Heroic Epic Poetry: Beowulf

Fritz W.
A list of basic vocabulary to learn about and discuss Anglo-Saxon heroic epic poetry.
33 words 738 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. epic
    a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
    The epic poem, "Beowulf", describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times.
  2. heroic
    having qualities appropriate for brave figures
    The epic poem, "Beowulf", describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times.
  3. hero
    someone who fights for a cause
    The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero.
  4. invincible
    incapable of being overcome or subdued
    The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero.
  5. extraordinary
    highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
    The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero.
  6. physical
    involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
    He is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself.
  7. courage
    a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain
    He is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself.
  8. monster
    an imaginary creature usually having human and animal parts
    He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of beasts, but he never fears the threat of death.
  9. skill
    an ability that has been acquired by training
    His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to boast about all his achievements.
  10. risk
    a source of danger
    Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.
  11. immortal
    not subject to death
    Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.
  12. battle
    a hostile meeting of opposing military forces
    He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last.
  13. victorious
    having won
    He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last.
  14. creature
    a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
    Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean.
  15. depth
    the extent downward or backward or inward
    Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean.
  16. revenge
    action taken in return for an injury or offense
    When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf.
  17. slay
    kill intentionally and with premeditation
    When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf.
  18. heroism
    exceptional courage when facing danger
    This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism.
  19. ability
    the quality of having the means or skills to do something
    Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own.
  20. tired
    depleted of strength or energy
    Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people.
  21. defeat
    an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
    Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people.
  22. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    Beowulf is old and tired but he defeats the dragon in order to protect his people.
  23. secure
    free from danger or risk
    Even in death he wished to secure safety for the
  24. request
    express the need or desire for; ask for
    He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and requests to have any assets delivered to his people.
  25. inheritance
    hereditary succession to a title or an office or property
    "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance
  26. fate
    the ultimate agency predetermining the course of events
    Fate will unwind as it must!
  27. comrade
    a friend who is frequently in the company of another
    "When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's fierce grip.
  28. fierce
    marked by extreme and violent energy
    "When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's fierce grip.
  29. confidence
    belief in yourself and your abilities
    (22)" Even with the enormous amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that
  30. fatal
    bringing death
    He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome.
  31. outcome
    something that results
    He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome.
  32. loyalty
    the quality of being steadfast in allegiance or duty
    His bravery and strength surpass all mortal men; loyalty and the ability to think of himself last makes him reveared by all.
  33. friendship
    the state of being a helpful ally
    He set a noble example for all human beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and friendship.
Created on Fri Jan 04 09:06:29 EST 2013 (updated Fri Jan 11 10:59:52 EST 2013)

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