Beowulf

Who was Shield Sheafson?

Warrior king - leader of the Spear Danes

why was Shield feared far and wide?

because he was the wrecker of mead benches

Who was Shields son?

Beow

why was Beow popular?

because he was generous and loyal to the people

how do Shield die?

at battle. He was sent out in a ship with his belongings to prepare him for the after life

who was Beow's son?

Halfdane

who was Halfdane's children?

Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and a girl (no name)

what happened to Heorogar?

He was killed in battle making Hrothgar the new King of the Danes

What was the name of the mead hall Hrothgar built?

Heorot, it was the best mead hall in the world. it was his throne room

what is Heorot?

The hall of the hart (hearth = home)

Why did Grendel attack the Danes?

He hated the warriors songs that rejoiced in God

Who was Grendel a descendant of?

Cain, the biblical figure that committed the first murder.

Why was Grendel exiled?

because of his descendance to Cain

how many men would Grendel kill each night?

30 men after they fall asleep

What did the men do because do Grendel?

they ran and the mead hall was empty

how long did Grendel terrorize Heorot for?

12 years (attacked for 10 years)

Why was Hrothgar not attacked by Grendel?

because he was protected by God

what do the Danes start to do again?

worshipped Pagan gods and hoped they will help against grendel

Who was Beowulf's king?

Hygelac

what did Beowulf use to get to Heorot?

boat

how many people went with Beowulf?

14 men

who was the great warrior that helped Hrothgar?

Beowulf

What is the name of the tribe of Beowulf?

Geats

who was Beowulf encountered by when he first arrived?

a watch guard who questioned who they were

Who was Beowulf's father?

Ecgtheow

how did Beowulf introduce himself?

he puts himself last

why does Beowulf say he is here for?

to help Hrothgar to defeat this evil

what did the watch guard promise Beowulf?

he will watch their ship

who is Hrothgars herald and officer?

Wulfgar

did Wulfgar believe in Beowulfs intentions?

yes

Who is Hrethel?

father of Hygelac, grandfather of Beowulf

How does Hrothgar know of Beowulf?

He was friends with Beowulfs father

What did Hrothgar believe about Beowulf?

he was a gift sent by God

What does Beowulf recount for when he talks to Hrothgar?

his early victories

what was Beowulfs one request to Hrothgar?

that he would not refuse him the privilege of destroying grendel

how does Beowulf plan to fight Grendel?

With his bare hands

Can Grendel be harmed by weapons?

No

what was Beowulfs request if he dies?

send my breast plate that Hrethel gave me to Hygelac

What is wyrd?

idea of fate. This destiny cannot be avoided

why does Beowulf feel that he is under obligation?

Hrothgar for helping his father

Who is Unferth?

sin of Ecglaf who was jealous of Beowulf

What did Unferth say about Beowulf?

didn't you lose to Breca in a swimming match. He was out in 5 days. Beowulf was out in 7

how did Beowulf reply?

we struggled shoulder to shoulder for five nights. then i was pinned to the ocean floor by a sea monster. then I killed the sea monster with my own hands.

what does Beowulf say to Unferth?

why is Grendel terrorizing her or if he is such a great warrior

Who is Wealtheow?

Hrothgar's wife who was the only female with a name

what was Hrothgars promise to Beowulf?

there is nothing you wish for that won't be yours if you win through alive

what is Beowulfs strength?

30 men

who does Beowulf put his trust in?

God

who was the only one aware of Grendel?

Beowulf

what did Grendel do when he came to Herot?

he ripped the open the doors ready to feast

what happened to one of Beowulfs men?

Grendel killed him

What did Beowulf do when Grendel grabbed him?

he grabbed his arm

what did Grendel feel?

Fear. He could not escape the grip

what remains in Heorot?

the foundation and roof represents the Faith

what do the men think the crys were?

cry's of Beowulf

what happened to Grendel's arm?

it was torn from his body

where does Grendel go to die?

In his den under the water.

what was under the water of Grendel's lair?

Hell

what are other names for a poet?

Bard, Scop, minstrel

Who is Sigemund?

dragon slayer

what was restored in Heorot?

faith

where was Grendel's arm?

hung from the door of the mead hall as a reminder of the suffering he brought and as a trophy

what did Hrothgar give Beowulf?

an embroidered banner, breast mail and a helmet, and a sword carried high

Who was the avenger?

Grendel's mother

why was Grendel's mother desperate for revenge?

because they killed her only son

who is the hell-dam?

Grendel's mother

why was Grendel's mother in panic?

because she knows she can be destroyed and she fears Beowulf

who did Grendel's mother kill?

Aeschere

Who was Aeschere?

Hrothgar's best friend.

Where does Grendel's mother live?

In a cave that was underwater in the mountains

has any man ever ventured down to the bottom of the lake?

no. Challenge for Beowulf

what was the lake like?

bubbling, boiling, gory, and blood

what is Beowulfs promise?

I guarantee you she will not get away

who was Hrothgars best counselor and overseer of the country ?

Aeschere

what did Beowulf see when he arrived to Grendel's lair?

Aeschere was decapitated

what was the water infested with?

all kinds or reptiles, sea-dragons and monsters, serpents, and wild things

What did Unferth give to Beowulf?

His sword, Hrunting

what was the sword that never failed the hand of anyone who hefted it in battle?

Hrunting

What is Beowulf's request to Hrothgar before he goes to fight Grendel's mother?

if i die give my Lord my treasure

What happens when Beowulf try's to use Hrunting?

it breaks

what was Grendel's mother able to do to weapons?

cast spells on them in her lair

what did Beowulf find?

a sword in her armoury made by the giants

what did Beowulf then do?

lifted the sword and swung it and severed her head completely

why was the giant sword perfect for Beowulf?

he had the strength of 30 men

what did Beowulf do with the sword after?

he sliced Grendel's head off

what did the Danes belive?

they thought Beowulf died, so they left. But the Geats remained

what happened to the sword after?

it melts because evil has been destroyed

what does Beowulf return with?

The sword's hilt, the blade had melted, and Grendel's head

what happened to the lake?

it settled

what does Beowulf present Hrothgar with?

the gold sword hilt

what destroyed the giants?

the flood

What did Hrothgar warn Beowulf of before he left?

don't forget you are human, don't have too much pride and vanity, and don't become prideful

what did Beowulf give the guard who watched his ship?

a sword with gold fittings and will latter make him a respected man at his place on the mead bench

What does Hygelac say to Beowulf when he returns? What does this mean?

Hygelac says that he wished Beowulf had not gone. This means that Hygelac values the life of Beowulf over helping the Danes

What does Beowulf tell Hygelac?

The story of his journey

Who was Handscio?

the only Geat warrior Grendel killed (the first)

what did Grendel carry?

a pouch made of dragon skins

What arm did Grendel lose?

His right arm (hung up outside the mead hall)

what does Beowulf present Hygelac with?

treasures he won ( war-gear that belonged to King Heorogar)

what else was handed over?

four horses