Beowulf

In this lesson, we will learn about the origins of the Old English Epic poem Beowulf, and examine why it's still so important today.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Q1.Which of these is NOT true of Epic poems?

They are set in the past. They involve heroes and gods. There is a clear code of honour. They have a romantic plot.

1/4

Q2.If you were an Epic hero, what might you have to do? Select the odd one out.

Take a long journey somewhere. Go on a mission to steal something. Learn a new skill, like crochet or origami. Follow a strict code of honourable behaviour.

2/4

Q3.What might get you in trouble in an Epic poem?

Your annoying personality flaw, like boastfulness. You keep forgetting to charge your phone, and can't use it to find your way. Your forgetful nature: you got given a mission from a god, but forgot what they actually asked you to do. You lost your best mate's favourite sword and now he's angry with you.

3/4

Q4.What's the most heroic way to kill a monster in an Epic poem?

Tickle it to death. Wait until it's asleep, then attack it with your sword. Poison its dinner. Kill it with your bare hands to demonstrate your superhuman strength.

4/4

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Q1.Which of these is NOT true of Epic poems?

They are set in the past. They involve heroes and gods. There is a clear code of honour. They have a romantic plot.

1/4

Q2.If you were an Epic hero, what might you have to do? Select the odd one out.

Take a long journey somewhere. Go on a mission to steal something. Learn a new skill, like crochet or origami. Follow a strict code of honourable behaviour.

2/4

Q3.What might get you in trouble in an Epic poem?

3/4

Q4.What's the most heroic way to kill a monster in an Epic poem?

Tickle it to death. Wait until it's asleep, then attack it with your sword. Poison its dinner. Kill it with your bare hands to demonstrate your superhuman strength.

4/4

Video

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Beowulf

Test yourself to see how much you can remember of today's lesson.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Q1.Which of these is another name for Old English?

Gaelic Germanic Anglo-Saxon Latin

1/6

Q2.Where would you expect to hear Old English poems being sung?

Outside in a garden. Indoors at a feast. During a battle.

2/6

Q3.How would you recognise Old English writing?

You can't - it's identical to modern English. It would be written in purple pen. There might be runes or additional letters.

3/6

Q4.Why is the Beowulf manuscript so valuable?

There is only one copy - it's completely unique. It's made of gold. It is signed by J.K. Rowling.

4/6

Q5.Which of these phrases best describes the Epic poem?

It's a poem about romance and undying love. It's a poem about revenge and punishment. It's a poem about loyalty and friendship. It's a poem about heroic deeds and reputation.

5/6

Q6.If you want to see the manuscript of Beowulf, where would you visit?

The British Museum The British Library The National Archives

6/6

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Beowulf

Test yourself to see how much you can remember of today's lesson.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Q1.Which of these is another name for Old English?

Gaelic Germanic Anglo-Saxon Latin

1/6

Q2.Where would you expect to hear Old English poems being sung?

Outside in a garden. Indoors at a feast. During a battle.

2/6

Q3.How would you recognise Old English writing?

You can't - it's identical to modern English. It would be written in purple pen. There might be runes or additional letters.

3/6

Q4.Why is the Beowulf manuscript so valuable?

There is only one copy - it's completely unique. It's made of gold. It is signed by J.K. Rowling.

4/6

Q5.Which of these phrases best describes the Epic poem?

It's a poem about romance and undying love. It's a poem about revenge and punishment. It's a poem about loyalty and friendship. It's a poem about heroic deeds and reputation.

5/6

Q6.If you want to see the manuscript of Beowulf, where would you visit?

The British Museum The British Library The National Archives

6/6

Lesson summary: Beowulf

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The next lesson in Epic Poetry is "Beowulf's Arrival"

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