Beowulf Flashcards
The king of the Danes. Important because he helps Beowulf kill the monster.
Hrothgar
The monster. Attacks the Danes because of their arrogance and his jealousy. He’s jealous because he was excluded from the fun.
Grendel
Reference to the pagan traditions:
“I kill your family and I give you money, so you don’t kill mine.”
How does Beowulf show respect to Hrothgar in his opening speech to him?
By hailing himself and saying that he’s here to help kill Grendel.
What are two feats Beowulf has achieved in the past that prove he is equal to this task?
- hunting &
- killing many monsters in the past
Why is Beowulf going into this battle without weapons?
Beowulf wants the glory/Grendel doesn’t use a weapon so neither will Beowulf.
What kind of monster is Grendel?
A vicious character with lots of motivation. His story is more prevalent. He is described to have a lot of rage and prejudice towards the Danish citizens.
What reason does Unferth have for doubting Beowulf’s ability to kill Grendel?
He lost in a swim race against Beowulf.
How does Beowulf respond to Unferth’s doubts?
He defends himself by saying he was covered in armor and weapons. He was still a boy, they also work together.
What emotions motivate Grendel during his attack on Heorot?
He’s filled with rage and is so angry that he’s crying and eating the men in full.
What happens when Grendel tries to attack Beowulf?
Fate is against him and Grendel is stopped from charging.
Why were Beowulf’s men unable to use their weapons in the fight with Grendel?
They had to pretend that they were drunk and passed out in order to trick Grendel. And because Grendel didn’t use weapons.
How did Beowulf defeat Grendel?
By grabbing him and Grendel tries to run away but Beowulf gives chase.
What was done with the prize of victory? Why does Beowulf do that?
Grendel’s arm was put hanging from the roof as a sign of victory.
What does Grendel’s mother take with her after she attacks Herot?
She takes Hrothgar’s best friend and Grendel’s arm after it was stole.
Where does Beowulf have to go to do battle with her? What makes this more dangerous for him?
Grendel’s mother took the king’s best friend. Now, it’s more dangerous because he has to fight in her domain.
What happens when Beowulf dives into the lake?
He is attacked by monsters in the lake
As Beowulf and Grendel’s mother battle, what goes wrong for Beowulf?
His sword fails during the battle.
How is Beowulf able to defeat Grendel’s mother?
God is on Beowulf’s side. He decapitates Grendel’s mom.
What happens to the weapon after he uses it?
The sword melts from Grendel’s mother’s blood.
What does Beowulf bring back from the swamp to prove his victory?
He brings back Grendel’s head and the sword hilt to prove his victory.
How long did Beowulf rule Greatland?
50 winters (years)
Why does the dragon attack people?
Because someone stole his golden goblet
Why does Beowulf go into this battle with weapons and armor?
He needs to protect himself from the poison and fire.
Describe the dragon and why it’s such a powerful foe:
He’s angry and can breathe fire, he’s also huge and is the most powerful foe Beowulf has fought.
What goes wrong for Beowulf during the battle with the dragon?
Fate denies Beowulf and all of his warriors flee and hide in the forest.
How does Wiglaf try to encourage the other warriors to join the battle?
He reminds the warriors of everything Beowulf did for them and telling them to repay that to Beowulf.
How does the beast cause Beowulf’s death as Beowulf is killing it?
His sword breaks again, the dragon keeps attacking Beowulf and he’s suffering from poison in his wounds.
What does Beowulf ask to see before he dies?
He asks Wiglaf to bring back money/heirlooms before he dies.
How does Wiglaf punish the warriors who didn’t come to Beowulf’s aid?
He takes all of their land
