Beowulf heroism Flashcards
Oratory skill/reputation-building
“Because they all knew my awesome strength/They had all seen me bolted in blood of enemies/when I battled and bound five beasts.”
What is the name of Unfeth’s sword that he lends Beowulf?
Hrunting
Who did Ecgtheow kill?
What is the OE name for the death-price?
A wulfing
weregild?
How does Beowulf feel prior to taking on the dragon?
“he was destined to face the end of his days…as was the dragon, for all his long leasehold on the treasure.”
How does Wiglaf define B’s doubleness/foolhardiness?
“Often when one man follows his own will/Many are hurt.”
How is the dragon described once slaughtered?
“Never again would he glitter and glide” - magnificence.
How is B’s death lend a circularity to the poem & how is he compared to Sheafson?
Begs and ends w/ burial (sea-burial and land-burial).
“They said that of all the King’s upon earth/he was the man most gracious and fair-minded/kindest to his people and keenest to win fame” (3180)
Heroism/immortality
“You have made yourself immortal by your glorious action” - Hrothgar, following B’s defeat of Grendel.
