beowulf test

Alliteration

Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words.

Epithet

A descriptive phrase that highlights a characteristic of a person or thing.

Caesura

A natural pause or break in a line of poetry, often in the middle.

Kenning

A two-word metaphorical phrase used instead of a simple noun.

Difference between Kenning and Epithet

Kenning REPLACES the name, while Epithet just adds on/describes it.

How to differentiate lines

16-17

“...That demon, that fiend, /Grendel” (PUT A SLASH TO DIFFERENTIATE LINES)

Grendel

A monstrous creature who terrorizes Herot; descendant of Cain.

Hrothgar

King of the Danes, ruler of Herot; son of Healfdane.

Herot

The great mead hall built by Hrothgar, where his warriors gather.

Healfdane

Former king of the Danes; father of Hrothgar.

Beowulf

A great warrior from Geatland; son of Edgetho; nephew of Higlac.

Higlac’s Followers

The warriors who accompany Beowulf to Denmark.

Higlac

King of the Geats; Beowulf’s uncle and lord.

Geats

A Scandinavian tribe; Beowulf and Higlac belong to them.

Wulfgar

A noble Danish warrior who serves Hrothgar and welcomes Beowulf.

Hathlaf

A warrior from the Wulfing tribe, killed by Edgetho.

Edgetho

Beowulf’s father; once involved in a feud with the Wulfings, later settled by Hrothgar.

Grendel summary

Grendel, a monstrous creature descended from Cain, is enraged by the joy and noise coming from Hrothgar’s mead hall, Herot. He begins attacking at night, killing and terrorizing the Danes. Despite their fear, the Danes are helpless to stop his brutal assaults, and Grendel rules the hall in darkness.

Beowulf summary

Hearing of Hrothgar’s plight, Beowulf, a hero of the Geats and nephew to King Higlac, travels to Denmark with his warriors. He offers to help Hrothgar by fighting Grendel barehanded, believing in fate and his own strength. Beowulf’s confidence and bravery renew the Danes’ hope as they await the battle.

The Battle with Grendel summary

Grendel invades Herot again, but this time Beowulf is waiting. A fierce struggle ensues, and Beowulf’s strength overwhelms Grendel. In their battle, Beowulf tears off Grendel’s arm, mortally wounding him. Grendel escapes to his lair to die, and Beowulf’s victory brings immense relief and celebration to the Danes.