Starter quiz
- Which characters have died so far in 'Beowulf'?
- Leofric ✓
- Grendel ✓
- Grendel's mother ✓
- Hrothgar
- Aeschere ✓
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- Compared to how he fought Grendel, what did Beowulf do differently when fighting Grendel's mother?
- he wore armour this time ✓
- he used his bare hands this time
- he took off his armour this time
- he used a sword this time ✓
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- Which of the following is most important to Beowulf?
- being famous ✓
- being rich
- being kind
- having privacy
-
- How many words are used in a kenning?
- one
- two ✓
- three
- four
-
- Which of these could be used as a kenning to describe Beowulf?
- sickness-healer
- hope-bringer ✓
- sword-wielder ✓
- rain-maker
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- Which character could be described by the kenning 'Geat-devourer'?
- Grendel's mother
- Grendel ✓
- Queen Wealhtheow
- Beowulf
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Exit quiz
- When Beowulf surfaced from the lake, what had the Danes done?
- waited for him
- gone back home ✓
- killed the Geats
- stolen his horses
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- Which of these is a kenning for the monsters?
- sharp-clawed
- death-shadows ✓
- thick-skinned
- vile-smelling
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- Which character might have said this line? '"We Danes are lucky to count you as a friend!"
- Beowulf
- Hrothgar ✓
- Leofric
- Hygelac
- Grendel
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- Match these words to their meanings.
- severed⇔cut off ✓
- embraced⇔hugged ✓
- thawed⇔melted ✓
- concealed⇔hidden ✓
- successor⇔person who takes your role when you finish it ✓
- Since Beowulf arrived, what has happened to the relationship between the Geats and the Danes?
- it has improved ✓
- it has stayed the same
- it has worsened
- they are now one nation united
-
- Which of the following are common attributes of heroes?
- strength ✓
- leadership ✓
- greed
- determination ✓
- selfishness
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Having defeated Grendel's mother, Beowulf returns to Heorot a hero.
- Beowulf wants to return home to Geatland; King Hrothgar sadly lets him go, rewarding him once more.
- Heroes are common in mythology and epic poetry and they have certain typical attributes.
- These attributes might include courage, determination, physical strength, compassion and leadership.
- Beowulf has demonstrated these attributes throughout his time in Denmark.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle with the concept of 'fate' raised in the lesson.
Discuss the idea of being 'fated' to experience something, using examples - for instance, happening to meet a partner in a particular place might be described as 'fated' to happen.
Keywords
Kenning - a phrase of two words that replaces a noun that is often used in Old English poetry
Summarise - pull out the key information and ideas from the text
Hero - a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others
Attributes - qualities or features of a person’s personality
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