Beowulf

The Dark Ages	(476 – 1500) A time during which there were few stable governments, violence and disease were widespread, literacy was low (only the very noble and member of religious orders could read and write), the Catholic Church became very powerful and intellectual and scientific innovation was limited.
Nowell Codex	one of about only 400 surviving Old English manuscripts, which includes Beowulf
Anglo Saxons	The Anglo-Saxons were a group of Germanic tribes who invaded Britain in the early middle ages. These groups spoke languages that gradually regularized and evolved into Old English.
Setting of Beowulf	Scandinavia many decades before 800
Kenning	A literary device in which a poetic phrase substitutes for a noun. In the best kennings, one element of the phrase will create a striking, unexpected comparison. Often used in Anglo-Saxon poetry.
Gas guzzler	A vehicle that has poor gas mileage
Headhunter	A person who finds executive positions for job seekers.
Web Surfer	A person who spends time online.
Rug Rat	A mischievous child.
Land Line	A traditional telephone.
Eye Candy	A person or thing with visual appeal.
Cancer Stick	A cigarette.
Boob Tube	Television
Coach Potatoe	A person who gets little exercise.
Tramp Stamp	A tattoo on the lower back.
Sky-Candle	Sun
Swan Road	The sea
Stout-hearted	Brave
Battle Sweat	Blood
Light-of-battle	Sword
Helmet Bearers	Warriors
Giver of Gold	King
Earth-hall	Burial mound, barrow
Dwelling Place	Home
Hrothgar	King of Danes
Grendel	Monster who torments the Danes, is killed by Beowulf.
Beowulf	Geat Warrior. Defeats Grendel and is cursed with immortality by his mother and kills his son the dragon in order to break this curse.
Gredel’s Mother	A monster, though more human than Grendel, who seeks to avenge her son. She curses Hrothgar and Beowulf.
Unferth	A Dane who questions Beowulf’s bravery and later bequeaths him a sword.
Hygelac	King of the Geats.

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