Questions and Answers
What are the characteristics of an epic hero?
- Hero of noble birth/high position in society; 2. Legendary importance; 3. Character traits reflect important ideals of society; 4. Deeds reflect values of the era; 5. Performs actions that often determine the fate of a nation.
What is the epic tradition?
Epics were orally passed down for a long time until someone finally wrote it down.
What are the conventions of an epic?
- Reflect larger than life events; 2. Big setting; 3. Plot is a journey/quest; 4. Supernatural elements; 5. Dialogue includes formal speeches; 6. Themes present timeless values/universal ideas; 7. Style is formal with serious diction.
Define alliteration and give an example from Beowulf.
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Define kenning and give an example from Beowulf.
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Describe Herot.
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Describe Grendel's lair. How does it compare to Herot?
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What is the significance of Grendel being descended from Cain?
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Why does Grendel attack Herot?
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What are Beowulf's thoughts as he waits for Grendel's arrival?
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Why does Beowulf wait, allowing Grendel to kill one of the Geats, before he attacks Grendel?
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Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel.
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How does Beowulf wound Grendel?
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What does Beowulf hang from the rafters of Herot?
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Describe Grendel's death.
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Describe Beowulf's attitude at this point in the story.
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Why does Grendel's mother attack Herot? What does she take with her?
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Describe the lake.
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Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel's mother.
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How does Beowulf defeat Grendel's mother?
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What does Beowulf do before he swims back to land? What do Hrothgar and the other warriors think has happened?
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To what does Beowulf attribute his victory? Why?
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What two things does Beowulf present to Hrothgar?
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What is Beowulf's attitude at this point in the story?
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Describe how Beowulf becomes king of the Geats.
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Describe what happened to those who held the dragon's treasure.
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How does the dragon react when it notices its cup has been stolen?
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Why does Beowulf want to fight the dragon alone?
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When does Beowulf realize he's losing the battle with the dragon? What does he do?
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What do Beowulf's followers do when they realize he's losing? What does Wiglaf do?
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How is the dragon killed?
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How is Beowulf killed?
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What does Wiglaf say to the rest of Beowulf's followers?
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What is the history of the Anglo-Saxon era?
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What literature represents the era?
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What is the oral tradition?
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What was the Norman Conquest?
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What is represented by the spread of Christianity during the Anglo-Saxon era?
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Who is Healfdane's son?
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Who is Higlac?
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Who is Wulfgar?
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Who is Hrethel?
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Who is Wayland?
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Who is Edgetho?
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What is Wulfing?
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Who is Hathlaf?
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Who is Hergar?
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What is Hrunting?
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What happened in 55 B.C.?
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Who led the Britons?
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Who fought against the Britons?
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What happened in the 790s?
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Who was Alfred the Great?
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What happened in 1042?
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Who was Edward the Confessor?
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Who was Harold?
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What happened in 1066?
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What does 'wyrd' mean?
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What year did Alfred the Great become king?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
- Noble birth and high social standing.
- Holds legendary importance in society.
- Traits reflect society's ideals and values.
- Actions can determine the fate of nations.
Epic Tradition
- Epics were originally transmitted orally before being written down.
Conventions of an Epic
- Events are larger than life, highlighting significant themes.
- Setting is expansive and dramatic.
- Plot usually involves a journey or quest.
- Includes supernatural elements and formal dialogue.
- Themes often express timeless values.
Alliteration
- A literary device involving repetition of consonant sounds at the start of words.
- Example from Beowulf: "in secret sessions..."
Kenning
- Poetic synonyms or compound phrases that replace nouns.
- Example from Beowulf: "the Lord Almighty."
Herot
- Mead hall constructed by Hrothgar, the King of the Danes.
- A social hub for Hrothgar’s subjects and the site of Grendel's attacks.
Grendel's Lair
- Described as slimy, marshy, and reminiscent of hell, contrasting with Herot's warmth and community.
Grendel's Ancestry
- Grendel is noted to be descended from Cain, symbolizing murder and evil.
Grendel's Attacks
- Grendel attacks Herot out of envy and a desire to feast on Hrothgar's warriors.
Beowulf's Anticipation
- Beowulf is eager to confront Grendel, hoping to defeat him without weapons to attain heroism.
Beowulf's Strategy
- He pretends to sleep to surprise Grendel, allowing the monster to strike first.
Battle with Grendel
- The fight ensues when Grendel attempts to ambush Beowulf.
- Beowulf overpowers Grendel, ultimately tearing off his arm, leading to Grendel's retreat.
Beowulf's Victory
- Beowulf triumphs by ripping Grendel's arm, symbolizing strength and heroism.
Trophy of Battle
- Beowulf hangs Grendel's severed arm from the rafters of Herot as proof of his victory.
Grendel's Demise
- Grendel retreats to his lair to die, reflecting the grim and murky nature of his surroundings.
Beowulf's Attitude
- Beowulf exhibits confidence and pride, believing he can achieve mighty feats.
Grendel's Mother's Revenge
- She attacks Herot to avenge Grendel's death, taking his arm back.
The Lake
- Described as dark, murky, and dangerous, it serves as Grendel and his mother's home.
Battle with Grendel’s Mother
- Beowulf finds himself in a fierce struggle, where swords prove ineffective.
- He ultimately resorts to a dagger from the wall to deliver the fatal blow.
Beowulf's Aftermath
- Prior to returning, he beheads Grendel's corpse for final vengeance.
Attribution of Victory
- Beowulf credits God for his survival and triumph over evil forces.
Gifts to Hrothgar
- Beowulf presents Grendel's head to Hrothgar as a trophy.
Beowulf's Character Development
- Displays cockiness and a desire for recognition as a celebrated hero.
Ascension to Kingship
- Beowulf becomes king of the Geats following the death of his uncle.
Dragon's Curse
- Those who possessed the dragon's treasure faced dire consequences.
Dragon's Fury
- The dragon retaliates violently after realizing its treasure has been stolen.
Beowulf's Solo Fight
- He chooses to confront the dragon alone, confident in his abilities.
Realization of Defeat
- Beowulf recognizes his losing position when his shield melts from the dragon's fire.
Followers’ Reaction
- Beowulf's men abandon him during the battle, while Wiglaf stands by to assist.
Dragon's Defeat
- Wiglaf delivers the killing blow to the dragon, demonstrating loyalty and bravery.
Beowulf's Fatal Wound
- Beowulf receives a mortal wound in the neck during the battle against the dragon.
Wiglaf's Rebuke
- Wiglaf chastises the fleeing warriors, emphasizing loyalty and honor.
History of the Anglo-Saxon Era
- The period marked by Viking invasions of England.
Literature of the Era
- Characterized by epic poems, notably Beowulf.
Significant Events
- Caesar's early attempts to conquer the British Isles in 55 B.C.
Oral Tradition
- Stories were extensively passed down through oral storytelling before documentation.
Norman Conquest
- In 1066, William of Normandy defeated Harold at Hastings, ending Anglo-Saxon rule.
Spread of Christianity
- The cultural influence during the Anglo-Saxon era led to the growth of Christianity.
Key Figures
- Hrothgar: Healfdane's son, King of the Danes.
- Higlac: King of the Geats and Beowulf's uncle.
- Wulfgar: Hrothgar's soldier who announces Beowulf's arrival.
- Hrethel: Former King of the Geats and Beowulf's grandfather.
- Wayland: Notable blacksmith and magician in the lore.
- Edgetho: Beowulf's father.
- Wulfing: Member of an opposing Germanic tribe.
- Hathlaf: Beowulf's father's is known foe.
- Hergar: Hrothgar's older brother.
- Hrunting: Beowulf's sword that fails during battle.
Key Dates
- 55 B.C.: Caesar's initial attempts at conquest.
- 871: Alfred the Great's ascension to the throne.
- 1066: The Battle of Hastings and the shift in power in England.
Concept of Wyrd
- Represents fate, especially relevant in battle situations.
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Test your knowledge of Beowulf's key elements with these flashcards. Explore the characteristics of an epic hero, the epic tradition, and the conventions that define epic literature. Perfect for students studying this classic text.