Beowulf review pages 3-47
For how long does Grendel attack the mead-hall?
12 years
How many men does Beowulf take with him to Denmark?
14
How many men does Grendel grab the first night he attacks the mead-hall?
30 men
What does Unferth represent?
A failed warrior. He does not contain the necessary courage to be considered truly honorable among the warriors. He sits below the king. Beowulf gets to sit on the bench with the Danes.
What is a ring-giver?
A king
What is a death-price?
A wergild
What is "a cub in the yard, a comfort sent" an example of?
Alliteration
What is "the path to power among people everywhere" an example of?
Alliteration
What does Hrothgar build?
An awesome mead-hall that he called Heorot (which means hart, a deer, because it has a pointy roof like deer's antlers).
What does Hrogthgar build?
An awesome mead-hall that he called Heorot (which means hart, a deer, because it has pointy roof like deer's antlers).
Where does Unferth sit near the king?
At his feet, which shows he is low in status or not as respected.
Where does Beowulf travel to?
Denmark or Daneland
What does Hrothgar "give" to Beowulf and why is this significant?
He allows him to have the mead-hall. Hrothgar and his men leave it up to him. He has faith in Beowulf--he believes in him.
How does Beowulf drop the mic?
He gives a speech that puts Unferth in his place: You killed your own kith and kin, so for all your cleverness and quick tongue, you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell. The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen or courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity, attacks on our king, havoc in Heorot and horrors everywhere.
What does the coast guard recognize about Beowulf?
He has never "seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth" and thinks Beowulf is "one who is truly noble" and "no mere hanger-on."
Why does Grendel attack the mead-hall?
He is jealous that he is left out. He represents the alienated or the "other"--an outsider.
How is Beowulf Christ-like?
He is the messiah who is there to save the people from evil. He is called the "prince of goodness" and will risk his life to save others. Also, he keeps praising God and puts all of his faith in God.
What does Unferth do that is really bad?
He killed someone from his own tribe or family (known as fratricide) which is one of the worst things that you can do.
How does Beowulf demonstrate tenacity?
He says he will perform to the best of his abilities and die trying.
How does Unferth try to make Beowulf look bad?
He says that Breca beat him in a swimming competition.
How does Beowulf prove Unferth wrong?
He tells him that when Breca hurried to shore, he killed 9 sea beasts making the ocean safe for all sailors.
Why does Beowulf travel to Denmark?
He wants to help Hrothgar defeat Grendel. He wants to gain more fame and glory in do so. Also, Hrothgar helped Beowulf's father (Ecgtheow) and Beowulf is paying back Hrothgar in a sense.
Who is the "homeland guardian" and warlord"?
Hrothgar
Who is the "protector of the Shieldings"?
Hrothgar
Who is the treasure-giver?
Hrothgar
Who is the leader of the Geats?
Hygelac
Who is Wealtheow?
She is the wife of Hrothgar and queen. She gives the men mead.
Who was the first Danish leader?
Shield Sheafson or Shielding
Who is shocked by Beowulf's arrival in Denmark and why?
The coast guard because they boldly land and disembark in full armor and weapons ready to fight Grendel.
What is a corpse-maker?
Grendel
Who is a "powerful demon," "prowler in the dark," "fiend out of hell," "shadow stalker" and one who the "Almighty made him anathema (a hated or detested thing)"?
Grendel
Who is jealous of Beowulf?
Unferth
What does Hrothgar say he will give to Beowulf if he helps?
rich treasure and anything he desires
What is a kenning for mouth or speech?
word-hoard
Men need to demonstrate comitatus. What is that?
"it was in ancient times and the Latin term for an armed escort or retinue. The term was used especially in the context of Germanic warrior culture, for a warband tied to a leader by an oath of loyalty to the leader." It meant that men would exhibit loyalty.
According to the poet, why are the Danes unable to defeat Grendel?
They pray to heathen/pagan gods and not the "right" god.
What is the women's purpose?
They serve the men and also act as peace-weavers between tribes. They can be traded to prevent ill- will or even war.
What did Hrothgar's men promise to him?
They would drink and promise loyalty but then become too scared to battle Grendel.
After Shield, who are the kings of Denmark?
Beow, Halfdane, and then Hrothgar
Who is "the man who is known for courage"?
Beowulf
Who is Hygelac's thane?
Beowulf
Who is one of the "mightiest men on earth"?
Beowulf
Who is the "flower of manhood"?
Beowulf
Where is Beowulf from?
Beowulf is from Sweden or Geatland
This culture is known to do something that is the opposite of humility. What is it?
Boast. They need to boast about what they can do and then actually do it. The key is that they actually have to do what they brag about.
Who is Grendel related to?
Cain, and Cain killed his brother Abel which is BAAAAD. It is known as the first murder.
How did Hrothgar help Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow?
Ecgtheow killed Heathalof, a member of the Wulfing tribe. Beowulf could not pay the wergild, so his people sent him away. He landed on Denmark and Hroghtgar said he would help Beowulf and pay back the Wulfings (wergild).
How did Hrothgar help Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow?
Ecgtheow killed Heathalof, a member of the Wulfing tribe. Beowulf could not pay the wergild, so his people sent him away. He landed on Denmark and Hrothgar said he would help Ecgtheow and pay back the Wulfings (wergild).
What is wyrd?
One's fate--"Fate goes ever as fate must."
How is Beowulf related to Hygelac?
That is his uncle.
What is the name of Beowulf's tribe?
The Geats
What awaits a "barbarous burning"?
The mead-hall that Hrothgar builds.
What is whale-road?
The ocean
After Beowulf and his men meet the coast guard, who else do they meet?
Wulfgar, one of Hrothgar's advisors.
