Beowulf
Why do the soldiers sleep away from the mead hall?
Grendel attacks them while they sleep at night.
Who killed the man Grendel was carrying?
Humans
What is an epic?
A long narrative poem that tells of a hero's accomplishments.
What word means a break between words in a metric line?
Caesura
What religion system is present in Beowulf
Christianity as well as paganism (only need to mention one)
Why can't weapons harm grendel?
He was cursed and has a magic spell that prevents weapons from harming him.
How does Grendel describe himself?
Monstrous, evil, etc.
Who is the epic hero in this poem?
Beowulf
What does the kenning "sea-wood" most likely mean?
Ship
Can leaders such as Hrothgar and places such as Heorot be traced to real people and places? Yes or no?
Yes
What did the thief steal from the dragon?
A goblet
What does Grendel want?
To be accepted
Explain how the theme "A good leader is brave and fearless" relates to Wiglaf?
Wiglaf is the only one who stays with Beowulf to fight the dragon.
Who does the kenning "water witch" most likely refer to?
Mama Grendel
Describe the Viking funerals depicted in the Beowulf poem.
Heroes were sent to sea on a funeral pyre with what they most treasured and set aflame.
Why does Mama Grendel attack?
She seeks revenge because her son is dead, so she takes Hrothgar's most trusted advisor and dear friend.
When does he realize that the humans will never accept him?
What are the four points of an epic plot?
Supernatural events
Long periods of time
Distant journeys
Life-and-death struggles between good and evil
"All hands on deck" is an example of what?
Synecdoche
To what does the term wyrd refer?
Fate
Name two of Beowulf's trophies from his first two battles. (These are not his rewards.)
Grendel's arm and head.
What biblical story reference is made in both stories that speaks of Grendel's origins?
the story of Cain and Abel
Name the four qualities of an epic hero.
Noble birth/high position
Character traits that reflect social ideals
Courageous, superhuman deeds
Give your own example of a kenning for a bus driver.
Answers may vary.
What two modern countries does the story of Beowulf take place in?
Denmark and Sweden