Characteristics
Huge Wrists
Beowulf
a person who interferes or meddles in the affairs of others.
interloper
Describe the fatal wound Beowful gives to Grendel. What trophy does Beowful take as proof of his victory?
Beowulf rips Grendel’s arm out of its socket. He then takes the arm and hangs it on the wall of Herot
Describe Grendel. Who is this creature said to be descended from? Why is that significant?
Grendel is a horrible monster that lives in the swamps. It is said to be descended from Cain, and like Cain it is a murderer.
something causing misery or death.
Scourge
Cannot be killed by mortal weapons
Grendel
the floor of a fireplace, usually of stone, brick, etc.
hearth
Considering the rewards that are offered to Beowulf for this victory, what do the Scandinavian warriors seem to value most in life?
As Beowful is offered treasure and glory, it would seem that prestige and the wealth that signifies it are the most valuable things to the Danes
What accomplishments does Bewowulf boast of upon being introduced to Hrothgar, King of the Danes?
Beowulf brags that he has swum in the ocean, hunting monsters.
to command; order; direct.
Bade
Created his/her own private club to hangout with friends and serve mead.
Hrothgar
a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery
Affliction
What does this complex story reveal about the Dane’s attitude towards revenge? Why do you think the Bard would choose to tell this story to celebrate Beowulf’s victory?
The Danes view revenge as a good and honorable thing. The Bard most likely chose this story because Beowful had taken revenge on Grendel, their enemy
Describe Grendel’s approach and entrance into Herot. What does Grendel do upon entering the hall? What does Beowulf do in response?
Grendel creeps out of the swamp at night and enters the hall by smashing the lock. He immediately kills one of the warriors, but Beowulf then grabs Grendel's hand, crushing his claws
to share a portion or allotment of money, food, etc.
Dole
This person taunts Beowulf as soon as he meets him.
Unferth
a craft for traveling on water, now usually one larger than an ordinary rowboat; a ship
vessel
What new monster attacks Herot the night after Grendel’s defeat? Who does this monster carry off, and what does it do to him?
Grendel’s mother attacks Herot. It carries of the chief advisor Hrothgar and eats him
With what weapons and armor, if any, does Beowful want to fight Grendel? Why does he choose (or not choose) these weapons?
No weapons. Beowulf is going to fight him buck-naked.
express great regret, disappointment, or bitterness over (something).
bewailing
He is King Hrothgar's chief advisor and he murked by Grendel's mother.
Aeschere
grievous distress, affliction, or trouble.
Woe
Describe the final encounter between Beowulf and Gredel’s mother. How does Beowulf win? What things does Beowful carry with him out of the monster’s lair?
Beowful defeats Grendel’s mother by cutting her head off with a giant’s sword, which he finds in her lair. He carries out the hilt of the sword (the blade melted from her hot blood), and the head of Grendel, whose corpse he found nearby.
Who is Shild, the first person mentioned in the poem? What does the poem reveal about Shild’s childhood?
Shild is a mighty warrior who was the Dane’s first king. He was abandoned as a child, but rose to greatness anyway.
to go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract.
renege