unit 6 flashcards beowulf

alliteration

A poetic device where the initial sounds of two words in the same line are the same.

Alliterative meter

A type of unrhymed poetic meter in which each line of poetry consists of two balanced half-lines with a break in the middle.

aphorism

A short phrase or sentence that teaches wisdom or make a moral point.

caesura

The break or pause in the middle of a line of poetry.

elegy

A poem that reflects upon death in general or mourns the passing of a particular individual.

epithet

A descriptive word or phrase that identify a person or stand in place of their name.

Froda

The name for the father of Ingeld, Hrothgar’s son-in-law. Also, the inspiration for Frodo’s name in "The Lord of the Rings".

Geatland

The area now known as Southern Sweden.

gnomic saying

Another name for an aphorism used in ancient literature.

Grendel

The monster that Beowulf slew in Hrothgar’s hall.

heroic-elegiac poem

A poem that reflects upon the deeds and death of a hero.

Hrunting

The name of the sword that Unferth lent to Beowulf.

imaginary history

History that is adapted or fabricated by an author to fit the details of his story.

kenning

A short poetic phrase which combines two nouns or an adjective and a noun in order to replace and enhance a more common noun such as "Fire-flier" which describes a dragon.

King Hrothgar

The Danish King that Beowulf went to help.

King Hygelac

A historical king from Geatland who was supposedly the uncle of the hero Beowulf.

lay

A narrative poem or song dealing with a specific heroic event.

Nicors

The water monsters that lived in Grendel’s pool

Sir Robert Cotton

The man who acquired the original manuscript of Beowulf in the 17th century.

Unferth

The thane who mocked Beowulf.

Wiglaf

The only thane who helped Beowulf slay the dragon and who later ruled in his stead.