Name Lit Section/Rouse Beowulf Reading Guide Terms 1. Alliteration repetition of similar consonant sounds ex. Shild s strong son 2. Comitatus Germanic code of loyalty. Thanes or warriors swore loyalty to their king, for whom thy fought and whom they protected. In return, the king was expected to be generous with gifts of treasure and land. The king also protected his thanes. Kings were highly praised for their generosity and hospitality. Warriors were expected to be brave, courageous, and loyal. 3. Epic poetry a long, narrative poem written in an elevated style which celebrates the deeds of a legendary hero or god 4. Epic hero undertakes a quest to achieve something of tremendous value to themselves or society. Larger than life hero who embodies the values of his or her society. 5. kenning usually a 2-word metaphorical name for something. Ex. sea-road for ocean 6. scop both a composer and storyteller who traveled from court to court; the entertainers of Anglo-Saxon time 7. stock epithet adjectives that point out special traits of people or things. ex. hell-forged and stronghearted 8. wergild man-payment, the practice of paying a slain man s family to atone for the deed and to prevent them from taking revenge against the manslayer. Ex. Hrothgar paid a wergild to Beowulf s father. Hence, Beowulf feels compelled to help Hrothgar in his time of need. Character List 1. Scyld Shefing - He is known as one of the first great kings of the Danes. Upon his death he is given a remarkable burial at sea. Eventually he becomes the great-grandfather of Hrothgar, king during Grendel's attacks upon the Danes. 2. Beow (Beowulf) - He is the son of Scyld Shefing and a strong king in his own right. He is often confused with the hero of the poem. 3. Hrothgar - He is the King of the Danes at the time of Grendel's assaults. He builds the hall Heorot as a tribute to his people and his reign. 4. Heorot - This is the hall that Hrothgar builds in celebration of his reign. It is the site both of many happy festivals and many sorrowful funerals. 1
5. Grendel - This man-monster is a descendant of Cain. He attacks Heorot after hearing the sounds of revelry there. Beowulf eventually kills him, with his severed arm hung as a trophy in Heorot. His mother attempts to avenge his death. 6. Beowulf - He is a thane of the Geat king Hygelac and eventually becomes King of the Geats. The poem relates his heroic exploits over 50 years, including the fights with Grendel and his mother and with the treasureguarding dragon. 7. Wulfgar - He is one of Hrothgar's faithful thanes. As the watchman for the Danes, he is the first to greet Beowulf and his thanes to the land of the Danes. He also deems the Geat visitors as people worthy enough to meet with Hrothgar. 8. Ecgtheow - He is Beowulf's father. He is a Waegmunding by birth and a Geat by marriage. When he was younger, Hrothgar helped him settle a feud with the Wylfingas. 9. Unferth - A thane of Hrothgar's, he taunts Beowulf in the hall about his swimming contest with Breca. However, Beowulf shames him in the boasting match. His name means "discord." 10. Wealhtheow - She is Hrothgar's queen and the mother of his two sons. Her name comes from the Anglo- Saxon words for "treasure bearer." She actually has the duty of presenting necklaces and mead-cups at court. 11. Sigemund - He is an ancient Germanic hero whose story is recounted after the fight with Grendel. He was known as the famous dragon slayer. 12. Heremod - He was an ancient Danish king who went from being a good king to a ruthlessly evil king. Hrothgar uses him as an example of bad kingship for Beowulf. 13. Hildeburh - Her story in recounted during the second feast for Beowulf at Heorot. She is an ancient Danish princess who was married into the Frisian royalty. Her brother and her son were both killed in a war with the Frisians at Finnesburh. 14. Hrothulf - He is Hrothgar's nephew. Wealhtheow calls upon him to protect her young sons if it should ever be necessary to do so. 15. Grendel's Mother - She is, of course, the mother of the man-monster Grendel. She comes to Heorot seeking vengeance for the death of her son. Beowulf kills her. 16. Aeschere - Apparently he is one of Hrothgar's important officials and faithful thanes. Grendel's mother kills him, and Hrothgar is inconsolable. 17. Hrunting - Unferth gives this sword to Beowulf to use in killing Grendel's mother. It is unable to cut her, however, so Beowulf discards it. Later he returns it to Unferth with his thanks 18. Hygelac - This King of the Geats is also Beowulf's uncle. Upon hearing Beowulf's courageous exploits, he gives Beowulf nearly half his kingdom. 19. Freawaru - She is the daughter of Hrothgar who is unmentioned until Beowulf tells Hygelac about her. Beowulf believes that her marriage to a Heathobard prince will do more harm than good for the Danes. 2
20. The Dragon - This is the third and last monster that Beowulf must defeat. After a Geat slave steals from his treasure, he goes on a rampage. Beowulf defeats him, but not before striking a mortal blow to him. 21. Naegling - Beowulf won this sword in a fight between the Geats and the Frisians. He uses it in the battle with the dragon. 22. Wiglaf - This is Beowulf's kinsman through Ecgtheow's family, the Waegmundings. He is the only thane of Beowulf's that stays with him during the battle with the dragon. Introduction p.ix-xxii 1. Provide evidence (at least 2 factors) for why the Beowulf text has lacunas and, as a result, different versions. 2. Beowulf is: a. An epic tradition and great b. An archaeological relic that provides English social institutions and politics c. An aristocratic poem concerned with and kingships 3. Strength and are basic virtues for both followers and leaders 4. Followers focus on 5. King needs to be strong, brave, a of soldiers, and concerned with people s welfare. 6. Composed in England estimated to be around A.D. 7. Society a. Feudal, highly, highly violent, newly Christian b. Glorification of war,, and fame c. Slaves are thought of highly 8. Weaponry a. Handed down from to son b. Swords have personalities and (but slaves do not?) 9. There will be 3 battles involving:, Grendel s mom, and a. 10. What is unique about one of Beowulf s swords? 11. What are the qualities of a good fighter? 12. Who ultimately grants victory in battle? Prologue p.ix-xiii 3
13. What is admired by this society? 14. Provide an example of alliteration. 15. Provide an example of a kenning. Chapter 1 p.5 16. What is Herot s purpose? 17. To whom is Grendel related? 18. What upsets Grendel about Herot? Chapter 2 p.8 19. Describe Grendel s 1 st attack. 20. Why won t Grendel bother Hrothgar s throne? 21. What does the poet mean on p.10 when he states, That was their way? Chapter 3 p.11 22. Describe how Beowulf is depicted. 23. Did the wise ones advise Beowulf to help Hrothgar or not? 24. Why? 25. How many men does Beowulf take with him? 26. What does the poet share about the Danish watcher s purpose? 27. Is the watcher successful at his job? 28. What information does the watcher request from Beowulf? 29. What observation did the watcher make about Beowulf? 4
Chapter 4 p.14 30. Beowulf must inform the guard of who they are: We are, men who follow. My father s name was. 31. What purpose does Beowulf state the he and his warriors have for coming to the Danes s land? 32. What animal adorns Beowulf s and his men s helmets? Chapter 6 p.19 33. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that the wisest ones stated killing Grendel was Beowulf s d. 34. Beowulf then goes into a resume of sorts. What are some of the feats that he feels qualifies him to kill Grendel? 35. What has Beowulf heard about Grendel s fighting methods? 36. As a result of #36, what does Beowulf decide that he will do? 37. Ultimately, who will decide who wins the battle between Beowulf and Grendel? 38. Near the end of the chapter, Beowulf is very pragmatic or practical. What instructions does he give if he loses the battle? 39. How does the answer to #39 reflect his culture? You can refer to your background PowerPoint notes if you need help. 5
Chapter 7 p.22 1. Explain the feud that happened between Hrothgar s people and Beowulf s people. 2. How did Hrothgar end this feud? Chapter 8 p.24 3. Why is Unferth jealous of Beowulf? 4. Describe Unferth s accusations regarding Beowulf. 5. Explain Beowulf s response. Chapter 9 p.27 6. In the conclusion of Beowulf s tale, summarize what he accomplished. 7. How does Beowulf insult Unferth? 8. Do you think that Beowulf handled Unferth well or not? 9. Is Hrothgar upset or happy with Beowulf at this point in the epic? 10. Explain what Beowulf s culture valued in women by how Queen Welthow acts at the banquet when she is first introduced to the reader. Be sure to include actions that the queen performed. 6
11. What privilege is Beowulf the first to receive from Hrothgar? 12. Based on what you have read, what does Grendel symbolize? Chapter 10 p.31 13. Describe 2 Christian elements mentioned. Chapter 11 p.33 14. Pick two phrases that the poet uses to describe Grendel. 15. What purpose might there be for why Beowulf allows the sleeping warrior to be eaten by Grendel? 16. How does Beowulf apprehend Grendel? Chapter 12 p.36 17. Why could no weapon defeat Grendel? 18. How does Beowulf defeat Grendel? 19. Explain how Beowulf makes Herot his trophy room (man cave)? Chapter 13 p.38 7
20. Read the first two lines at the top of page 39. What does this reveal about this society? 21. How did Siegmund earn his reputation? 22. How did Hermod fail? Chapter 14 p.41 23. Describe the reward that Hrothgar offers to Beowulf. Chapter 15 p.44 24. Explain how Hrothgar proves to be a worthy king to Beowulf. Chapter 16 p.47 25. What is done for the soldier who was killed? 26. Describe the funeral. Chapter 17 p.50 27. Briefly summarize the story that the poet shares. 8
Chapter 18 p.53 28. Based on their culture, why does the poet go into such detail about the necklace? 29. What is odd about what the warriors wear even in sleep? Chapter 19 p.56 30. Who does Grendel s mom take with her? 31. Why do you think that she picked him? 32. Why did Beowulf not save this man? 33. What does Grendel s mom take off the wall and take home with her? Chapter 20 p.59 34. What was Hrothgar s friend s name? 35. What is the lore or legend behind where Grendel and his mom live(d)? Chapter 21 p.62 36. What is better than mourning according to this culture? 37. Explain the trophy that is by the boiling lake. 38. What is other-worldly about where Grendel s mother lives? 39. Surprisingly, who lends Beowulf his sword? 40. What is the sword s name? 41. Who fails to master his fear and gain fame? 42. Why do you think that this is mentioned? 9
Chapter 22 p.65 43. Like before his battle with Grendel, Beowulf begins the chapter with his will instructions. How does he honor Hrothgar and Unferth? 44. Why is Grendel s mom unable to harm Beowulf s chest with her claws? 45. Grendel s mom takes Beowulf into her mead hall. How is it different than Herot? Describe it. 46. What piece of armor is she able to mar with holes? 47. Finish this quote on p.67. So fame/comes to the men who mean to it /And care about else. 48. How is the fight with Grendel s mother different than any other fight that Beowulf has encountered? 49. Grendel s mom is described as a she- and a water-. Chapter 23 p.68 50. Describe the weapon that Beowulf uses to kill Grendel s mother. What is unique about it? 51. Why is Grendel mentioned in this chapter? 52. What 2 trophies does Beowulf take with him from Grendel s mother s treasures? 53. Why doesn t Beowulf take the giants sword with him? 10
54. The Danes abandon Beowulf for dead, but who sits faithfully at the lake? 55. How colossal or enormous was Grendel s head? Chapter 24 p.71 56. Who does Beowulf give thanks and glory? 57. On page 72, Hrothgar studies the sword s handle. What do you think these carvings allude to within the Hebrew Bible? 58. On page 73, Hrothgar reveals what Beowulf s society detested in a king (and people). Describe some of those traits. Chapter 25 p.74 59. Hrothgar continues his advice to Beowulf. What warning does he give? 60. Hrothgar specifies two ways to die. What are they? 61. What can no one flee? 62. In comparison to negative traits, Hrothgar establishes how he has been a worthy king. On page 75, what proof can you provide of how Hrothgar has been a good king? 63. What gift does Unferth give Hrothgar? Chapter 26 p.77 11
64. What does Beowulf promise Hrothgar (it brings Hrothgar to tears and reflects why Beowulf is a good hero)? 65. Hrothgar praises Beowulf for making the and brothers and bringing peace where there once was. 66. How does Hrothgar prove that he is yet again a good king? Chapter 27 p.80 67. Why is Higd praised? 68. Why was Thrith disliked? Chapters 28 p.83 and 29 p.86 69. Why does Beowulf feel that Hrothgar s daughter s arranged marriage will not be 100% successful in securing peace between the Danes and the Hathogars? 70. Why would this chapter reflect a Christian attitude regarding marriage (think about the previous question)? Chapter 30 p.88 71. Why did Hrothgar beg Beowulf to kill Grendel s mom? Chapter 31 p.90 72. Certain protocol is followed by Beowulf: 12
a. Hrothgar allowed Beowulf to. b. Hrothgar honors Higlac with a special armor, which is. c. What gift did Hrothgar send for the Queen Higd? 73. Then, Higlac honors Beowulf with. 74. How does Beowulf become king? 75. How long has he been ruling? 76. Explain why a dragon is bothering the Geats? Chapter 32 p.93 77. Notice that the slave does not receive recognition with his name. However, we do learn the slave s reason for taking the cup. What is it? 78. Like Grendel and his mom, when does the dragon prefer to attack? Chapter 33 p.96 79. When does the dragon retreat? 80. Why might this be symbolic? 81. Why does Beowulf refuse the offer to be king the first time? 82. What do the river people do that Beowulf s society found detestable? 13
Chapter 34 p.99 83. What is different about Beowulf before this battle? 84. Explain how Hrethel is a part of Beowulf s life and like a father to him. Chapter 35 p.102 85. What is Beowulf still seeking? 86. Why does he feel that it is acceptable to wear armor and use a sword in this battle? 87. What happens with the shield and sword? 88. What about his comrades? Chapter 36 p.107 89. Who stands by his side? 90. In regards to the previous question, why does this soldier want to support Beowulf? 91. What is Beowulf s sword s name? 92. What s the problem with the sword? 93. Explain how Beowulf is injured. 14
Chapter 37 p.110 94. Who is instrumental in helping Beowulf kill the dragon? 95. Describe Beowulf s mortal wound. 96. What does Beowulf want to see before he dies? Chapter 38 p.112 97. Who does Beowulf give his treasure? 98. Even in death, who does Beowulf praise and acknowledge for allowing him a wonderfully successful life? Chapter 39 p.115 99. How is the dragon killed? 100. Explain how Wiglaf addresses the other men. 101. God s good grace is an example of what literature term? Chapter 40 p.118 102. What does Wiglaf tell the people to expect? Chapter 41 p.120 103. Why does the poet reference the flashback that is on p.120-121? 104. What are some examples of praises that the warriors bestow upon Beowulf? Chapter 42 p.124 105. Explain some of the points that Wiglaf makes. Chapter 43 p.127 106. Discuss Beowulf s burial/funeral. 15