1. Beowulf Reading Check
answers

2. 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

3. (c) the warriors act violently toward him – afraid
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

4. Beowulf helps Hrothgar and the Danes for several reasons:
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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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