Beowulf Plot

With what biblical character is Grendel associated and why is it significant

Grendel is associated with Cain b/c Cain was the first murderer of man

What are the men doing in Herot when Grendel first attacks them

They are drinking, being loud, and falling asleep

How men does Grendel kill in his first attack on Herot

30 men

What significance can be drawn from the fact that Grendel attacks at night

He takes advantage of his prey when they're vulnerable

What is the author's purpose in describing Grendel as "delighted with his night slaughter" and his unquenchable "lust for evil"

That he is pure evil and murders for fun

What does Grendel dare not to touch in Herot? Why?

Hrothgar's throne b/c it was protected by God

How many Geats accompany Beowulf to aid Hrothgar

14 geats

What is a mail shirt

Flexible body armor made of metal

What is a mead hall

place where mead is served

What favor does Beowulf request from Hrothgar

wants himself and his mean to purge the hall

What weapons does Beowulf plan to use in the battle with Grendel? Why? How does Beowulf's choice of weapons important to his image as an epic hero

No weapons b/c he wants God to divide who dies

How does Grendel demonstrate his strength just before entering Herot

He tore the iron fasteners off a door leading to the hall

Who is the first Geat that Grendel approaches? What happens to that Geat?

The Geat was unnamed and he was ripped apart by Grendel

How is Grendel characterized in line 323? What do these references tell us about the significance of the battle that is about to begin

characterized as a shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, and that Beowulf is about to end his reign of evil

What is Grendel's initial reaction upon encountering Beowulf? What was Beowulf's response?

Grendel's rwaction was to run and cower and Beowulf held onto Grendel's claw

What was "a miserable journey" for Grendel and why

it was the trip to Herot b/c that would be the last place he would be able to hunt humans

What is the "new terror" that the Danes experience

The cries of pain from Grendel

Who is unable to hurt Grendel in the battle and what is the significance this

Beowulf's men b/c it shows that weapons can't pierce the skin of Grendel and how strong Beowulf is

How does Beowulf wound Grendel

breaks his arm

Where does Grendel go after the battle with Beowulf ends and to do what

Grendel escapes to his den and dies

Why are the Danes laughing after the battle

B/c Beowulf defeated Grendel

What is Beowulf's trophy from the battle and where is it kept

He kept the claws, arm, and shoulder and hung it from the rafters

How does Grendel's mother react to Beowulf's victory

she kills the king's BFF

What is the name of Grendel's father

he is not named

What lives in the monster's lair and describe the lair

it's dark, gloomy, and under a lake

What is the narrator trying to emphasize in discussing the deer

that even animals are scared of the water and what in it

Who is Edgetho's brave son

Beowulf

About whom does Beowulf appear to be most concerned in the event he should not survive the upcoming battle

his soldiers

Who is Unferth

A Danish warrior who had questioned Beowulf's bravery

Who is Hrunting

Beowulf's sword

How does Grendel's mom great Beowulf

with her claws

What does Beowulf learn is ineffective against Grendel's mom and what is his reaction

His sword can't hurt her

Why is Grendel's mother unable to kill Beowulf with her dagger and what saves him

His mail shirt he wore and it couldn't be penetrated

What object does Beowulf use to slay Grendel's mom and how is the object described and what does the description imply about Beowulf

A heavy sword hammered by the Giants

How does Beowulf repay Grendel, once and for all, for his bloody deeds

by killing his mom

Who proceeds onto the water to help Beowulf in his battles and what is implied by this

The warriors and Hrothgar but they stared at the lake Beowulf was in

Who loses faith in Beowulf and what is implied by this

The greybeards and they are whispering together

What does Beowulf carry with him out of the lake and what does he leave behind

Grendel's head and the hielt of the giants, leaves the blade

For how long does Beowulf rule as king of Geatland

50 years

Why is Beowulf unashamed to use his sword, shield, and armor against the Dragon and how does this support Beowulf's character as an epic hero

B/c the Dragon will breathe fire, and that he will use what he needs

What fails Beowulf in his battle against the Dragon and how

With his sword b/c of the Dragon's scales

What does behavior of Beowulf's men during the final battle suggest about their character, as compared to Beowulf

They don't have the same courage as he does

What is the main msg of Wiglaf's speech on pgs. 38-39

That they need to help their king b/c he is old

Who slays the Dragon

Wiglaf

What are the spoils

Gold and Gems

What can easily defeat the strongest of men

Greed

What does Beowulf request for the Geats build for him and why

A tomb so the sailors can see it and be reminded of him

What does Beowulf give to Wiglaf

His Crown

What is the ultimate result of Beowulf's battle with the Dragon

Wiglaf becomes king and denounces the warriors who abandoned Beowulf

What is buried with Beowulf

the treasures they earned