Beowulf

A Final Test Review

Beowulf

BeowulfHrothgarHiglocGrendelWiglafGrendel’s MomThe Dragon

Characters

Beowulf

Main character of the story, arrives in Denmark to help the Danes from Grendel’s terror. Later on becomes king of the Geats.

Grendel

Monster who terrorized Herot, has long arms with huge claws. One of the antagonists of the story. A descendant of the first murderer Cain.

Grendel’s Mom

Mother of Grendel who terrorized the Danes after Grendel’s death by Beowulf’s hand. Lived and killed in a swamp.

Higloc

First king of the Geats who would give the throne to Beowulf. Father of Beowulf.

Hrothgar

The king of the Danes who would request help from Beowulf from the monster Grendel.

Wiglaf

The slayer of the dragon that killed Beowulf and crowned king of the Geats by Beowulf.

Dragon

Monster that terrorizes Beowulf’s kingdom and who would later be the killer of Beowulf.

Wergild – Man-priceValue placed on every human being or piece of

propertyHubris – warriors are full of this

Too much pride or arroganceAnglo-Saxon period

410-1066 ADGermans organized into confederation of 7

kingdomsKent, Sussex, Essex, Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia,

North UmbriaPagan Religion

Anglo-Saxon belief in fate and that life has been pre determined

Beowulf Terms

WyrdFate whatever happened, happened because it

has been predeterminedMead

Alcoholic drink made from honeyScop

Old english poet, traveled around to mead halls and delivered oral myths.

EpicExtended narrative poem recounting action

adventures.

Beowulf Terms

Hrothgar builds Herot (mead hall)His subjects congregate and partyGrendel awakens because of sound of joy and murders

30 menHrothgar mourned his menGrendel kept coming back, villagers hid from HerotBeowulf hears of Grendel and takes the mightiest men

he can find to do battle with himBeowulf faces Grendel rips his arm offGrendel dies and they partyGrendel’s mom decides to avenge her son and kills

Hrothgar’s right hand manBeowulf goes down into her lair and kills her with her

swordBeowulf becomes king of the Geats

Beowulf Timeline

50 years later, a dragon comes and terrorizes Beowulf’s kingdom.

Beowulf and his men go to slay the dragon, but all the men desert him except for Wiglaf.

Beowulf is mortally wounded, Wiglaf kills the Dragon Beowulf passes on the throne to Wiglaf. Wiglaf rises and disgraces the men who deserted their king The Geats honor Beowulf’s grave with a lighthouse and all the

treasure.

Timeline Continued