Questions and Answers
Who is Hrothgar?
Who is Beowulf?
Son of Edgetho, Higlac's nephew and follower, later king of Geats
Who is Higlac?
King of Geats, Beowulf's feudal lord/uncle
Who is Higd?
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Who is Wiglaf?
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Who is Freaw?
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Who is Grendel?
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Who is Grendel's mother?
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What is a dragon in Beowulf?
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Who is Brecca?
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Who is Unferth?
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Who is Edgetho?
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Who is Esher?
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Who is Hermod?
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Who is Thrith?
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Who is Offa?
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What is Hrunting?
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What is Nagling?
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Who are the Geats?
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Who are the Danes?
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What are the Anglo-Saxon virtues?
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What are the characteristics of an Epic hero?
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Study Notes
Key Characters in Beowulf
- Hrothgar: King of the Danes; renowned builder of the great mead hall, Herot, which serves as a central location in the story.
- Beowulf: Nephew of Higlac, he becomes a celebrated hero and later the king of the Geats, known for his strength and bravery.
- Higlac: King of the Geats; serves as Beowulf's feudal lord and is instrumental in his upbringing and development as a warrior.
- Higd: Wife of Higlac, notable for her role in the Gothic royal family.
- Wiglaf: Loyal warrior and companion to Beowulf; he aids Beowulf in the climactic battle against the dragon and succeeds him as king.
- Freaw: Hrothgar's daughter; she is married to secure an alliance and settle a feud between warring factions.
Antagonists
- Grendel: A monstrous creature descended from Cain, who terrorizes Hrothgar's kingdom until Beowulf confronts and defeats him.
- Grendel's Mother: A vengeful swamp hag who seeks retribution for her son's death, killed by Beowulf during a fierce underwater battle.
- Dragon: An ancient, powerful serpent guarding treasure; it ultimately leads to Beowulf's demise when it bites him during their confrontation.
Supporting Characters
- Brecca: Leader of the Brondings and friend of Beowulf, known for their youth and epic swimming match.
- Unferth: A warrior of Hrothgar's court; he expresses jealousy toward Beowulf but ultimately provides him with a sword, Hrunting, to face Grendel's mother.
- Edgetho: Beowulf's father, recognized as a formidable warrior who marries the daughter of Hrethel.
- Esher: A nobleman of Denmark and close companion of Hrothgar, tragically killed by Grendel's mother.
Historical and Mythical Figures
- Hermod: An infamous Danish king noted for his poor character and leadership.
- Thrith: Initially a violent young woman, she is transformed by the marriage to Offa, who tames her spirit.
- Offa: King of the Angles; he is celebrated for his ability to pacify his fierce wife, Thrith.
Weapons and Symbolism
- Hrunting: An ancient sword provided by Unferth for Beowulf to combat Grendel's mother; ultimately proves ineffective.
- Nagling: The sword Beowulf wields in his final battle against the dragon, symbolizing his heroic legacy.
Cultural Context
- Geats: The people from Southern Sweden, representing Beowulf's heritage and ancestry.
- Danes: The inhabitants of Denmark who suffer under Grendel and his mother, highlighting the theme of suffering and heroism.
Themes of Virtue
- Anglo-Saxon Virtues: Central values of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship are embodied by the main characters.
- Epic Hero Characteristics: Beowulf exemplifies qualities of an epic hero: glorified status, heroic quests, ethical conduct, and immense physical strength.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key characters in the epic poem Beowulf with this flashcard quiz. Each card provides a significant character's name along with a brief definition that highlights their role in the story. Perfect for students studying Old English literature and its iconic figures.
