Beowulf Vocabulary List (No Examples)

Valor (Noun)

Exceptional courange and boldness, especially in the face of danger or conflict.

Comitatus (Noun)

A Germanic code of loyalty where warriors pledge service to a lord in exchange for protection and treasure.

Wergild (Noun)

A payment made to the family of someone killed, intended to prevent cycles of revenge.

Epithet (Noun)

A descriptive phrase or title used to characterize a person or thing.

Kenning (Noun)

A metaphorical compound word or phrase used to name a person, thing, or concept indirectly.

Boast (Verb)

To speak with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements or possessions.

Fate (Noun)

The development of events beyond a person’s control, often seen as a predetermined destiny.

Genealogy (Noun)

A line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor; a family history.

Lament (Verb)

To express sorrow, mourning, or regret, often through crying or walling.

Retribution (Noun)

Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.

Sinew (Noun)

A tough fibrous tissue joining muscle to bone; tendon.

Solace (Noun)

Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

Venerable (Adjective)

Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

Wrath (Noun)

Extreme anger; fierce indignation.

Feign (Verb)

To pretent to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).