Beowulf Study Guide
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Who were Grendel’s earliest ancestors? How did he come to exist?
– Cain and Abel are his ancestors. He was born out of the slime that was the
original start for the earth. He was thrown out of heaven.
• Who is Grendel terrorizing? Who is their King?
– The Danes are being terrorized, and the King is Hrothgar.
• For how many years did Grendel wage terror on the warriors?
– 12 years
• Where are the warriors when they are attacked?
– They are sleeping in Herot, which is the mead hall where they all gather to
celebrate a victory.
• In what way has hate triumphed?
– Grendel’s hatred of man has caused the mead hall to be empty, and the warriors
don’t rejoice anymore after their victories.
• What is the meaning of “his (Grendel’s) misery leaped the seas?”
– The story about his terror reached the land of the Geats where Beowulf lives.
• What does the phrase “hell-forged hands” suggest about Grendel?
– He was made in hell and is evil.
• What does Grendel’s inability to know God’s love suggest about him? What does this
suggest about the Danes?
– Grendel can never be loved or forgiven by God. This shows the reader that the
Dane’s society valued God. God was also viewed as the one who chose the king,
so he cannot be harmed by Grendel.
• How does Beowulf plan his attack on Grendel?
– Beowulf and his men sleep in Herot and wait for the arrival of Grendel.
• What advantage does Beowulf have in his fight with Grendel?
– Beowulf has God on his side and has the advantage of being prepared for the
battle
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Epic Tale Criteria:
• 1. The hero is from a noble family.
• Beowulf’s cousin is the king of the Geats.
• 2. The hero has characteristics like bravery, honesty, loyalty, all of which are important
to that society.
• He is chosen by his people as best to fight for Danes.
• 3. The hero performs powerful and supernatural acts.
• Defeated the race of Giants.
• 4. The actions of the hero save the society.
• Beowulf and his 14 men defeat Grendel and hang arm from rafters.
• Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother
• 5. There is more than one setting or nation involved.
• Two settings are Beowulf’s home of the Geats and Hrothgar’s home of the
Danes.
• 7. There are supernatural beings to battle.
• Giants were fought and Grendel is a monster.
• 8. The theme of the story is good vs. evil.
• Grendel represents evil and the soldiers, King Hrothgar and Beowulf are
protected by God, so they represent good.