Preserved in a single manuscript called Cotton MS Vitellus A XV, this epic begins with the word “Hwaet” often translated as listen
Find out everything that you need to know about today’s Jeopardy episode, including the Final Jeopardy, clues and answers, and the contestants plus who won tonight!
CATEGORY: Literature
CLUE: Preserved in a single manuscript called Cotton MS Vitellus A XV, this epic begins with the word “Hwaet” often translated as listen
ANSWER: Beowulf
About Today’s Final Jeopardy – Friday, 24 May 2024
“Beowulf” is a foundational piece of English literature and is notably the earliest epic poem that has survived almost entirely to the modern day. The story is set in Scandinavia and begins with a prologue that introduces the Danish royal lineage, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in the heroic traditions of the Germanic peoples. As the story unfolds, Beowulf, the young prince of the Geats, arrives in Denmark to assist King Hrothgar, whose great hall, Heorot, has been under attack by the monstrous Grendel for 12 years. Grendel, a creature descended from Cain, despises the joy and music emanating from Heorot and terrorizes the Danes night after night. Beowulf, in a display of unmatched bravery and strength, confronts Grendel in a fierce battle that results in the monster’s defeat and death, liberating Heorot from its torment.
After Grendel’s defeat, the story escalates with the arrival of Grendel’s mother, who seeks vengeance for the death of her son. This second confrontation takes Beowulf to the depths of a haunted mere, where he engages in a brutal battle with the creature. With divine assistance and the use of a magical sword found within the creature’s lair, Beowulf manages to slay Grendel’s mother, further solidifying his reputation as a hero. Upon his return to Geatland, Beowulf recounts his adventures to his king, Hygelac, and is rewarded with riches and acclaim. However, the poem ultimately shifts to reflect on themes of leadership and the responsibilities that come with power, as Beowulf himself becomes king and must protect his own people from a marauding dragon. This final act of the epic highlights the cyclic nature of heroism and the inexorable passage of time, as Beowulf meets his own demise in the battle with the dragon, illustrating the poem’s deep meditation on mortality and the transient nature of life.
The linguistic and thematic depth of “Beowulf” provides invaluable insights into the Anglo-Saxon era, an epoch when societal structures, loyalties, and the interplay of Christian and pagan beliefs shaped the literature and consciousness of the people. The use of the Old English word “Hwæt” at the beginning of the poem serves as a call to attention, beckoning listeners to heed the tale of a hero whose legendary deeds transcended his lifetime and continued to echo through the ages. This single manuscript, Cotton MS Vitellius A XV, not only encapsulates a rich narrative but also embodies the linguistic evolution, cultural richness, and historical contexts of the time it was written. The preservation and continued study of “Beowulf” allow modern audiences to explore and appreciate early medieval European literature, providing a window into the worldview and artistic expression of the past.
Who Won Jeopardy Tonight? – Friday, 24 May 2024
Looking to find out who won Jeopardy tonight? Scroll down below to find out everyone’s final scores, as well as the scores after the Single Jeopardy and Double Jeopardy rounds!
| Returning Champion | Contestant | Contestant |
|---|---|---|
| Amar Kakirde Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Graduate Student 2 Day Winnings of $24,599 Winning Score: $16,800 Round 2 Score: $15,300 Round 1 Score: $4,500 | Has Karbalai Calgary Alberta Canada Public Health Advisor Final Score: $10,799 Round 2 Score: $6,800 Round 1 Score: $4,000 | Anna Marie Cunningham Sellersville, Pennsylvania Market Research Account Manager Final Score: $0 Round 2 Score: $1,400 Round 1 Score: $1,400 |
Final Jeopardy Video – Friday, 24 May 2024
Watch all the videos from today’s Jeopardy episode below, including highlights, behind the scenes outtakes and full episodes.
Final Jeopardy is the final round of the popular American television game show Jeopardy!, in which participants test their knowledge in numerous areas by answering questions. In Final Jeopardy, participants are given a single clue and must wager a percentage of their existing earnings based on their confidence in their ability to successfully respond.
Each contestant surreptitiously writes down their wager during the commercial break. The Final Jeopardy clue is presented when the programme resumes, and participants have 30 seconds to write down their solution in the form of a question (e.g., “What is…?”). When the timer runs out, the host, reveals each contestant’s response and wager in ascending order of their pre-Final Jeopardy scores. The scores of contestants are adjusted based on whether their response is correct or incorrect, as well as the amount wagered. At the end of the round, the contestant with the highest score is proclaimed the winner.