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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Beowulf call Unferth's claims against him?
(a) A drunkard's tale.
(b) A fool's tongue wagging.
(c) Utter lies.
(d) Hogwash.

2. What does Grendel do with the men he takes from Heorot?
(a) Throws them off a cliff.
(b) Feeds them to the sea serpents.
(c) Takes them home for meat.
(d) Uses them as slaves.

3. For how many years had Grendel plagued Hrothgar?
(a) 9 years.
(b) 50 years.
(c) 12 years.
(d) 3 years.

4. What decorates the goblets the Queen uses to serve Beowulf and his men?
(a) Carvings of dragons.
(b) Jewels.
(c) Copper.
(d) Nothing.

5. As Beowulf and his men march to Heorot, what glares from their helmets?
(a) A boar's head.
(b) A stag's head.
(c) A lion's head.
(d) A wolf's head.

6. When does Hrothgar say he previously knew Beowulf?
(a) Never.
(b) When Beowulf was a child.
(c) When Beowulf was an apprentice.
(d) When Beowulf was a soldier in his army.

7. Who is Wulfgar?
(a) Beowulf's kinsman.
(b) Hrothgar's son.
(c) The King's herald.
(d) Grendel's son.

8. What is the name of Hrothgar's queen?
(a) Greta.
(b) Wealhtheow.
(c) Elizabeth.
(d) Grendel.

9. How many men did Beowulf bring with him to Denmark?
(a) 50.
(b) 13.
(c) 5.
(d) 14.

10. According to Beowulf, what did he and Breca giddily plunge into the water to do?
(a) Cool off.
(b) Impress the maidens.
(c) Swim to the far shore.
(d) Battle monster whales.

11. Who did Hrothgar give golden rings and bracelets to?
(a) Grendel.
(b) His wife.
(c) His followers.
(d) Grendel's mother.

12. According to Beowulf, in the story of his swimming competition with Breca, who cried out for help?
(a) Beowulf.
(b) A sailor.
(c) Breca.
(d) The whales.

13. Who stays awake waiting for Grendel while the other warriors sleep in the hall?
(a) Unferth.
(b) Hrothgar.
(c) Beowulf.
(d) Grendel's mother.

14. What does Beowulf do with his "grisly trophy" of Grendel's defeat?
(a) Throws it to the dogs.
(b) Throws it in the fire.
(c) Nails it to the wall.
(d) Cooks and eats it.

15. What wound does Beowulf inflict on Grendel?
(a) He chops Grendel's head off.
(b) He stabs Grendel through the heart with his sword.
(c) He rips Grendel's arm off.
(d) He cuts off Grendel's leg.

Short Answer Questions

1. During their swimming competition, what separated Beowulf and Breca?

2. After Beowulf tells the story of himself and Breca, what does he call Unferth?

3. What instrument does the minstrel play while Beowulf and his men are in the hall?

4. Who tells Beowulf that Grendel can only be defeated by bare hands?

5. According to Beowulf, who was the first ashore in the swimming match with Breca?

(see the answer keys)

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