apocalyptic
Predicting imminent disaster and total or universal destruction.
bumptious
Rudely assertive or pushy.
charm
A spell or incantation with lasting results upon the subject.
crosshatched
Marked or shaded with two or more sets of parallel lines.
dualism
Philosophical belief that the universe is divided between two powers, often identified as "good" and "evil," which are in a constant state of balanced conflict.
empiricism
School of philosophical thought in which only what the senses can experience and measure in some way is considered real and with any bearing on questions of deeper significance.
existentialism
Philosophy which states that existence precedes essence (or meaning). The view that our beliefs about the world and ourselves must begin with the fact of our existence, and the meanings we derive from that existence are self-created.
materialism
The philosophical belief that only material things, not spiritual or immaterial objects, exist and therefore have any significance.
mead hall
A long, wooden building designed to hold large numbers of people. Hrothgar's mead hall, like many real ones, was used primarily to eat, drink, and hear stories told or sung by professional musician-poets. The mead hall represents the center of a village's culture and community.
mere
An expanse of standing water. The mere marks the entry to Beowulf's underground home.
meritorious
Deserving reward or praise.
monotheism
The belief in only one god, which makes all other, lesser "gods" either nonexistent or lesser beings without divinity.
nihilism
The viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are meaningless, and that existence is senseless and useless.
paltry
Small or meager.
portent
A sign or warning of things to come.
shoddy
Poorly made or constructed of inferior materials.
solipsism
The philosophical belief that the individual is the sole inhabitant of the universe and that all other persons and objects are creations of that individual's mind or imagination.
Sophists
School of ancient Greek philosophers, contemporaries of Socrates, who were known for using their knowledge of logical argumentation to twist logic in favor of the person paying the most.
thane
A title given to a leader among the Scyldings and other Danish tribes. Thanes were warriors who owed their allegiance to a higher lord (in this case, Hrothgar).
tribute
A payment made by one ruler or nation to another in exchange for protection or lack of aggression.
