| Who is the king of the Danes? What is the name of his mead hall? | King Hrothgar; Herot is meadhall |
| Who is the monster? From whom is he said to be descended? | Grendel is monster; he descends from Cain |
| How many men does the monster kill on his first attack? | 30 |
| What do Hrothgar’s warriors do after the assault? | First they fight; then they flee leaving Herot unguarded |
| How long does the hall stand deserted? | 12 years |
| Though he returns nightly, why doesn’t the monster dare to touch the king’s throne? | Throne is protected by God (Christian) |
| Who is Hrothgar’s father? | Healfdane |
| Who decides to come to help Hrothgar? Where is he from? | Beowulf is from Sweden, or Geatland |
| Who does Hrothgar send to greet the hero? | His thane Wulfgar |
| Who is Beowulf’s king? How is Beowulf related to his king? | King Higlac is Beowulf’s uncle |
| Summarize Beowulf’s words to Hrothgar at lines 142-159 | Beowulf asks to be allowed to face the monster alone with his men and that his armor be returned to his people if he dies |
| How does Beowulf intend to defeat Grendel? | With his bare hands |
| Why does Unferth challenge Beowulf? | Unferth is jealous |
| What story does Unferth relate about Beowulf? To whom does Unferth attribute the victory? | Swimming race with Brecca. He names Brecca the winner. |
| What is Beowulf’s version of the story? | Beowulf says a storm drove him into the clutches of monsters which he killed, making the sea safe for all men. |
| What unpardonable sin does Beowulf accuse Unferth of? | Unferth is said to have killed his own kinsman |
| Who is the queen of the Danes? | Welthow |
| Why can’t the swords of men hurt the monster? | Some magic protects him |
| What was hung in Herot as a sign of victory? | Grendel’s arm |
| Who attacks Herot next? Who dies? | Grendel’s mother kills Hrothgar’s best friend |
| What is the name of Beowulf’s sword? | Hrunting |
| What saved Beowulf from being killed by the second monster? | His helmet and mail shirt |
| How does Beowulf finally defeat this second foe? | He finds and uses a magical sword made by giants |
| What does Beowulf do to Grendel’s corpse? | He cuts off Grendel’s head and keeps it as a trophy |
| What becomes of Beowulf after he leaves Denmark? | He becomes king of the Geats |
| What will Beowulf fight in the final battle? | A dragon |
| In lines 668-679, what change has Beowulf undergone that is markedly different from the young man he once was? | He is not as confident; he will not fight unarmed |
| What happened to Beowulf’s famous sword? | It failed him and broke. His shield melted. |
| What did Beowulf’s followers do during the battle? | Beowulf’s thanes desert him. |
| Who remained behind with Beowulf? What does he swear to do? | Only Wiglaf remains. He swears to lead the Geats. |
| What does Beowulf ask of Wiglaf before he dies? | He asks that they build him a burial tower so that he will not be forgotten |
English IV: Beowulf
February 24, 2020