Beowulf
In the past, why did Beowulf's father swear loyalty to Hrothgar?
Edgetho killed Hathlaf, a Wulfing warrior, and then sought refuge with the southern Danes. Hrothgar paid a blood-price to the Wulfings in order to save Edgetho and settle the feud.
What does the bard sing about, and why does this anger Grendel?
The singer retells the story of creation, or how the Almighty God fashioned the world and all of its inhabitants. This story angers Grendel because God has cursed him.
Explain Beowulf's tone and meaning in his statement to Unferth's: "Ecglaf's proud son, if your hands were as hard, your heart as fierce as you think it, no fool would dare to raid your hall, ruins Herot and oppress its prince, as Grendel has done.
The statement in response to Unferth's failed attempt to make Beowulf look weak. Beowulf points out that Unferth along with the rest of his clan, have been unable to deal with Grendel. Beowulf insinuates that Unferth is a cowardly braggart. He notes that the monster does not fear the Scyldings because they have not tried to defend themselves, and he sarcastically refers to the Scyldings as brave.
Regarding Hrothgar and Hrothulf, the author writes, "High under Herot's great roof, their speech courteous and warm. King and people were one; none of the Danes was plotting. Then, no treachery hid in their smiles." What does this statement imply, and what literary element is being used?
The statement uses foreshadowing to imply that there will be trouble in the future between Hrothgar and Hrothulf.
Of what does Unferth accuse Beowulf?
Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a sea-swimming race to Brecca.
Why does Grendel's mother go to Herot?
She is seeking revenge for her son's death?
Who is Shild and why is he so important to the Danes?
Shild is the first recorded king of Danes; he is important because his leadership led to the Danes becoming a great and powerful tribe.
Describe Shild's Viking funeral.
The Danes took him to fighting ship, laid him near the mast, and then they heaped the ship with treasures, jeweled helmets, hooked swords, and coats of mail; they then set the ship afloat to drift out to sea.
What religious elements are revealed in this chapter?
Christian elements, such as the story of creation and Cain, are combined with pagan elements.
How does Hrothgar react when he sees Grendel's hand?
Hrothgar praises God and promises Beowulf all that he has.
Find an example of alliteration in this chapter.
"The monster desired to fling himself free, if at all he could, and fly far away to the fens- he knew that his fingers' power was in the grip of a fearsome foe..." (This is not the only one).
According to Beowulf, how did his race with Brecca begin?
As youths, Beowulf and Brecca bragged about someday risking their lives by crossing the main. As men, they began the race in their mail with swords drawn and became separated after swimming for 5 days.
When does Beowulf expect Grendel to attack?
Beowulf believes that Grendel will attack at night so that he can hide in the shadows.
According to Beowulf, why is he qualified to fight Grendel?
Beowulf considers himself worthy because he is strong, and he has a successful record of fighting beasts and giants.
What does it mean when it says that Beowulf "unlocking words from deep in his breast?" What special ability does this imply that Beowulf possesses?
Beowulf has a sufficient vocabulary, and he is a fluent speaker.
How is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel as example of good versus evil?
Beowulf is an honest warrior who fights Grendel to protect mankind; he is not driven by material gain, Grendel is a cursed descendant of Cain who dwells in the darkness and kills out of jealousy.
Beowulf discards his weapons in order to be on equal ground with Grendel. What does this action reveal about Beowulf's personality?
Beowulf is an honorable warrior, and he has a strong faith in God , whom he believes should determine the victor.
What can be discerned about Beowulf's personality by his response to Unferth's insult?
Beowulf is bold in his response to Unferth, he accuses Unferth of being a coward who gets his nerve from alcohol. Beowulf then tells his version of the race in a boastful manner.
What is Beowulf's only request if he is killed in battle?
Beowulf only repeats that his armor, heirloom of Hrethel and work of Weland, be sent to Higlac, his king
How does Beowulf plan to fight Grendel?
Beowulf plans to fight Grendel in hand-to-hand combat, without weapons.
What does Hrothgar give to Beowulf for killing Grendel?
Beowulf receives a gold-embroidered battle flag, a helmet, mail, and a sword. He also receives 8 horses with carved headgear, and a jeweled saddle that is the king's battle-seat.
What trophy does Beowulf take from Grendel and place on display?
Beowulf rips off Grendel's arm, including his shoulder, and places it on display beneath the roof.
What Beowulf reveal about Unferth's past?
Beowulf states that Unferth killed his brother.
Who is Beowulf's king?
Beowulf's king is Higlac, his uncle
What is the significance of Beowulf sitting between the young princes, Hrethric and Hrothmund?
Beowulf's position suggests that he will someday aid the princes, as their mother has inferred.
What similarities do Beowulf and Siegmund share?
Both Beowulf and Siegmund perform daring, valiant acts. The men are strong and successfully battle monsters.
Describe the events that occur between Finn and Hengest.
Finn, who is Frisian, kills King Hnaf and many of his warriors. Finn, however, also loses many lives in the battle, so he offers a truce to Hengest. In the truce, the Danes will receive a hall and a throne that will share power with the Frisians. The Danes will receive treasure from the Frisians for the blood-pact, and no revenge will be sought for the killings.
Why does the narrator express no sympathy for Grendel's mother, who has lost her only son?
Grendel and his mother are monsters, and, therefore, represent evil, for which no sympathy is given. Grendel is an unsympathetic character because he has killed many men over the years. Also, he and his mother are members of a clan cursed by God, and to sympathize with them would be similar to rebuking God.
Describe Grendel's heritage, including why he is cursed.
Grendel is a descendant of Cain, whom God punished, along with all his descendants, for killing his brother, Abel.
How does Grendel react when he encounters Beowulf, who grabs the monster's arm?
Grendel is frightened by Beowulf's strength, and he wants to run away.
Why does Grendel become angry with Hrothgar and the men in the hall?
Grendel is jealous of the men's happiness and frequent celebrations.
Why can weapons not harm Grendel?
Grendel is protected by magic.
How many thanes did Grendel kill on the first night that he attacked?
Grendel kills thirty thanes.
What is the only thing that Grendel will not touch or approach in Herot?
Grendel will not approach the throne because it is sacred to God, who has the cursed the creature.
What does Grendel's mother take from Herot?
Grendel's mother takes Hrothgar's most treasured warrior and her son's arm/
Describe Grendel's hand.
Grendel's nails are like steel and his claw like a spear. The hand is treacherous and seemingly indestructible.
Compare and contrast Beowulf and Hengest.
Hengest contrasts with Beowulf because the man breaks his oath. Beowulf would keep peace if a promise had been made, and not kill Finn when his guard was down.
How is the peace between Finn and Hengest broken?
Hengest stays with Finn as a guest, secretly planning revenge. After a year, Hengest kills Finn, steals his queen and treasure, and returns home.
What does Hrothgar tell Beowulf before they seperate for the evening?
Hrothgar claims that Beowulf is the first man he has ever trusted to protect Herot. The king promises Beowulf that he shall have anything he desires if he destroys the monster.
Describe Hrothgar's reaction to Beowulf's arrival.
Hrothgar is happy and thankful for Beowulf's arrival. The Kind openly receives the Geats because he has heard of Beowulf's strength and courage, and he considers the visit to be a gift from God.
Cite an example from this chapter where the father and son motif arises.
Hrothgar looks upon Beowulf as a son, saying, "Beowulf, best of soldiers, let me take you to my heart, make you my son, too, and love you."
According to ballads, how is Hrothgar affected by his continuous battle with Grendel?
Hrothgar no longer meets with earls, makes peace pacts, agrees on blood-gold, or pays reasonable amounts to warriors for the feud with Grendel.
Who serves the men with the mead-cup? What does this custom this custom suggest about the culture?
Hrothgar's wife, the queen, serves the men. Warriors are held in high esteem, even to the extent that royalty waits upon them as an act of respect. Ceremoniously serving the men may be considered a gracious and hospitable act.
What do the warriors do before they go to sleep? Does the narrator approve of this habit?
In the hall and on the field, warriors place their helmets above their heads in order to be ready for battle. The narrator approves of this practice calling the warriors "good clansmen."
Why does Hnaf's sister (Finn's wife) mourn? How is her situation an example of divided loyalty?
King Hnaf's sister and Finn's wife, who loses both her brother and her son in battle. Hilderth is Danish and her husband is Frisian; therefore, her brother is Danish and her son is Frisian. Her loyalty is divided.
Why does Wulfgar believe that the Geats are there for glory and not because they are exiled?
The Geats have a heroic bearing that leads Wulfgar to believe that they are noble men. He tells Hrothgar, "By their war-gear they appear worthy warriors, and their leader, a hero who lead his band hither, is surely a valiant man.
Why do Beowulf and a group of Geats travel to Hrothgars' kingdom?
The Geats want to stop Grendel's attacks.
How is Grendel described? Why does the author describe him this way?
The author does not give a description and only refers to Grendel as the "shadow-walker". A vague, dark description adds mystery to the story.
In what way is the author's perspective shifting from a pagan viewpoint to a monotheistic viewpoint?
The author repeatedly mentions God and God's will as opposed to fate. For instance, "Let the wise God, the holy Lord, decree success or whichever side seems right to Him!" No mention is made of any pagan gods.
How is Grendel's death or defeat foreshadowed?
The author writes, "But Destiny did not permit him to seize any more of mankind after that evening."
The bard sings about a battle between what two groups of people?
The battle is between the Danes and the Frisian people.
What is the importance of fate in this chapter?
The capitalized word is a pagan element because it exhibits the belief that life is controlled by fate.
What is particularly special about the collar that Welthow gives to Beowulf? What does the collar symbolize?
The collars has a rare design and is majestic in appearance, but it is especially unique because of its history. The collar once belonged to Higlac the Geat, grandson of Swerting, who lost the collar, and kept it until its returns to the Geats as a present to Beowulf. The collar symbolizes peace between the clans.
According to the tale, what happens to the dragon that Siegmund kills?
The dragon is dissolved by his own blood.
What is the condition of Herot after Beowulf's battle with Grendel?
The hall is badly damaged- door hinges are torn and the frame is shaken. Only the roof remains intact.
What is the result of Grendel's repeated attacks at Herot?
The hall remains empty for twelve years.
Why does Hrothgar build a mead-hall and what is it called?
The mead-hall is called Herot, and it serves as a place for tribesmen to gather in celebration and to receive gifts from their king. Hrothgar designs a mighty hall so that all may see how the Lord has blessed him.
How confident are the Geatish warriors in comparison to Beowulf?
The men are not as confident as Beowulf. The author describes their apprehension: "None thought their steps would ever go thence back to the people and the fortress that fostered them, to the lands they love.
How is the conflict between the monsters and Hrothgar's clan similar to a blood-feud? How does the conflict differ from a blood-feud?
The murdered men are kinsmen, and the monsters are related. Grendel's life is the price for years of killing, but his mother seeks a blood-price for her son by killing someone special to the king. The conflict is not like a blood-feud because money is not exchanged to cease fighting. If Grendel and his
Explain whether the narrator is a pagan or a Christian.
The narrator is most likely a Christian because the Seyldings are said to practice a "heathen faith" and " knew not the Almighty." The narrator prophesizes Christian redemption for the pagans by stating, "But it goes well with him who may draw near to his Lord after the day of death, finding friendship in the Father's arena!"
Whom does the thane contrast against Beowulf and Siegmund? How does this character differ from the two heroes?
The thane sings about King Hermod. King Hermod is a direct contrast to the strong, brave heroes. The king is considered villainous because he was vain and weak. Hermod was eventually betrayed by his liegemen, who deemed him unreliable and unworthy to rule.
Of whom does the thane sing about in relation to Beowulf?
The thane sings about the brave deeds in Siegmund's saga.
Why are the Geats noteworthy to the Danish sentry?
They are noteworthy because they were finely armed, had regal bearings, and landed openly on the shores of Hrothgar's kingdom.
How does Hrothgar's family single him out as a leader?
They call him the protector of the Danish people and they respect and honor him as their king and leader.
According to the narrator, why do the Danes hold heathen sacrifices instead of praying to God?
They have prayed to God for deliverance from Grendel, but when that does not produce any results, they turn to the old gods for help.
Why does Welthow ask Hrothgar to be gracious and kind toward the Geats?
Welthow fears that her sons may need Beowulf's help after Wrothgar's death. The king is old, and his nephew, Hrothulf, covets the throne. Her intention is evident when she says, "For I deem that my gracious Hrothulf will rule honorably over the young ones if you quit the world earlier than he does, Scyldings' friend."
What ceremonial act does the queen perform when she arrives in the hall?
Welthow, the queen, greets the men and then servesup the king with the mead-cup.
