Part 1 Flashcards
Scandinavian people of southern Sweden; Beowulf’s people
Geats
one of Hrothgar’s warriors, who is jealous of Beowulf and challenges his bravery
Unferth
extremely hungry; voracious
ravenous
apart; divided
asunder
to be of use; to help
avail
a medieval singer or musician who sang or recited poetry and whose lyrics told of distant place or existing or imaginary historical events
minstrel
rolled the body clumsily
wallowed
confusion; disorder
tumult
repayment; compensation
recompense
a state of complete emptiness
desolation
At feasting time Hrothgar gives his warriors rings, ornaments, and bracelets in exchange for what?
bravery and loyalty
How many years has Grendel attacked Heorot?
12
How many warriors does Beowulf take with him to Denmark
14
What does Wealhtheow the Queen bring Beowulf and his men during the welcome banquet?
a glowing mead cup
What are some of the elements of the welcome banquet feast that Grendel must have heard and despised as he approached?
loud revelry of heroes, bold merriment of men, the minstrel’s song, the soothing voice of the harp
How does Beowulf defeat Grendel?
He tears off his arm with his bare hands
The text also mentions a psychological reason that Grendel might hate the men of Heorot so much. Can you identify the line that reveals this?
Grendel is a distorted and ugly version of a man.
When the Danes flock to Heorot to behold the grisly trophy, Grendel’s arm, they praise Beowulf and declare an important connection between his might and his ___.
governance
Besides Beowulf, whom does Hrothgar thank for his people’s deliverance?
God
What does the minstrel sing of in celebration at the end?
heroic deeds of old
