beowulf test

scops

Beowulf is thought to be written by

about 725

The story was written in what year?

looking at a person - their armor, weapons, etc

In Viking society, social status could easily be determined by

scops

Anglo-Saxon travelling poets were called

mead-hall called Hall of the Hart

What does King Hrothgar decide to build?

Beowulf

Who was known as the thane of Hygelac in Sweden?

Hrothgar; Grendel is haunting Herot and he needs help getting rid of him

Who is King of the Danes and for what problem does he need help?

12 winters (years)

Grendel caused problems for the Danes for how long?

14

How many men did Beowulf bring?

Unferth

Who challenges Beowulf’s strength and reputation?

swam with swords, they were just boys, and he got drug down by a sea-beast and had to kill 9 of them

Why did Beowulf lose his swimming match with Breca?

Cain

Grendel is the descendent of what evil man?

makes him look more heroic/honorable, show his strength

Why does the author have Beowulf not use weapons?

he wants it to be an equal fight

How does Beowulf view Grendel?

waited for Grendel to attack first

What mistake did Beowulf make when Grendel enters Heorot?

shoulder wound/ripped off his arm

How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?

God

To what/whom does Beowulf attribute his victory?

Grendel’s arm

Beowulf’s battle with Grendel results in what trophy for the king’s hall?

kills a guy from the mead-hall and drags him to her lair

How does Grendel’s mother get revenge for her son’s death?

Grendel’s arm

Grendel’s mother also carries off what with her?

stabbing her

Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother by

treasure and kinship

How is Beowulf rewarded for his service?

50 years

Beowulf rules Geatland (Sweden) as King for how many years?

a thief trying to take his treasure

What wakes the dragon from its lair under the mountain?

they run off into the forest

What happens to the men Beowulf leaves at the opening of the dragon’s lair?

they have all they do because of Beowulf; they owe him and it is the least they could do

Wiglaf thinks he and his comrades should help Beowulf fight the dragon because

throat

Where does the dragon mortally wound Beowulf?

the treasure

Immediately prior to his death, Beowulf wants to see what?

burn it

What do the Geats do with Beowulf’s corpse?

a really fancy pyre and a hill for people to see called Beowulf’s Barrow

What did his men build at the request of Beowulf?

lots of joyful noises and loud partying

Why did Grendel attach the mead hall?

all die in the act of getting revenge - Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, dragon; explain in own words connection to the theme

Explain the “Getting Even” theme presented in the epic poem Beowulf

similar: save people, ethical/honorable, voluntary, take risks (pick two and choose two examples)

different: larger than life/supernatural, noble born, for honor/glory (pick two and choose two examples)

Based on the definition of an epic hero and your definition of heroic action from our culture, compare and contrast the two. Specific examples from the text as well as present-day situations are imperative.

Beowulf

Who does “Hygelac’s thane” refer to?

Grendel

Who does “Shepherd of sin” refer to?

Hrothgar

Who does “Prince of Danes” refer to?

Hrothgar

Who does “Lord of Scyldings” refer to?

Unferth

Who does “Ecglaf’s son” refer to?

God

Who does “Lord of Wisdom” refer to?

x

Know examples of kennings and alliteration from an excerpt from the reading.