Epics will make very elaborate comparisons that can be paragraphs long.
What is an epic simile?
100
This man "discovered" England.
Who is Julius Caesar?
100
This is the name of the land from which Beowulf hails. It is now modern day Sweden.
What is Geatland?
100
In "The Wanderer," the narrator is left alone for this reason.
What is his kin and friends have all died?
100
The dragon awakens and terrorizes Beowulf's kingdom because this is taken from the dragon's horde by a peasant.
What is a golden chalice?
200
Example: Beowulf dives into Grendel's Mother's lair.
What is Journey to Hell?
200
The name of the author of Beowulf.
Who is the Beowulf Poet?
200
Beowulf is ultimately "replaced" by the only soldier that was willing to fight at his side against the dragon.
Who is Wiglaf?
200
Both poems deal primarily with this theme.
What is the fall of Anglo-Saxon culture and/or the rise of Christianity?
200
When Grendel's Mother's lair is described, Hrothgar says that this animal would rather die than enter its waters.
What is a deer?
300
Beowulf has a named sword (Hrunting), has blessed armor, and finds a magical sword crafted by titans.
What is Arms and Armor?
300
These early English inhabitants were very similar to early Native Americans. They lived off of the land, wore scant clothing, and arranged themselves in tribes.
Who were the Celts?
300
Beowulf boasts of these two accomplishments when he promises Hrothgar that he can defeat Grendel.
What is slaying sea monsters and giants?
300
In "The Seafarer," life at sea represents this.
What is Christianity?
300
The people of Denmark resort to this to try and rid themselves of Grendel.
What is worshipping their old gods?
400
The epic always starts in the middle of the action.
What is In Media Res?
400
The Anglo-Saxons hailed from an area that now encompasses these two modern counties.
What is Denmark and Germany?
400
After Grendel is defeated, his mother comes to Herot and kills this man as vengeance for her son's death.
Who is Hrothgar's closest friend?
400
In the case of both poems, the author is trying to explain or pass down values of the new Anglo-Saxon culture. As a result, these are both an example of this.
What is oral tradition?
400
Beowulf takes this trophy from Grendel's Mother's lair.
What is Grendel's head?
500
Characters in the epic will give long-winded and elaborate speeches.
What is Monologues?
500
This class of people were the leaders of Celtic society.
Who were the druids?
500
Before Beowulf arrives, Herot is left abandoned for this many years during Grendel's onslaught.
What is 12 years?
500
In "The Wanderer," the narrator yearns for this.
What is the "old days?"
500
This is built in honor of Beowulf after his death.