Language & Literature

Epithet vs Kenning Quiz: Beowulf Literary Devices

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This quiz helps you tell an epithet vs kenning in Beowulf and spot related devices. Check your answers as you go, then try our Beowulf reading quiz, keep building with literary device practice, or test yourself on a broader literary devices quiz. Use it to review before class or a test.

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1Which literary term describes the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words, as seen in many lines of Beowulf?
2In Beowulf, the term "whale-road" for the sea is an example of which poetic device?
3What is the term for the natural pause or break in the middle of a line of Old English verse, frequently used in Beowulf?
4Beowulf is best categorized as which type of literary work?
5In Beowulf, the phrase "ring-giver" used to describe a king is an example of what device?
6The recurring idea of loyalty to one's lord and followers throughout Beowulf is an example of which literary term?
7Repeated narrative elements like the dragon's treasure hoard appearing in different contexts is an example of what device?
8Which term refers to a direct comparison using "like" or "as," which is not commonly used in Beowulf?
9Which device involves deliberate exaggeration for emphasis, as when warriors boast of superhuman strength in Beowulf?
10When events unfold in a way that contrasts sharply with expectations - such as Beowulf's fate after earlier triumphs - which term applies?
11Which device downplays a situation by saying less than is meant, like calling a brutal fight in Beowulf "no small battle"?
12An ominous prediction before the dragon appears in Beowulf exemplifies which device?
13The tale of Sigemund inserted into Beowulf's narrative is an example of what narrative technique?
14When the dragon in Beowulf represents death and inevitable fate, it is serving as what literary device?
15The Old English poetic practice of using multiple synonymous phrases for variation, such as calling Beowulf both "ring-giver" and "protector of the people," is known as what?
16When Beowulf describes his victory as "not unchallenged," he is using which rhetorical figure?
17In Beowulf, the reference to "the Spear-Danes" using the spear as a stand-in for the people is an example of which figure of speech?
18Which device involves using a part to represent the whole, such as calling soldiers "hands" in Beowulf?
19The smooth, harmonious sound created by soft consonants in a passage of Beowulf is called what?
20Harsh, jarring sounds in a battle scene of Beowulf, like plosive consonants clashing, are examples of which device?
21A reference to Christian values in a poem set in a pagan world is an example of what anachronistic device?
22In the phrase "Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow," the use of a noun phrase next to another noun to define it is called what?
23The fact that Beowulf was originally transmitted by word of mouth before being written down exemplifies which concept?
24The mournful, reflective tone in the poem's closing lines is best described as what?
25Beowulf opens with the history of Scyld Scefing rather than the hero's birth. This approach is called what?
26The insertion of a side story about Sigemund's dragon fight in the middle of Beowulf's tale is known as what?
27When Beowulf says "I have no fears," while facing a dragon, he is engaging in which device?
28What term describes the repeated use of fixed phrases or epithets - such as "mighty protector of men" - to aid the scop's memory and meter?
29The structure of Beowulf, which returns to its starting point in a mirrored sequence of episodes, is called what?
30Beowulf's journey to Denmark, slaying monsters, and return home exemplify which Jungian narrative concept?
31The use of a father's name to identify a character, like "son of Ecgtheow," is known as what?
32When Beowulf compares his boast to those of Sigemund, invoking earlier legend, this is an example of which device?
33Which figure of speech contrasts opposing ideas in parallel structures, as seen in lines of Beowulf pairing night and storm imagery?
34Sudden breaking off of speech or interruption in Beowulf as characters are overcome with emotion is called what?
35Words like "buzz," "clang," or "buzzing horn" that imitate sounds are known by what term?
36The repetition of vowel sounds in close proximity, as in "deep sleep," is called what?
37The repetition of consonant sounds at the end or middle of words, such as "stark work," is known as what?
38What Old English term refers to the poet or bard responsible for reciting oral epic poetry like Beowulf?
39Which term describes the traditional patterns and formulas used repeatedly by the scop in composing Beowulf?
40The branch of linguistics and poetry that analyzes meter, rhythm, and sound patterns in Beowulf is called what?
41The narrative technique in Beowulf that interweaves multiple storylines or events to form a unified whole is known as what?
42The extended metaphor throughout Beowulf relating life to a voyage and the sea to danger is an example of what?
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Literary Terms -

    Identify and define core literary terms in Beowulf, such as alliteration and kennings, to build a strong epic poetry vocabulary.

  2. Analyze Literary Techniques -

    Analyze literary techniques in Beowulf, including imagery and symbolism, to see how they shape the poem's themes and tone.

  3. Apply Literary Devices -

    Apply literary devices of Beowulf in textual interpretation, using tools like metaphor and foreshadowing to uncover layers of meaning.

  4. Evaluate Narrative Structure -

    Evaluate plot structure nuances in Beowulf, from rising action to climax, to understand the epic's narrative progression.

  5. Distinguish Kennings and Poetic Forms -

    Distinguish specialized kennings from other literary devices in Beowulf, appreciating their role in Old English poetic form.

  6. Critique Poetic Style -

    Critique poetic style and sound patterns in Beowulf, recognizing how rhythm and meter enhance reader engagement and thematic depth.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Alliteration -

    Alliteration is the heartbeat of Old English verse, repeating initial consonant sounds in stressed syllables - perfectly illustrated in "Grendel gongan" (Beowulf l.710 - 711) (Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records). It links half-lines and drives momentum, making it a cornerstone among literary terms in Beowulf. Use the mnemonic "Same Start, Strong Story" to remember how alliteration powers epic narration.

  2. Kennings -

    Kennings are metaphorical compounds - such as "whale-road" for the sea or "battle-sweat" for blood - that pack vivid imagery into concise phrasing (University of Oxford Old English Research). This inventive technique is one of the most memorable literary devices in Beowulf. Try the rhyme "Road of whales, ship prevails" to lock in the concept of kenning.

  3. Caesura -

    The caesura is a deliberate pause midway through an alliterative line, dividing it into two half-lines - e.g., "Hrothgar | hall adorned" (l.1635) - and shaping Old English poetic rhythm (Purdue OWL). These measured breaks enhance oral delivery and emphasize key images, showcasing literary techniques in Beowulf. Remember "Cut for Effect" to spot these rhythmic pauses.

  4. Epithets & Formulaic Repetition -

    Beowulf's oral tradition shines through epithets - like "Beowulf, son of Ecgþeow" - and repeated phrases that reinforce character identity and themes (The Tolkien Society Journals). These formulas create familiarity and aid memory, central to literary devices of Beowulf. Use the phrase "Name, same name!" to flag these recurring stylistic patterns.

  5. Irony & Foreshadowing -

    Dramatic irony and foreshadowing - such as Hrothgar's cautionary speeches - hint at Beowulf's ultimate fate, intensifying thematic depth (Journal of Medieval Literature). Spotting these cues reveals how fate (wyrd) operates within the epic's moral landscape, highlighting literary devices of Beowulf. Think "What You Know vs. What They Don't" to distinguish audience insight from character perspective.

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Updated Feb 24, 2026