Beowulf Excerpts - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, and vocabulary from Beowulf excerpts (Pages 1–3 notes).

Epic

A long narrative poem that celebrates the deeds of a hero; originated in oral tradition and often features scops, stock epithets, kennings, alliteration, and caesura.

Scop

An Anglo-Saxon poet who orally performs epic poetry and preserves cultural values through storytelling.

Stock epithet

A conventional descriptive phrase used repeatedly to describe a person or thing in epic poetry (e.g., “swift-footed”).

Kenning

A figurative compound expression replacing a noun in Old English poetry (e.g., 'whale-road' for sea).

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely connected words within a line of poetry.

Caesura

A pause or break in the middle of a line of poetry, creating two half-lines.

Beowulf

The epic’s hero, a noble Geatish warrior known for strength, courage, and loyalty who battles Grendel and other foes.

Grendel

A monstrous descendant of Cain who terrorizes Heorot for 12 years.

Herot

The mead hall in Denmark where Grendel attacks.

Cain

Biblical ancestor of Grendel, used to explain Grendel’s origin and evil.

Fate

Belief in a predetermined course of events that can interact with human choice and divine will.

Pagan traditions

Pre-Christian beliefs and customs present in the Beowulf world, including a warrior code and fate.

Christian Providence

The idea that God guides events and outcomes, reflecting Christian influence in the poem.

Geats

The people of Geatland (Geata), Beowulf’s homeland from Sweden.

Danes

The people of Denmark, whose kingdom Beowulf aids.

Exile

State of being banished or living in isolation, as a thematic contrast to belonging.

Belonging

The sense of being accepted as part of a community or group.

Heroism

Qualities of courage, strength, loyalty, and self-sacrifice displayed by a hero.

Good vs. Evil

Central conflict between Beowulf (good) and Grendel (evil demon) and the moral order of the world.

The Power of Storytelling

The idea that scops preserve legacy, values, and cultural memory through oral tradition.

Affliction

A force that causes suffering or hardship.

Lair

The den or lair of a wild animal.

Purge

To cleanse of evil or filth; a cleansing or removal of corruption.

Gorge

To stuff with food; in context, a vivid image of consumption or abundance.

Livid

Discolored or enraged; used to describe intense emotion or appearance.

Talon

A claw, particularly of a bird or predator.

Infamous

Notorious; having a bad reputation.

Loathsome

Disgusting or hateful; repugnant.