Beowulf + Grendel Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is Beowulf?

A Germanic warrior who came to defeat the beast Grendel.

Who is Hrothgar?

King of the Danes who built Herot; terrorized by Grendel, along with his people.

Who is Grendel?

Monstrous descendant of Cain who terrorizes Herot, the Dane's mead-hall.

Who is the Shaper?

A singer/harpist that tells the future. Signup and view all the answers

Where and when is Beowulf told?

Scandinavia in the 5th century; told during the 8th century. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Anglo-Saxons?

A warrior society who believed in bravery, honor, and battle. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grendel relate to a biblical character?

Grendel represents Cain who killed his own brother Abel; it represents evil. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Grendel's mom?

Only family of Grendel; has less human traits than Grendel and cannot speak like Grendel. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the dragon in Beowulf?

Ancient dragon who guards a large amount of treasure in a midden mound; Beowulf is mortally injured. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Unferth?

Fails to defeat Grendel, but is spared; becomes bitter and broken. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hero's journey?

Hero goes to a low place and after trials and tribulations comes out victorious. Signup and view all the answers

What is an epic?

A long poem on a cultural story. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Wiglaf?

Saves Beowulf from the dragon he is battling. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Beowulf from?

Beowulf is one of the Geats. Signup and view all the answers

What happens soon after Beowulf cuts off Grendel's head?

The sword dissolves. Signup and view all the answers

When Beowulf is dying, what does he ask Wiglaf to do?

He wants treasure from the dragon and wants a funeral tower. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grendel react when he first hears the Shaper?

He knows the truth but doesn't want to hear it from him. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Shaper say is Grendel's role in society?

Grendel is the monster and the beast that God had cursed. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Beowulf considered a hero?

Beowulf embodies all the characteristics of a hero; he also protects the land of the Danes by killing monsters. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Grendel not a hero?

He is considered by the Danes to be a monster and a killer. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Wealtheow?

She is the queen of the Danes. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of Beowulf?

We are not sure; it is unknown. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Hrothgar's mighty hall?

Herot. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Grendel attack Hrothgar?

Hrothgar is protected by God. Signup and view all the answers

How long does Grendel terrorize the Danes?

12 years. Signup and view all the answers

How does the hall contrast to Grendel's home?

Grendel's home is dark and depressing, while Herot is lively and happy. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the Geats (Beowulf's men) from?

Sweden. Signup and view all the answers

What language was Beowulf originally written in?

Old English. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mead hall?

The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a thane?

A warrior. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ecgtheow?

Beowulf's father. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Hygelac?

King of the Geats, uncle of Beowulf. Signup and view all the answers

How many years did Beowulf rule over the Danes, with peace restored?

50 years. Signup and view all the answers

From which modern country do Grendel and Hrothgar hail?

Denmark. Signup and view all the answers

What are three elements of an epic?

Hero, Battle, Hero wins with glory. Signup and view all the answers

What story was being recited in the mead hall prior to Grendel's arrival?

The creation story. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Beowulf and Grendel Characters

Beowulf: A Germanic warrior celebrated for defeating Grendel, symbolizing heroic virtue.
Hrothgar: King of the Danes who constructs Herot, suffering from Grendel's menace.
Grendel: Monstrous creature descending from Cain, terrorizing the mead-hall Herot.
Grendel's Mother: Less human than Grendel, silent protector of her son, exhibiting maternal instincts.
Unferth: A warrior who fails to defeat Grendel; his bitterness reveals the costs of heroism.

Themes and Concepts

Hero's Journey: The archetypal journey where the hero descends into danger and emerges victorious.
The Concept of Heroism: Embodies bravery, honor, and self-sacrifice for society's welfare.
The Contrast of Settings: Herot represents liveliness and community, while Grendel’s home symbolizes darkness and despair.

Historical Context

Anglo-Saxons: Warrior society from modern Denmark and northern Germany, emphasizing bravery and honor.
Christian Influence: The narrative reflects a transition from Paganism to Christianity in its themes and moral representations.

Plot Elements

Beowulf's Source of Strength: Through trials, he gains physical valor and prestige within the community.
Grendel's Conflict: Represents evil, akin to the biblical Cain, reinforcing themes of good versus evil.
Epic Structure: Characterized by a hero, significant battles, and the hero achieving glory.

Additional Characters and Elements

Wiglaf: A loyal warrior who aids Beowulf against the dragon, showcasing themes of loyalty and bravery.
Wealtheow: Queen of the Danes, representing the role of women in the epic.
Hygelac: Beowulf’s uncle and king, indicating familial ties in leadership roles.
Ecgtheow: Beowulf’s father, connecting heroism with lineage.

Language and Literature

Original Language: Beowulf was composed in Old English, reflecting its historical period.
Epic Poem Definition: A long narrative poem telling the cultural tales of a significant hero and their exploits.

Duration of Conflict

Grendel's Reign of Terror: Lasted for twelve years, significantly affecting the Danish society.
Beowulf's Rule: After vanquishing foes, he ruled peacefully for fifty years, highlighting themes of restoration and stability.

Symbolism and Contrast

Grendel's Reaction: Feels the truth about his existence from the Shaper but chooses to reject it.
Hrothgar's Hall vs. Grendel's Home: Herot as a place of joy contrasts sharply with Grendel’s oppressive darkness.

Final Moments and Legacy

Death of Beowulf: As he lies dying, he asks Wiglaf for treasure and a funeral tower, reflecting on legacy and memory.
The Sword's Fate: After Beowulf slays Grendel, the weapon melts, symbolizing the transient nature of glory and material possessions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key characters from the epic tale of Beowulf with these flashcards. Learn about Beowulf, Hrothgar, Grendel, and other important figures that shape the narrative. Perfect for students and fans of this classic work.