Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf Review

How could an Anglo-Saxon be described?

They were violent, used a lot of romanticism, and were intelligent because of the way they went in and attacked so much and gained so much land.

What did the Anglo-Saxons do?

Built new cities, roads, and expanded and spread Christianity.

What is an epic?

A long narrative poem.

What language was Beowulf originally written?

Old English.

What was Hrothgar’s castle named?

Herot

For 12 years, what has been happening at Herot?

Grendel is attacking the Danes.

What Biblical character can we connect Grendel to?

Cain

Why was Grendel attacking the Danes?

They were too loud, and God and mankind have banished him because he is a descendant of evil. He was very angry overall.

How did Beowulf convince the king to allow him to go and fight Grendel?

He tells him about all of his previous battles and how he has won every single one.

What is a kenning?

A descriptive word, a lot of the time put together with hyphens.

Why does Beowulf decide not to use a weapon when fighting Grendel?

He wants it to be a fair fight, Grendel has no weapon either.

How did Grendel die?

Beowulf grabs the sword off the wall at Herot, and he uses it to cut off Grendel’s shoulder.

What happens that causes Beowulf to have to go after Grendel’s mother?

She took the arm, and she killed the King’s right-hand man. The King was angered and told Beowulf to go after her.

What is one thing that Beowulf can do that no one else can?

He holds his breath for hours on end to fight Grendel’s mother, and he finally kills her with a special sword.

What does Beowulf do with Grendel’s body when he finds it?

He cuts off his head and takes it back as a trophy.

What reward does Beowulf get?

He got treasures and gold from the King.

How many years go by until Beowulf goes to fight the dragon?

50 years.

Why did the dragon go attack Herot and the Danes?

A servant stole a cup of its gold and treasure and was mad and wanted it back.

What happens to Beowulf’s sword during the battle with the dragon?

It melted.

Who went and helped Beowulf fight?

His nephew, Wiglaf.

Right before Beowulf dies, what does he ask Wiglaf to do?

Get some of the treasure for him.

What caused Beowulf to die?

One of the dragon’s fangs slashed his neck and it was venomous.

What does Wiglaf do to the other soldiers?

He shamed them and branded them with disgrace, saying Beowulf has done so much for them and they didn’t care to help.

What is one thing that can happen to every warrior?

Every warrior believes death can happen.

How was the story first told?

It was an oral story, word of mouth.

In every epic, what figurative language is there always a lot of?

Alliteration

What trait do epic heroes always have?

Superhuman traits

What is the theme of Beowulf?

Good v. Evil.

After they built the tower to honor Beowulf, what did his men do?

They got on their horses and rode around the tower to praise and honor him.