Beowulf test Flashcards
(35 cards)
what were the 5 successive invasions of the British Isles?
-identify basic details for each
- Celts: European tribe from Anatolia that had a female celtic hero
-Romans: Julius Caesar unsuccessfully invaded this land but Claudius was able to gain control by 43 AD.
-Anglo-Saxons: multiple raids/waves from Germanic tribes from Scandinavian region
-Danes: raided and attacked monasteries. they were not always in power during their occupation
Normans: From France, William of Normandy
What tribe is the source of the word England?
The Angles
what modern skills did Monks bring to the Anglo-Saxons?
written word rather than just oral tradition
who initially composed Beowulf? in what century?
A scop, poet, composed the story of Beowulf in the 8th century.
who wrote down the Beowulf text? when?
a Christian monk wrote it down at the end of the 10th century.
define wergild and give an example from Beowulf.
wergild is the man price and an example of this is when Aeschere is killed, Hrothgar’s great advisor and friend, Beowulf says to his lord, “Sorrow not, wise warrior. It is better to avenge his friend than much mourn”
define comitatus and give an example.
Comitatus is the loyalty and bond between a king and his warriors. An example of this is when Beowulf is king and chooses his men specifically to fight against the dragon. He also rewards them for their courage.
Describe Wyrd and give an example of this belief in Beowulf.
Wyrd is a goddess who is control of fate and destiny and rewards those who are courageous in battle. An example of Wyrd is how in the end of the poem, Beowulf is fated to not defeating the dragon, while in the rest of the poem he has divine approval and help in his adventures.
Explain the role of Fame in Anglo-Saxon society
- recognized by Wyrd
- remembered for their valiant deeds
what is ring-gold?
- rings given to warriors for their courage and success in battle given to them by the king.
- a recognition from the king to show how honourable they are
what is a peace-weaver and 2 ways she can create peace?
description: a women whose job is to create peace through diplomacy
examples:
1. a marriage between two feuding tribes
2. mead cup given to people in the mead hall
Grendel and his Mother are what type of creatures?
humanoid giant creatures who live in a mere.
How does Grendel relate to Scandinavian legends?
his name, “grendel,” is similar to the words to grind/destroy and swamp. He is similar to a draugur, an undead swamp monster.
How does Grendel relate to Christian scripture?
He is born out of the sin committed by Cain when he killed his brother Abel.`
Why is the dragon the greatest enemy in Anglo-Saxon culture?
Dragons are the largest and most horrific monster to the Germanic tribes.
what are the Christian and Anglo-Saxon symbols behind the dragon?
- he represents greed
- serpent-like
- the fire he breathes is representative of Satan’s hell-fire
- symbol of evil
what is the purpose of battle-boasting?
-to be recognized by Wyrd and the Scop so that he will be rewarded and remembered for his bravery, strength, wit, etc.,.
What is a scop?
- role in society
- skills
a scop is a poet
- job is to collect important stories and share them with the community
- great ability to craft intricate poems quickly
Unferth as a foil to hero Beowulf
Unferth and Beowulf are both warriors, but…
- he is guilty of fratricide
- jealous
- cowardly
- unable to defeat Grendel
Hrothgar as a foil to king Beowulf
Hrothgar and Beowulf were both admired kings who had a lengthy reign but…
- Hrothgar was unable to defend his people
- Hrothgar had a legacy
- Beowulf was unmatched as a warrior
the other thanes as a foil to Wiglaf
They were all chosen deliberately by Beowulf but…
- Wiglaf was the only one to stay with Beowulf
- The rest were wreccas, deserting the king, leading to his death
Parallel between Wealtheow and Hildeburh
Hildeburh was a great peaceweaver, mediating tension between the tribe. She was a Danish princess married of to a Jute king. When her brothers’, the Danes, and sons, the Jutes, die in battle, she wants the enemies to be burned together. Wealtheow creates peace and holds great influence of social order and maintains customs.
Heremod Allusion
Heremod was a Danish king who was also blessed by God with strength and courage but his own flaws caused his sorrow. He did not have comitatus with his men, he killed and took out his anger on them and never rewarded them. He also distanced himself from them, being referred to as a pariah king.
How does the 2nd have similar to a Christian Allegory?
- Beowulf and his thirteen thanes // Jesus and the twelve disciples
- Beowulf aware of his fate // Jesus is aware of his death
- Sacrifice their lives
- Beowulf has only one loyal thane //Only Peter stays at the end of Jesus’ life
