Thibo
Unit 2 – The Anglo-Saxons, 450-1066 A.D.
EPIC POEM and HERO CYCLE NOTES and TEST
Beowulf is the first known masterpiece that still exists in English Literature.
QUESTION: Identify the five qualities of an epic poem and why Beowulf qualifies as an
epic tale. (10 pts.)
ANSWER:
1. Epic hero: The epic hero is the central character of an epic. This character is
larger-than-life figure, typically of noble or semi divine birth, who pits courage,
skill, and virtue against opposing, often evil forces. The hero Beowulf is a young
warrior of high standing who battles a brutal and bloodthirsty monster.
2. Quest: The quest is a long, dangerous journey or mission undertaken by the epic
hero. The quest is the hero’s opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor and
undying renown. Beowulf embarks on a quest to aid a neighboring kingdom by
defeating the hideous monster Grendel.
3. Valorous deeds: These actions demonstrate the hero’s courage, strength, or
virtue and make up most of the action in the narrative. For example, Beowulf’s
superhuman strength is shown when he fights the savage Grendel with his bare
hands –and wins!
4. Divine intervention: In many epics, the hero receives help from a god or another
supernatural force who takes an interest in his quest. During the battle with the
Troll-Wife, Beowulf receives the sword made by the giants.
5. Great events: Important events from the history or mythology of a nation or
culture often provide the backdrop for the epic narrative. The invasion of the
Vikings is the backdrop for Beowulf.
QUESTION: Explain the four distinctive steps of the hero cycle and how Beowulf
fulfills his steps towards becoming an epic hero. (8 pts)
ANSWER:
1. First there is the call to adventure, with the possibility of a helper. A call is
being asked to help. It is also the hero’s awareness that he is needed to assist
others. Beowulf is called to help the Danes as a way to repay the Danes for their
past help of the Geats. Twelve men join his mission to help the Danes fight
against the monster who has been destroying their lives.
2. The crossing, - a crossing is a leaving home and moving in to a spiritual realm.
Physical crossing in Beowulf was the Geats going across the sea. The spiritual
crossing was Beowulf willing to sacrifice his life in order to help others.
3. Tests and more helpers. A test is the event that proves the hero’s success. The
battle with Grendel tests Beowulf’s superhuman strength. The second test
was the Troll-Wife because it proves to Beowulf that he can adjust and is
blessed and “chosen” by a divine being.
4. The supreme ordeal. A supreme ordeal shows that the hero is favored by God or
the people. The final battle with Grendal’s Mother, Troll-Wife, reveals the
magical sword. The 50 year peaceful reign of Beowulf may be seen as a supreme
ordeal.
5. The return, with a possible boon to the hero's people. Beowulf returns to
Geatland victorious. He receives gifts, land, a sword, etc. These gifts elevate
Beowulf to a hero status.
Thibo
English 12
Beowulf Test
Name_______________________________
Unit 2 – The Anglo-Saxons, 450-1066 A.D.
Beowulf is the first known masterpiece that still exists in English Literature.
QUESTION: Identify the five qualities of an epic poem and why Beowulf qualifies as
an epic tale.
ANSWER:
1. E.H.
2. Q
3.
V.D.
4.
D.I.
5.
G.E.
QUESTION: Explain the four distinctive steps of the hero cycle and how Beowulf
fulfills his steps towards becoming an epic hero. (8 pts)
ANSWER:
1. THE C_______
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. THE S__________ O____________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. THE R__________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Short answer responses:
1. Name the Anglo-Saxon hero of the story, sword-wielding, slayer of monsters,
upholder of the right, warrior-chieftain. ______________________
2. Where is Beowulf from? ___________________
3. He sets sail to aid the Danish King, named ________________
4. Who has been terrorizing the great banquet hall, Herot, for twelve
years?_____________________
5. Who seeks revenge upon Beowulf? _________________________
6. How do the people of Geat country, reward Beowulf for his success?
_______________________________
7. How does Beowulf die? ______________________
8. List the sounds that create alliteration in these lines:
“…The Geat-prince joyed in the straining struggle,
Stalwart-hearted and stirred to wrath,
Gripped the shoulder of Grendel’s dam…”
_________________________________________________________________
9. The follow sentence is an example of a __________________________.
“…The gleaming radiance shimmered and shone
As the candle of heaven shines clear from the sky.”
10. When hints of clues in a narrative suggest events that will occur later such as in
this sentence;
“For the folk of the land
The beginning was dread as the ending was grievous.”
The author is using the technique called________________________.
11. Theme is the underlying meaning of a literary work. A theme may be directly
stated, but more often it is implied. For example, one theme in Beowulf is
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
12. An Anglo-Saxon riddle speaks of a shield as if it had a human body which could
be wounded and as if it felt emotions. These riddles use the
technique__________________________________________.
13. (4 pts.) Write a two sentence characterization of Beowulf or Grendel.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
14. The literary device used in Anglo-Saxon poetry replaces the concrete noun with a
metaphorical phrase. The example of Beowulf being called a shield-bearer is an
example of ____________________________.
15. Write an example of an original alliteration.
________________________________________________________________.
For 25 pts. write a one page paragraph in response to this prompt. Beowulf fulfilled the
Danes need for a hero. He answered the call to adventure, endured the trials,
displayed super human qualities, and accomplished a valorous deed. He restored the
Danes hope in humanity and in their future. Who is your hero today and why? What
three qualities does this person have that make him/her a hero? How does this person
restore your hope for a better future? Use examples to prove your point.
1. Name the Anglo-Saxon hero of the story, sword-wielding, slayer of monsters,
upholder of the right, warrior-chieftain. ______________________(Beowulf)
2. Where is Beowulf from? ___________________(Geat land or today’s Sweden)
3. He sets sail to aid the Danish King, named ________________(Hrothgar)
4. Who has been terrorizing the great banquet hall, Herot, for twelve
years?_____________________(Grendel)
5. Who seeks revenge upon Beowulf? _________________________(Grendel’s
mother)
6. How do the people of Geat country, reward Beowulf for his success?
_______________________________(make him king for 50 yrs)
7. How does Beowulf die? ______________________(burned in a battle with the
dragon)
8. List the sounds that create alliteration in these lines:
“…The Geat-prince joyed in the straining struggle,
Stalwart-hearted and stirred to wrath,
Gripped the shoulder of Grendel’s dam…”
_________________________________________(s) and (g)
9. The follow sentence is an example of a ____(metaphor).
“…The gleaming radiance shimmered and shone
As the candle of heaven shines clear from the sky.”
10. When hints of clues in a narrative suggest events that will occur later such as in
this sentence;
“For the folk of the land
The beginning was dread as the ending was grievous.”
The author is using the technique called_____________(foreshadowing).
11. Theme is the underlying meaning of a literary work. A theme may be directly
stated, but more often it is implied. For example, one theme in Beowulf is
_____________________________________________________________________
(brotherhood is shown by being committed to helping those who have helped you).
12. An Anglo-Saxon riddle speaks of a shield as if it had a human body which could
be wounded and as if it felt emotions. These riddles use the
technique___________________(personification).
13. Write a two sentence characterization of Beowulf or Grendel.
___________________________________________(Grendal is seen as a “hellthane” and the foe of God. He had a mightier hand-grip so was characterized as
being very strong.)
14. The literary device used in Anglo-Saxon poetry replaces the concrete noun with a
metaphorical phrase. The example of Beowulf being called a shield-bearer is an
example of ____________________________(kenning)
15. Write an example of an original alliteration.
________________________________________________________________.
For 25 pts. write a one page paragraph in response to this prompt. Beowulf fulfilled the
Danes need for a hero. He answered the call to adventure, endured the trials,
displayed super human qualities, and accomplished a valorous deed. He restored the
Danes hope in humanity and in their future. Who is your hero today and why? What
three qualities does this person have that make him/her a hero? How does this person
restore your hope for a better future? Use examples to prove your point.