Beowulf Characters Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who is Hrothgar?

Geat warrior

Danish king, builder of Herot (correct)

Man-eating monster

Son of Edgetho, Higlac's nephew

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?

Higlac's wife Signup and view all the answers

Who is Wiglaf?

Geat warrior, accompanies Beowulf in fight with the dragon, becomes king after Beowulf dies Signup and view all the answers

Who is Freaw?

Hrothgar's daughter, Danish princess, married off to settle a feud Signup and view all the answers

Who is Grendel?

Descendant of Cain, man-eating monster who terrorizes the Danes until Beowulf kills him Signup and view all the answers

Who is Grendel's mother?

Swamp hag, terrorizes Herot after Grendel is killed, stops when Beowulf chops her head off Signup and view all the answers

What is a dragon in Beowulf?

Powerful serpent that guards treasure, bites Beowulf that leads to his death Signup and view all the answers

Who is Brecca?

Chief of the Brondings, companion of Beowulf Signup and view all the answers

Who is Unferth?

One of Hrothgar's warriors, jealous of Beowulf, lent his sword to Beowulf to fight Grendel's mother Signup and view all the answers

Who is Edgetho?

Beowulf's father, notable warrior married to Hrethel's daughter Signup and view all the answers

Who is Esher?

Danish nobleman, close friend of Hrothgar, killed by Grendel's mother Signup and view all the answers

Who is Hermod?

Historical Danish king, has very low character Signup and view all the answers

Who is Thrith?

Offa's wife, violent young woman until she is tamed by her husband Signup and view all the answers

Who is Offa?

King of Angles, husband and tamer of Thrith Signup and view all the answers

What is Hrunting?

Unferth's ancient sword lent to Beowulf to fight Grendel's mother Signup and view all the answers

What is Nagling?

Beowulf's sword Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Geats?

People of Southern Sweden, Beowulf's people, precise identification of these people Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Danes?

People terrorized by Grendel and his mother, people of Denmark Signup and view all the answers

What are the Anglo-Saxon virtues?

Bravery, Loyalty, Generous, Friendship Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of an Epic hero?

Glorified, On a quest, Ethical, Strong Signup and view all the answers

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.