English 10H - Beowulf Test

Call to Adventure

the hero receives a mysterious message, invitation, or challenge

Assistance

the hero needs some help from someone(maybe older or wise) or needs something

Departure

the hero crosses the threshold from his normal safe home to enter the special world and adventure

Trials

hero solves a riddle, escapes from a trap, slays a monster

Approach

approaches or faces their worst fear or biggest ordeal

Crisis

hero’s darkest hour facing death or possible dies only to be reborn

Treasure

claims some treasure, recognition, or power

Result

monsters can bow down or chase, varies from story to story

Return

returns to ordinary world

New Life

changed hero, outgrowing their old life

Resolution

all tangled plot lines get straightened out

Status Quo

things are back to the start, but just not the same

Meadhall

banquet hall

who was Beowulf written by

anonymous author, most likely a monk

Wyrd

fate that was a ruling force causing tribes to not fear death

Heroes in Anglo-Saxon culture were expected to…

boast of their fame as long as they had proof to back it up

Wergild

restitution from murder or expect revenge from victim’s families

Fair fights are the only

honorable fights

Beo means

bright or noble/bear

Wulf means

wolf

The story of Beowulf follows a chant like effect of a…

4 beat line because it was told orally originally - no rhyme

Alliteration

the repetition of consonant sounds

Caesura

a pause or break in a line of poetry

Kenning

a long metaphorical phrase that’s usually 2 rods - used to give names to things

Hyperbole

exaggeration

Scop

a story teller or bard who would tell stories of past heroes, record history and entertain

Thane

warrior

Affliction

state of misery or pain

Solace

comfort or relief

Mail

flexible body armor made of metal

The Wrath of Grendel Opening Setting

In Herot, Denmark in a banquet hall surrounded by beautiful plains marked off by oceans

From whom does Grendel descend?

Cain, a son of Adam and Eve, which alludes to the Bible

Why is Grendel bitter and impatient?

He has been banished from men because he murdered Abel, and the people are singing of the creation of Earth by God.

In the opening lines of the Wrath of Grendel, what evidence of Christianity is shown?

God’s making of Earth

What is shown to be Grendel’s motive for attacking Herot

The people in the banquet hall are having fun while he is in exile.

When does Grendel make his move on Herot and why?

In the darkness while they’re drunk and asleep so they’re unsuspecting

What was the only way for the warriors to escape the wrath of Grendel?

to get away from Herot

For how long did Herot remain empty after Grendel’s attack?

12 years

What had Herot represented before Grendel’s attack?

It had represented power, but now Grendel rules so the Kind doesn’t have any power over a deserted land.

How did the story of Grendel’s attack spread?

Verbally through songs and stories across the seas

How did Grendel pay wergild?

with more crime

Why didn’t Grendel attack the throne of Hrothgar?

he’s protected by God and Grendel isn’t loved by God

How does Hrothgar’s council briefly revert back to pagan beliefs?

when under the stress of Grendel’s attacks, they sacrificed to the old stone gods

What Christian remedy is spoken of at the end of The Wrath of Grendel?

to turn to God for solace instead of Pagan Gods, and that when they die, they will reach God

Hrothgar

king of Herot who holds throne

Herot

the place Grendel terrorizes, and where the King’s banquet hall is

Healfdane’s son

Hrothgar

Higlac

King of Geats and Beowulf’s lord and uncle

Geats

Swedes led by Higlac

Why didn’t Beowulf’s people prevent him from going to Denmark?

Because he was loved by the Geats and they encouraged adventures because omens were good

What plan of action did Beowulf take in coming to Denmark?

He brought 14 of the best men and went to the shore with their boat

Call to Adventure of Beowulf

heard of Grendel’s horror

Assistance of Beowulf

chose the mightiest men he could find

Departure of Beowulf

the crew starts to sail to Herot

How were the Geats prepared to face Grendel?

They had shining armor and shields

How did the Danish watcher approach Beowulf and his men?

He immediately asks for their background because he had no knowledge of their coming and they could be pirate

How was Beowulf’s reaction to the watchman boastful?

He bragged of his father and claims that he will be the one to help Hrothgar out

Why does the watcher believe Beowulf?

He is desperate and Beowulf is confident of his abilities

What does the watcher say that indicates he believes Beowulf will be successful?

He says his men will watch until Beowulf is seen off after defeating Grendel

What information does Beowulf present Hrothgar when he first meets him?

He tells him of his family and talks about his other glories and hunts to show him he is worthy of killing Grendel

What does Beowulf request of Hrothgar and why?

He asks for him and the Geats to be the only ones to kill Grendel with no help from the Danes so they can be the ones to claim the glory

What does Beowulf say he will fight Grendel with?

He says he will fight him with nothing so it’s a fair fight

Why won’t the Danes have to sew shrouds for the Geats if Grendel triumphs?

There will be nothing left of them 

What will be returned to Higlac if Beowulf loses his life in battle with Grendel?

the chainmail that is his inheritance from Hrethel

Why is Beowulf not scared of fighting Grendel?

He believes in fate

What does Grendel notice about Herot that is different from the other times he has come?

He notices it is defended more firmly than it has been

What happens as Grendel approaches the first Geat in the Battle with Grendel and what literary element does this represent?

He eats him, which is shown gorily through imagery

Holding onto each other, what thoughts go through Grendel’s mind while facing Beowulf?

He thinks it would be best for him to run, which isn’t normally the case

Give 3 specific details of Grendel’s physical description.

hard claws, powerful jaws, and great teeth

Why were Beowulf’s men unable to help him kill Grendel?

No sword could hurt Grendel because he had a spell saying so.

How does the Battle with Grendel represent a battle of good vs. evil?

It becomes Grendel facing God himself as he describes Beowulf like a God

What souvenir did Beowulf leave the Danes? What does this symbolize?

Grendel’s arm, claw, and shoulder hanging. It symbolizes the greatness of Herot once again.

What has Beowulf gained from this battle with Grendel?

Fame and honor, and he was able to fight for immortality through glory.

What qualities of a hero are exhibited in the Battle with Grendel?

Courage, strength, determination

Which stage of the hero’s journey would the Battle with Grendel be considered?

trials

Danes

the people of Denmark led by Hrothgar

Geats

the people of Sweden led by Higlac/Beowulf

Higlac

the king of Sweden who is the uncle of Beowulf