Questions and Answers
In what year was Beowulf written?
early eleventh century
Who wrote Beowulf?
Unknown
Who was Scyld Scefing?
founder of the tribe of the Scyldings
Who was Hrothgar?
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Who was Wealtheow?
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Who was Unferth?
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Who was Beowulf?
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Who was Wiglaf?
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Who was Hygelac?
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Who was Hygd?
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Who was Heardred?
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Who was Grendel?
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Who was Grendel's mother?
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Who was the Dragon?
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Who was Breca?
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Who was Weland?
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Who was Hrunting?
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Who was Naegling?
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What is the Magical Giant Sword?
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What is Heorot?
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Study Notes
Beowulf Overview
- Beowulf is an Old English epic poem, existing in a single manuscript likely written in the early 11th century.
- The poem was probably first composed in the 8th century and orally transmitted before being written down.
Authorship
- The author of Beowulf remains unknown, typical for Anglo-Saxon poets.
- Possible identities include a court or monastic poet, influenced by Christian themes.
Key Characters
- Scyld Scefing: A legendary figure, ancestor of the Scyldings, whose ship funeral marks significant rituals in the poem.
- Hrothgar: The old King of the Danes who seeks Beowulf's help against Grendel; his mead-hall, Heorot, represents civility and success.
- Wealtheow: Hrothgar's queen, symbolizing hospitality and grace.
- Unferth: A retainer of Hrothgar, initially insults Beowulf but later provides him a sword for battle.
- Beowulf: The protagonist and skilled warrior who aids Hrothgar's people; becomes the Geats' king.
- Wiglaf: Loyal thane who supports Beowulf against the dragon; future king of the Geats.
- Hygelac: King of the Geats and Beowulf's uncle; noted for his historical death in battle.
- Hygd: Hygelac's queen, who exemplifies royal propriety and loyalty.
- Heardred: Hygelac and Hygd's son, who is killed, allowing Beowulf to become king.
Antagonists
- Grendel: A monster descended from Cain, terrorizes the Danes for 12 years until defeated by Beowulf.
- Grendel's Mother: Powerful foe living in a swamp, she seeks revenge for her son's death.
- The Dragon: Guardian of treasure in Geatland who attacks after a treasure theft; represents Beowulf's final challenge.
Notable Events and Artifacts
- Breca: Beowulf's childhood rival in a swimming contest, mentioned by Unferth who claims Beowulf lost.
- Weland: A legendary blacksmith who crafted Beowulf's armor.
- Hrunting: Unferth's sword that fails against Grendel's mother.
- Naegling: Beowulf’s own sword which proves ineffective against the dragon.
- Magical Giant Sword: Found by Beowulf in Grendel’s mother's lair; melts after slaying her and is presented to Hrothgar along with Grendel’s head.
- Heorot: Hrothgar's mead-hall, symbolizes human joy and is a target for Grendel's attacks.
These points encapsulate the rich tapestry of characters, themes, and significant plot events found within the epic of Beowulf.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Beowulf with these flashcards. Learn about the poem's origins, its likely author, and important historical context. Perfect for students studying this classic work!
