Christian monks influenced Beowulf when they wrote it down.
Christian morals for Anglo Saxon behavior
References to God’s will/Christian fate
Paganism as evil and Christianity as strong
The editing of all pagan elements to Christian
When Beowulf asks that his armor be sent to Hygelac if he dies, which value does this show?
Loyalty (to one's leader)
What is the pagan (Anglo-Saxon) view of fate in Beowulf?
Fate cannot be changed, but courage shapes how one is remembered.
Which is the kenning in this line? “Then glory in battle was given to Beowulf: Grendel’s war-gear was useless.”
war-gear
How does Beowulf rationalize that he is the only person that can defeat the dragon?
Because he is the king - It is his duty, even if he will lose.
Why is Beowulf significant to Anglo-Saxon culture?
It shows how storytelling preserved history and values before the written word. (Taught the Heroic Code/Anglo-Saxon Values.)
When Beowulf dives into the mere to face Grendel’s mother alone, what value does this demonstrate?
Courage
Grendel cannot touch the “treasure seat”, this reflects...
Christian belief that God protects those chosen to rule
Name two types of items/words are often replaced with kennings in Beowulf?
Weapons, people, and natural elements
What are the two reasons Wiglaf gives that the men should help Beowulf?
They swore loyalty to him and accepted his gifts
Define wyrd
The Anglo-Saxon idea of fate — unchangeable, but bravery shapes how one is remembered.
When Beowulf gives his kingdom to Wiglaf, what value is represented?
Loyalty
What was the Monk's purpose in inserting Christianity into Beowulf?
To "sell" the new faith to people already familiar with the story
Why were kennings important in Anglo-Saxon poetry?
They added imagery and helped scops remember lines in oral tradition.
What is the reason Wiglaf scolded the men who should have helped Beowulf?
Their cowardice brings shame upon them and their people
What is the ultimate goal of an Anglo-Saxon warrior? (What was Beowulf's goal in every fight?)
To achieve lasting fame/glory through strength and bravery (and loyalty).
What Anglo-Saxon Value does Herot represent?
Fame/glory
“He knew death had come, yet he fought on.” Explain how this line relates to the idea of Anglo Saxon Fate.
Continuing to use courage to push yourself forward, even in the face of death.
“The shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, knew at once that never before, nor since, had he felt in any man a hand-grip greater.”
Correctly identify two kennings
shepherd of evil
guardian of crime
hand-grip
What does Beowulf mean when he says, “I sold my life for this treasure, and I sold it well”?
He accepts death as protecting his people gives his life meaning