Beowulf

What is the definition of an epic poem?

A long narrative poem

What does the acronym EPIC represent regarding an epic hero?

Characteristics of an archetypical epic hero

The Anglo-Saxons were once ____ who believed in ____

Pagans / Many gods, lucky charms, and gems

A metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly is a ____.

kenning

Woe-walker, Mankind's-enemy, and Shepherd of evil are all _______ to describe __________?

Kennings, Grendel

"Cain's clan, whom the creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts" is mostly an example of which poetic device?

Alliteration

"Shut away from men; they split Into a thousand forms of evil—spirits And fiends, goblins, monsters, giants..." is mostly an example of which poetic device?

Caesura

Who serves as a foil to Beowulf?

Unferth

Who is Brecca?

A friend who swims with Beowulf

"So his mind turned To hall-building: he handed down orders For men to work on a great mead-hall Meant to be a wonder of the world forever... And soon it stood there, Finished and ready, in full view, The hall of halls." What does Hrothgar's mead hall represent?

His power and community

Why was Herot so important to Hrothgar and his people?

It was the community’s heart where people would gather

"He was spawned in that slime, Conceived by a pair of those monsters born Of Cain, murderous creatures banished By God, punished forever..." What is the significance of including Grendel's family tree?

The Anglo-Saxons valued kinship. The transcriber wanted to set up a biblical good versus evil theme

"He was spawned in that slime, Conceived by a pair of those monsters born Of Cain, murderous creatures banished By God, punished forever..." The tone toward Grendel can best be described as...

Negative - cautionary, disgusted

What does Grendel hate the sound of?

Voices of men singing

The reason the detail about what Grendel hates the sound of is important is because...

The author tries emphasizing the topic’s importance that the men sing about and why Grendel hates it

"In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac's Follower and the strongest of the Geats...Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror And quickly commanded a boat fitted out, ...Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, Now when help was needed." This quote best illustrates which EPIC hero trait?

Identifies a need to go on a quest

In his self-introduction to Hrothgar, Beowulf reveals that one of the reasons he is so confident in killing Grendel is because...

He has plenty of experience killing monsters

In his self-introduction to Hrothgar, Beowulf reveals that he plans to use no weapons in his fight with Grendel. What is the best inferred explanation of this choice?

Beowulf wants it to be a fair, equal fight

What does Grendel want to do when he first comes in contact with Beowulf?

Flee to his lair, a sign of cowardice, which the Anglo-Saxons did not value

How does Hrothgar describe the lake where Grendel and his mother live?

Ominous and dark

How does Grendel's mother's react after she learns that her son is dead?

Uses her vengeance to kill the one warrior Hrothgar would miss the most

How does the fight in the lake contrast with the fight with Grendel?

Beowulf uses weapons in the lake and the opponent doesn't show fear

How does Beowulf eventually kill Grendel's mother?

He cuts off her head with her giant sword found in the lair

How does Beowulf wish he could fight the dragon?

With his bare hands as he fought Grendel.

What do most of Beowulf's warriors do when they see he is losing the battle with the dragon?

Run away from their king in his time of need.

Who is Wiglaf?

A close kinsman of Beowulf

What does Wiglaf do when he sees Beowulf faltering in his fight with the dragon?

Runs to rally and scold Beowulf's kinsmen.

What does Wiglaf represent?

Anglo-Saxon values

When Beowulf describes how he wants to be remembered this shows

Bravery and kinship

Which is a universal theme in the epic Beowulf?

Evil will never win if you have a hero to save you

Practice Riddle: No one can see me or catch me in their palms. I spread the noisy sound of my voice quickly through the world; I can break to pieces the oak with my loud, crashing strength, As I beat against the high poles of the sky and traverse the fields

Wind

Practice Riddle: A wonderful warrior exists on earth. Two dumb creatures make him grow bright between them. He makes people happy. He makes their lives better. But if they let him grow proud, this ungrateful friend soon turns against them

Fire

Both poetic and phonetic, Beowulf (the story) and Beowulf (the character) are this:

Epic

Tis this thing that talks to and tickles the teacher’s ear. You will ponder and prepare with the help of your peers.

Alliteration

It is this device you might use to call a person on a bicycle a pedal-pusher. Some that ride in gas-guzzling man wagons may also call them a tree-hugger.

Kenning

Make sure that you know, take a long second to think, just how powerful a pause in your writing can be. Use this powerful device to let words marinate in the mind of your audience

Caesura

Oh, where did men find themselves good cheer and sing with loud voices? A place of protection where plans of the people blossomed. The beating heart of the realm!

Mead Hall

Control the atmosphere and scene using this device by giving your words specific connotation like this: The feelings of joy sprang from the refreshing water and flooded his heart as the tables of fortunes turned in Beowulf’s favor

Like the blacksmith that wields the mighty hammer to shape metal into creation, an author will use meaningful words to convey attitude by using this:

Tone

The pride of the southern Swedes. The hero of the Danes. The protagonist. The upright and honorable. Who embodies everything that Grendel is not.

Beowulf

In the darkest corner of the mind, with hands clasped tightly over the ears, you will find this drooling creature.

Grendel

Spirit of vengeance, hidden and feeding off the depths, hero or villain, who knows?

Grendel’s Mother

There, lying upon that which belongs to all heroes, with bowels of fury and fire waiting to be unleashed if one piece goes missing.

Dragon

A personification of Anglo-Saxon values, A loyal friend and kinsman, the future of the Geats. Who brings any hope and refuses despair or to leave the side of his King?

Wiglaf

No, it isn’t money, or maybe for you it is. But can you put worth on these things that define you? What truly defines you? Who are you? Name the things that will give you these answers?

Values

What is the purpose behind writing things down? Beowulf’s story was used to spread what?

Christian beliefs

The story of Beowulf was originally shared with people by mouth.

Alliteration