Beowulf Reading Check answers 1 What is the

Beowulf Reading Check answers

1. What is the significance of the following numbers: (phrases or sentences) � 30 • Number of men Grendel killed on his first visit to Herot � 14 • Number of warriors Beowulf brought with him from Geatland to fight Grendel � 12 • Number of winters Herot sat empty while Grendel stalked Hrothgar and his men

2. What do you think causes Grendel to attack human beings? Think about (a) his relatives and ancestors (b) his actions and attitudes (c) the Danish warriors' reactions to him �(a) he is a descendent of Cain (the first murderer) and is a demon spawn �(b) Grendel stalks them from the edge of his swamp and attacks when he notices anyone sleeping in Herot (except Hrothgar) �(c) the warriors act violently toward him – afraid

3. Why do you think Beowulf offers to help a tribe other than his own, in spite of the danger? �Beowulf helps Hrothgar and the Danes for several reasons: • Blood debt to Hrothgar because Hrothgar saved Edgetho, Beowulf’s father • Beowulf loves fame and fortune/treasure

4. What is the only thing that will destroy Herot? �Fire

Put the following events in order: a) b) c) d) e) Beowulf dives into the murky lake and swims for hours Grendel hears the noise in Herot and leaves his swamp to visit The lake thickens with the monsters’ blood Grendel attacks Hrothgar’s men, killing many Beowulf kills Grendel’s mom f) g) h) i) j) Beowulf takes soldiers with him to Denmark Beowulf takes the magic sword off the wall to kill Grendel’s mother The Danes leave the shore, convinced Beowulf was killed Grendel’s head is cut off Beowulf returns to Herot with two trophies

Put the following events in order: 6. Beowulf kills Grendel’s 1. Grendel hears the 2. 3. 4. 5. noise in Herot and leaves his swamp to visit Grendel attacks Hrothgar’s men, killing many Beowulf takes soldiers with him to Denmark Beowulf dives into the murky lake and swims for hours Beowulf takes the magic sword off the wall to kill Grendel’s mother 7. 8. 9. 10. mom Grendel’s head is cut off The Danes leave the shore, convinced Beowulf was killed The lake thickens with the monsters’ blood Beowulf returns to Herot with two trophies

Match the following vocabulary words with their definitions: �Affliction • Cause of pain or distress �Cowering • Cringing in fear �Fetter • Shackle or chain; restraint �Gorge • To stuff with food

Match the following vocabulary words with their definitions: �Infamous • Having a bad reputation; notorious �Lament • An audible expression of grief; wail �Livid • Discolored; black and blue �Loathsome • Disgusting; hateful

Match the following vocabulary words with their definitions: �Murky • Cloudy; gloomy �Pilgrimage • A journey to a sacred place or with a lofty purpose �Purge • To cleanse or purify �Relish • To enjoy keenly

Match the following vocabulary words with their definitions: �Talon • A claw �Taut • Pulled tight �Writhing • Twisting and turning in pain