AP Lit Final Exam - Beowulf Study Flashcards

Beowulf

Heroic warrior motivated by glory, loyalty, and later duty as king.

Hrothgar

Wise but aging Danish king who represents good kingship.

Grendel

Monster descended from Cain who hates joy, music, and community.

Grendel’s Mother

Avenges her son, representing vengeance as social obligation.

Wiglaf

Loyal thane who alone helps Beowulf fight the dragon.

Unferth

Jealous warrior who challenges Beowulf and fails where he succeeds.

Wealhtheow

Queen who maintains social order through gift-giving and speech.

Hygelac / Hygd

Geatish king and queen who model loyalty and generosity.

Heardred

Hygelac’s son whose death leads to Beowulf becoming king.

The Dragon

Symbol of greed, fate, and inevitable death.

Scyld Scefing’s Funeral

Opening ship burial that establishes legacy and kingship.

Heorot

Hrothgar’s mead hall attacked by Grendel for twelve years.

Beowulf’s Arrival

Comes to repay Hrothgar’s kindness to Ecgtheow.

Unferth’s Challenge

Verbal test of honor that Beowulf wins through reputation.

Grendel Fight

Beowulf kills Grendel without weapons, proving strength and honor.

Grendel’s Mother’s Revenge

Attacks Heorot and kills Æschere to avenge her son.

Underwater Battle

Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother using a giant-forged sword.

Hrothgar’s Warning

Caution against pride and misuse of power.

Beowulf as King

Rules peacefully for fifty years after Hygelac and Heardred die.

Dragon’s Attack

Enraged by stolen cup, the dragon devastates Geatland.

Final Battle

All warriors flee except Wiglaf, proving true loyalty.

Beowulf’s Death

Dies after defeating the dragon and asks to see the treasure.

Barrow by the Sea

Beowulf’s tomb symbolizes legacy and looming danger.

Heroism

Strength, honor, and lasting reputation.

Loyalty

Shown through Wiglaf’s devotion versus the cowardly thanes.

Pride vs Wisdom

Hrothgar’s warning shows pride leads to downfall.

Fate (Wyrd)

Controls outcomes, though courage still matters.

Pagan and Christian Blend

Pagan fate mixed with Christian morality and Cain imagery.

Good Kingship

Generosity, protection of people, and lasting legacy.