Beowulf Questions Flashcards
What is the name of the first monster that terrorizes Hrothgar’s Kingdom?
The Grendel
What is the Grendel?
A demon descended from Cain.
What caused the Grendel to attack Hrothgar’s Kingdom?
A song played celebrating God’s creation of the earth angered the monster.
When Beowulf shows up, how long had the Grendel been terrorizing the Kingdom?
Twelve Years.
Where does Beowulf reside?
Geatland
What people are being terrorized by the Grendel?
The Danes.
What is one of the most important themes of the poem?
The delineation of the Heroic Code.
What is the name of the great hall Hrothgar builds?
Heorot.
Who mocks Beowulf in the Heorot?
Unferth.
What does Unferth taunt Beowulf about?
A lost swimming match.
How does Beowulf respond to Unferth?
By explaining how he fought off several sea monsters singlehandedly and pointing out how inept Unferth is to deal with the Grendel.
Why did Beowulf come to help Hrothgar?
Because of the obligation owed to Hrothgar and that the kingdoms were tied via the Heroic Code.
Does Beowulf state the Heroic Code obligation or does he cite another reason for helping Hrothgar?
He claims he did so out of his own free will and volition.
What mortal wound does Beowulf inflict on the Grendel to kill the monster?
He rips the Grendel’s arm out of its socket.
Who attacks the Heorot after Grendel is killed?
Grendel’s Mother.
Who is killed by Grendel’s Mother?
Aeschere, Hrothgar’s most trusted advisor and close friend.
What is the name of the sword loaned to Beowulf that has never failed in battle?
Hrunting.
Does the sword succeed in killing the Grendel’s Mother?
No. It is unable to pierce her skin.
What two trophies does Beowulf take from the Grendel’s Mother’s lair?
The hilt of the sword he used to slay the Grendel’s mother and the head of Grendel.
Where does Beowulf go after slaying the Grendel and the Grendel’s mother?
Back to Geatland.
How long does Beowulf rule the Geats?
Fifty years.
What is the event that sparks a great problem for Beowulf?
The awakening of a dragon.
What wakes up the dragon?
A runaway slave picking up a goblet from the dragon’s lair and stealing it.
How many men does Beowulf take with him to investigate the dragon?
Eleven men.
