Beowulf Study Guide
Name ______
The Wrath of Grendel
1. With what Biblical character is the monster Grendel associated? What does this imply about him?
2. What is Herot, and why is it important to Hrothgar’s people?
3. What is Grendel’s crime against Hrothgar’s people? How long does this crime continue? What is the one thing Grendel fears to touch? Why?
4. What attempts does Hrothgar make to rid himself of the creature?
5. What hope does the poet offer to Grendel’s victims?
The Coming of Beowulf
6. Why does Boewulf come to Hrothgar’s aid?
7. What are the first things Beowulf tells Hrothgar when they meet for the first time? Why does this seem “wrong” to us Americans today?
8. How does Beowulf intend to kill the monster?
The Battle with Grendel
9. What did Beowulf allow Grendel to do before he attacked?
10. How do you imagine Grendel looks?
11. How – specifically –did Beowulf kill Grendel?
12. Why was it good luck that Beowulf’d decided to fight with his bare hands?
13. What did the people come to see the next morning?
The Battle with Grendel’s Mother
14. What did Grendel’s mother do to avenge her son’s death?
15. Symbolically, where did Beowulf go to battle the monster mother?
16. How did Beowulf kill Grendel’s mother?
17. What happened the moment that Beowulf killed the mother? What does this symbolize?
18. What final insult did Beowulf inflict upon Grendel in the underwater battle hall?
Beowulf’s Final Years
19. To what position has Beowulf ascended among his own people, the Geats?
20. What creature menaces Beowulf’s people?
21. What thing – worse than death --- happens to poor Beowulf as he approaches his last foe?
22. Who is Wiglaf, and how is he different from the rest of the warriors?
23. What does it mean when Beowulf gives Wiglaf his golden necklace and other items?
24. What does Beowulf mean when he says, “I sold my life for this treasure and sold it well.”?
25. How did Beowulf’s soldiers and people say goodbye to him?