Story Of The Warrior Beowulf Quiz
The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel who is terrorizing towns, and later, Grendel's mother, who begins killing out of revenge. Take this short quiz over the plot of the epic poem. See how much you can remember!
- 1.
Below is a video clip of the poem being read in its original language. What time and place is the setting for the poem?
- A.
The fourteenth century, in London
- B.
The sixth century in what is now known as Denmark and southwestern Sweden.
- C.
The eighteenth century, in Italy
Correct Answer
B. The sixth century in what is now known as Denmark and southwestern Sweden.Explanation
The correct answer is "The sixth century in what is now known as Denmark and southwestern Sweden." This is evident from the information provided in the question, which states that the video clip is of the poem being read in its original language. Since the poem is being read in its original language, it can be inferred that the setting of the poem is in the region where the language originated, which is Denmark and southwestern Sweden in the sixth century.Rate this question:
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- 2.
At the begining of the poem, a great hall is described. What is the name of the magnificent mead hall that is being terrorized nightly by an orge?
- A.
Grendel
- B.
Heorot
- C.
Hyath
Correct Answer
B. HeorotExplanation
At the beginning of the poem, the magnificent mead hall that is being terrorized nightly by an ogre is named Heorot.Rate this question:
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- 3.
At the beginning of the poem, why does Beowulf go to the kingdom?
- A.
He is going to marry the king's daughter.
- B.
Hrothgar once sheltered Beowulf's father during a deadly feud, and he hopes to return the favor while enhancing his own reputation.
- C.
He hopes to overthrow the king.
Correct Answer
B. Hrothgar once sheltered Beowulf's father during a deadly feud, and he hopes to return the favor while enhancing his own reputation.Explanation
Beowulf goes to the kingdom because Hrothgar once sheltered his father during a deadly feud, and he hopes to return the favor while also improving his own reputation.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How does the poem begin?
- A.
With a brief genealogy of the Scylding (Dane) royal dynasty
- B.
With a large battle
- C.
With a large banquet
Correct Answer
A. With a brief genealogy of the Scylding (Dane) royal dynastyExplanation
The poem begins with a brief genealogy of the Scylding (Dane) royal dynasty. This means that the poem starts by providing information about the lineage and ancestry of the Scylding royal family. It sets the historical context and establishes the importance of the Scyldings in the poem's narrative.Rate this question:
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- 5.
When Beowulf first arrives in the kingdom, they sit in the mead-hall for a while,then the Danes retire to safer sleeping quarters, Beowulf and the Geats bed down in Heorot, fully aware that Grendel will visit them. He does. What does he do?
- A.
The ogre furiously bursts in on the Geats, killing one and then reaching for Beowulf.
- B.
Kills the king and Beowulf.
- C.
Retreats in terror.
Correct Answer
A. The ogre furiously bursts in on the Geats, killing one and then reaching for Beowulf.Explanation
When Beowulf and the Geats bed down in Heorot, Grendel furiously bursts in on them, killing one of the Geats and then reaching for Beowulf. This shows Grendel's violent and aggressive nature, as he attacks without warning and targets Beowulf specifically.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who is Grendel?
- A.
The king of the hall
- B.
The warrior who helped defeat the monster.
- C.
A huge man-like ogre and a descendant of the biblical murderer Cain.
Correct Answer
C. A huge man-like ogre and a descendant of the biblical murderer Cain.Explanation
Grendel is described as a huge man-like ogre and a descendant of the biblical murderer Cain. This means that he is a monstrous creature who is related to a notorious figure from the Bible. This explanation provides insight into Grendel's character and origins, highlighting his role as a terrifying antagonist in the story.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Grendel fights Beowulf. How does the battle end?
- A.
The beast suceeds in killing Beowulf.
- B.
Beuwulf agrees to let the beast live if he no longer terrorizes the hall.
- C.
Beowulf seizes the ogre's claw and does not let go. Beowulf emerges victorious as he rips Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket, sending the mortally wounded beast fleeing to his mere (pool). The claw trophy hangs high under the roof of Heorot.
Correct Answer
C. Beowulf seizes the ogre's claw and does not let go. Beowulf emerges victorious as he rips Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket, sending the mortally wounded beast fleeing to his mere (pool). The claw trophy hangs high under the roof of Heorot.Explanation
In the battle between Grendel and Beowulf, Beowulf manages to seize the ogre's claw and does not let go. This act ultimately leads to Beowulf's victory as he successfully rips Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket. The wounded beast is then forced to flee to his pool, known as the mere. As a symbol of his triumph, Beowulf hangs Grendel's claw trophy high under the roof of Heorot, the hall where the battle took place.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who is Beowulf?
- A.
The king at the beginning of the poem.
- B.
A young warrior in Geatland (southwestern Sweden) who comes to the Scyldings' aid, bringing with him 14 of his finest men.
- C.
A monster
Correct Answer
B. A young warrior in Geatland (southwestern Sweden) who comes to the Scyldings' aid, bringing with him 14 of his finest men.Explanation
Beowulf is a young warrior from Geatland who travels to the aid of the Scyldings, bringing along 14 of his best warriors. This explanation provides a clear and concise description of Beowulf's identity and his role in the story.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who is Hrothgar?
- A.
The aging king who Grendel has menaced for 12 years
- B.
The young warrior whose father saved the king
- C.
The name of the mead hall where the story takes place.
Correct Answer
A. The aging king who Grendel has menaced for 12 yearsExplanation
Hrothgar is the correct answer because he is described as the aging king who has been menaced by Grendel for 12 years. This suggests that he is a significant character in the story and has been facing a threat for a long time.Rate this question:
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- 10.
After Beowulf is king for a number of years, something shatters his peace. What shatters Beowulf's peace?
- A.
Another king
- B.
A dragon
- C.
A war
Correct Answer
B. A dragonExplanation
After Beowulf has been ruling as king for a significant amount of time, his peace is disrupted by the appearance of a dragon. This dragon poses a threat to Beowulf's kingdom and forces him to confront a new and dangerous adversary.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What is the name of Beowulf's sword that he uses to fight the dragon?
- A.
Naegling
- B.
Thatar
- C.
Uther
Correct Answer
A. NaeglingExplanation
Naegling is the correct answer because it is the name of Beowulf's sword that he uses to fight the dragon. In the epic poem Beowulf, Naegling is described as a powerful weapon that Beowulf wields in his final battle against the dragon. The sword, however, fails to penetrate the dragon's scales, leading to Beowulf's eventual demise.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Grendel fights Beowulf. How does the battle end?
- A.
The beast succeeds in killing Beowulf.
- B.
Beowulf agrees to let the beast live if he no longer terrorizes the hall.
- C.
Beowulf seizes the ogre's claw and does not let go. Beowulf emerges victorious as he rips Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket, sending the mortally wounded beast fleeing to his mere (pool). The claw trophy hangs high under the roof of Heorot.
Correct Answer
C. Beowulf seizes the ogre's claw and does not let go. Beowulf emerges victorious as he rips Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket, sending the mortally wounded beast fleeing to his mere (pool). The claw trophy hangs high under the roof of Heorot.Explanation
In the battle between Grendel and Beowulf, Beowulf manages to seize Grendel's claw and does not let go. This action leads to Beowulf emerging as the victor as he rips Grendel's claw from its shoulder socket. The wounded Grendel is then forced to flee to his pool, known as the mere. As a symbol of his victory, Beowulf hangs Grendel's claw trophy high under the roof of Heorot.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Beowulf later becomes king. How long does he rule In relative peace?
- A.
30 years
- B.
40 years
- C.
50 years
Correct Answer
C. 50 yearsExplanation
Beowulf rules in relative peace for 50 years. This suggests that he was able to maintain stability and harmony in his kingdom for a significant period of time. His long reign indicates that he was a successful and respected leader, as he was able to govern effectively and keep his kingdom safe from external threats. This also implies that he was able to establish a peaceful and prosperous environment for his people, ensuring their well-being and prosperity for five decades.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Beowulf tries to take on the dragon alone, but he can't. What warrior comes to his aid?
- A.
Wiglaf
- B.
Bayar
- C.
Thaliat
Correct Answer
A. WiglafExplanation
In the epic poem Beowulf, when Beowulf faces the dragon alone, he is unable to defeat it. However, Wiglaf, a loyal warrior and kinsman of Beowulf, comes to his aid. Wiglaf's bravery and loyalty are showcased as he joins Beowulf in the battle against the dragon, ultimately helping Beowulf in his final moments.Rate this question:
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- 15.
How does the poem end?
- A.
Beowulf is mortally wounded. Dying, Beowulf leaves his kingdom to Wiglaf and requests that his body be cremated in a funeral pyre and buried high on a seaside cliff where passing sailors might see the barrow. The dragon's treasure-hoard is buried with him.
- B.
Beowulf kills Wiglaf and the dragon, and rules for another 50 years.
- C.
The dragon kills Wiglaf and Beowulf.
Correct Answer
A. Beowulf is mortally wounded. Dying, Beowulf leaves his kingdom to Wiglaf and requests that his body be cremated in a funeral pyre and buried high on a seaside cliff where passing sailors might see the barrow. The dragon's treasure-hoard is buried with him.Explanation
The poem ends with Beowulf being mortally wounded and dying. He passes on his kingdom to Wiglaf and requests that his body be cremated and buried on a seaside cliff where sailors passing by can see it. The dragon's treasure-hoard is also buried with him.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Sep 26, 2009Quiz Created by
Literaturegirl
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