Part One and Two: The Monster Grendel
1. What phrase points to Grendel’s evil nature? The phrase that points to Grendel’s evil
nature is, “that demon, that fiend Grendel, w h o haunted the moors, the wild Marshes,
and mad e his h o m e in a hell, Not hell but earth.
2. What biblical figure is Grendel’s ancestor? The biblical figure that is Grendel’s ancestor is
Cain.
3. Give an example of alliteration from lines 30-34. An example of an alliteration from lines
30-34 is “wondering what the warriors Would do in that hall.”
4. What does Grendel do at night?
Snatches up 30 men in their sleep, carries them back to his lair with their blood trailing behind
him.
5. Why does Herot remain empty for twelve years?
Herot remains empty for twelve long years because Grendel continuously attacks the warriors
night after night. No one wants to challenge Grendel because they feel that he is a superior
being.
6. Why do none of Hrothgar’s men challenge Grendel?
They feel that they are not strong enough.
7. Why does Grendel not touch Hrothgar’s throne?
--Because it is protected by God.
8. Find two kennings in Part One. Explain what each means or what feeling is conveyed through
the use of the kenning.
1.
2.
9. What do Hrothgar and his council initially do to try to save his great-hall?
Made sacrifices, prayed, made vows
10. How does Hrothgar’s council feel about fighting Grendel (lines 85-90)
--Hrothgar’s Council feels absolutely hopeless about fighting Grendel.
11. In what year is it generally believed that the epic Beowulf was first told or created?
--6th century
12. In what year was it first written down? by whom? 700-750 BC—An old monk
13. What happened to the original manuscript of Beowulf?
It’s said that the copy of Beowulf is said to be in a museum in London, but the original was said
to have been lost in a fire.
Part 3: The Coming of Beowulf
1. Who is Healfdane’s son? Hrothgar—King of the Danes.
2. From what tribe/clan does Beowulf come? Geats
3. What line indicates that Beowulf is the man to kill Grendel? 109—111.
Part 4: The Arrival of the Hero page 47
4. What proof does Beowulf offer that he is up to killing Grendel (lines 246-255)? He basically
provides a resume to Hrothgar by boasting about all of his accomplishments.
5. Why does Beowulf intend to fight Grendel without a sword? My lord Higlac might think less
of me if I let my sword go where my feet are afraid to—He’s saying that GOD must decide the
fate of Beowulf, not anyone or anything else.
6. What two requests does Beowulf ask be done if he should die in the fight?
1. Send my hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, and
2. Return the inheritance I had from Hrethel (Hrethel is Beowulf’s grandfather and former king
of the Geats.).
7. What Anglo-Saxon belief in revealed in the line 284?
That fate is unavoidable.
Part Five (from packet page 26): Hrothgar’s Speech
8. In his speech of welcome, Hrothgar reveals his past connection to Beowulf. What is that
connection? What does it reveal about the Anglo-Saxon beliefs?
Unferth’s Challenge Parts Six and Seven (from packet page 27)
9. What does Unferth say to/about Beowulf?
10. How does Beowulf reply?
11. What is Unferth’s motive for challenging Beowulf?
12. How does Unferth’s challenge build suspense?
13. In what way does Beowulf compare his defeat of the sea
monsters to a feast (sec.7)?
14. Read lines 305-306. Do you think his words hold true for his
time period only and not in our
present day? Why or why not?
15. Define the literary term foil?
16. How is Unferth serve as a foil to Beowulf?
17. What does Hrothgar promise Beowulf (lines 388-391)?
18. Why does Hrothgar make this promise? What Anglo-Saxon customs/beliefs does this reveal?