Beowulf Practice Test Questions

How does Hrothgar know of Beowulf?

Hrothgar was friends with Beowulf's father

Where does Grendel come from?

He is spawned from slime.

He is descendant of Cain.

He is from a hell on earth.

How many men can Grendel scoop up in one hand?

30

When does Grendel attack Herot hall?

Late at night

Why is Grendel seeking revenge on mankind?

He was banished from God and is seeking to create evil

How many men does Beowulf take with him to battle Grendel?

14

Who welcomes Beowulf back to Denmark, land of the Danes?

Beowulf's cousin, Hyglac

Why does Wulfgar tell Beowulf not to take his sword/weapons in to meet Hrothgar?

Hrothgar might think Beowulf is attacking the Danes

True or False: Beowulf believes that God will control who wins the battle between Grendel and himself.

True

True or False: Beowulf promises the Danes that he will either kill Grendel or die in the battle himself

True

As Beowulf prepares to battle Grendel, why does he allow Grendel to kill one man first?

Beowulf is making his plan of action

Who does the author of Beowulf call "that shepherd of evil, that guardian of crime?"

Beowulf

How does Beowulf conquer Grendel?

Beowulf tears off Grendel's arm, and he bleeds to death

What is the only thing that can destroy Herot hall?

Fire

Who is "that mighty protector of men?"

Beowulf

What spell does Grendel place during the battle with Beowulf?

He curses Beowulf's sword so it cannot harm him

True or False: Beowulf uses a sword to defeat Grendel in battle

False

What "trophy of battle" does Beowulf bring back from his battle with Grendel?

Grendel's arm

What is Beowulf's second challenge from the Danes?

Kill Grendel's mother

Briefly describe Grendel's mother

Very strong, sea witch,a cave underneath a lake, fiery flame lake

What literary element is used in the following statement: "For Beowulf, the price of this last victory will be great"? What can we assume is meant by this statement?

Foreshadowing; there are more victories to come in the future

Who/what is Hrunting?

Beowulf's sword

All of the following are examples of the imagery associated with Grendel's lair except......

A lake burning like a torch

What is unusual about the battle-hall in which Grendel's mother carries Beowulf?

It is magical so Grendel's mother can't die in it

True or False: Beowulf's sword can cut through Gendel's mother's neck

False

What is Beowulf's motivation in the battle against Grendel's mother?

To attain ultimate fame

True or False: Magic plays a part in Beowulf's success in the battle against Grendel's mother

True

Who or what does Beowulf seek out immediately after killing Grendel's mother?

Hrunting

What does Beowulf carry back to King Hrothgar?

Grendel's head

How many years pass between the battle with Grendel's mother and the battle with the dragon?

50 years

True or False: Beowulf doesn't use weapons in the battle against the dragon

True

True or False: The dragon's breath melts Beowulf's shield

True

Who is the only warrior who shows Beowulf loyalty?

Wiglaf

What does Beowulf request to be done for his funeral?

That he be buried in a tomb