What reward does Beowulf receive after defeating Grendel and Grendel's mother?

What reward does Beowulf receive after defeating Grendel and Grendel's mother?

• A. Beowulf is rewarded with treasures
• B. Beowulf becomes king of Denmark
• C. Beowulf is exiled from Geatland
• D. Beowulf inherits a kingdom without treasures

Answer: (A)

This question centers on how heroic deeds are rewarded in Beowulf’s world. When Beowulf defeats Grendel and then Grendel’s mother, King Hrothgar honors him with treasure—gold, precious gifts, and valued items—fastening a public display of gratitude and a social contract: the king protects his people with the hero’s help, and in return the hero receives wealth and prestige to carry forward his status. This reward is the best answer because it directly reflects that moment in the story: the hero’s victory is acknowledged through tangible wealth, symbolizing honor, loyalty, and the ability to continue his journey with support from the king. The other possibilities describe later life events or misinterpret the timing of rewards; Beowulf does not become king of Denmark at this point, is not exiled, and while he later becomes king of the Geats, that move occurs after different circumstances and isn’t the immediate reward for defeating the monsters.

This question centers on how heroic deeds are rewarded in Beowulf’s world. When Beowulf defeats Grendel and then Grendel’s mother, King Hrothgar honors him with treasure—gold, precious gifts, and valued items—fastening a public display of gratitude and a social contract: the king protects his people with the hero’s help, and in return the hero receives wealth and prestige to carry forward his status.

This reward is the best answer because it directly reflects that moment in the story: the hero’s victory is acknowledged through tangible wealth, symbolizing honor, loyalty, and the ability to continue his journey with support from the king. The other possibilities describe later life events or misinterpret the timing of rewards; Beowulf does not become king of Denmark at this point, is not exiled, and while he later becomes king of the Geats, that move occurs after different circumstances and isn’t the immediate reward for defeating the monsters.