- Jun 2019
-
earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
-
This corpse-maker mongering death
very heavy language use as far as making things more dramatic
-
sentries
a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place.
-
And sway were inherited by the higher born. Previous: Dream of the Rood Next: Beowulf: Part III Back to top
In Part I & II, the author really developed Beowulf's character describing his strength and his loyalty to the Geats. Beowulf defeats Grendel and in Part II battles Grendel's mother because his mother wanted to seek revenge. It was interesting to learn about the Anglo-Saxon culture. Traditions and aspects I have never encountered previously.
-
Thus Beowuld bore himself with valor; He was formidable in battle yet behaved with honor And took no advantage: never cut down
The author waited to reveal that Beowulf is also a good hearted warrior not just a strong warrior.
-
I have wrested the hilt From the enemies’ hand, avenged the evil Done to the Danes; it is what was due. 1670
Beowulf is known to fight the good and evil. Beowulf remains on the good side in order to fight for those who suffered the wrong doings of the evil side.
-
this force for evil Driven to avenge her kinsman’s death. 1340 Or so it seems to thanes in their grief
Murder as a source of revenge is a common part of the culture for the Scandivians
-
He relied for help on the Lord of All, On His care and favor. So he overcame the foe, Brought down the hell-brute
I appreciate that the author tries to remain unbiased. He doesn't give the credit all to Beowulf for his strength as a warrior.
-
Bu Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, 1270 The wondrous gifts God had showered on him:
Is Beowulf strength from from God or because he's on the good side?
-
But the Lord was weaving A victory on his war-loom for the Weather-Geats.
Traditional pagan imagery of Christian God Weaving referring to metaphors of the Scandinavian culture.
-
Sinews split And the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted The glory of winning;
Are all Scandivian warrior heroes as strong as Beowulf or is Beowulf just one of a kind?
-
The story goes That as the pair struggled, mead benches were smashed And sprung off the floor, gold fittings and all. Before then, no Shielding elder would believe There was any power or person on earth Capable of wrecking their horn-rigged hall Unless the burning embrace of fire 780 Engulf it in flame.
Beowulf is stronger than anyone ever imagined. He appeared to be as a "superhuman"
-
What your people wanted or perish in the attempt,
He wasn't able to prove himself before so he wants to prove himself again, but how is it that he will do that this time around? How will it be different?
-
filigree
Filigree definition: Ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery. Word used in the late 17th century, evolved from Latin.
-
paying
Very interesting to me, that wealth was used in such a way. Wealth truly is important to their culture, because not only does it buy you all the riches but it can even settle wars and disputes.
-
They marched in step, Hurrying on till the timbered hall Rose before them, radiant with gold. Nobody on earth knew of another Building like it. Majesty lodged there, 310 And its light shone over many lands.
Easily noticeable how the riches and wealth of people are shown in a prestigious way. In Scandinavian or Viking culture, the show of wealth was an important part of their culture. It was even more important than the economy and trade.
-
Further Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcqMp_D5pdE Just a great video I found!
-
.
One thing I loved reading Beowulf is that it provides valuable insight into the culture and values of the ancient Anglo-Saxon society, which plays a large part in impacting the modern Anglo-American culture today. I truly admire Beowulf's heroism and was particularly intrigued by his unarmed combat with Grendel as he proves himself stronger than the demon. However, to most readers, I think the antagonist Grendel is more relatable than Beowulf, because many people see themselves more like an outcast than a God-like hero (it's like Spider-man is more relatable than Superman because Peter Parker is a social outcast.)
-
Both owned land by birth in that country, Ancestral ground; but the greater right And sway were inherited by the higher born.
These are the rewards that the king presents to Beowulf.
-
A killer stalks him, An archer who draws a deadly bow. And then the man is hit in the heart, The arrow flies beneath his defenses, The devious promptings of the demon start
Apostrophe - an imaginary "killer" is described here.
-
He had been poorly regarded For a long time
Received unfair treatment or simply didn't get the recognition that was deserved.
-
It was a hard blow for Hrothgar to bear
Too much to take in?
-
To hearten the young ones
Inspire them.
-
he never lost heart
It kept him going 100%
-
I will compensate you for settling the feud 1
To make it worth his while.
-
Paid with his life
He scarified himself.
-
“Rest? What is rest?
Still much to be done.
-
Lifted and braced; there was little thought of helmets 1290 Or woven mail
Their minds were somewhere else...
-
Obvious to everyone once the fight was over,
"Maybe this isn't over" type of feeling.
-
Here each comrade is true to the other
Pure loyalty.
-
That the battle survivors Would be guaranteed Honor and status.
Treated like well respected vets.
-
And now he won’t be long for this world.
his time is coming to and end.
-
As best they could
They would give up their own lives if it would save their lord.
-
Like the warlord he was, with festive cheer
As a warlord, this kind of cheer was expected.
-
Fate goes ever as fate must
Whatever happens was meant to happen.
-
If the battle takes m
In the unfortunate event he doesn't come out of this alive.
-
Where do you come from, carrying these Decorated shields and shirts of mail,
They stand out pretty hard.
-
May one so valiant and venturesome Come unharmed through the clash of battle.
This kind of person deserves to come out of war safely.
-
Nobody tried to keep him from going
They were behind him 100%
-
There was no one else like him alive
No one can compare to this man.
-
Inflicting constant cruelties on the people
He made innocents suffer
-
All were endangered; young and old
Every living soul was not safe.
-
So times were pleasant for the people there Until finally one, a fiend out of Hell
Life was peaceful, but something or someone came along to disturb that entirely.
-
Meant to be a wonder of the world forever
It would go on to become one of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. So maybe "eight"
-
He was four times a father
Meaning he fathered four children I suppose.
-
He was well regarded and ruled the Danes
The people which he rules feel they are in good hands.
-
The chief they revered who had long ruled them
They really admire and respect the chief and and must really trust him too given they been under his command for quite some time.
-
Beow’s name was known through the north.
Supports just how famous the son is.
-
The news was known over the whole world
Grendel must have been known greatly all around the world? Was he known for being a violent leader around the world or something else? I wonder how people around the world reacted to this news, were the sad or relieved?
-
Humiliated by the loss of his guard, Bewildered and stunned, staring aghast And the demon’s trail, in deep distress. He was numb with grief, but got no respite For one night later the merciless Grendel Struck again with more gruesome murders.
This is hinting to some sort of inner conflict that Grendel might have.
-
he grabbed thirty men From their resting places and rushed to his lair, Flushed up and inflamed from the raid, Blundering back with the butchered corpses.
Violent. But what is making Grendel do this? Why does he feel the need to murder and be so insensitive and violent? I wonder if it has anything to do with his past? Or is he just a psychopath?
-
the killer instinct Unleashed among in-laws, the blood-lust rampant. Then a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark, Nursed a hard grievance. It harrowed him
Extremely negative language. I cant seem to understand why exactly
-
The hall of halls. Heorot was the name
The hall of halls? What does that even mean?
-
50
Just now noticing these numbers increasing by 10 in each sentence. What does this mean? Is it the age?
-
Heorogar, Hrothgar, the good Halga And a daughter, I have heard, who was Onela’s queen,
Interesting how the names of the boys are mentioned but not the name of the daughter. As if she is disregarded since she is a girl. Gives a sense of sexism
-
bountifully
bountifully: giving generously
-
By God to that nation.
Could be religious text or the writer is more than likely religious.
-
That was one good king.
Once again, the writers love for the king is shown. It seems as though whoever this king is, is quite respectable and has proved himself great in the eyes of most, such as the writer himself.
-
And the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those princes’ heroic campaigns.
Gives good perception on the writer and his opinions on the kings
-
So
Interesting. Ive never seen a large piece of text start with the word "so".
-
I heard the company call her Freawaru As she made her rounds, presenting men With the gem-studded bowl,
women's roles in society
-
I heard he presented Hygd with a gorget, The priceless torque that the prince’s daughter, Wealhtheow
Beowulf seems to re-gift some of his precious treasures (also seen with the sword being given back to Unferth), so he's clearly not greedy about keeping his treasures.
-
Skimming ahead; as she heaved forward
The ship is personified to be a woman.
-
wave-crosser
a kenning referring to the sail boat
-
The seafaring Geats won’t find a man 1850 Worthier of acclaim as their king and defender Than you
Foreshadowing that Beowulf will become king of the Geats?
-
sea-shawl
a kenning referring to the sails on a sailboat
-
You are strong in body and mature in mind, Impressive in speech.
It's interesting that this is said because it seems to contradict what was said earlier; with mentions of Beowulf being impatient and warning Beowulf to not become overconfident and too prideful.
-
Ensconced
to settle securely or snugly
-
“O flower of warriors, beware of that trap. Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, Eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride. 1760 For a brief while your strength is in bloom But it fades quickly; and soon there will follow Illness or the sword to lay you low, Or a sudden fire or surge of water Or jabbing blade or javelin from the air Or repellent age. Your piercing eye Will dim and darken; and death will arrive, Dear warrior, to sweep you away.
Hrothgar is warning Beowulf not to let pride get to him, pride however is Beowulf's biggest flaw.
-
he examined the hilt, That relic of old times. It was engraved all over And showed how war first came into the world And the flood destroyed the tribe of giants. 1690 They suffered a terrible severance from the Lord; The Almighty made the waters rise, Drowned them in the deluge for retribution.
This is describing how the sword was made that was able to defeat Grendel's Mother. A sword not made from man but giants back in the day but were destroyed from the flood god casted on them.
-
overweening
Showing excess confidence or pride. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overweening
-
That could have gone badly; if God had not helped me,
Another reference to religion.
-
Donned
put clothing on one's body
-
screes
a sloping mass of loose rocks at the base of a cliff
-
Beowulf cut the corpse’s head off.
An unnecessary act of cruelty.
-
So arise, my lord, and let us immediately 1390 Set forth on the trail of this troll-dam.
This is an example of an apostrophe because Beowulf is detaching from the subject of death by speaking to God, a powerful deity that the Geats and Danes believe in.
-
“Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better To avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living in this world Means waiting for our end. Let whoever can Win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, That will be his best and only bulwark.
These warriors are not doing the chivalrous things to get into Heaven. They are doing them to be remembered in the greatest way, even after they are dead.
-
Was impatient to be away and plunged suddenly
Perhaps a major flaw for a hero/warrior?
-
If this combat kills me, take care 1480 Of my young company, my comrades in arms.
Shows that Beowulf does display kindness and cares about his men- and is loyal to them-like an idealized hero.
-
He was not man enough
Interesting statement about Unferth,instead of just saying that Beowulf is a more talented swordsman, battle skills are connected to manhood/masculinity.
-
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow
This is repeated several times in this story- like Beowulf's father/family gives him a more prestigious title/reputation.
-
At that moment was of no small importance:
Foreshadowing that this weapon will be what kills Grendel's mother?
-
It is always better To avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.
This could be connected to the idea at that time of a glorified warrior and also tied to the belief that men should not show emotion.
-
And be the man I expect you to be.
I feel that you could connect this to the statement said earlier about mourning.Like "Be a man- don't spend your time being wasteful and mourning, lead and fight instead".
-
She had pounced and taken one of the retainers In a tight hold, then headed for the fen.
She takes one of Hrothgar's most beloved warriors and takes it to her lair.
-
Her onslaught was less Only by as much as an Amazon warrior’s In less than an armored man’s When the hefted sword, its hammered edge And gleaming blade slathered in blood, Razes the sturdy boar-ridge off a helmet.
It mentions the Grendel's mother is technically weaker than Grendel but still a powerful revenged filled monster- like an Amazon Warrior. "Razes the sturdy boar-ride off a helmet", signifies the cutting to the crest (the horsehair) part of the helmet. https://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/strength-skill-quotes-3.html
-
Grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.
This is a interesting use of diction to describe Grendel's mother. They try to depict her similarly to Grendel- being a evil monster- but the use of "grief-racked" almost allows the reader to pity Grendel's mother, because its painful to imagine a mother losing her only son.
-
Grendel’s mother, Monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs.
I think there's significance with Grendel's mothers having no name. Having no name helps rid her of any humanity or connection to the human world, where Grendel clearly displayed human emotions and longed for companionship.
-
Committing evil until the end came, Death after his crimes
It is Grendel who dies that night and pays from his crimes.
-
That bit into her neck bone And severed it entirely, toppling the doomed House of her flesh; she fell to the floor. The sword dripped blood
Didn't a "shinning blade refuse to bite" early in the poem? What's different about this sword? must be Valyrian steel...
-
-
earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
-
He was the man most gracious and fair-minded, Kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.
Part III, was very different than Part I and II. The story line was sort of everywhere but was still very well written. I enjoyed that it gave flashbacks to Beowulf's childhood. It really helped build his character at a personal level instead of just talking about his strength and loyalty. Part III opened up his vulnerability and actually got to see him as a genuine person, especially when he was dying after the battle with the dragon.
-
That Beowulf is dead. In days gone by When our warriors fell and we were undefended He kept our coffers and our kingdoms safe. He worked for the people, but as well as that He behaved like a hero.
What will the Geats do now? He was so loyal to them and was their protector but without him how will they fight their future battles?
-
Waegmundings
Waegmundings: The Wægmundings were a prominent probably Swedish clan in Beowulf. A name such as Wægmunding meant "belongs to Wægmund" Wiglaf inherits Beowulf's throne, and thus the Geats will inherit the Waegmunding/Swede bloodfeud
-
The old lord gazed sadly at the gold
Would you consider this to be selfish or it is something a dying person would be sad about? He lost his life over that gold but it will also help the Geats
-
For the last time: “I risked my life Often when I was young. Now I am old, But as king of this people I shall pursue this fight For the glory of winning, if the evil one will only Abandon his earth-fort and face me in the open.”
This quote by the author make Beowulf sound like such a genuine person.
-
“I would rather not Use a weapon if I knew another way To grapple with the dragon and make good my boast 2520 As I did against Grendel in days gone by. But I shall be meeting molten venom In the fire he breaths, so I go forth In mail-shirt and shield
Even Beowulf is aware that he has limitations to his strength
-
Unscathed
Unscathed definition: without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
-
“The treasures that Hygelac lavished on me 2490 I paid for as I fought, as fortune allowed me, With my glittering sword. He gave me land And the security land brings, so he had no call To go looking for some lesser champion, Some mercenary among the Grifthas Or the Spear-Danes or the men of Sweden.
How would describe the relationship between Hygelac and Beowulf? Business relationship? Friends?
-
At seven, I was fostered out by my father, Left in the charge of my people’s lord.
Glad to finally hear something about his past especially his childhood.
-
His mind was in turmoil, Unaccustomed anxiety and gloom Confused his brain;
I could imagine. So many people had expectations and held him at such a high standard. Which means he probably held himself to even a higher standard so I could imagine how confused and anxious he is?
-
The wise man thought he must have thwarted Ancient ordinance of the eternal Lord, 2330 Broken His commandment.
Could it be because he broke the rules or just because it's fate?
-
After many trials, He was destined to face the end of his days In this mortal world; as was the dragon, For all his leasehold on the treasure.
Is this when the Geats begin to lose hope? Even in Beowulf?
-
none had the power To intimidate me
No fear? I like this.
-
For he well knew his days in the world Had been lived out to the end
He knows his time is almost done.
-
as long as this sword Shall last
Interesting line!
-
The dragon began to belch out flames And burn bright homesteads; there was a hot glow That scared everyone, for the vile sky-winger Would leave nothing alive in his wake. Everywhere the havoc he wrought was in evidence. Far and near, the Geat nation Bore the brunt of his brutal assaults
Sounds like the penultimate episode of GoT.
-
With Beowulf against them, Few could hope to return home.
Anyone who actually makes it home could be called lucky...
-
Thirst for blood
Dying to kill?
-
One of his cruelest
"One of." He's been through many other cruel encounters.
-
Unaccustomed anxiety
I'm thinking anxiety is not something usual for him.
-
Forts and earthworks to dust and ashes
Defenses are destroyed.
-
His mind was in turmoil
Must be pretty overwhelmed
-
Would leave nothing alive in his wake
Wipe out all of life together.
-
For three centuries, this scourge of the people Had stood guard on that stoutly protected Underground treasury, until the intruder
The peace the people maintained was disturbed.
-
Have emptied the earth of entire peoples
Took out the entire population.
-
marvelous death.
An interesting use of words here.
-
That Beowulf is dead. In days gone by When our warriors fell and we were undefended He kept our coffers and our kingdoms safe. He worked for the people, but as well as that He behaved like a hero.
This says a lot about Beowulf's character. Even others around the world knew about how loyal Beowulf was to his people.
-
nd the shelter of Heardred’s shield proved useless Against the fierce aggression of the Shylfings: Ruthless swordsmen, seasoned campaigners, They came against him and his conquering nation, And with cruel force cut him down So that afterwards The wide kingdom Reverted to Beowulf
After his fathers death, Heardreds army dwindled and the people backed Beowulf as their ruler.
-
In the fury of battle. Hygelac fell
Hygelac died like most great men of the time, in battle
-
Dead from knife-wounds.
Is this referring to knife-wounds= the dragon's teeth or knife-wounds with the idea that because Beowulf lost his men and their weaponry this was the reason he died.
-
That I have been allowed to leave my people So well endowed on the day I die
Even as he is dying he is thinking of his people and their well-being- I think that says a lot about Beowulf's character.
-
standard
A tree or shrub that is growing at full height. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard
-
Broke ranks and ran for their lives To the safety of the wood. But within one heart Sorrow welled up: in a man of worth 2600 The claims of kinship cannot be denied.
So a man who's similar to a young Beowulf, where his heroism is born from within and is destined by a more powerful force.
-
When Beowulf fought and fate denied him Glory in battle
I'm reminded of the wheel of fate/fortune. Sometimes your're at the top and sometimes you are not and this can all happen by chance.
-
And racing toward its fate. Yet his shield defended 2570 The renowned leader’s life and limb For a shorter time than he meant it to
Similar to the metal chain in part 2, where is armour is the only thing that protects him.
-
bereft
Lacked something needed, wanted, or expected. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bereft
-
sensing his own death
There's been so much foreshadowing about Beowulf's death that I'd almost be surprised if he did survive at this point.
-
He was a good king
I think it's important that they note this. Beowulf seems to take Hrothgar's advice about never being too overconfident or prideful and seems to me to have a similar ruling ability to Hrothgar.
-
So the war-king planned and plotted his revenge.
This feels like the first time Beowulf actually plans a battle (seeming to me like he's matured), with Grendel and Grendel's mother there is less planning and more charging into immediate battle.
-
Then Beowulf was given bad news, A hard truth: his own home, The best of buildings, had been burnt to a cinder, The throne-room of the Geats.
Similar to Hrothgar's situation with Herot, where once the throne room was burned then he feels his own lost.
-
reinstated
So the slave didn't use the treasure for his own freedom, he just wanted to be forgiven and reinstated from his master, so he wasn't greedy when he stole nor was he seeking to better his own life. https://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/lines-2101-2396-summary.html
-
Happened to find the hoard open, The burning one who hunts out barrows, The slick-skinned dragon, threatening the night sky With streamers of fire
It seems to me that Beowulf feels that he has no purpose in life until he discovers the dragon to battle, because he is recognizing his mortality and limited time.
-
And so he mourned
This reminds me of part 2, where Beowulf advises against mourning people/life circumstances for Hrothgar.
-
I am left with nobody To bear a sword or burnish plated goblets, Put a sheen on the cup.
Beowulf has no family/offspring to leave anything to. Almost like now he recognizes the more important thing is family or close connections in different relationships.
-
The sleeping dragon; that drove him into rage,
So the dragon was relatively peaceful and seemed to mind his own business before someone stole something from him.
-
And now, although He wanted this challenge to be the one he’d face By himself alone–the shepherd of our land, A man unequalled in the quest for glory And a name for daring–now the day has come When this lord we serve needs sound men To give him their support. Let us go to him, Help our leader through the hot flame And dread of the fire.
I applaud Wiglaf's loyalty! Love how thankful he is of what Beowulf has done and given him. He knows he must do what is right and stand by Beowulf in his time of need.
-
Yet the prince of the rings was too proud To line up with a large army Against the sky-plague. He had scant regard For the dragon as a threat, no dread at all
Still he is being a great leader doing what he thinks is right and fit to defend his people. Prideful even at an older age to still find the courage and strength to go up against a beast alone. A leader no one will forget I'm sure!
-
The hoard-guardian Scorched the ground as he scoured and hunted For the trespasser who had troubled his sleep. Hot and savage, he kept circling and circling
He is infuriated! Wonder what fate awaits the trespasser ?! All I know is he better run for his dear life because I would not want to upset a dragon. Yikes!
-
Too close to his dreaming head.
The dragon is probably thinking, "the audacity of this dude to steal something from me while I am sleeping like the little angel I am! He should FEAR me!"
-
scourge
person or thing that causes a great trouble or suffering
-
And the only one left to tell their tale, The last of their line, could look forward to nothing But the same fate for himself: he foresaw that his joy 2240 In the treasure would be brief.
That's sad that even in desperate times they too knew to leave it hidden knowing they would have the same fate of death.
-
-
earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.comSir Orfeo18
-
The wolves had gnawed him flesh and bone; His harp was lying in the snow. ‘Tis full ten weary years agone.” ” Oh,” cried the steward, ” dost thou know That was my lord, Sir Orfeo! Alas! now am I all forlorn. My lord is lost! ah, me is woe! Ah, would that I had ne’er been born !
Orfeo was testing him
-
He thanked him sweet, and by the hand He led his wife; thus Orfeo And Heurodis left fairy land.
that was easy enough.... I bet there's a catch.. we'll soon find out
-
Largess I proffer for thy task ; Speak now, what shall I give to thee? ” ” Sir,” answered he, ” one thing I ask ; This that thou wilt bestow on me The lady ‘neath the orchard-tree A-slumbering in grasses deep.”
Orfeo has found where Lady Heurodis is among with others and asks to be presented to the king to play him a melody. The king loves it and asks what Orfeo wants in return and of course he asks for the release of his wife.
-
This king endured ten years and more
omg that much time has passed?! or is that an exaggeration???
-
In summer, fruits of every kind He had, and berries from the bough; In winter, nothing could he find But roots and leaves beneath the snow.
Why didn't he prepare for this quest? No shoes, food, jacket?
-
Forth must I fare on woeful quest To dwell where never man may be, Of beasts and birds to be the guest. And when ye know my soul has rest, Call then yourselves a parliament, And choose a king as seems you best. Do all as this my testament.”
Orfeo is ready to go on a quest to save Lady Heurodis and if he shall die going to this place where the creatures live, his people should call upon a parliament and choose a new king they feel is best fit.
-
Ere aught should come and take the queen. Yet from their circle, and unseen, The woeful Heurodis was won.
Orfeo tried to protect and save her but it was too late and she was gone
-
Then thou shalt go with us and be For aye with us in fairy land; And if thou failest, woe to thee, For thou shalt feel the fairies’ hand
So some king of creatures came to her while she was sleeping and said she had to go with them and if she refused to do so, she'd be punished at the hand of fairies
-
For we must part, and I to doom
so for some reason everything was going good but now she has to part from him because she is doomed?
-
strongest of cities; With him dwelt his gracious queen, Called the Lady Heurodis
his land was considered one of the strongest cities and ruling beside Orfeo was his wife Lady Heurodis
-
A better harper none could find.
He is loved by the people
-
elder days
Elder Days was a term that, during the Second and Third Age, properly referred to the times before the end of the First Age
-
days of yore
Days of yore meaning a long time ago when knights roamed the countryside and engaged in daring and romantic quests
-
fairy lore
In old Celtic, fairy lore the are immortals living in the ancient barrows and cairns. Fairy lore concerns beliefs about elves, dwarfs, gnomes, trolls, mermaids, brownies, pixies, leprechauns, and many other beings found in world folklore. It is particularly prevalent in Ireland, Cornwall, Wales, and Scotland.
-
jests and ribaldry
jokes, a type of humor ranging from borderline indelicacy to gross indecency
-
some of guile and treacherous foe
sly and deceptive
-
Some are of weal, and some of woe,
referring to the good and bad
-
lays
Lay people: a non-ordained member of a church without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject.
-
- May 2019
-
earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
-
So learn from this And understand true values. I who tell you Have wintered into wisdom.
Great advice for him to give and teach him to stay humble by telling him the story of Heremod
-
That bit into her neck bone And severed it entirely, toppling the doomed House of her flesh; she fell to the floor. The sword dripped blood
Good use of imagery
-
And be the man I expect you to be.”
Basically saying, "how are you going to be a leader for your people if you are too scared to fight and just hide with everyone else? A leader leads and steps up to the plate. Man up!"
-
when they woke in terror
they didn't see this coming...
-
Each man on the bench who had sailed with Beowulf
That was nice that not only did he recognize and reward Beowulf, but also the men who helped him!
-
But now a man, With the Lord’s assistance, has accomplished something None of us could manage before now
He belittles Beowulf in a way thanking God first then saying that he only defeated Grendel with the help of God
-
And thanked God for granting her wish
so while everything was going sour and everyone was giving up, she was praying to god while the others reverted to Paganism?
-
he is formidable indeed
formidable: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large and powerful.
-
come to proffer My wholehearted help and counsel.
At least someone has a heart and is coming to the rescue. I think it's pretty cool that he traveled all that way to help them out. Teamwork!
-
aghast
filled with horror or shock
-
he grabbed thirty men From their resting places and rushed to his lair, Flushed up and inflamed from the raid, Blundering back with the butchered corpses.
really no feelings at all! 30!
-
a craft for a prince.
Shows they respected him enough to give him the best
-
had to yield to him 10 And begin to pay tribute.
I wonder what was considered paying tribute?
-
set during a time period when the characters themselves would have held pagan beliefs.
This was during and after the Middle Ages where paganism is described as a group of religions and spiritual based on reverence for nature. Pagans believe in the divine character of the natural world and is described as an "Earth religion".
-
one man 1240 Lay down to his rest, already marked for death.
The man marked for death could be Beowulf (foreshadowing)? Or it could be Grendel who we already know is fatally wounded and is dying.
-
The chieftain went on to reward the others: Each man
Connects with the common belief that the good is always rewarded and the bad is always punished.
-
If you could have seen the monster himself 960 Where he lay beaten, I would have been better pleased.
Even after Beowulf is being celebrated by everyone, he still desired to have had Grendel's body and not have Grendel flee. It connects to Beowulf's addiction of sorts to his heroic acts, with how he preferred to have the body to prove and show he was the one who defeated Grendel.
-
He grabbed and mauled a man on his bench, 740 Bit into his bone-lappings, bolted down his blood And gorged on him in lumps, leaving the body Utterly lifeless, eaten up Hand and foot.
Very descriptive imagery.
-
Spurned and joyless
Spurned= To reject with disdain; scorn https://www.dictionary.com/browse/spurned
The mention of being "joyless" connects Beowulf to his human side with his emotions being present.
-
breast-webbing
"Breast-webbing" is the chain-main/mesh-ringed armour they wore. (It's a kenning). https://emilylit.weebly.com/kennings.html
-
mail-shirts
"Mail-shirts" the metal ringed armoured mesh that was commonly worn at the time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_mail
-
Where these reavers from Hell roam on their errands.
In some parts of the text Grendel has human qualities, he's isolated and alone knowing he will never be a part of that world, and he desires friendship.companionship.However Grendel is continuously described in a way that makes him a sort of demonic unearthly demon.
-
The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar. Friends and kinsmen flocked to his ranks, Young followers, a force that grew To be a mighty army. So his mind turned To hall-building:
The sentenced is phrased in a interesting way, "The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar", creating the idea of a divine force that decides he is the rightful king. After his army is built he begins building a mead hall (a feasting hall), which is interesting because it's a place for the common people not a superior isolated throne one usually thinks of with a king. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mead_hall
-
Then he who had harrowed the hearts of men With pain and affliction in former times And had given offense also to God 810 Found that his bodily powers had failed him. Hygelac’s kinsman kept him helplessly Locked in a handgrip. As long as either lived He was hateful to the other. The monster’s whole Body was in pain, a tremendous wound Appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split And the bone-lappings burst. Beowulf was granted The glory of winning; Grendel was driven Under the fen banks, fatally hurt, To his desolate lair.
Beowulf grasps Grendel so fiercely that the only way Grendel can escape is by leaving behind his arm and hand after his arm is wrenched out of its socket.
-
Uncle and nephew
Hrothgar and Hrothulf
-
Guthlaf and Oslaf
half-Dane thanes
-
Placed on his lap Dazle-the -Duel,
a symbol of Danish retribution against the Frisians?
-
For long here in this earthly life 1060 Will enjoy and endure more than enough
Whatever amount of time you live on Earth will have its ups and downs and everything will be worth it.
-
“We belong by birth to the Geat people 260 And owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac. In my day, my father was a famous man, A noble warrior name Ecgtheow.
Beowulf is very devoted to his own king Hygelac, but was also born with respect for his father’s actions.
-
Away with a will in their wood-wreathed ship. Over the waves, with the wind behind her
An alliteration-rich sentence speaks of the majesty with which Beowulf and his men sail.
-
We’d been children together and we grew up Daring ourselves to outdo each other, Boasting and urging each other to risk Our lives on the sea.
An apostrophe here. Beowulf speaking on behalf of Breca who is absent in the epic.
-
A price in gold, was settled for the Geat Grendel had killed cruelly earlier– As he would have killed more, had not mindful God And one man’s daring prevented that doom.
An understatement of the death of one of Beowulf's men as they easily set a price for his death.
-
Oh, cursed is he Who in time of trouble had to thrust his soul In the fire’s embrace, forfeiting help; He has nowhere to turn. But blessed is he Who after death can approach the Lord And find friendship in the Father’s embrace.
The speaker switches from talking about how God blesses people to how God curses people -- an example of a chiasmus.
-
mourned under morning
An alliterative powerfully expresses the poet’s craft.
-
Their mighty prince, The storied leader, sat stricken and helpless, 130 Humiliated by the loss of his guard, Bewildered and stunned
Hrothgar is described as “stricken and helpless,” “bewildered and stunned,” which point to a hopelessness and deflation, as if the king himself is destroyed by the loss of his hall.
-
sea’s flood
This kenning refers to the sea's tide.
-
balm
preparation applied externally for soothing
-
Then it fell to Beow to keep the forts.
an ironic understatement from a laconic speaker
-
Their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts They remembered Hell.
This quotes shows the people once again putting all their faith in god save them from the terrors of Grendel.
-
A crew of seamen who sailed for me once With a gift-cargo across to Geatland Returned with marvelous tales about him: A thane, they declared, with the strength of thirty 380 In the grip of each hand.
Beowulf’s strength is described as non-human, making it clear that he is an epic hero with super strength.
-
Grendel was the name of this grim demon Haunting the marches, marauding round the heath And the desolate fens
This sentence shows Grendel's evil-natured character.
-
Afterwards a boy-child was born to Shield, A cub in the yard, a comfort sent By God to that nation. He knew what they had tholed, The long times and troubles they’d come through Without a leader; so the Lord of Life, The glorious Almighty, made this man renowned. Shield had fathered a famous son
God plays a large part in the story. All acts of heroism that prove successful are attributed to having received some form of divine assistance.
-