- Jun 2019
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.comSir Orfeo22
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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
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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.
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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
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Ever she strove to flee away.
Wait, did she just run away? where did she go? This is getting more and more confusing
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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?
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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.
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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
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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
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bourgeoning,
begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish
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bowers
a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood.
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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
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demesne
land attached to a manor and retained for the owner's own use.
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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?
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trow,
think or believe.
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A better harper none could find.
WOW, seems like the king is talented as well
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the king himself would play,
This king seems to be very humble and grounded
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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.
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And in his time a mighty man,
Sir Orfeo already seems to be a respected person
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gaily
in a cheerful or lighthearted way.
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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
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mirth,
amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
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Some are of weal, and some of woe,
Somewhat rhyming.
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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gallant
brave; heroic
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hough he was cut deep, he recovered again.
How? This seems very godly
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The old hero Still did not flinch,
This makes him look very heroic and fearless
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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.
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prowess
skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
or
bravery in battle
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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.
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There was no way Beowulf could manage to get the better Of the monster with his sword. Wiglaf sits At Beowulf’s side, the son of Weohstan,
This makes Beowulf look heroic because it is stated the task of beating this monster was hard and nearly impossible but Beowulf still attempted it and never backed down.
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Die than live a life of shame.”
This is also a strong statement that is also said and rephrased now in our times.
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From the young warrior to the ones who had been cowards.
wow. This is a pretty harsh statement towards the people who he is talking to.
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Much as he wanted to, there was no way He could preserve his lord’s life on earth
Shows great respect and love that he has for his lord
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Big and brave as they may have been, Few who would have held out if they had had to face The outpourings of that poison-breather
Very admirable
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pyre
a heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony
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The old lord gazed sadly at the gold.
Is he realizing that of it is going to be gone once he passes?
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How easily treasure Buried in the ground, gold hidden However skillfully, can escape from any man!
Not sure about what the last sentence in the paragraph mean. Is it saying that all the riches can leave or escape easily because once you die its all gone? Because now the gold and treasure are there but who owns them now and who will own them in the future. Gives you a good sense of all material things in life being temporary.
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Now is the time when I would have wanted 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. For fifty years I ruled this nation. No king Of any neighboring clan would dare Face me with troops, none had the power To intimidate me. I took what came,
This section of his speech can come off kind of arrogant at first.
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Beowulf spoke: in spite of his wounds, Mortal wounds, he still spoke For he well knew his days in the world Had been lived out to the end: his allotted time Was drawing to a close, death was very near.
This is actually sad, but then this is also admirable because it says that Beowulf still speaks even though he is wounded and hurt and about to die.
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noble son of Weohstan Saw the king in danger at his side And displayed his inborn bravery and strength. He left the head alone, but his fighting hand Was burned when he came to his kinsman’s aid. He lunged at the enemy lower down So that his decorated sword sank into its belly 2700 And the flames grew weaker. Once again the king Gathered his strength and drew a stabbing knife He carried on his belt, sharpened for battle. He stuck it deep into the dragon’s flank. Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound. They had killed the enemy, courage quelled his life;
This entire section about the son of Weohstan is very heroic and it makes the reader start liking him. But sadly, it makes us like his and admire him more than Beowulf.
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When he yielded a sword, No matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade His hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt (I have heard) would ruin it. He could reap no advantage.
This section makes it clear that Beowulf is not the best with the fight in war. The description of the sword being useless no matter how good really emphasizes his lack in skill.
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reap
Receive (a reward or benefit) as a consequence of one's own or other people's actions.
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I shall stand by you.”
Immense amount of support is seem for Beowolf from Wiglaf. This adds more emotion to the story and gives a sense of what others feel about Beowolf, and they also make Beowolf very likable.
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Sad at heart, addressing his companions, Wiglaf spoke wise and fluent words:
Seems that Wiglaf is a very respectable person and it is being shown that he is caring as well.
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furled
neatly and securely rolled or folded up.
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flashed and slashed
great rhyming, adds more emphasis to the action
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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bulwark
a person, institution, or principle that acts as a defense
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gorget,
an article of clothing that covered the throat.
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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
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mead
an alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water.
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Heroic Beowulf
Love the respect that Beowulf gets attached to his name now.
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stinted
supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something).
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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
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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.
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For a brief while your strength is in bloom But it fades quickly; and soon there will follow
This is very powerful
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Heremod w
This guy just seems like an asshole. But this paragraph shows how his life ended in suffer, kind of like karma.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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weapon was to prove its worth
Personification of a weapon once again. Ive noticed a lot of that throughout this story so far.
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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.
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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.
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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"
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And suddenly discovered the dismal wood, Mountain trees growing out at an angle Above gray stones: the bloodshot water Surged underneath.
sounds dark
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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?
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keshes
where cold streams.
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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.
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resplendent
attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
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With wine in splendid jugs
Drinking was mentioned several times in this story so I'm guessing that is was a way of life for them
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blood-sullen
Gruesome
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Hoc’s daughter– How could she not Lament her fate When morning came And the light broke On her murdered dears? And so farewell Delight on earth, War carried away 1080 Finn’s troop of thanes, All but a few.
Okay so why did the format of the story change?
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They sang then and played to please the hero, Words and music for their warrior prince, Harp tunes and tales of adventure:
Wow, that does seem very nice and elegant party, or commemoration.
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. But death is not easily Escaped from by anyone: All of us with souls, earth-dwellers And children of men, must make our way To a destination already ordained Where the body, after the banqueting, Sleeps on its deathbed.
Very powerful and seems that has a religious aspect in a way. Seems that faith plays a huge role in this entire story.
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I have often honored smaller achievements, 950 Recognized warriors not nearly as worthy, Lavished rewards on the less deserving. But you have made yourself immortal By your glorious action. May the Lord of Ages Continue to keep and requite you well.”
This makes Beowulf seem that he is more worthy than the other men. But these words are very nice to hear and its great that now Beowulf is getting the recognition that he deserves for defeating Grendel all by himself
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But nit came to pass that his sword plunged Right through those radiant scales 890 And drove into the wall. The dragon died of it. His daring had given him total possession Of the treasure hoard , his to dispose of However he liked. He loaded a boat: Wael’s son weighted her hold With dazzling spoils. The hot dragon melted.
This entire section was well described and made a great image in head as well as dramatized everything.
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chestnut horses
Brown horses? lol its just funny how this there, it almost seems that it has no purpose but I am sure it does. Maybe for dicription
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ignominious
deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.
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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.
Is it just me or are these sentences all super short and fragmented? If so, I wonder what the purpose of that way for. Emphasis or something?
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He would rip life from limp and devour them,
Okay, wow. That sounds very gruesome, but great detailed descriptions
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Wealhtheow, His queen and bedmate.
Interesting how they used the word "bedmate" is this applying they are sexually active or they just go to bed together? Its just interesting how they put that there while describing her.
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So for all your cleverness and quick tongue, You will suffer damnation in the pits of hell.
Unferth in other words is being called a coward and being cursed because he was cowardly in his ways of not helping or fighting in any battle.
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desolate
(of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.
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my sword had killed
Personification once again
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The sleep of the sword,
Personification I think is what this is called? An object can't sleep so it is being personified.
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filigree
ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery.
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beer
LOL interesting to see that these people seemed to drink openly, or it seems that way. I wonder if this was a norm back in the day for everyone or just for those who were wealthy
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Heathoreams
What does this even mean? I tried looking it up but still couldn't understand it.
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“Are you the Beowulf who took on Breca In a swimming match on the open sea, Risking the water just to prove you could win? It was sheer vanity made you venture out
This also shows more heroism but also gives the understanding that his battles are well known.
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No need then 450 To lament for long or lay out my body: If the battle takes me, send back
This text clearly shows the bravery and heroism that he has to not worry about the results of this event
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Now Holy God Has, in His Goodness, guided him here To the West-Danes, to defend us from Grendel. This is my hope; and for his heroism I will recompense him with a rich treasure.
Hrothgar has recognized his bravery to come defend them from Grendel and has decided to respond to his message with embrace
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The valiant follower stood four-square In front of his king: he knew the courtesies.
The mood of the text showed that passing the message was formal and conventional
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Stoutness of heart,
Having a courageous or stubborn heart
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Above their cheek-guards, the brightly forged Work of goldsmiths, watching over Those stern-faced men
The men could see the people with a slight glance watching them from their ship
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What’s more, I’ll order my own comrades On their word of honor to watch your boat
It is very clear that he has trust in his companions to protect his boat
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I have never seen so impressive or large
It is clear that their appearance has a lot of character and is pretty impressive.
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Those stern-faced men
How does someone have a stern face? How can you tell what a stern face even looks like? Ive always heard of a stern personality but not a stern look. I wonder if the men have straight faces, or mean faces
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This corpse-maker mongering death
very heavy language use as far as making things more dramatic
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sentries
a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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
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The hall of halls. Heorot was the name
The hall of halls? What does that even mean?
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50
Just now noticing these numbers increasing by 10 in each sentence. What does this mean? Is it the age?
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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
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bountifully
bountifully: giving generously
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By God to that nation.
Could be religious text or the writer is more than likely religious.
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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.
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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
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So
Interesting. Ive never seen a large piece of text start with the word "so".
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