Beowulf: Key Events and Characters

What is "Beowulf" primarily known as in English literature?

• A collection of short stories

• The first surviving epic poem

• A historical biography

• A medieval play

What was the name of the grand hall built by King Hrothgar?

• Valhalla

• Asgard

• Heorot

• Camelot

Who was Grendel descended from, according to the poem?

• A Norse god

• A mythical beast

• The biblical Cain

• An ancient king

How long did Grendel terrorize King Hrothgar's hall before Beowulf arrived?

• 5 years

• 10 years

• 12 years

• 20 years

How did Beowulf defeat Grendel?

• He stabbed him with a magical sword.

• He trapped him in a net.

• He tore off Grendel's arm.

• He burned him with fire.

What did Grendel's Mother do to seek revenge after Grendel's defeat?

• She destroyed Heorot.

• She kidnapped King Hrothgar.

• She stole Grendel's arm back.

• She snatched one of Hrothgar's counselors.

What did Beowulf bring back from Grendel's Mother's lair as proof of his victory?

• Grendel's head and a golden cup

• Grendel's head and the hilt of the sword

• Grendel's arm and a treasure chest

• Grendel's Mother's head and a shield

How did Beowulf become King of the Geats?

• He inherited the throne from his father.

• He was elected by the people.

• He defeated the previous king in battle.

• He became king after King Hygelac was killed in battle.

Why did the dragon begin to terrorize Beowulf's kingdom?

• It was seeking a new lair.

• A Geat servant stole a golden cup from its treasure.

• Beowulf had challenged it to a fight.

• It was Grendel's last surviving relative.

Who was the only warrior who stayed to help Beowulf fight the dragon?

• Unferth

• Hrothgar

• Wiglaf

• Hygelac