Beowulf Flashcards for Easy Study

Study Notes

Beowulf and Main Characters

Beowulf is the main character of the poem, a Geatish hero known for battling Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon.
Represents the ideals of heroic culture in youth and evolves into a wise ruler in old age.
Grendel is a demon descended from Cain, terrorizing Hrothgar's warriors and symbolizing vengeance in the poem.
Grendel's Mother is an even more monstrous demon, seeking revenge for her son's death, prompting Beowulf to venture into her lair.
King Hrothgar, the wise ruler of the Danes, symbolizes different leadership forms and serves as a mentor and father figure to Beowulf.

Supporting Characters

Unferth is a jealous Danish warrior who is made to appear inferior when unable to confront Grendel.
Hygelac, Beowulf's uncle and king of the Geats, warmly welcomes Beowulf after his adventures in Denmark.
Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s deceased father, is honored through his legacy and memories held by Beowulf.
King Hrethel is the Geatish king who took in Beowulf after Ecgtheow's death.

Antagonists

The dragon, an ancient serpent guarding treasure, is Beowulf's final adversary in the epic.

Key Themes and Elements

Wiglaf, a loyal young warrior, assists Beowulf against the dragon, demonstrating the heroic code and potential as Beowulf's successor.
A caesura is a pause in poetry, particularly found near the middle of a line, highlighting the poem's rhythmic structure.
A kenning is a figurative compound expression common in Old English, adding metaphorical layers to descriptions, such as "oar-steed" meaning ship.

Description

Explore key characters and concepts from the epic poem 'Beowulf' through these flashcards. Learn about Beowulf, the Geatish hero, and the monstrous Grendel, among other pivotal elements that shape the story. This quiz helps reinforce your understanding of this classic literature.