And now you are here, indeed, and we on our own; my lord and his lords are far off faring, other knights are abed, and my ladies also, the door drawn and shut with a strong hasp.
Well she sure thought this one through. She is not going to let up until she gets what she wants it seems and Gawain I'm sure isn't going to say no...he already had his eye on her from the start..
signed himself with his hand, as with prayer, to be safer.
haha yes he better pray because he's really going to need Jesus after all this
feigned
feigned: pretend. Haha he's really trying to keep it in his pants that he has to pretend to fall asleep and igore her.
47
Hunting scene
The lads were so skilled at the lower stations, and the greyhounds so great, that gripped so quickly and dragged them down, as swift I swear, as sight.
Gives me a great image in my head
swiftly they were stayed by the beaters, with their stout cries.
aww thats so sad, but they are hunting after all. Poor deer though..."with their stout cries"-good description!
Then the cunning hunters coupled their hounds, unclosed the kennel door and called them out,
who let the dogs out? who? who? who? who? lol
I cannot choose that he should come to hurt or harm by me.
so sweet! she doesnt want him to get punished for loving her instead of the queen so she shows up!
vassals
a person in a subordinate position to another.
All men, old and young, looked willingly upon them, for fair they were to see.
all of the guys were attracted to and distracted by the maidens
Many amongst them grieved for the peril of a good knight in a strange land; others held that it were well for Launfal to suffer, because of the wish and malice of their lord.
some of the men felt bad for having to pass judgement on another man for this type of situation. Others thought that they needed to because they were so caught up with the king and his feelings. There is a difference in morals of these men and what they let influence their choices
traitor, and would slay him with the sword, by reason that he bragged of the beauty of his maiden, and roused the jealousy of the Queen.
I feel like it's harsh to deem him as a traitor for loving a different person than the queen
Every day they came to his chamber, to know of his meat and drink, for much they feared that presently he would become mad.
they are afraid he is going crazy
smirch
to make something dirty or to stain
The ladies of the Queen’s fellowship seemed but kitchen wenches to his sight, in comparison with the loveliness of the maiden.
ouch. that comparison is harsh
Whiter she was than any altar lily,
she was very pale and that was very attractive at this time and a sign of wealth
he saw two damsels coming towards him; fairer maidens Launfal had never seen. These two maidens were richly dressed in kirtles closely laced and shapen to their persons and wore mantles of a goodly purple hue. Sweet and dainty were the damsels, alike in raiment and in face.
these women were very attractive, shapely, and well dressed to Launfal.
the King cried a great feast
he declared a great feast
King demanded the judgment of the Court, according to the accusation and the answer.
Well King Arthur is being fair, asking for other people's judgement instead of just sentencing Lanval himself.
Every day they came to his chamber, to know of his meat and drink, for much they feared that presently he would become mad.
The other knights are coming everyday and checking to make sure that Lanval is eating and drinking and is okay. So his fellow knights are still kind to him and like him, just like they did before he had riches.
He would have been set in prison, but Gawain came first to offer himself as his surety, and with him, all the knights of his fellowship
It surprised me (and Lanval) that knights would pledge for him, because I'm sure Arthur wanted him in prison.
“Lady,” answered the knight, “grant me leave to go, for this grace is not for me. I am the King’s man, and dare not break my troth. Not for the highest lady in the world, not even for her love, will I set this reproach upon my lord.”
He says he's not interested in her because of his loyalty to the king.
Launfal bestowed rich gifts.
Again we see the distribution of gifts. I think it shows a lot about Lanval's character that he never received gifts before and when he finally receives treasures he gives it to others.
In his heart he doubted that it was but a dream
The way his meeting of meeting his lady was described I thought it might be a dream, especially with the fact that no one can see her.
, there is naught that you may bid me do—right or wrong, evil or good—that I will not do to the utmost of my power.
I'm not sure that other knights would agree with that statement, even if it's for the women they love. As a knight shouldn't they be loyal to their king first and always?
whose day shall be so filled with riches and with mirth as yours.”
Does she mean riches literally? Is Lanval finally getting gifts from her because he never got any from Arthur.
I bring you my love.
Well she's really upfront about her feelings. They met three seconds ago and she's already in love with him or what she's heard of him.
No King on earth might have so sweet a shelter, not though he gave in fee the value of his realm.
So in a sense are these women more powerful or wealthy than king Arthur?
t pavilion of silk
The maidens (and I assume the lady he is going to meet) seem to give off a kind of innocence (they are wearing white which can represent purity), and had wealth with gold and a silk tent.
Right glad was the knight to do the bidding of the maidens. He gave no heed to his horse, but left him at his provand in the meadow.
This seems almost reckless to me. He's leaving his horse (which is his transportation and his security) just to follow them.
e, attended by neither servant nor squire.
Is he frequently always alone? Even though the other knights like him.
Arthur bestowed honours and lands on all his servants—save only on one.
I think this almost shows that Lanval is better than all of the knights, because he isn't treated well or rewarded by King Arthur. It's easier for the other knights to be "good" because they are doing a action knowing they will be rewarded, Lanval does a action because he is truly good.
This lord, who was forgotten and misliked of the King
Why does King Arthur dislike and even forget about Launfal? Has Launfal done anything wrong in the past?
Thereat he gave many rich gifts to his counts and barons,
This reminds me of Beowulf, where successful kings seems to continuously have the need to give gifts to prove they're success?
King Arthur—that fearless knight and courteous lord—removed to Wales, and lodged at Caerleon-on-Usk, since the Picts and Scots did much mischief in the land.
There seems to be a lot of ethnicity tensions between people of different cultures/nations. It also seemed strange that King Arthur couldn't inhibit that land because in the media the story of King Arthur depicts him as a all mighty, conquering ruler.
When she might read the writing she learned of the great pain and dolour that her lover suffered by day and by night.
that really sucks for them both and how heartbreaking it must've been
wild wind from the welkin wrestles the sun, the leaves lance then from linden
Is this personification?
Gawain, that sat by the queen, to the king he did incline: ‘I beseech in plain speech that this mêlée be mine’
Here comes the chivalrous knight to the rescue
as all had slipped into sleep so ceased their noise and cry.
they're all in awe to see such a thing, that they're just standing there in silence
Wonder at his hue men displayed, set in his semblance seen; he fared as a giant were made, and over all deepest green.
great description and I love the rhyming here
for each man may well know no want was there another noise full new neared with speed, that would give the lord leave to take meat. For scarce was the noise not a while ceased, and the first course in the court duly served, there hales in at the hall door a dreadful man,
He was coming in hot and with a bang literally!
Every two had dishes twelve
I like this picture so it shows me an idea of what it would've looked like and whats going on in the passage
they find no room to place them people before and to set the silver that holds such servings on cloth.
Is this saying that there was so many people and food on the table that there wasn't even enough room to put plates?
the first course came with crack of trumpets
onomatopoeia- "crack of trumpets"
deftly
in a way that is neatly skillful and quick in movement.
Therefore with fearless face he stands straight and tall; full lively at that New Year much mirth he makes with all.
He seems very joyous and happy! Very high spirited and exhilarating much enjoyment and laughter with all his people. It is a new year after all
splendid silk by her sides, and sheer above of true Toulouse, of Tartar tapestries plenty, that were embroidered, bright with the best gems that might be price-proved with pennies any a day.
must of been lovely to see such lavish items
For all were fair folk and in their first age still, the happiest under heaven, king noblest in his will; that it were hard to reckon so hardy a host on hill.
Poetry alternate rhyme scheme
Langobard in Lombardy
member of a Germanic people who invaded Italy in the 6th century
In love they lived, till death they found;
the king and queen once again returned to their blissful marriage
Sure all were glad when they had heard; Quickly they led him in with glee, And bathed his face and shaved his beard And tired him as a king should be;
as soon as the people learned their king had returned they began to take care of him again
How the fair queen was rapt away Ten years agone, by fairy spell; And how the king the self-same day Had gone; none knew where he might dwell;
had they been gone for ten years to the rest of the world?
And when it ceased at last, “Thy fee,” The king exclaimed, ” for, harper mine, I love thy tender minstrelsy: Ask what thou wilt, and it is thine;
the harp music sir orfeo played for the fairy king pleased him so much he told him he could take anything he wanted
lond.
is this saying land or something else?
anear
he got closer to him
” Alas ! alas ! ” he gan to cry, “Why will not death dispel my pain? Alas! alas! would I could die Now I have seen my love again. Alas, that I must live, who fain Would perish! for I dared not speak To her, nor she to me. Ah, vain Is life ; alas ! my heart will break ! ”
Im thinking that Sir Orfeo is questioning if he would feel better (would it take away his pain) if he were to dies so he could be with her again. But he knows he has to keep living and it just heartbroken. What do y'all think?
And then she wept as if to die,
she is so upset that her death made her husband so miserable
well-accoutred
being well dresses millitary
Now found he deserts bleak and brown
he lost an appetite
Upon their knees They knelt and made their woeful pleas, Beseeching him he would not go, Else were they desolate.
All who served him and were close to the king begged him not to leave. They liked and appreciated him and did not want to know what would happen when he left
Beseeching
asking urgently or fervently
Alas! how woeful was his state!
He did not take the death of his wife well and in his grieving he transformed from a lavish king into a begger
For I have lost the fairest queen And sweetest lady ever born.
this is so sweet and breaks my heart reading it
My doom no mortal man may share.
she describes her death as doom, but why would nobody else experience it? Does she just not want others to be with her when she dies or does she think nobody else will experience death the same way she will?
And blazed as brightly as the sun
He uses a simile to compare the jewel to the sun
fairy land
what is fairy land?
Into the orchard quick they go, And, fearful of what may befall, They lift and bear her to the hall And moaning on her pillows lay; Yet wild and heedless still of all Ever she strove to flee away.
what is this type of rhyming pattern called?
bewilderment
thee ladies maids are also confused about the situation
And out into the air of spring, To revel in a grove, and see The lovely blossoms bourgeoning, And linnets piping cheerily.
Everything here is so cheerful and the description of spiring is very lively
linnets
linnets are small birds
Singing with a merry mind
singing cheerfully/ happily
lay;
what does lay mean in this context?
For we must part, and I to doom ! ” ” Alas ! ” he cried, and ” woe is mine !
Why is she breaking up the marriage? this is confusing me even more? Did the king do something wrong? or was it in her dream that she saw something that made her want to do this
Alas! alas! how wan and white Thy little mouth that was so red!
What happened to her? is she hurt or are they exaggerating her look of worry and stress. Also this is very beautifully described, the language used helps dramatize everything as well as paint a picture in the readers head.
Thee joyless I have never seen, Yet now thou wailest dreadfully
Okay so this is new for the king as well. We can now understand the this is something that took everyone there by surprise and confusion just as the readers. And oh she didn't run away lol
Ever she strove to flee away.
Wait, did she just run away? where did she go? This is getting more and more confusing
summoned every squire and knight, And bade them haste with might and main To aid their mistress in her plight.
Right of the bat we can tell she gets treated really well, she has numerous amount of people caring for her and its crazy to see that she gets treated so well. But I'm still confused on what is going on. And also, where is the king in all of this?
Her jewelled robe
Very elegant, seems to be very lavish. My idea of her being a bit spoiled in a sense is growing the more I read about her.
Then sudden with a cry she rose And burst in tears of wild despair, And wrung her hands, and showered blows Upon her breast, and tore her hair.
What happened? Why did she wake up like this? Does she always wake up like this? Maybe she just had a nightmare
the maids watched at her knee — The queen was lying fast asleep.
I don't know why she seems a bit spoiled to me lol
bourgeoning,
begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish
bowers
a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood.
Fairest of all fair ladies; Naught surpassed her gentleness, Full of love and courtesies; None can tell her loveliness.
Seems like the perfect person for the king, because the king himself does not seem to be so hardcore. So for the queen to be gentle and lovely just makes it seem like they are a good match already
demesne
land attached to a manor and retained for the owner's own use.
such melody Was it, and such joy to hear.
His music seems to be very good, but why is half of this story so far just talking about the kings music? could this just be a huge metaphor for something?
trow,
think or believe.
A better harper none could find.
WOW, seems like the king is talented as well
the king himself would play,
This king seems to be very humble and grounded
Men called them gods when time began
This was actually very common in the day for make kings and their families hold a godly figure.
And in his time a mighty man,
Sir Orfeo already seems to be a respected person
gaily
in a cheerful or lighthearted way.
days of yore
when knights roamed the countryside and engaged in daring and romantic quests, you could say that person longs for “days of yore.” Yore, meaning "a time long ago," is used in the same manner as yesteryear, days gone by, and olden times
mirth,
amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
Some are of weal, and some of woe,
Somewhat rhyming.
Every good harper is welcome For my lord’s sake Sir Orfeo
The steward remains faithful to Orfeo through music even after 10 years.
For very joy the people wept That he was come so safe and sound; For very joy they danced and leapt;
The people stayed loyal to their king, even after he left them for 10 years.
steward
A servant https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steward
To hear thy lips lie thus to me! So, sir, my boon, as thou art king!
Orfeo is using a slightly manipulating tactic. The king asked what he wanted- so he said his wife- then the king refuses. Orfeo hints that the king doesn't want to be seen as a liar.
Each thus was stolen out of life, For such the fairies seize and keep
It's interesting that the fairies are viewed as "steeling" someone from their lives, when many of those people were s injured and believed to be dead, so how could they be stolen fro their lives?
Amid the land a castle tall And rich and proud and wondrous high Uprose, and all the outmost wall Shone as a crystal to the eye. A hundred towers lit up the sky, Of diamond all battled stout; And buttresses rose up near by Arched with red gold and broad about.
Very beautiful, vivid and moving description.
dispel
Dispel= to vanish. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispel He's asking for death to end his pain and suffering.
The wildest creatures hidden there For very joy about him played, And all the birds from everywhere Came forth and heard;
Even though he is miserable his music still has the power to make even animals happy.
On dainty dishes and sweet fruits, Now must he dig to find a small Repast of herbs and bitter roots.
He goes to his lowest point in life to save his true love.
turreted
Furnished with small towers (attached to a larger building/castle). https://www.dictionary.com/browse/turreted
Though it was quite hard to read and had to reread a lot of things it was a good story. We got a full villain and hero story in both Part 1 and 2. I was actually most surprised to see all the bible references and the connection that they had made with God throughout the story. This is a story that really shows the good and evil that lurks in the world. It shows people how evil will never win and that God favors those that do good and that are heroic. There was defiantly a lot of respect given to those that were Godly based throughout. It also showed how the evil spirts lurk around mostly at night time which is something that is still very much believed in modern times. Another thing was the vengeance of the mother which in a way seemed expected but odd at the same time. Shows how the vicious cycle of evil will always be there since they are pretty much “descendants’ of Cain.
Wisest of kings, now that I have come To the point of action, I ask you to recall What we said earlier
Sounds like the start of a goodbye speech
after Cain had killed His father’s son, felled his own Brother with the sword.
Comparison to the bible story of cain and abel
an avenger lurked and was still alive
Will there ever be no presence of evil?
As he would have killed more, had not mindful God
Shows how huge of a role God played a role in their lives
So now, Beowulf, adopt you in my heart as a dear son.
Gives him a blessing that at this time was probably very considerate
he grabbed thirty men
Must have been powerful enough if he was capable of grabbing 30 men. Probably also put the fear in everyone considering that he was able to take the men.
That doom abided, But in time it would come: the killer instinct Unleashed among in-laws, the blood-lust rampant. Then a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark, Nursed a hard grievance.
A Villain is introduced to the story.
Heorogar, Hrothgar, the good Halga
Starts a family
Then it fell to Beow to keep the forts.
This is where Beow takes full responsibility to fill in.
Were piled upon him, and precious gear.
Honored even through death
crossed over
He died
And a young prince must be prudent like that, 20 Giving freely while his father lives So that afterwards in age when fighting starts Steadfast companions will stand beside him And hold the line. Behavior that’s admired Is the path to power among people everywhere.
Sounds like he was raised really well and liked by the people around him. Giving seems to be very appreciated at this time.
The people were suffering without having a king and were seen by Gods eyes for such.
It had never failed 1460 The hand of anyone who had hefted it in battle, Anyone who had fought and faced the worst In the gap of danger. This was not the first time It had been called to perform heroic feats.
How does the reputation of the sword undermine his heroism? To me it makes his battle seem less significant as the text states that others have fought similar battles.
Still wondering whether Almighty God Would even turn the tide of his misfortunes.
Only God can judge him
But I couldn’t stop him from slipping my hold. The Lord allowed it, my lock on him Wasn’t strong enough,
Their world is controlled by a divine power where fate is predetermined.
Then his rage boiled over, he ripped open The mouth of the building, maddening for blood, Pacing the length of the patterned floor With his loathsome tread, while a baleful light, Flame more than light, flared from his eyes.
Appears to be hell personified
He was cast up safe and sound one morning Among the Heathoreams
Does this imply that the "Heathoreams" were dangerous so he is lucky to be alive? Or that the "Heathoreams" were allies.
May the Almighty Father keep you and in His kindness Watch over your exploits.
Religion keeps them safe as if it is all they need
Ogres and elves and evil phantoms And the giants too who strove with God
I find it interesting how there is the emergence of fantasy beings as well as religious beings
They decked his body no less bountifully With offerings than those first ones did Who cast him away when he was a child And launched him alone out over the waves.
One of the themes of this writing questions what it means to be human. These lines serve to define the human experience. We are brought into the world alone and we leave the world alone. The times in which we come and go are times that we do not ponder often as we are constantly focused on the present. This leads me to ask; are great leaders are more human than the rest of us? Leaders have more than just the present to leave an impact on, they also need to ensure that their roots present them as admirable, and that their legacy reflects their accomplishments. As average people, we don't question every move and wonder how people may perceive us for it after we die. How does awareness affect the human experience?
So that afterwards in age when fighting starts Steadfast companions will stand beside him And hold the line.
To me this line hints to a time when the world will be without their beloved leader. After a great leader passes, it is important to keep their legacy alive. In this case the people are willing to fight for themselves as their leader once fought for them.
In the end each clan on the outlying coasts Beyond the whale-road had to yield to him 10 And begin to pay tribute. That was one good king.
Here the narrator defines what constitutes as a good king. This observation of good leadership will later affect how readers will interpret the leadership values of Beowulf and determine if he is a good king.
.
I really enjoyed the connections that I saw from this story to modern literature (modern being within the last 2 centuries, I guess). This was just a great read, but I also loved how ingrained in the culture and time period it was. I felt as if I were learning and understanding about a people while reading, which is something that marks a good read, in my opinion. I think this is also something that is commonly over-looked as well in literature. I think that all too often we focus on the collection of letters known as words and sentences and miss who is writing them. When we read the Bible, we don't always think, "What did this mean to them at the time it was written?" and "How has it changed through translation?" More often we get caught up and miss the picture the words are drawing. I love that in this story, you really couldn't miss it.
A funeral pyre
From my understanding and research, this is a common method of treatment of a body after death in this culture/time period.
has accomplished something None of us could manage before now
I am beginning to notice connections in this story to that of J.R.R. Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. In both stories a man (or hobbit) did something none could have accomplished before and both included a dragon. Is there a way of knowing if there is indeed a connection?
bulwark
a person, institution, or principle that acts as a defense
gorget,
an article of clothing that covered the throat.
The battle-topping helmet, the mail-shirt gray as hoar-frost And the precious war-sword; and proceeded with his speech.
I thought it was going to be a crazy gift of gold or other treasure but I guess it holds more value to be given his own garments
mead
an alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water.
Heroic Beowulf
Love the respect that Beowulf gets attached to his name now.
stinted
supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something).
His fondness for the man was so deep-founded, It warmed his heart and wound the heartstrings Tight in his breast.
This is very lovely, the detailed description also helps emphasizes the love and overwhelming emotions
My liking for you Deepens with time, dear Beowulf.
I think the readers feel the same way about Beowulf. As the story goes on the more and more I respect and admire Beowulf.
For a brief while your strength is in bloom But it fades quickly; and soon there will follow
This is very powerful
Heremod w
This guy just seems like an asshole. But this paragraph shows how his life ended in suffer, kind of like karma.
inlay
I am not sure what this word means. Looked it up on google but all of the definitions don't really make sense for the context of the sentence.
this booty from the lake.
LOL this is kind of funny. I know that this story has been serious throughout but the word "booty" just threw me off guard of the text. I wonder why the author felt the need to use that word and I wonder if it actually serves a purpose.
Were loosed and unlaced. The lake settled, 1630 Clouds darkened above the bloodshot depths.
Great use of language here. Seems so paint a very peaceful picture in the readers head.
weapon was to prove its worth
Personification of a weapon once again. Ive noticed a lot of that throughout this story so far.
But the mesh of chain-mail On Beowulf’s shoulder shielded his life, Turned the edge and tip of the blade. The son of Ecgtheow would surely have perished 1550 And the Geats lost their warrior under the wide earth Had the strong links and locks of his war-gear Not helped to save him
This makes Beowulf definitely seem heroic but also godly in a sense.
In misery among the banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the creator had outlawed And condemned as outcasts. For the killing of Abel The Eternal Lord had exacted a price
This to me brings up the idea that the humans fear the monsters, and that is why they outlaw and kill them. But are they really monsters? Some monsters like Grendel possess human like features, so are they truly monsters? The lords only kill them because they are different. This brings up the theme that there is a blur between man and beast in this story. Man appears to be the true beast in this case.
Its gables wide and high and awaiting A barbarous burning. That doom abided, But in time it would come:
This is a foreshadowing of the future ahead of the hall. We know as the reader that it is going to be attacked, but this is a neat little hint to what comes ahead.
bade
Bade - to command; order; direct: (past tense)
Undaunted, sitting astride his horse,
Shows that horse travel and possibly combat is a thing at this time. also him being on the horse could be symbolic of the fact that he is a high ranked important person
So she lunged and clutched and managed to catch him In her brutal grip; but his body, for all that, Remained unscathed: the mesh of the chain-mail Saved him on the outside. Her savage talons Failed to rip the web of his war shirt. Then once she touched bottom, the wolfish swimmer Carried the ring-mailed prince to her court So that for all his courage he could never use
This is actually really sad and the writer also makes it more dramatic and it and make you feel very sad for her.
So there he lost 1470 fame and repute.
As he should, since he's acts like a coward, even though he is apparent "strong built"
And suddenly discovered the dismal wood, Mountain trees growing out at an angle Above gray stones: the bloodshot water Surged underneath.
sounds dark
Let whoever can Win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, That will be his best and only bulwark
This is a true and powerful statement coming from Beowulf but at the same time why does he sound a bit cold? or is it just me?
keshes
where cold streams.
She had done away with a great warrior, Ambushed him at rest. Beowulf was elsewhere.
You can only imagine the pain that the mothers enduring from losing her son and she comes and still doesn't get to meet Beowulf. It is also sad that everyones celebrating Beowulf while she is mourning.
Mourning a lord far-famed and beloved. On a height they kindled the hugest of all Funeral fires; fumes of wood smoke Billowed darkly up, the blaze roared And drowned out their weeping, wind died down And flames wrought havoc in the hot bone-house, Burning it to the core. They were disconsolate And wailed aloud for their lord’s decease.
This is a sad image, but it reflects how Beowulf really impacted people.
gainsaying
This means to deny or to contradict
There was no way Beowulf could manage to get the better Of the monster with his sword.
Beowulf fought until the very end. He died a legend. Ties it back to the description of a great leader in part I of the story where a great leader must fight and protect.
glitter and glide
This beautiful description makes the death seem all the more tragic.
When he yielded a sword, No matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade His hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt
I wonder how different each battle would be if he had fought without magical weapons to assist him. If he were to rely on his natural strength and abilities would he appear as less of a hero or more of a hero?
“Go on, dear Beowulf, do everything You said you would when you were still young And vowed you would never let your name and fame Be dimmed while you lived. Your deeds are famous, So stay resolute, my lord, defend your life now With the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.”
Beowulf lived the human experience. He arrived, he did good, and he left an impression.
everything seems too large
I'm curious as to what this means. Usually when faced with death or grief the world seems small when one is existentially thinking of their position in the world. Or maybe this is viewed from a divine perspective where they are aware of the greater world above them.
Unsettled yet ready, sensing his own death. 2420 His fate hovered near, unknowable but certain: It would soon claim his coffered soul,
Through fear he prepares for a fight. Though not optimistic, he is accepting of his fate.
But Beowulf’s prodigious Gifts as a swimmer guaranteed his safety
This was interesting to me because usually he finds solace in the power of God, but here he is comforted by his own abilities.
My own people Have been ruined in war; one by one 2250 They went down to death, looked their last On sweet life in the hall. I am left with nobody To bear a sword or burnish plated goblets, Put a sheen on the cup. The companies have departed. The hard helmet, hasped with gold, Will be stripped of its hoops; and the helmet-shiner Who should polish the metal of the war-mask sleeps; The coat of mail that came through all fights, Through shield-collapse and cut of sword, Decays with the warrior. Now may webbed mail 2260 Range far and wide on a warlord’s back Beside his mustered troops. No trembling harp, No tuned timber, no tumbling hawk Swerving through the hall, no swift horse Pawing the courtyard. pillage and slaughter Have emptied the earth of entire peoples.” And so he mourned as he moved about the world, Deserted and alone, lamenting his unhappiness Day and night, until death’s flood Brimmed up in his heart.
The emotion conveyed here is incredible. I can feel the mourning with him and the sadness at his demise.
Death had come And taken them all in times
There is something so poetic about writing in Death in a story. Its also something not easily done and not often either. Props to the author for being so versatile.
the preciou
"my precious"... Sorry, I am a big Tolkien fan and I am seeing too many similarities not to point them out.
The intruder who broached the dragon’s treasure And moved him to wrath had never meant to.
The Hobbit...
He was the man most gracious and fair-minded, Kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.
This is a great way to end the story and show respect. Beowulf truly died a hero.
They let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, Gold under gravel, gone to earth, As useless to men now as it ever was.
This actually teaches us a very good lesson and the writer himself states that all material things are temporary in his own words.
bier
a movable frame on which a coffin or a corpse is placed before burial or cremation or on which it is carried to the grave.
For a long time in the care of the Almighty.”
This story seems to be very religious as whole and it believed that the "Almighty" is most likely God that he is speaking of.
He himself was ignorant Of how his departure from the world would happen.
Interesting. I am sure that Beowulf was courageous and fearless but I am so he himself somewhat knew that this fight would be very risky, yet he did it. That is a true sign of a hero and Beowulf was just that.
but death owned him now, He would never enter his earth-gallery again.
This sentence right here makes it seem that Beowulf really did make a huge impact and that his death did not go to vain and truly was not defeated.
They found him at rest, their ring-giver From days gone by. The great man Had breathed his last. Beowulf the King Had indeed met with a marvelous death.
This entire section, although sad, seems very powerful because of the way they described his death was very powerful and respectful and heroic again.
gallant
brave; heroic
hough he was cut deep, he recovered again.
How? This seems very godly
The old hero Still did not flinch,
This makes him look very heroic and fearless
And it came to pass that the king’s fate Was in Eofor’s hands, and in his alone. Wulf, son of Wonred, went for him in anger, Split him open so that blood came spurting From under his hair.
This is fast action is such a short section. Very gruesome and descriptive as well.
prowess
skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
or
bravery in battle
It was hard then on the young hero, Having to watch the one he held so dear There on the ground, going through His death agony.
This can, in a sense, make the boy weary of being herioc, watching his lords death in front of his eyes.
For a man should praise a prince whom he holds dear And cherish his memory when that moment comes When he has to be convoyed from his bodily home.
This part is sad and I agree in some aspects. I do think that we should cherish those we love when they pass away, but i think it needs to start before they pass away personally.
pyre
a heap of combustible material
Almighty
another mention of God
but death owned him now, He would never enter his earth-gallery again
He was officially dead and would never walk on earth among his belongings in his earthly body
They shall walk bereft, bowed under woe,
what does this phrase mean?
that horde of seamen
another way of saying large army
Much as he wanted to, there was no way He could preserve his lord’s life on earth
they talk about preserving his life on earth, there seems to be an idea of an afterlife throughout this writing, but nobody ever explicitly mentions it
His soul fled from his breast To its destined place among the steadfast ones.
he has finally met his fate and left the earth, but he was still proud of how hard he fought
A treasure-trove of astonishing richness, Wall-hangings that were a wonder to behold, Glittering gold spread across the ground, The old dawn-scorching serpent’s den 2760 Packed with goblets and vessels of the past, Tarnished and corroding. Rusty helmets All eaten away. Armbands everywhere,
this part really paints a picture of what he was looking at
To bestow this armor on my own son, 2730 Had it been my fortune to have fathered an heir And live on in his flesh.
regret for a lack of a family
No matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade His hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt (I have heard) would ruin it.
beowulf was always too strong for regular tools... This imagery makes me think of trying to cut tough meat with a plastic fork and knife
so every man must yield 2590 The leasehold of his days.
everyman's life will come to an end.
This fight is not yours, Nor is it up to any man except me To measure his strength against the monster Or to prove his worth.
I guess I do not understand why Beowulf thinks all big fights are only ever for him. He is the only person that has to prove his worth?
The wisdom of age is worthless to him.
one of the most heartbreaking experiences i have heard about is having to bury your child, while i have not experienced this i cannot imagine imagine the heartbreak and pain that occurs. This line to me is explaining that even though people become wiser as they age and are often better at dealing with challenging experiences, wisdom cannot help to heal the pain that accompanies burying a child. This is a pain that still occurs today in the modern world.
lie
is lie here used as like?
skirmish
Unpremeditated fighting or battling
Part life from limb.
this idea of death as removing his life/ soul from his physical body is a cool description.
And so the son of Ecgtheow had survived Every extreme, excelling himself In daring and in danger, until the day arrived When he had to come face to face with the dragon.
this seems like foreshadowing of his death. While surviving many fights before the dragon match is something different.