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Quizzes > Literature & Language > Books & Literature

Take the Beowulf Test Review Quiz and Prove Your Epic Knowledge

Test your grasp of epithet examples in Beowulf and Beowulf Edgetho facts! Start the quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art stylized Grendel dragon and armored hero with sword and scroll on yellow background for Beowulf quiz.

Are you ready to dive into the epic world of monsters and heroes? This free beowulf test review is designed to help literature lovers, students, and curious minds master iconic lines, explore epithet examples in Beowulf, and uncover fascinating Beowulf Edgetho details. Test your knowledge on legendary battles and discover lines from Grendel's lair. Whether you're preparing for the 1.05 quiz: review Beowulf and Grendel or simply seeking a fun challenge, our interactive format guides you from Heorot's halls to dragon's den. Jump into our beowulf test and sharpen your skills with this Beowulf quiz . Ready to prove your prowess? Let's begin!

Who is Beowulf's father?
Edgetho
Hrothgar
Hygelac
Wealhtheow
Beowulf is consistently introduced as the son of Ecgþeow (Anglicized as Edgetho), highlighting his noble lineage. This patronymic naming emphasizes familial honor and heroic inheritance in Anglo-Saxon culture. The formulaic reference "Beowulf, Edgetho's son" appears throughout to remind the audience of his heritage. Britannica - Beowulf
What epithet is commonly used for King Hrothgar?
Ring-giver
Whale-road
Bright-beamed
Lord of Geats
In Anglo-Saxon poetry, a "ring-giver" is a lord who bestows treasure on his thanes to secure loyalty. Hrothgar is often described by this epithet, underscoring his generosity and status. The ring-giver motif reinforces the reciprocal bond between king and warriors. Shmoop - Beowulf
Which creature terrorizes King Hrothgar's mead-hall Heorot at night?
Grendel
Dragon
Fenrir
Goblin
Grendel is the first antagonist Beowulf faces, attacking Heorot under cover of darkness. The poem describes his nightly raids and the Danes’ fear of his strength and bloodlust. Grendel’s terror sets the stage for Beowulf’s heroic entrance. SparkNotes - Grendel
From which people does Beowulf come?
Geats
Danes
Swedes
Angles
Beowulf is introduced as a hero of the Geats, a North Germanic tribe in what is now southern Sweden. His Geatish identity sets him apart from the Danes he aids at Heorot. The distinction between tribes is central to the poem’s social and political context. Britannica - Beowulf
What is the term for a compound metaphor like "whale-road" found in Beowulf?
Kenning
Metaphor
Simile
Alliteration
A kenning is a stylistic device in Old English poetry that replaces a common noun with a figurative phrase, such as "whale-road" for the sea. Kennings enhance imagery and poetic density. They are a hallmark of works like Beowulf. Wikipedia - Kenning
In what language was Beowulf originally composed?
Old English
Latin
Old Norse
Middle English
Beowulf was composed in Old English sometime between the 8th and early 11th centuries. This early medieval language differs significantly from modern English in grammar and vocabulary. The surviving manuscript preserves this original form. Wikipedia - Old English
In which kingdom is the hall Heorot located?
Denmark
Sweden
Geatland
Norway
Heorot, Hrothgar’s grand mead-hall, is situated in the kingdom of the Danes, corresponding to modern Denmark. The hall serves as a symbol of Hrothgar’s power and the communal life of his people. The setting establishes the poem’s Scandinavian backdrop. SparkNotes - Beowulf, Section 1
Who is Beowulf's final adversary in the epic?
The dragon
Grendel
Grendel's mother
Fenrir
After many years of rule, Beowulf confronts a dragon that terrorizes his kingdom in his final battle. This climactic fight leads to both the dragon’s defeat and Beowulf’s mortal wounding. The dragon episode closes the epic’s narrative arc. SparkNotes - Beowulf, Section 7
What does the kenning "hell-serf" refer to in Beowulf?
Grendel
Hrothgar
Beowulf
The dragon
The compound kenning "hell-serf" depicts Grendel as a slave of hell, emphasizing his monstrous and otherworldly nature. Old English kennings often combine supernatural imagery to characterize foes. This phrase reinforces Grendel’s role as an agent of evil. Britannica - Kenning
Which warrior lends Beowulf the sword Hrunting for his fight?
Unferth
Hygelac
Aeschere
Hrethric
Unferth, a warrior in Hrothgar’s court, loans Beowulf his ancestral sword Hrunting for the battle with Grendel’s mother. Though renowned in battle, Hrunting ultimately fails against the monster. This moment highlights themes of fate and weaponry. SparkNotes - Unferth
Where does Beowulf battle Grendel's mother?
In her underwater lair
On the nearby cliffs
Inside Heorot
In Geatland
Beowulf dives into a dark, water-filled mere to reach Grendel’s mother’s lair beneath a lake. The cavernous, submerged setting intensifies the epic’s supernatural tone. It contrasts with the open hall of Heorot. SparkNotes - Beowulf, Section 3
Who is the king of the Geats during Beowulf's youth?
Hygelac
Hrothgar
Edgetho
Onela
Hygelac, Beowulf’s uncle, reigns as king of the Geats at the time of Beowulf’s youth and initial adventures. His leadership frames Beowulf’s early identity and loyalties. Historical records outside the poem reference a king Hygelac. Britannica - Hygelac
What literary technique characterizes the poetry of Beowulf through repetition of consonant sounds at line beginnings?
Alliteration
Assonance
Consonance
Onomatopoeia
Beowulf is an alliterative-verse poem, meaning each line features repeated initial consonant sounds. Alliteration, rather than rhyme, serves as the main organizing principle. This technique is typical of Old English epics. Wikipedia - Alliteration
Which character utters the boasting line beginning "So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve..."?
Beowulf
Unferth
Hrothgar
Wealhtheow
Beowulf delivers this boast when seeking permission to fight Grendel, a customary act of heroic self-presentation in Anglo-Saxon culture. His speech underscores communal support and personal honor. Boasting serves both narrative and cultural functions in the poem. Shmoop - Beowulf Quotes
After defeating Grendel, what gift does Hrothgar bestow upon Beowulf?
A torque of gold
A drinking horn
A crown
A ring
Hrothgar rewards Beowulf’s valor by presenting him with a gold torque (necklace) and other treasures. These gifts signify royal favor and reinforce the reciprocal bond between lord and hero. Such gift exchanges are central to the epic’s social economy. Britannica - Torc
What is the name of Beowulf's loyal king he serves later in life?
Hygelac
Offa
Beow
Hrothgar
After his youth, Beowulf returns home and continues to serve King Hygelac, his uncle. Eventually he succeeds Hygelac and becomes king of the Geats himself. The relationship underscores loyalty and fealty. Britannica - Hygelac
In Beowulf, what concept does the Old English word "wyrd" represent?
Fate or destiny
Heroism
Loyalty
Vengeance
"Wyrd" in Old English conveys the idea of an unavoidable fate or destiny that governs characters’ lives. The poet uses this concept to underscore the tension between heroic action and inescapable outcomes. References to "wyrd" appear at key moments, reflecting the culture’s worldview. Encyclopedia.com - Wyrd
According to the poem, Grendel is a descendant of which Biblical figure?
Cain
Abel
Nimrod
Moses
The poet explicitly links Grendel and his mother to Cain, the first murderer in the Bible, to underscore their exile from God’s grace. This Christian element was likely interpolated by the poem’s monastic transcriber. The Cain episode situates the monsters in a broader moral framework. Britannica - Cain
What is the name of the manuscript that preserves the only surviving copy of Beowulf?
Nowell Codex
Exeter Book
Junius Manuscript
Vercelli Book
The Nowell Codex, part of the larger collection known as the Cotton manuscript, contains the single extant copy of Beowulf. It was named after 16th-century antiquarian Laurence Nowell. This manuscript is crucial for understanding Anglo-Saxon literature. Wikipedia - Nowell Codex
What does the kenning "whale-road" metaphorically describe?
The sea
The sky
A river
A ship
The kenning "whale-road" refers to the ocean, evoking images of whales traveling their vast highway. Such compound expressions enrich the epic’s imagery and reinforce the culture’s relationship with the sea. Kennings like this are central to the poem’s poetic style. Wikipedia - Kenning
What is the role of a scop in Anglo-Saxon culture, as depicted in Beowulf?
Poet or bard
Warrior
King
Servant
A scop is an oral poet or bard who composes and recites heroic lays in a mead-hall. In Beowulf, the scop’s role is to preserve history, praise warriors, and entertain the court. Scops play a vital part in sustaining cultural memory. Encyclopedia.com - Scop
Who is Aeschere in the epic Beowulf?
Hrothgar's trusted counselor
Beowulf's brother
A royal smith
A wanderer
Aeschere is Hrothgar’s esteemed counselor and advisor, whose murder by Grendel’s mother prompts Beowulf’s vengeful pursuit. His death underscores the personal stakes of the monster conflict. Aeschere symbolizes the court’s vulnerability. SparkNotes - Aeschere
How many years does Beowulf reign as king of the Geats before facing the dragon?
Fifty years
Twenty years
Ten years
One hundred years
Beowulf rules his people for fifty years, a period reflecting stability and prosperity, before confronting the dragon in his old age. This long reign highlights his success as a sovereign and makes his final battle more tragic. The length is specified in the poem to underscore the epic’s scope. Britannica - Beowulf
What monument is constructed in Beowulf's honor after his death?
A burial mound or barrow
A cathedral
A grand tomb
A stone statue
After Beowulf’s death, his followers build a massive burial mound (barrow) overlooking the sea to commemorate his heroism. The barrow serves as both tomb and landmark for sailors. Such ship burials and barrows were common memorial customs. SparkNotes - Beowulf, Section 8
What is the shelfmark of the Cotton manuscript that contains Beowulf?
Cotton Vitellius A.xv
Cotton Nero A.x
Cotton Cleopatra B.v
Cotton Otho A.iv
The Beowulf manuscript is catalogued under the shelfmark Cotton Vitellius A.xv in the British Library. This codex suffered damage in the 1731 Ashburnham House fire but remains legible. Its preservation provides invaluable insight into Anglo-Saxon literature. British Library - Beowulf Manuscript
What is the term for the poetic pause that divides each line in Beowulf into two half-lines?
Caesura
Enjambment
Ellipsis
Anacoluthon
A caesura is a deliberate rhythmic pause within a line of poetry, common in Old English alliterative verse. In Beowulf, each line typically splits into two half-lines separated by this pause. The caesura regulates the poem’s meter and oral delivery. Wikipedia - Caesura
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze Epithet Examples -

    Identify and explain the function of epithet examples in Beowulf, such as "ring-giver" and "shield-warrior," to understand their impact on characterization and tone.

  2. Recall Iconic Lines -

    Accurately cite and interpret key passages from the battle with Grendel and other pivotal moments to reinforce your memory of the epic's most memorable quotes.

  3. Describe Beowulf Edgetho's Lineage -

    Summarize the background and significance of Beowulf Edgetho's relationship to his son, explaining how familial ties shape the hero's motivations and actions.

  4. Interpret Thematic Significance -

    Assess central themes such as heroism, loyalty, and fate as portrayed in crucial lines, deepening your appreciation of the poem's overarching messages.

  5. Apply Test-Taking Strategies -

    Employ targeted review techniques and sample questions from the free Beowulf test review quiz to boost your comprehension and maximize quiz performance.

  6. Evaluate Character Traits -

    Compare and contrast the attributes of Beowulf and Grendel using textual evidence, elucidating how their opposing qualities drive the epic's conflict and resolution.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Epithet Examples in Beowulf -

    Epithet examples like "Beowulf, son of Ecgþeow" and "Hrothgar, ring-giver" emphasize social roles and heroic status in the poem. Try the mnemonic "Name + Role = Power" to remember them quickly during your beowulf test review. (Sources: British Library; University of Toronto Medieval Studies)

  2. Kennings and Poetic Devices -

    Kennings such as "whale-road" for the sea and "bone-house" for the body showcase the Anglo-Saxon love of vivid imagery. Practice spotting alliteration patterns - like "mighty mead-hall" - to reinforce your memory of lines when you review Beowulf and Grendel. (Sources: Cambridge Companion to Old English Literature; Oxford University Press)

  3. Key Passages in the Battle with Grendel -

    Memorize the iconic line "So Grendel waged his lonely war" (lines 710 - 711) to anchor your understanding of the conflict's tone. Use a timeline chart to place Grendel's raids before Beowulf's arrival and after the feast in Heorot for quick recall. (Sources: Norton Anthology of English Literature; Yale University English Dept.)

  4. Beowulf Edgetho and Heroic Lineage -

    Knowing Beowulf's father Ecgþeow (often anglicized Edgetho) is key to understanding the feud with the Wulfings. Create a simple family-tree sketch to see how loyalty and honor transfer across generations in the poem. (Sources: University of Oxford Medieval Studies; Journal of English and Germanic Philology)

  5. Themes of Wyrd and Heroic Boasting -

    The concept of wyrd (fate) recurs alongside Beowulf's bold boasts in lines 175 - 200. Use the phrase "Fate will unwind as it must" to recall the tension between destiny and valor during your quiz. (Sources: Harvard University Press; Proceedings of the Medieval Academy of America)

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