Beowulf Context

Who is the descendant of the biblical Cain, the enormous ogre who menaces Hrothgar and the Danes for 12 years?

• Grendel

• Grendel's mother

• Dragon

• Beowulf

What poetic device is heavily used in Beowulf?

• Rhyme

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

What kenning was used to describe Anglo-Saxon kings, who literally distributed looted gold and treasure to their people?

• Mankind's enemy

• Ring giver

• Battle sweat

• Shadow of death

What is the name of Hrothgar's mead-hall, symbolizing his and the Scyldings' success in Beowulf?

• Hrunting

• Herot

• Nagling

• Magical Giant Sword

What is the name of the sword that Beowulf uses to fight the dragon?

• Hrunting

• Nagling

• Herot

• Magical Giant Sword

What is the code of comitatus in Beowulf?

• a code of silence

• a code of honor

• a secret code

• a code of retribution

What is the significance of wergild in Anglo-Saxon culture?

• It is the price set on a person's life according to his social or political station

• It is the treasure hoard guarded by the dragon

• It is the name of the hero's sword

• It is the ritual for the funeral of a king

What is the historical significance of the Sutton Hoo dig in relation to Beowulf?

• It was the burial ground of Beowulf

• It proved the existence of Grendel

• It provided evidence of the comitatus code

• It confirmed the existence of dragons

What role did Pope Gregory play in the religious tensions that exist in Beowulf?

• He encouraged Christian missionaries to absorb pagan tradition into Christian ritual

• He was the king in the poem

• He was the author of Beowulf

• He was the leader of the Anglo-Saxon warriors

What are the main themes of Beowulf?

• 
  Friendship and camaraderie

• Courage, honor, and loyalty

• Love and romance

• Betrayal and revenge