Beowulf. All page references come from the Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Press edition of Beowulf, copyright 2005.

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1 Beowulf All page references come from the Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Press edition of Beowulf, copyright Prelude Prelude of the Founder of the Danish House bedecked decorated Danes the residents of Denmark. Hrothgar, Hrothulf, and the Scylding dynasty of kings mentioned in Beowulf are actually spoken of in other Danish and Germanic sources (such as the poem Widsith). foundling an orphan hence from here; away hoard a hidden stockpile mail a coat of flexible metal armor, usually comprised of interlocking rings or metal scales mead a fermented drink made from water, honey, malt, and yeast prow the bow, or front, of a ship stalwart brave; hardy, sturdy, strong tenure the time period during which a person holds an office or position waxed grown in number or intensity whale-paths ocean routes woe deep suffering wrested wrestled 1. Why is it significant for a prince to generously share his wealth? 2. Describe Scyld s funeral. 3. What is the narrator s opinion of Scyld of Scefing? 1

2 Chapter I Bard a composer and singer of an epic verse dire dreadful, threatening fens swamps, marshes, bogs Heorot hind or stag; some believe that the hall was located on the island of Sjaelland, near the modern-day city of Roskilde, Denmark. jubilant full of joy; expressing joy kin persons who share a common ancestry moors a boggy area usually containing grasses and sedges pinnacles peaks primeval relating to primitive ages revel a festive party or celebration strongholds fortified locations; fortresses 1. How does Hrothgar s family single him out as a leader? 2. Why does Hrothgar build a mead-hall and what is it called? 3. Why does Grendel become angry with Hrothgar and the men in the hall? 2

3 4. What does the bard sing about, and why does this anger Grendel? 5. Describe Grendel s heritage, including why he is cursed. 6. What religious elements are revealed in this chapter? 3

4 Chapter II adversity a state of destitution or calamity arbiter a judge atrocity a terrible and appalling act ballads narrative compositions put to song betimes sometimes, at times blood-gold the act of paying blood-gold, or wergild, was a method for ending the cycle of blood feuds that ravaged Scandinavian societies. If one man killed another, he or his family could pay an amount of money, based on the victim s social status, to the bereaved relatives to keep them from seeking vengeance. bowers private rooms in a medieval hall brook to tolerate heathen a member of a group that does not recognize the God of the Bible illustrious renowned for a position or deed lament grief, sorrow mirth happiness displayed with laughter nefariously evilly, wickedly parley a meeting between hostile parties to discuss peace sore serious, difficult sovereign a king, ruler thanes people who hold lands from their lord; a liegeman, retainer travails troubles, sorrows, hardships unremittant without pause, unceasing wight a living being; a creature 1. How many thanes does Grendel kill on the first night that he attacks? 2. What is the result of Grendel s repeated attacks at Heorot? 4

5 3. According to ballads, how is Hrothgar affected by his continuous battle with Grendel? 4. What is the only thing that Grendel will not touch or approach in Heorot, and why? 5. According to the narrator, why do the Scyldings hold heathen sacrifices instead of praying to the Almighty, the Arbiter of factions? 6. Explain whether the narrator is a pagan or a Christian. 5

6 Chapter III assuage to relieve fain happily; because it was desired fare to go, journey; to move foe an enemy, adversary gainsaid contradicted; spoke against; contrary to Geats a seafaring tribe from the south of Sweden who appear to have been conquered during the early Middle Ages haven a safe place; a calm harbor where ships can anchor headlands points of land that project into a body of water marauding raiding seethe to be in a state of agitation sentinel a sentry, guard wave-traveler a ship whence where 1. Who is Beowulf s king? 2. Why do Beowulf and a group of Geats travel to Hrothgar s kingdom? 3. Why are the Geats noteworthy to the Danish sentry? 6

7 Chapter IV pitched covered in tar (pitch), which makes something waterproof sage a knowledgeable person scintillating shining or gleaming brightly unscathed unharmed wends goes on a course; directs a course 1. The narrator uses a kenning when he says that Beowulf unlocked his word-hoard. What does this phrase mean? 2. What do the boar-figures symbolize on the men s armor? 7

8 Chapter V boon a gift, grant, privilege bucklers small round shields helm a helmet hither here methinks I think 1. The warriors weapons are collected before they are granted an audience with Hrothgar. What does this action imply about the culture and the relationship between the Geats and Scyldings? 2. Why does Wulfgar believe that the Geats are there for glory and not because they are exiled? 8

9 Chapter VI abide to stay; rest beneficent kindly disposed; gracious bulwark a defensive wall; a source of strength and protection fell evil, dark, dangerous hearth home; fireside heralded hailed, greeted liegemen people who have sworn loyalty to a lord; vassals peerless incomparable sagacious wise; of or relating to a sage stalwart stout, sturdy thither to there vagrant a wanderer, especially one who earns subsidence by illegal means 1. Describe Hrothgar s reaction to Beowulf s arrival. 2. According to Beowulf, why is he qualified to fight Grendel? 3. How does Beowulf plan to fight Grendel? 4. What is Beowulf s only request if he is killed in battle? 9

10 Chapter VII dearth a state of being in need (of something); a lack (of something) fealty an oath of loyalty and service made by a feudal vassal to a lord 1. In the past, why did Beowulf s father swear loyalty to Hrothgar? Chapter VIII billows great waves or surging water buffeted hit repeatedly, beaten forcefully main the high seas strove past tense of strive; to have struggled, competed 1. Of what does Unferth accuse Beowulf? 2. According to Beowulf, how did his race with Breca begin? 3. What can be discerned about Beowulf s personality by his response to Unferth s insult? 10

11 Chapter IX assailed attacked bane a cause of harm or death blithe happy and free from worry festal relating to a feast obscurity the state of being obscure or dark prowess power, superior ability recompense payment in return, repayment reprisal retribution valorous brave, courageous 1. What does Beowulf reveal about Unferth s past? 2. Explain Beowulf s tone and meaning in his statement to Unferth: Heorot would not have such havoc if your battle were as bold as your boast is loud! But he has found that he need not fear reprisal in sword-clashes with your Danish clan, your people, the mighty Scyldings. (Pg. 29) 3. What ceremonial act does the queen perform when she arrives in the hall? 11

12 4. Who serves the men with the mead-cup? What does this custom suggest about the culture? 5. When does Beowulf expect Grendel to attack? 6. What does Hrothgar tell Beowulf before they separate for the evening? 12

13 Chapter X esquire the attendant of a warrior or knight hew to chop and cut retinue a group of servants or attendants vaunted boastfully asserted 1. Beowulf discards his weapons in order to be on equal ground with Grendel. What does this action reveal about Beowulf s personality? 2. How confident are the Geatish warriors in comparison to Beowulf? 3. How is Grendel described? Why does the author describe him this way? 4. In what way is the author s perspective shifting from a pagan viewpoint to a monotheistic viewpoint? 13

14 Chapter XI clamor a loud continuous noise crags large boulders din a loud and lingering noise (especially one comprised of various sounds) gilded to cover with a thin layer of gold ire hateful anger sate to satisfy 1. How is Grendel s death or defeat foreshadowed? 2. Why is the word destiny capitalized? 3. How does Grendel react when he encounters Beowulf, who grabs the monster s arm? 4. Find an example of alliteration in this chapter. 14

15 Chapter XII brandished waved defiantly (a weapon) falchion a broad, curved medieval sword harrowing troublesome, tormenting sinews muscle fibers 1. Why can weapons not harm Grendel? 2. What trophy does Beowulf take from Grendel and place on display? 3. How is the battle between Beowulf and Grendel an example of good versus evil? 15

16 Chapter XIII anon soon, presently disparage to speak ill of; to insult fallow not seeded to produce crops; not active mere a lake retainers household servants vault a room with an arched roof 1. Of whom does the thane sing about in relation to Beowulf? 2. According to the tale, what happens to the dragon that Sigemund kills? 3. What similarities do Beowulf and Sigemund share? 4. Whom does the thane contrast against Beowulf and Sigemund? How does this character differ from the two heroes? 16

17 Chapter XIV baleful indicating evil; sinister, malicious reprieve a temporary suspension of judgment or punishment travail toil, painful task 1. How does Hrothgar react when he sees Grendel s hand? 2. Cite an example from this chapter where the father and son motif arises. 3. Describe Grendel s hand. 17

18 Chapter XV ensign a flag, banner quaffed drank ridden very full of scathe to injure sumptuous rich, lavish, grand throngs large crowds, multitudes 1. What is the condition of Heorot after Beowulf s battle with Grendel? 2. Regarding Hrothgar and Hrothulf, the author writes, Heorot was now filled with friends; no Scylding folk had yet attempted treachery. (Pg. 41) What does this statement imply, and what literary element is being used? 3. What does Hrothgar give to Beowulf for killing Grendel? 18

19 Chapter XVI bard a composer and singer of epic verse Frisian an early medieval tribe of people who occupied parts of what are the modern-day nations of Denmark, the Netherlands, and northern Germany hauberks breastplates hillock a small hill plighted to have given a pledge pyre a pile of firewood (especially one used for burning dead bodies) remnants that which remains 1. The bard sings about a battle between what two groups of people? 2. Describe the events that occur between Finn and Hengest. 3. Who is Hildeburh, and why does she mourn? How is her situation an example of divided loyalty? 19

20 Chapter XVII bereft robbed or deprived of diadem a royal crown flagons large vessels, normally made of metal, used to carry and serve wine lay an uncomplicated poem; a ballad magnanimous characterized by generosity and nobility in spirit 1. How is the peace pact between Finn and Hengest broken? 2. Compare and contrast Beowulf and Hengest. 3. Why does Wealtheow ask Hrothgar to be gracious and kind towards the Geats? 4. What is the significance of Beowulf sitting between the young princes, Hrethric and Hrothmund? 20

21 Chapter XVIII bolsters firm pillows cuirass a breastplate 1. What is particularly special about the collar that Wealtheow gives to Beowulf? What does the collar symbolize? 2. What do the warriors do before they go to sleep? Does the narrator approve of this habit? 21

22 Chapter XIX barter to exchange dauntless fearless, brave dolorous sorrowful, grievous vassal a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has pledged allegiance 1. Why does Grendel s mother go to Heorot? 2. Why does the narrator express no sympathy for Grendel s mother, who has lost her only son? 3. What does Grendel s mother take from Heorot? 22

23 Chapter XX hart a deer heaths largely desolate areas with scraggly brush for vegetation; vegetation that fills such an area hewn to cut with blows from an axe or heavy cutting instrument marches the border-areas, the perimeter miscreant a villain, troublemaker trodden past tense of tread; to walk along 1. 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? 2. According to Hrothgar, what strange sight can be seen at night on the mere? 3. How do deer react when chased by hunters to the perimeter of the mere? 23

24 Chapter XXI drakes dragons lament to mourn; to strongly regret serpentine like a snake; twisted tumult a turbulent uprising of a crowd; riot 1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar, Do not lament, wise sire! It seems better that each man avenge his friends than to mourn them to no end. (Pg. 53) How does this comment portray character differences between Beowulf and Hrothgar? 2. How do Hrothgar and Beowulf respond to Grendel s mother s attack? 3. The men track Grendel s mother to a place where the water is bloody. What do they find near the lake-cliff? 24

25 4. What creatures are swimming in the lake, and how do they react when the warriors arrive? 5. Describe Beowulf s state of mind as he prepares to battle Grendel s mother. 6. What does Ecglaf s son, Unferth, do that causes him to fall short of glory and the honor of court? (Pg. 54) 25

26 Chapter XXII talons the claws of an animal, especially a bird of prey 1. Where does Grendel s mother live? 2. Why does Beowulf not kill Grendel s mother with Hrunting, the sword? 3. Describe the struggle between Grendel s mother and Beowulf. 4. According to the narrator, what is the ultimate reason that the knife does not kill Beowulf? What literary element does this situation portray? 26

27 Chapter XXIII ardent passionate, shining, fiery bandying exchanging back and forth, as in a game ephemeral temporary, passing, transitory fetters shackles visage the face 1. What does Beowulf use to defeat Grendel s mother? 2. How does Beowulf make a final act of retribution on Grendel? 3. What happens to Beowulf s newly acquired sword, and why? 4. What does Beowulf take from the cave? 5. How long was Beowulf in the water before the warriors lost hope? 6. How many men were needed to carry Grendel s head to Heorot? 27

28 aught nothing bastion a fortification, stronghold Chapter XXIV 1. Describe the sword hilt that Beowulf gives to Hrothgar. What story is inscribed on the hilt? Chapter XXV covetous envious; desiring the possession of another nigh near overweening excessively arrogant yore time long past 1. What warning does Hrothgar give to Beowulf? 2. How is Hrothgar more in keeping with Christian morality than pagan tradition? 3. Unferth gives Beowulf Hrunting, the sword, as a gift. Beowulf accepts the sword, and makes no mention of its failure when he fought Grendel s mother. What does Beowulf s behavior reveal about his personality? 28

29 wielding waving around; carrying Chapter XXVI 1. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar in the morning? 2. Why does Hrothgar cry when he bids Beowulf farewell? 3. How is Beowulf s behavior different from when he first arrived in Hrothgar s court, and why? 29

30 Chapter XXVII burnished polished pretense a claim, especially unsupported, to a distinction or accomplishment 1. What does Beowulf give to the boat-warden? 2. How did Queen Thyrth earn a terrible reputation? Is her behavior customary in Germanic culture? 3. The author writes, Although she is without peer, no wife should, upon false pretense of injury, take the life of a warrior thane! (Pg. 66) What does this statement suggest about the roles or rights of women in this culture? 30

31 Chapter XXVIII abject utterly hopeless, desperate beseeched asked earnestly; implored carnage extensive slaughter, especially in battle; bloodshed sagacious showing keen perception and sound judgment 1. What does Beowulf tell Hygelac about Hrothgar s daughter, Freawaru? 2. According to Beowulf, what is the purpose of the marriage between Freawaru and the son of Froda? Does Beowulf think that the marriage will be successful, and why or why not? 3. Of what is Grendel s satchel made, and what does Beowulf say the monster wanted to put in his satchel? 4. What do the Danish people do with their dead? Why are they unable to give Æschere a proper funeral? 31

32 Chapters XXIX XXXI barrow a tomb or vault usually buried beneath a small hill or mound bastion a fortified place; strong defense, usually used figuratively hides units of measurement for land in medieval England. One hide was the amount required to support a family, or approximately acres, depending on the quality of land. requitals payment for services venerable worthy of respect or reverence 1. What does Beowulf do with the treasure he receives from Hrothgar, and why? 2. What is Beowulf s greatest natural gift? Provide two examples from the story that prove his talent. 3. Why had Geatish warriors considered Beowulf weak and an unpromising prince before her was honored by Hygelac? (Pg. 72) What does the warriors viewpoint say about their culture? 32

33 4. What does Hygelac bestow upon Beowulf for his service? 5. Both Beowulf and Hygelac own land and estates because of their inheritance, but why does the kingship go to Hygelac? 6. How long is Beowulf king before trouble with a dragon begins? 33

34 Chapter XXXII respite a brief delay or interval tankard a large drinking cup with a handle and a lid 1. Why does a slave hide in the dragon s lair? 2. What is the origin of the dragon s treasure, and who hid it? 3. What does the slave remove from the cave, and why? 4. How does the dragon know that a man took the cup? 5. How does the dragon respond to the theft? 34

35 Chapter XXXIII bereaved in the state of being bereft Hetware a Frankish tribe that lived near the Rhine River hordes wandering tribes or groups 1. When does the dragon attack and why? 2. Why does Beowulf have a shield made out of iron? 3. Following Hygelac s death, whom do the people and Hygd wish to be king? Why does he refuse? 4. When Hygelac dies in battle, Beowulf is the only surviving warrior. Beowulf is forced to swim from the battle carrying how many coats of mail? 5. How does Heardred die? 35

36 Chapter XXXIV dirge a funeral hymn elsewhere death, the afterlife lament to feel deep sorrow or regret; mourn 1. How does Beowulf find the dragon s cave? 2. How many men seek out the dragon? 3. When Beowulf was a youth, why was King Hrethel unable to seek a blood-price for his son s death? 36

37 Chapter XXXV dire dreadful, terrible duress imprisonment fray a fight, battle Hugas another name for the Frisians, or a tribe from their lands. Little historical information appears to exist regarding the Hugas, apart from what is written in Beowulf. vanguard a group or line of troops that advances in the forefront of others 1. Before entering the cave, why does Beowulf retell the major battles of his life? 2. How many men enter the cave to fight the dragon? 3. Why does Beowulf s attack not go as well as he had planned? 4. What do the warriors do when Beowulf is in trouble? 37

38 Chapter XXXVI bequest something that is bequeathed; a legacy of some sort passed on from one generation to the next boss a knob or protuberance at the center of an ornament (such as a shield) glaive a spear that has a knife or dagger-sized blade attached to its point 1. Who helps Beowulf and why? 2. According to legend, why are iron blades useless to Beowulf in battle? 3. How does the dragon fatally injure Beowulf? 38

39 Chapter XXXVII asunder split apart, separated winsome charming, attractive 1. How is the contrast between Beowulf and Wiglaf similar to that of Beowulf and Hrothgar earlier in the novel? How do they differ? 2. What thoughts comfort Beowulf while he is dying? 3. What image does Beowulf wish to see before he dies? 4. How are Beowulf s battles with Grendel and his mother similar to Beowulf s battle with the dragon? How are they different? 39

40 Chapter XXXVIII cairn a mound of stones that serves as a marker or memorial tarry to stay for a time longer than originally intended 1. What does Beowulf instruct Wiglaf to do? 2. What does Beowulf give to Wiglaf before he dies, and what is the significance of this action? Chapter XXXIX avail to be of use or help, as in accomplishing an end ignoble not noble in character or quality laggards people who lag behind wane to lessen in number or intensity 1. What does Wiglaf say to the warriors when they return? How are they punished for their cowardice, and is the punishment fitting for their culture? 40

41 Chapter XL Franks the name given to a group of tribes that once inhabited the region of the Roman province of Gaul, the area that is roughly the modern nations of France, Belgium, and parts of western Germany Merowings a tribe of the Franks that eventually came to found the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish kings that began to rule in the early 5 th century throng a crowd 1. What do the people anticipate will happen once news of Beowulf s death travels, and why? 2. Why do the Geats expect trouble from the Swedes? 41

42 Chapter XLI citadel a place of safety crag a steep, rugged rock that rises above others or projects from a rock mass dolorous mournful 1. Who are Eofor and Wulf Wonreding, and what did they do? 2. What do the Geats decide to do with the dragon s treasure? 3. How do the Geats mourn for Beowulf? 4. What do the men find lying near Beowulf s body? 42

43 Chapter XLII balefire a bonfire bier a platform on which a coffin or corpse is placed 1. How is the treasure cursed, and why is Beowulf exempt from the curse? 2. In what way was Beowulf s death noble? 3. What is done with the dragon s body? 43

44 Chapter XLIII extol to praise highly 1. What is hung on Beowulf s funeral pyre? 2. What does the woman sing about during Beowulf s funeral? Why is this woman put in the story? 44