14th Century Literature Quiz

An epic poem written in Old English, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period and telling the story of Beowulf, a heroic warrior who battles monstrous creatures to protect his people.

The style of writing used in Beowulf, characterized by its strong, rhythmical structure and specific poetic devices.

A literary tradition that emphasizes heroism, loyalty, and honor, found in many ancient stories and poems.

The system of social obligations and loyalty that governed relationships between warriors and their leaders during the Anglo-Saxon period, emphasizing loyalty and duty, often in the form of a warrior oath.

The main character in the epic poem Beowulf, a powerful and noble warrior who embodies the ideal of the hero.

The monstrous creature that terrorizes the Danes in the poem Beowulf, symbolizing evil and a threat to civilized society.

The King of the Danes in Beowulf, a wise and experienced ruler who is in need of Beowulf's help in fighting Grendel.

A symbol of the destructive power of greed and the dangers of hoarding wealth, which Beowulf ultimately confronts and defeats.

The unique narrative structure of Beowulf, where past events are recalled to explain present situations and future events are foreshadowed, creating a cyclical sense of time.

The recurring theme in Beowulf of the transience of power and fame, symbolized by the death of heroes and the passing of generations.

The elements of the Christian belief system that are incorporated into Beowulf, such as the creation story, the concept of good versus evil, and the importance of fighting for righteousness.

Beowulf's main goal throughout the epic, which motivates his actions and is often linked to achieving glory and recognition for his heroic deeds.

The role that Beowulf plays in the poem, a symbol of strength, courage, and the importance of fighting for civilization.

The idea that Beowulf's death, like the death of any hero, marks a significant event and calls for a period of mourning and reflection.

The name of the Great Hall in King Hrothgar's kingdom, where celebrations were held.

Grendel became enraged by the joyful noises coming from Heorot and the fact that humans saw him as an outcast. This fueled his desire to terrorize the kingdom, leading him to attack King Hrothgar's people for 12 years.

A legendary hero from Sweden, Beowulf arrives at Heorot and vows to fight Grendel to protect King Hrothgar and his people.

Beowulf refuses to use a weapon during his fight with Grendel, as Grendel himself did not use any weapons.

In a brutal fight, Beowulf manages to rip off Grendel's arm, mortally wounding the monster. Grendel flees to his swamp, where he eventually dies.

Grendel's mother seeks revenge for her son's death by attacking Heorot, killing one of the King's men.

Grendel's mother had a special shield that was made from bone and could not be pierced by traditional weapons.

Beowulf faced many dangers and challenges throughout his journey, but his bravery and determination helped him to overcome them.

A type of ancient Germanic poet who traveled and composed heroic poems about historical figures and events.

The ability of a scop to recall and recount numerous historical characters, events, and periods.

The way a scop earns recognition and status by sharing their knowledge and experiences through their poems.

The poem "Widsith" portrays a scop who recounts his experiences and travels, showcasing his knowledge and skill as a poet.

The idea that a scop's destiny is to wander and learn, collecting stories to share.

The poem "Widsith" is an idealized self-portrait of a scop, showcasing their skills, experiences, and the people they encountered on their travels.

The belief that the best kings are those who are loved and respected by their subjects.

A common practice in ancient Germanic cultures where kings were expected to possess skills in poetry and storytelling.

A literary genre that typically features chivalry, romance, and adventure, often set in a medieval world.

A style of poetry where words beginning with the same sound appear close together in a line. Common in medieval English literature.

Sir Gawain chooses to fight the Green Knight instead of King Arthur, showing his bravery and loyalty.

Sir Gawain agrees to take a single blow from the Green Knight in a year's time, creating a plot-driven suspense.

Sir Gawain's journey to find the Green Chapel is a test of his courage and resilience.

The Green Knight's challenge emphasizes the importance of honor and chivalry among medieval knights.

Sir Gawain chooses to stay at a castle for three days before reaching the Green Chapel, causing delays and raising questions.

The story takes place in Camelot, King Arthur's court, and a mysterious location called the Green Chapel, highlighting the setting's impact on the characters.

A medieval poem written in the 14th century by an unknown Franciscan author, set in the mythical Land of Cockaygne, a paradise of abundance and pleasure.

A satirical poem that mocks the values of Christian poverty and obedience by portraying an earthly paradise where all earthly desires are satisfied.

The Land of Cockaygne is located 'West of Spain' - a place that medieval people considered as an unknown and mythical land.

A literary technique that uses a third-person narrator who knows all the thoughts and feelings of the characters in the story.

The contrasting of two contrasting ideas, often to highlight their differences and make a point. In The Land of Cockaygne, the poet contrasts the Christian Paradise (ideal but boring) with the Land of Cockaygne (earthly but full of pleasure).

A medieval romance, a popular genre in the Middle Ages that often featured tales of chivalry, love, and adventure.

A narrative poem, usually with a lyrical focus on chivalry, love, and magic, often featuring a magical element or a supernatural event.

The story is told from the perspective of an outside narrator, often a character within the world of the story, but not the main character.

A region in Western France, located on the northern coast of the peninsula, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural history.

A young and honorable knight who prioritizes his wife's honor and is willing to endure hardships to maintain it.

The beautiful and loyal wife of Arveragus, who would rather suffer the consequences of breaking a promise than betray her husband's trust.

A squire who initially seeks to exploit Dorigen's unhappiness but ultimately chooses to honor her commitment and protect her from further harm.

A powerful magician who represents a force of justice within the story, prioritizing the honor of all parties involved and ultimately granting Aurelius a way out of his obligation without compromising Dorigen's integrity.