Beowulf: Key Events and Characters

In Daneland, King Hrothgar's mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by Grendel. Beowulf, a Geat warrior, arrives to defeat Grendel and later Grendel's mother. After returning home, Beowulf becomes king. Fifty years later, he battles a dragon but dies from his wounds. His people honor him as a great hero.

What was the purpose of King Hrothgar building the mead hall Heorot?

• To store weapons

• To host foreign dignitaries

• To have a place for his people to gather

• To imprison Grendel

Why did Grendel attack the mead hall?

• He was ordered by Hrothgar

• He was hungry

• He wanted to steal treasure

• He was jealous of the Danes' celebrations

How did Beowulf plan to fight Grendel?

• With a bow and arrow

• Unarmed

• With a spear

• With a sword

What was the outcome of Beowulf's battle with Grendel?

• Grendel was captured

• Grendel killed Beowulf

• Grendel escaped unharmed

• Grendel was mortally wounded

Who sought revenge after Grendel's death?

• Hrothgar

• Beowulf

• Grendel's mother

• The Geats

Where did Beowulf confront Grendel's mother?

• At the sea bottom

• In the mead hall

• In Geatland

• In the marshes

What did Beowulf bring back as a trophy after defeating Grendel's mother?

• Her sword

• Her crown

• Grendel's head

• A golden cup

What event led to Beowulf's final battle?

• A famine in the land

• A rebellion in Geatland

• A dragon attacking the Geats

• A war with the Danes

How did Beowulf die?

• In battle with Grendel

• In a shipwreck

• From a dragon's bite

• From old age

How did the Geats honor Beowulf after his death?

• By declaring a national holiday

• By building a memorial barrow

• By naming a city after him

• By writing a song