Celts through Beowulf Quiz

Celts

“Indo-Europeans” from the Indus Valley

Britons

Modern England

Cymry

Modern Wales

Picts and Scots

Modern Scotland (2)

Gaels

Modern Ireland

geography and tribe

Languages form through _____________ and ________.

Roman Empire

Which empire influenced language in Europe (specifically Latin)?

England

55 BCE: Julius Caesar tries and fails invasion of ________________.

england

43 CE: Claudius invades ________________.

Romano-British culture

After Claudius’ invasion in 43 CE, what culture/influence began to develop in the country?

Constantine

Which emperor declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in 313 CE?

Nationalism

The unifying idea of Christianity led to what ideology in the Roman Empire?

Denmark

Which country invaded England and filled the “power vacuum” left by the Romans. (Angles, Jutes, Saxons)

Saxons

Established kingdoms with -sex as a suffix (Sussex, Wessex, Essex).

Angles

Gave their name to the land and emerging language of English.

Vikings

Invaded beginning in 800 CE. Primarily from Denmark (Pagan usually).

Alfred the Great

King of Wessex (849-899) who organized a resistance among Vikings, preserved Christianity, and created the notion of cultural Englishness.

Battle of Ethandun

(878) Alfred the Great defeated the Danes who had invaded —> Viking leader (defeated) became Christian.

Alfred’s Kingdom

Southern half-ish of England.

The Danelaw

Northern half-ish of England.

Christian and Pagan

Religion of settled Danes (absorbed by the English).

Scandinavia

Beowulf origin region.

Beowulf

Epic poem, based in Denmark, that was passed down orally and emphasizes “Warrior Culture” (virtues of excellence in battle).

Northumbria

Where do historians think Beowulf was written around 750 CE?

Scribe A and Scribe B

Transcribed Beowulf around 1000 CE.

The Nowell Codex

Oldest surviving manuscript (c. 1000 CE)

Transcribed from existing manuscript (Anglosaxon —> Germanic)

Named for Robert Nowell (earliest known owner)

Grendel

Monstrous creature who terrorizes the Danes in their mead hall, Herot. Described as a descendant of Cain and is driven by a sense of isolation and resentment toward the joy of the human world. He is ultimately defeated by the hero Beowulf.

Hrothgar

King of the Danes. Is known for his generosity and wisdom, but his kingdom is plagued by the monster Grendel. He seeks help from Beowulf, the poem's hero, to rid his kingdom of this menace.

Christian influence, warrior culture, heroism, fate.

Themes/Focuses in Beowulf.

Wealthy and Noble

What does Beowulf’s armor of silver chainmail indicate about his status? (High value put on metalwork)

Beowulf

Protagonist known for his strength and bravery. Driven by a desire for fame and glory and renowned for his ability to defeat monstrous creatures. He is also portrayed as a loyal and honorable leader, willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. (Beowulf is Swedish for “Bear”)

Hero’s Boast

Hero (Beowulf) proudly proclaims their accomplishments and abilities in order to assert their greatness and inspire others.

Unferth

Foil character (contrasts Beowulf) —> Jealous son of Ecglaf (mention of lineage = lineage is IMPORTANT)

Never betray the family/tribe.

What value does Beowulf state that Unferth has violated? (Killed his brothers)

Work, time, craftsmanship, and dedication.

Significance of the Hall’s structure/decor.

He cares more about killing Grendel than saving everyone.

Why does Beowulf let a man die while sneaking up on Grendel?

Devil

Grendel biblical comparison:

Jesus

Beowulf biblical comparison: