Beowulf: The Epic Poem! Trivia Questions Quiz
Beowulf is an epic poem which consists of 3,182 alliterative lines, which is one of the most significant works of ancient English literature. The author of "Beowulf" is considered to be an anonymous Anglo- Saxon poet. The central character is a hero who possesses and proves his strength against supernatural demons and beasts. Take this quiz to understand the storyline, characters, and its relation to the concept of the HERO during this period. All the best!
- 1.
Where does the Epic poem, Beowulf, take place?
- A.
Denmark
- B.
Sweden
- C.
Bretagne
- D.
Ireland
- E.
Scotland
Correct Answer
A. DenmarkExplanation
Beowulf, the epic poem, takes place in Denmark. This is evident from the poem itself, as the story revolves around Beowulf, a hero from Geatland (modern-day Sweden), who travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar fight against the monstrous creature, Grendel. The events of the poem primarily occur in Heorot, Hrothgar's mead hall located in Denmark. Additionally, various references to Danish culture, history, and geography further support the setting of the poem in Denmark.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who is the father of Shield Sheafson?
- A.
Beowulf
- B.
Hrothgar
- C.
Grendel
- D.
Sheafson is an orphan.
Correct Answer
D. Sheafson is an orphan.Explanation
The question asks for the father of Shield Sheafson, and the answer states that Sheafson is an orphan. This means that Sheafson does not have a known father, as he was likely abandoned or his father's identity is unknown. Therefore, the correct answer is Sheafson is an orphan.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How does Hrothgar know of Beowulf?
- A.
Beowulf once proposed to his daughter.
- B.
Hrothgar was friends with Beowulf’s father.
- C.
Beowulf had gained a widespread reputation after slaying a dragon.
- D.
He read about him on the Internet.
Correct Answer
B. Hrothgar was friends with Beowulf’s father.Explanation
Hrothgar knows of Beowulf because he was friends with Beowulf's father. This suggests that Hrothgar had a personal connection with Beowulf's family and would have been aware of Beowulf's existence through his relationship with Beowulf's father.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How long does Beowulf reign as king of the Geats?
- A.
30 years
- B.
40 years
- C.
50 years
- D.
60 years
Correct Answer
C. 50 yearsExplanation
Beowulf reigns as king of the Geats for 50 years. This suggests that he is a successful and respected leader, as a reign of such length indicates stability and prosperity within his kingdom. It also implies that Beowulf is able to maintain his position and command the loyalty of his people for an extended period of time, demonstrating his skill as a ruler.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How many men had Grendel killed in the opening chapter?
- A.
50
- B.
10
- C.
20
- D.
30
Correct Answer
D. 30Explanation
In the opening chapter, Grendel killed a total of 30 men. This information suggests that Grendel is a formidable and dangerous creature, capable of taking down a significant number of men. The number also indicates the level of threat and violence that Grendel poses to the community in which the story is set.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What, according to Beowulf, is better than mourning a death?
- A.
Celebrating a birth
- B.
Avenging a death
- C.
Drinking one’s sorrows away
- D.
Making peace with one’s enemies
Correct Answer
B. Avenging a deathExplanation
According to Beowulf, avenging a death is better than mourning a death. This implies that Beowulf values seeking justice and revenge over grieving and mourning. By avenging a death, Beowulf believes that one can find closure and bring justice to the deceased, which is seen as a more honorable and meaningful action than simply mourning the loss.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who helps Beowulf against the dragon?
- A.
Wulfgar
- B.
Unferth
- C.
Hrothgar
- D.
Wiglaf
Correct Answer
D. WiglafExplanation
Wiglaf helps Beowulf against the dragon. In the epic poem Beowulf, Wiglaf is a loyal warrior and the only one of Beowulf's men who stays to fight alongside him against the dragon. When Beowulf is in need of assistance, Wiglaf steps in and proves his bravery and devotion to his leader. He ultimately helps Beowulf defeat the dragon, but unfortunately, Beowulf dies from his injuries. Wiglaf's actions demonstrate the importance of loyalty and the bond between warriors in the Anglo-Saxon culture portrayed in the poem.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who taunts Beowulf in Heorot?
- A.
Unferth
- B.
Hrothgar
- C.
Wiglaf
- D.
Wealhtheow
Correct Answer
A. UnferthExplanation
Unferth taunts Beowulf in Heorot.Rate this question:
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- 9.
From whom is Grendel descended?
- A.
Satan
- B.
Cain
- C.
Judas
- D.
Ecgtheow
Correct Answer
B. CainExplanation
Grendel is descended from Cain. In the Old English epic poem "Beowulf," Grendel is portrayed as a monstrous creature who terrorizes the land of the Danes. According to the poem, Grendel is a descendant of Cain, who is known for committing the biblical act of fratricide by killing his brother Abel. This lineage connects Grendel to a legacy of violence and evil, emphasizing his role as a malevolent force in the story.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who is the queen of the Geats?
- A.
Wealhtheow
- B.
Modthryth
- C.
Unferth
- D.
Hygd
Correct Answer
D. HygdExplanation
Hygd is the queen of the Geats. This can be inferred from the question which asks for the queen of the Geats and the given options. Wealhtheow, Modthryth, and Unferth are not mentioned as queens, leaving Hygd as the only option. Therefore, Hygd is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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