The Social World of Beowulf Flashcards
When was Beowulf likely written?
At the moment seems trend seems to be to date it to the long eighth century
Seems to depict courtly life closer to to Mercian hegemony than post-unification England
How should we view the text in this module?
As an idealised presentation of elite society (Kings, queens, and their retainers
What might be one thing that makes Grendel evil/feared?
He would not “stop his death-dealing nor pay the death-price”
Wergild? Bloodfeud go on forever?
Grendel’s mother takes up the feud when Grendel killed
What may be an indicator of the significance of a retinue?
With reference to “ring-Danes”, the “mighty Prince” “humiliated by the loss of his guard”
Might it be more significant for a prince (aetheling) cos needs to build up prowess and that?
What is important to note about the movement of young men (nobles)?
They would go to a different court to make a name and accumulate wealth (their claims would be for elsewhere)
Maybe why beowulf went to aid king having problems with grendel
Might announcing your presence to those who own the land be important?
Yes
Think laws of foreigners needing to stay on roads
Also, “Never before has a force under arms
Disembarked so openly - not bothering to ask
if the sentries allowed them safe passage
or the clan had consented…”
What might indicate both the importance of ancestry and the frequency of young men going to different courts?
Beowulf “is no mere hanger-on in hero’s armour”
Or all the gear no idea
Some British names in Beowulf?
Wealh - the legendary Sigemund’s father
Beowulf’s dad = Ecgtheow/Ecgwela? (theow=slave?)
Queen Wealhtheow = Roman slave
What might be the greatest measure of someone at this time?
Memory - People remember B’s father well
Also much oral practice of law and that
What is one philosophy kings may have feared (hence frequency in the laws)?
“It is always better
to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning”
Remember this poem idealised
What may indicate the importance of a lord rewarding his followers; and being wise and a man upholding justice?
Heremond was a bad king who was blood thirsty and didnt give rings
Hrothgar’s generosity made him a “peerless king”
Beowulf given 7,000 hides and hall and throne by Hygelac
Suggests 7,000 the notional value of a kingdom or something
The importance of holding land?
“he gave me land
and the security land brings” - Beowulf
What role might a king’s widow play?
Giving regalia to the next king (also seen in 11thCE Germany)
What role did a king’s stister’s son play in court?
Likely the right hand man of the king (in Med texts) cos they dont stand to inherit from the king
V. bizarre that Beowulf (who is a Sister’s son) become king - but everyone else dead plus drama of the story
