Sean Doyle
Mr. McCreary
Brit Lit
10/2/13
Beowulf Test
IDs
1. Unferth: Unferth was a man of Hrothgar’s court in Heorot Hall who belittled
and attempted to embarrass Beowulf by mentioning that he had lost a
swimming race. Beowulf then retaliates by speaking of the time and how he
had slain nine sea monsters during the race.
2. Cain: Cain is a character from the bible that killed his brother Abel and was
banished by God. He is important in the story because it is mentioned that he
spawned evil things like elves and ogres, including Grendel, one of the three
monsters of the epic.
3. Naegling: A Naegling was one of the families present in the poem. They are
similar to the Shylfings and other families. Though they did not hold any
political power, they were a well respected family that produced many
warriors.
4. Heorot: This was a great hall built by King Hrothgar during his rule over the
Danes. It is also the place Grendel would attack at night, causing Heorot to
become a place of terror.
5. “50 winters”: This is a metaphor for the 50 years in between Beowulf’s
victory over Grendel’s mother and the fight with the dragon. It is important
because it is a significant part of Beowulf’s live when he is king of the Geats,
yet it is not described in the epic.
6. Shield Sheafson: Shield Sheafson was the ancestor of King Hrothgar and the
first king of the Danes. His kingdom was known for its power and wealth, and
he was greatly renowned as shown in the line “That was one good king.”
7. Wealhtheow: Wealhtheow was Hrothgar’s wife whom offered a drink to
Beowulf when he slew Grendel. She is important because she illustrates the
role of women in this time period and welcomed Beowulf into her house.
8. Whale-road: The whale-road is a kenning that means the sea. It is used when
describing Beowulf’s voyage from Geatland to Heorot. Kennings are two
word phrases used to describe a more commonly used word for poetic
creativity.
9. Ecgthegow: Ecgtheow was Beowulf’s father, a renowned warrior of Geatland
under King Hygelac. Ecgtheow’s reputation allowed for Beowulf to become
such a well known warrior and his reputation was carried beyond him to his
son.
10. Sigemund: Sigemund is what the Geats name Beowulf’s tomb at the end of
the epic. It is rightly named because it stands on a cliff overlooking the sea. It
is important because even in death Beowulf is given the highest and best
honor of a large barrow.
Short Answer
1. The literary device used in the last line is known as a kenning. A kenning is a
two-word phrase used to describe a more commonly used word. It is used
poetically to allow more creativity to the ancient poet. In this passage, the
kenning used is “Sky-plague,” taking the place of “dragon.”
2. The literary device used in this passage is called caesura. Caesuras are used
to indicate a pause in the reading, usually for dramatic effect. A comma
usually marks them. This caesura occurs between the words “pain” and
“limping.” It was most likely used because the poet thought the sequence of
the five participles too lengthy.
Passages
1. In this passage, Beowulf is describing his swimming race in which he lost,
after Unferth challenged his worth. It is important because Beowulf is giving
an explanation for why he lost the race, which he claims is because he killed
nine sea-monsters. The particular word “sea-monsters” is challenging: it has
the look and feel of a kenning, however I believe it is not. “Sea Monster” is a
term still used to this day, though there may have been an ancient word to
describe these creatures. However, it is important to realize that Beowulf
turns what was actually a loss for him into a victory, and he is boasting about
himself as he says, “From now on sailors would be safe,” and “My sword had
killed nine sea-monsters.” He is attempting to build his reputation among the
Danes who had not heard of him by telling a story of his valor and strength.
Beowulf!!!
4. This excerpt occurs right after Grendel’s mother attacks Heorot and murders
Aeschere, an advisor and friend to King Hrothgar. As Hrothgar begins to grieve
over the loss of his friend, Beowulf reprimands him by saying, “It is always better
to avenge dear ones that indulge in mourning.” This suggests that to Beowulf
mourning is an activity that one chooses to partake in. He clearly thinks it is
weak and futile. In this sense, he is both comforting and invigorating Hrothgar. It
also encourages Hrothgar to allow an immediate assault on Grendel’s mother,
led by Beowulf!!!