beowulf test 1 study guide

covers the prologue up to and including beowulf's fight with grendel

Scyld Scefing

A legendary Danish king who rose from humble beginnings to establish a powerful and respected rule. He is the founder of the Danish royal line.

Beow

Son of Scyld Scefing, he is a beloved and generous ruler who continues his father's legacy of strong leadership.

Hrothgar

The current king of the Danes. He builds the great hall, Heorot, and is a wise, aging leader troubled by Grendel's attacks.

Grendel

A monstrous creature who terrorizes Heorot, attacking and killing Hrothgar's warriors. He is a descendant of Cain, the biblical figure, and symbolizes evil and chaos.

Beowulf

A heroic warrior from Geatland who comes to Denmark to help Hrothgar by defeating Grendel. Known for his great strength, courage, and noble qualities.

Unferth

A Danish warrior who is initially jealous of Beowulf and tries to discredit him during the feast. He later recognizes Beowulf's strength and heroism.

Wealhtheow

Hrothgar's queen, known for her grace and hospitality. She plays a key role in promoting peace and harmony at Heorot.

Scyld Scefing

A legendary Danish king who rose from humble beginnings to establish a powerful and respected rule. He is the founder of the Danish royal line.

Beow

Son of Scyld Scefing, he is a beloved and generous ruler who continues his father's legacy of strong leadership.

Hrothgar

The current king of the Danes. He builds the great hall, Heorot, and is a wise, aging leader troubled by Grendel's attacks.

Grendel

A monstrous creature who terrorizes Heorot, attacking and killing Hrothgar's warriors. He is a descendant of Cain, the biblical figure, and symbolizes evil and chaos.

Beowulf

A heroic warrior from Geatland who comes to Denmark to help Hrothgar by defeating Grendel. Known for his great strength, courage, and noble qualities.

Unferth

A Danish warrior who is initially jealous of Beowulf and tries to discredit him during the feast. He later recognizes Beowulf's strength and heroism.

Wealhtheow

Hrothgar's queen, known for her grace and hospitality. She plays a key role in promoting peace and harmony at Heorot.

Heorot

The grand mead-hall built by Hrothgar, serving as a social and cultural center for the Danes. It is a symbol of community and royal power but becomes a target for Grendel's attacks.

Geatland

Beowulf's homeland, located in modern-day Sweden. It is the kingdom from which Beowulf and his warriors set sail to aid Hrothgar.

Grendel's Lair

The dark, marshy home of Grendel. It is described as a murky, dismal place, reflecting Grendel's evil nature.

Scyld Scefing

A legendary Danish king who rose from humble beginnings to establish a powerful and respected rule. He is the founder of the Danish royal line.

Beow

Son of Scyld Scefing, he is a beloved and generous ruler who continues his father's legacy of strong leadership.

Hrothgar

The current king of the Danes. He builds the great hall, Heorot, and is a wise, aging leader troubled by Grendel's attacks.

Grendel

A monstrous creature who terrorizes Heorot, attacking and killing Hrothgar's warriors. He is a descendant of Cain, the biblical figure, and symbolizes evil and chaos.

Beowulf

A heroic warrior from Geatland who comes to Denmark to help Hrothgar by defeating Grendel. Known for his great strength, courage, and noble qualities.

Unferth

A Danish warrior who is initially jealous of Beowulf and tries to discredit him during the feast. He later recognizes Beowulf's strength and heroism.

Wealhtheow

Hrothgar's queen, known for her grace and hospitality. She plays a key role in promoting peace and harmony at Heorot.

Heorot

The grand mead-hall built by Hrothgar, serving as a social and cultural center for the Danes. It is a symbol of community and royal power but becomes a target for Grendel's attacks.

Geatland

Beowulf's homeland, located in modern-day Sweden. It is the kingdom from which Beowulf and his warriors set sail to aid Hrothgar.

Grendel's Lair

The dark, marshy home of Grendel. It is described as a murky, dismal place, reflecting Grendel's evil nature.

Who is the legendary king that the Danish royal family descends from?

King Scyld Scefing

What does King Scyld Scefing achieve during his reign?

He establishes a strong kingdom and earns the loyalty of many tribes.

Who is King Hrothgar's ancestor, and how is he related to Beow?

King Hrothgar is a descendant of Scyld Scefing, and Beow is Scyld's son.

What is the name of the great hall built by King Hrothgar?

Heorot

Why does Grendel begin attacking Heorot?

He despises the sound of human happiness and joy coming from the hall.

How long does Grendel terrorize Heorot?

Twelve years

What prompts Beowulf to travel to Denmark?

He hears of Hrothgar's plight and decides to help.

Where is Beowulf from?

Geatland

How does Hrothgar react to Beowulf's arrival?

He welcomes Beowulf and is hopeful he can defeat Grendel.

What is unusual about Beowulf's plan to fight Grendel?

He decides to fight Grendel without using weapons.

Who tries to undermine Beowulf at the feast, and how does Beowulf respond?

Unferth tries to undermine Beowulf, but Beowulf counters with his own version of the story, proving his bravery.

What role does Queen Wealhtheow play during the feast at Heorot?

She offers words of encouragement and hospitality to Beowulf.

How does Beowulf manage to defeat Grendel?

He overpowers Grendel in a hand-to-hand struggle and rips off the monster's arm.

What happens to Grendel after his fight with Beowulf?

Mortally wounded, Grendel flees to his lair to die.

What is done with Grendel's arm after Beowulf defeats him?

It is hung as a trophy in Heorot.