51. "They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame." (3180).
It's a warrior's job to be the keenest to win, not a king's job. So this shows that Beowulf was more greatest as a warrior than a king.
52. "They let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, gold under gravel, gone to earth, as useless to men now as it ever was." (3166-3169).
Beowulf thought he was leaving his people with all this gold and that the nation would survive because of it, but he is instead buried with it, so the gold is useful to no one.
53. "A Geat woman too sang out in grief; with hair bound up, she unburdened herself of her worst fears, a wild litany of nightmare and lament; her nation invaded, enemies on the rampage, bodies in piles, slavery and abasement. Heaven swallowed the smoke." (3150-3155).
Women and children go through the aftermath of war. They become slaves to the other nation.
54. "...but the raven winging darkly over the doomed will have news, tidings for eagle of how he hoked and ate, how the wolf and he made short work of the dead." (3028-3030).
Raven, eagle, and wolf are all symbols of doom.
55. "...once princes from beyond get tidings of how you turned and fled and disgraced yourselves. A warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame." (2888-2890).
Once other nations hear of Beowulf's death, the Geat nation will die off. If they didn't defeat the dragon, the Geat nation would survive.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
The Seafarer Essay
6) Interpret the imagery of sea and birds and discuss what it means in relation to the journey.
As the seafarer travels along harsh winter seas, he sees evidence of nature, particularly in the sea, and birds that fly above. Unfortunately, nature seems to be a poor substitute for the human companionship that he has left behind back on land. But still, the seafarer feels a sort of connection to nature, and the imagery of the sea and birds help reinforce this theme.
The seafarer mentions many birds that he sees on his journey and that bring him great comfort, greater comfort than a mead hall. One of these birds is a swan, he mentions "At times the swan's song
I took to myself as pleasure," (line 20). The symbolic meaning of the swam is an appearance in our lives as an arrow pointing to our dreamier depths and feelings. Furthermore, we get the sense of balance from swan meaning as it lives harmoniously amongst three of the four Aristotelian elements. The swan may also bear messages of love and relationships.When the swan glides upon the waters of our awareness, it might be a symbol of love, and a reminder of the blessings found in our relationships. So when the seafarer hears this song of the swan he might be reminded of his fellow kinsmen on land.
I took to myself as pleasure," (line 20). The symbolic meaning of the swam is an appearance in our lives as an arrow pointing to our dreamier depths and feelings. Furthermore, we get the sense of balance from swan meaning as it lives harmoniously amongst three of the four Aristotelian elements. The swan may also bear messages of love and relationships.When the swan glides upon the waters of our awareness, it might be a symbol of love, and a reminder of the blessings found in our relationships. So when the seafarer hears this song of the swan he might be reminded of his fellow kinsmen on land.
The sea is a huge imagery in this poem as it's the entire first part. The seafarer mentions that if you exiled yourself on the sea you face more hardships than you would on land. He mentions that
"I can make a true song, about me myself,tell my travels,how I often endured days of struggle,of troublesome times, [how I] have suffered ,grim sorrow at heart.." (lines 1-7). The seafarer goes through hardships and doesn't miss the mead or laughter of men, he has become one with himself, or one with nature, due to this journey.
As the seafarer travels along harsh winter seas, he becomes one with nature. The seafarer doesn't miss the human companionship that he has left behind back on land. But still, the seafarer thinks about those glory days and faces his hardships now.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Beowulf - Four Funeral Notes
1st - Shield Sheafson (beginning)
-Buried at sea in a boat with treasure.
- He creates the Danish dynasty by conquering other people.
2nd - Hildeburgh's brother and son (roughly 1/4 into the poem)
- Brother and son burned on a pyre
- This shows the lose of life in warfare and how it affects the survivors (particularly the women).
3rd - The Last Survivor (roughly 1/4 from the end)
- The treasure of a people is buried under ground by the only survivor a group of people (a nation) who has been killed in battle.
4th - Beowulf's funeral (end)
- Burned on a pyre and buried in a rock mound (called Beowulf's barrow)
-He is burned with the dragon's treasure.
-His death is the end (or the beginning of the end) of the Geat nation.
-Buried at sea in a boat with treasure.
- He creates the Danish dynasty by conquering other people.
2nd - Hildeburgh's brother and son (roughly 1/4 into the poem)
- Brother and son burned on a pyre
- This shows the lose of life in warfare and how it affects the survivors (particularly the women).
3rd - The Last Survivor (roughly 1/4 from the end)
- The treasure of a people is buried under ground by the only survivor a group of people (a nation) who has been killed in battle.
4th - Beowulf's funeral (end)
- Burned on a pyre and buried in a rock mound (called Beowulf's barrow)
-He is burned with the dragon's treasure.
-His death is the end (or the beginning of the end) of the Geat nation.
Words of the Day #5
Sybarite - a person devoted to luxury and pleasure; noun
The sybarite was not looking forward to spending a day picking up trash off the streets.
Gustatory - of or relating to taste or tasting; adj.
Gustatory - of or relating to taste or tasting; adj.
The gustatory of the steak made my stomach sick the next morning.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #46-50
46. "All were endangered; young and old were hunted down by that dark death-shadow who lurked and swooped in the long nights on the misty moors; nobody knows where these reavers from hell roam on their errands." (159-163)
Grendel's rampages seem more sinister than regular murders because of his uncanny ability to come and go unseen in the night.
47. "Shield was still thriving when his time came and he crossed over into the Lord's keeping.
His warrior band did what he bade them when he laid down the law among the Danes: they shouldered him out to the sea's flood, the chief they revered who had long ruled them A ring-whorled prow rode in the harbour, ice-clad, outbound, a craft for a prince. They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear." (26-37)
Beowulf begins with death – with the description of the lavish burial-at-sea of the Danish king, Shield Sheafson. This is the first funeral scene in the epic, but it certainly won't be the last. It lets us know right away that how a man dies and how he is buried reflects on who he was when he was alive.
48. "This formal boast by Beowulf the Geat pleased the lady well and she went to sit by Hrothgar, regal and arrayed with gold." (639-641)
You might get irritated when people around you make boasts, but for Beowulf and the warriors around him, doing so is an important traditional part of their culture.
49. "Meanwhile, a thane of the king's household, a carrier of tales, a traditional singer deeply schooled in the lore of the past, linked a new theme to a strict metre. The man started to recite with skill, rehearsing Beowulf's triumphs and feats in well-fashioned lines, entwining his words." (866-873)
Immediately after Beowulf's fight with Grendel, the Danish minstrel begins composing a song, using established poetic clichés, about his great deeds. The composition of new ballads celebrating local heroes was traditional in medieval Scandinavian culture.
50. "Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armour." (244-251)
Beowulf's identity as a hero is obvious to the Danish coast-guard just from looking at him. He's not just an impostor; he's the real thing, and he seems to have "realness" radiating off of him.
Grendel's rampages seem more sinister than regular murders because of his uncanny ability to come and go unseen in the night.
47. "Shield was still thriving when his time came and he crossed over into the Lord's keeping.
His warrior band did what he bade them when he laid down the law among the Danes: they shouldered him out to the sea's flood, the chief they revered who had long ruled them A ring-whorled prow rode in the harbour, ice-clad, outbound, a craft for a prince. They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear." (26-37)
Beowulf begins with death – with the description of the lavish burial-at-sea of the Danish king, Shield Sheafson. This is the first funeral scene in the epic, but it certainly won't be the last. It lets us know right away that how a man dies and how he is buried reflects on who he was when he was alive.
48. "This formal boast by Beowulf the Geat pleased the lady well and she went to sit by Hrothgar, regal and arrayed with gold." (639-641)
You might get irritated when people around you make boasts, but for Beowulf and the warriors around him, doing so is an important traditional part of their culture.
49. "Meanwhile, a thane of the king's household, a carrier of tales, a traditional singer deeply schooled in the lore of the past, linked a new theme to a strict metre. The man started to recite with skill, rehearsing Beowulf's triumphs and feats in well-fashioned lines, entwining his words." (866-873)
Immediately after Beowulf's fight with Grendel, the Danish minstrel begins composing a song, using established poetic clichés, about his great deeds. The composition of new ballads celebrating local heroes was traditional in medieval Scandinavian culture.
50. "Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero's armour." (244-251)
Beowulf's identity as a hero is obvious to the Danish coast-guard just from looking at him. He's not just an impostor; he's the real thing, and he seems to have "realness" radiating off of him.
Words of the Day #5
Conundrum - a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words; noun
Sal loves solving conundrums, but only when she is in a good mood.
Referendum - the principle or practice of referring measures proposed or passed by a legislative body, head of state, etc., to the vote of the electorate for approval or rejection; noun
The referendum of decrease in taxes was veto by the President, because he thought tax needed to be increased.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Words of the Day #4
Contumacious - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; adj.
Jane lectures Jake daily about his contumacious nature of doing chores.
Jollity - merry mood, condition, or activity; noun
Jollity - merry mood, condition, or activity; noun
Around Christmas time the atmosphere is always jollity.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #41-45
41. "The battle-famed king, bulwark of his earls, ordered a gold-chased heirloom of Hrethel's to be brought in; it was the best example of a gem-studded sword in the Geat treasury. This he laid on Beowulf's lap and then rewarded him with land as well, seven thousand hides, and a hall and a throne. Both owned land by birth in that country, ancestral grounds; but the greater right and sway were inherited by the higher born." (2190-2199)
Beowulf and King Hygelac (whose father, Hrethel, owned the sword described in the passage) are both lords – they both "owned land by birth in that country," Geatland. However, Hygelac has a slightly more higher up family, so he has the right to be king over Beowulf, even though they're about equally rich.
42. "'Order my troop to construct a barrow on a headland on the coast, after my pyre has cooled. It will loom on the horizon at Hronesness and be a reminder among my people – so that in coming times crews under sail will call it Beowulf's Barrow, as they steer ships across the wide and shrouded waters.'" (2802-2808)
The building of barrows, is a traditional way for Scandinavian and European tribes in the Middle Ages to commemorate great men and women after their deaths.
43. "'So this bad blood between us and the Swedes, this vicious feud, I am convinced, is bound to revive; they will cross our borders and attack in force when they find out that Beowulf is dead.'" (2999-3003)
Blood feuds were a traditional. Every time a man from one tribe kills a man from another tribe, it's possible that the revenge killings will eventually escalate into a full-scale war. At the end of Beowulf, a Geatish messenger predicts that, with the strong king Beowulf dead, another blood feud will break out between the Geats and their rival tribe, the Swedes.
44. "Then twelve warriors rode around the tomb, chieftain's sons, champions in battle, all of them distraught, chanting in dirges, mourning his loss as a man and a king. They extolled his heroic nature and exploits; which was the proper thing, for a man should praise a prince whom he holds dear and cherish his memory when that moment comes when he has to be conveyed from his bodily home." (3169-3177)
Beowulf's lords celebrate his life by retelling the stories of his great deeds, a traditional way of mourning and preserving the memory of a great man at the same time.
45. "The water was infested with all kinds of reptiles. There were writhing sea-dragons and monsters slouching on slopes by the cliff, serpents and wild things such as those that often surface at dawn to roam the sail-road and doom the voyage." (1425-1430)
It's interesting that the sea monsters that infest the lake where Grendel's mother lives are just thrown in for atmosphere. Beowulf doesn't really have to fight them and they don't pose a very important threat.
Beowulf and King Hygelac (whose father, Hrethel, owned the sword described in the passage) are both lords – they both "owned land by birth in that country," Geatland. However, Hygelac has a slightly more higher up family, so he has the right to be king over Beowulf, even though they're about equally rich.
42. "'Order my troop to construct a barrow on a headland on the coast, after my pyre has cooled. It will loom on the horizon at Hronesness and be a reminder among my people – so that in coming times crews under sail will call it Beowulf's Barrow, as they steer ships across the wide and shrouded waters.'" (2802-2808)
The building of barrows, is a traditional way for Scandinavian and European tribes in the Middle Ages to commemorate great men and women after their deaths.
43. "'So this bad blood between us and the Swedes, this vicious feud, I am convinced, is bound to revive; they will cross our borders and attack in force when they find out that Beowulf is dead.'" (2999-3003)
Blood feuds were a traditional. Every time a man from one tribe kills a man from another tribe, it's possible that the revenge killings will eventually escalate into a full-scale war. At the end of Beowulf, a Geatish messenger predicts that, with the strong king Beowulf dead, another blood feud will break out between the Geats and their rival tribe, the Swedes.
44. "Then twelve warriors rode around the tomb, chieftain's sons, champions in battle, all of them distraught, chanting in dirges, mourning his loss as a man and a king. They extolled his heroic nature and exploits; which was the proper thing, for a man should praise a prince whom he holds dear and cherish his memory when that moment comes when he has to be conveyed from his bodily home." (3169-3177)
Beowulf's lords celebrate his life by retelling the stories of his great deeds, a traditional way of mourning and preserving the memory of a great man at the same time.
45. "The water was infested with all kinds of reptiles. There were writhing sea-dragons and monsters slouching on slopes by the cliff, serpents and wild things such as those that often surface at dawn to roam the sail-road and doom the voyage." (1425-1430)
It's interesting that the sea monsters that infest the lake where Grendel's mother lives are just thrown in for atmosphere. Beowulf doesn't really have to fight them and they don't pose a very important threat.
Words of the Day #3
Surly - churlishly rude or bad-tempered; adj.
Sally warned me not to hug the surly cat, but I did anyway and got a nasty scratch.
Surreptitious - obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; adj.
Surreptitious - obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; adj.
A lot of people think the government have surreptitious UFOs in a federal land somewhere in Ohio.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Words of the Day #2
Bellicose - inclined or eager to fight; adj.
The bellicose boxer broke the rules and threw the first punch before the bell dinged.
Gregarious - fond of the company of others; adj.
Gregarious - fond of the company of others; adj.
Sally is a gregarious cat that can always be found with her other cat friends in the alley way at night.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #39-40
39. "Inspired again by the thought of glory, the war-king threw his whole strength behind a sword-stroke and connected with the skull. And Naegling snapped. Beowulf's ancient iron-grey sword let him down in the fight. It was never his fortune to be helped in combat by the cutting edge of weapons made in iron. When he wielded 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." (2677-2687)
Swords snap, melt, and otherwise fail their owners. During Beowulf's final battle with the dragon, it's explained that our hero is just too strong for the blades of the swords forged by men.
40. "The old lord gazed sadly at the gold. 'To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die.'" (2793-2798)
As he dies, Beowulf seems to feel conflicted about the treasure that he has won from the dragon. On the other hand, he is glad that he's leaving a great deal of wealth to the Geat people, which should lend power and authority to their nation. On the other-other hand, he looks at the gold "sadly," suggesting that he doubts whether it was worth sacrificing his life for it.
Swords snap, melt, and otherwise fail their owners. During Beowulf's final battle with the dragon, it's explained that our hero is just too strong for the blades of the swords forged by men.
40. "The old lord gazed sadly at the gold. 'To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die.'" (2793-2798)
As he dies, Beowulf seems to feel conflicted about the treasure that he has won from the dragon. On the other hand, he is glad that he's leaving a great deal of wealth to the Geat people, which should lend power and authority to their nation. On the other-other hand, he looks at the gold "sadly," suggesting that he doubts whether it was worth sacrificing his life for it.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #37-38
37. "'Order my troop to construct a barrow on a headland on the coast, after my pyre has cooled. It will loom on the horizon at Hronesness and be a reminder among my people – so that in coming times crews under sail will call it Beowulf's Barrow, as they steer ships across the wide and shrouded waters.'" (2802-2808)
The symbol of Beowulf's successful establishment of an identity as a warrior and a king is his memorial, Beowulf's Barrow.
38. "'I would rather not use a weapon if I knew another way to grapple with the dragon and make good my boast as I did against Grendel in days gone by. But I shall be meeting molten venom in the fire he breathes, so I go forth in mail-shirt and a shield.'" (2518-2524)
Beowulf is careful to explain why he allows himself the advantage of armor and weapons in his battle with the dragon: it's because the dragon has its own special advantages: poisonous venom and the ability to breathe fire. It's not enough for Beowulf to battle the dragon. He has to emphasize that, in doing so, he really is meeting the creature on a level playing field, demonstrating his own strength and prowess, not just using better weapons.
The symbol of Beowulf's successful establishment of an identity as a warrior and a king is his memorial, Beowulf's Barrow.
38. "'I would rather not use a weapon if I knew another way to grapple with the dragon and make good my boast as I did against Grendel in days gone by. But I shall be meeting molten venom in the fire he breathes, so I go forth in mail-shirt and a shield.'" (2518-2524)
Beowulf is careful to explain why he allows himself the advantage of armor and weapons in his battle with the dragon: it's because the dragon has its own special advantages: poisonous venom and the ability to breathe fire. It's not enough for Beowulf to battle the dragon. He has to emphasize that, in doing so, he really is meeting the creature on a level playing field, demonstrating his own strength and prowess, not just using better weapons.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #35-36
35. "'The treasures that Hygelac lavished on me I paid for when 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.'" (2490-2494)
Beowulf explains his relationship to King Hygelac. Hygelac gives him land and wealth, and Beowulf gives Hygelac his loyalty and service in battle in return. They're also foster brothers. Yet, somehow, the money-and-land-for-fighting relationship is more important to Beowulf than the family ties.
36. "Beowulf spoke, made a formal boast for the last time: 'I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the 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.'" (2510-2515)
Beowulf makes sure that he's continuing to add to his reputation and fame by his brave deeds. As he faces death, he sustains himself by continuing to think about the name that he's made for himself.
Beowulf explains his relationship to King Hygelac. Hygelac gives him land and wealth, and Beowulf gives Hygelac his loyalty and service in battle in return. They're also foster brothers. Yet, somehow, the money-and-land-for-fighting relationship is more important to Beowulf than the family ties.
36. "Beowulf spoke, made a formal boast for the last time: 'I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the 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.'" (2510-2515)
Beowulf makes sure that he's continuing to add to his reputation and fame by his brave deeds. As he faces death, he sustains himself by continuing to think about the name that he's made for himself.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #33-34
33. "After many trials, he was destined to face the end of his days in this mortal world; as was the dragon, for all his long leasehold on the treasure." (2341-2344)
The final battle between good and evil in Beowulf. Beowulf destroys the dragon, but receives his death in the process. Without Beowulf, the Geats will be attacked from all sides, and I wonder whether his heroic deeds have really created any lasting good in the world.
34. "At seven, I was fostered out by my father, left in the charge of my people's lord. King Hrethel kept me and took care of me, was open-handed, behaved like a kinsman. While I was his ward, he treated me no worse as a wean about the place than one of his own boys." (2428-2433)
It's interesting to notice that we don't hear about Beowulf's childhood until the very end of the epic. The fact that Beowulf was raised as a foster son by King Hrethel probably seems really important; but Beowulf's deeds as an adult are more important than his youth.
The final battle between good and evil in Beowulf. Beowulf destroys the dragon, but receives his death in the process. Without Beowulf, the Geats will be attacked from all sides, and I wonder whether his heroic deeds have really created any lasting good in the world.
34. "At seven, I was fostered out by my father, left in the charge of my people's lord. King Hrethel kept me and took care of me, was open-handed, behaved like a kinsman. While I was his ward, he treated me no worse as a wean about the place than one of his own boys." (2428-2433)
It's interesting to notice that we don't hear about Beowulf's childhood until the very end of the epic. The fact that Beowulf was raised as a foster son by King Hrethel probably seems really important; but Beowulf's deeds as an adult are more important than his youth.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #31-32
31. "It threw the hero into deep anguish and darkened his mood: the wise man thought he must have thwarted ancient ordinance of the eternal Lord, broken His commandment." (2327-2331)
Beowulf's downfall is a punishment for breaking divine law. Everything seems to be extremely significant, and God appears to manage every detail of human life.
32. "Thus Beowulf bore himself with valour; he was formidable in battle yet behaved with honour and took no advantage."(2177-2179)
Beowulf is not just good at fighting – he's also a good person. He doesn't take undue advantage of his enemies or his friends.
Beowulf's downfall is a punishment for breaking divine law. Everything seems to be extremely significant, and God appears to manage every detail of human life.
32. "Thus Beowulf bore himself with valour; he was formidable in battle yet behaved with honour and took no advantage."(2177-2179)
Beowulf is not just good at fighting – he's also a good person. He doesn't take undue advantage of his enemies or his friends.
Old English Translation Lines 990-1000
At the time was commanded quickly inside within Heort to adoren very much many art if the was
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #29-30
29. "She came to Heorot. There, inside the hall, Danes lay asleep, earls who would soon endure a great reversal, once Grendel's mother attacked and entered. Her onslaught was less only by as much as an amazon warrior's strength is less than an armed man's when the hefted sword, its hammered edge and gleaming blade slathered in blood, razes the sturdy boar-ridge off a helmet."(1279-1287)
The narrator reminds us that she's a vicious, violent, unbelievably strong opponent. She's compared to an Amazon, a member of a mythical tribe of female warriors in Greek mythology. Fighting Grendel's mother is like fighting an Amazon, whereas fighting Grendel is like fighting a male warrior.
30. "Then Halfdane's son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also breast-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high, that was both precious object and token of honour. So Beowulf drank his drink, at ease; it was hardly a shame to be showered with such gifts in front of the hall-troops." (1019-1026)
Hrothgar pays him in treasures, armor, and horses. Medieval tribes like the Danes and Geats insure that warriors will be loyal to kings by constantly rewarding those warriors with gold, jewels, and other loot.
The narrator reminds us that she's a vicious, violent, unbelievably strong opponent. She's compared to an Amazon, a member of a mythical tribe of female warriors in Greek mythology. Fighting Grendel's mother is like fighting an Amazon, whereas fighting Grendel is like fighting a male warrior.
30. "Then Halfdane's son presented Beowulf with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also breast-mail and a helmet; and a sword carried high, that was both precious object and token of honour. So Beowulf drank his drink, at ease; it was hardly a shame to be showered with such gifts in front of the hall-troops." (1019-1026)
Hrothgar pays him in treasures, armor, and horses. Medieval tribes like the Danes and Geats insure that warriors will be loyal to kings by constantly rewarding those warriors with gold, jewels, and other loot.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #27-28
27. "Hygelac's kinsman kept thinking about his name and fame: he never lost heart." (1529-1530)
People always want to know what inspires heroes, athletes, and great leaders – what sustains them, emotionally and mentally. In Beowulf's case, it's the thought of his reputation.
28. "'Be acclaimed for strength, for kindly guidance to these two boys, and your bounty will be sure.'" (1219-1220)
Queen Wealhtheow praises Beowulf for defeating Grendel and asks him to remember the rights of her sons in the Danish kingdom. It's particularly interesting that Wealhtheow equates "strength" with "kindly guidance".
People always want to know what inspires heroes, athletes, and great leaders – what sustains them, emotionally and mentally. In Beowulf's case, it's the thought of his reputation.
28. "'Be acclaimed for strength, for kindly guidance to these two boys, and your bounty will be sure.'" (1219-1220)
Queen Wealhtheow praises Beowulf for defeating Grendel and asks him to remember the rights of her sons in the Danish kingdom. It's particularly interesting that Wealhtheow equates "strength" with "kindly guidance".
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #25-26
25. "The monster wrenched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favour. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute. "(1269-1274)
Beowulf is victorious because of his own strength and prowess, because of God's favor, or because he's fated to be on the side of good. Grendel doesn't have a chance.
Beowulf is victorious because of his own strength and prowess, because of God's favor, or because he's fated to be on the side of good. Grendel doesn't have a chance.
26. "'I have wrested the hilt from the enemies' hand, avenged the evil done to the Danes; it is what was due.'" (1668-1670)
Good is not just the opposite of evil – good is actually the process of avenging evil that has been done in the past. That's a dangerous belief, because it leads to unending feuds and wars among the different tribes.
Good is not just the opposite of evil – good is actually the process of avenging evil that has been done in the past. That's a dangerous belief, because it leads to unending feuds and wars among the different tribes.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #23-24
23. "It is a great wonder how Almighty God in His magnificence favours our race with rank and scope and the gift of wisdom; His sway is wide. Sometimes he allows the mind of a man of distinguished birth to follow its bent, grants him fulfillment and felicity on earth and forts to command in his own country." (1724-1731)
Every fate is ordained by God. If a king rules his people well and consistently, it's not necessarily because he's skilled, but because God has allowed his skills to flourish.
24. "Inside Heorot there was nothing but friendship. The Shielding nation was not yet familiar with feud and betrayal." (1016-8)
Most of the time, the "evil" in Beowulf consists of inherently depraved fantastic creatures – demons like Grendel, sea monsters, and dragons. Occasionally, however, we get hints that another kind of evil could come from inter-tribal feuding.
Every fate is ordained by God. If a king rules his people well and consistently, it's not necessarily because he's skilled, but because God has allowed his skills to flourish.
24. "Inside Heorot there was nothing but friendship. The Shielding nation was not yet familiar with feud and betrayal." (1016-8)
Most of the time, the "evil" in Beowulf consists of inherently depraved fantastic creatures – demons like Grendel, sea monsters, and dragons. Occasionally, however, we get hints that another kind of evil could come from inter-tribal feuding.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #21-22
21. "The monster wrenched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favour. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute." (1269-1274)
Beowulf is not give all the credit for his victory against Grendel; if God hadn't wanted Beowulf to win, he reminds us, then he wouldn't win. Religious faith means being willing to be a little more humble and a little less boastful.
22. "Hrothgar spoke; he examined the hilt, the 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. They suffered a terrible severance from the Lord; the Almighty made the waters rise, drowned them in the deluge for retribution." (1687-1693)
It's describes the engraved hilt of the sword that Beowulf brings up from Grendel's mother's lair, it's a strange mixture of pagan legend and Christian story.
Beowulf is not give all the credit for his victory against Grendel; if God hadn't wanted Beowulf to win, he reminds us, then he wouldn't win. Religious faith means being willing to be a little more humble and a little less boastful.
22. "Hrothgar spoke; he examined the hilt, the 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. They suffered a terrible severance from the Lord; the Almighty made the waters rise, drowned them in the deluge for retribution." (1687-1693)
It's describes the engraved hilt of the sword that Beowulf brings up from Grendel's mother's lair, it's a strange mixture of pagan legend and Christian story.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #19-20
19. "'I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend.'" (433-440)
Beowulf makes his battle with Grendel more than a simple slay-the-monster task. By announcing that it will be a hand-to-hand combat, he gains extra glory for himself and the Geatish king, Hygelac, turning the contest into a feat of strength as well as a fight against evil.
20. "Beowulf, Ecgtheow's son, replied: 'Well, friend Unferth, you have had your say about Breca and me. But it was mostly beer that was doing the talking. The truth is this: when the going was heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all.'" (529-534)
Beowulf shows strength even when there isn't an important heroic task to be accomplished. When there aren't demons or dragons to fight, he gets into these, er, "swimming contests" with other warriors and trash talks.
Beowulf makes his battle with Grendel more than a simple slay-the-monster task. By announcing that it will be a hand-to-hand combat, he gains extra glory for himself and the Geatish king, Hygelac, turning the contest into a feat of strength as well as a fight against evil.
20. "Beowulf, Ecgtheow's son, replied: 'Well, friend Unferth, you have had your say about Breca and me. But it was mostly beer that was doing the talking. The truth is this: when the going was heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all.'" (529-534)
Beowulf shows strength even when there isn't an important heroic task to be accomplished. When there aren't demons or dragons to fight, he gets into these, er, "swimming contests" with other warriors and trash talks.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #17-18
17. "'The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen and courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity, attacks on your king, havoc in Heorot and horrors everywhere.'" (590-594)
Beowulf suggests that Unferth shouldn't go around insulting other warriors' courage until he's done something courageous himself.
18. "'Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked.'" (572-573)
Beowulf makes an interesting claim about his description of his swimming contest with Breca. At some points, the narrator reminds us that God determines everyone's fate. But in this passage, Beowulf claims that, if your fate hasn't been decided yet, you can succeed through sheer nerve and courageous behavior.
Beowulf suggests that Unferth shouldn't go around insulting other warriors' courage until he's done something courageous himself.
18. "'Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked.'" (572-573)
Beowulf makes an interesting claim about his description of his swimming contest with Breca. At some points, the narrator reminds us that God determines everyone's fate. But in this passage, Beowulf claims that, if your fate hasn't been decided yet, you can succeed through sheer nerve and courageous behavior.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #15-16
15. "Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgement by God." (440-441)
Beowulf constantly emphasizes that death comes to everyone at whatever moment God decrees; there is nothing mortal man can do to avoid this eventual fate.
16. "None of them expected he would ever see his homeland again or get back to his native place and the people who reared him. They knew too well the way it was before, how often the Danes had fallen prey to death in the mead-hall." (691-696)
Beowulf doesn't enter into his battle with Grendel expecting to triumph over the demon. Instead, he is able to fight Grendel with courage because he's already accepted that he will probably die in the attempt. This morbid outlook frees him from fear.
Beowulf constantly emphasizes that death comes to everyone at whatever moment God decrees; there is nothing mortal man can do to avoid this eventual fate.
16. "None of them expected he would ever see his homeland again or get back to his native place and the people who reared him. They knew too well the way it was before, how often the Danes had fallen prey to death in the mead-hall." (691-696)
Beowulf doesn't enter into his battle with Grendel expecting to triumph over the demon. Instead, he is able to fight Grendel with courage because he's already accepted that he will probably die in the attempt. This morbid outlook frees him from fear.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #13-14
13. "Time and again, when the goblets passed and seasoned fighters got flushed with beer they would pledge themselves to protect Heorot and wait for Grendel with whetted swords. But when dawn broke and day crept in over each empty, blood-spattered bench, the floor of the mead-hall where they had feasted would be slick with slaughter." (480-487)
In the world of the Spear-Danes, violence alternates with drunken revels and feasting.
14. "When 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. He saw many men in the mansion, sleeping, a ranked company of kinsmen and warriors quartered together. And his glee was demonic, picturing the mayhem: before morning he would rip life from limb and devour them, feed on their flesh." (723-733)
Grendel actually takes pleasure in the details of his murderous assaults on the Danes, suggesting that he values battle for its own sake, rather than for the glory or the gold that he can get as a result of taking part in it.
In the world of the Spear-Danes, violence alternates with drunken revels and feasting.
14. "When 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. He saw many men in the mansion, sleeping, a ranked company of kinsmen and warriors quartered together. And his glee was demonic, picturing the mayhem: before morning he would rip life from limb and devour them, feed on their flesh." (723-733)
Grendel actually takes pleasure in the details of his murderous assaults on the Danes, suggesting that he values battle for its own sake, rather than for the glory or the gold that he can get as a result of taking part in it.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #11-12
11. "Suddenly then the God-cursed brute was creating havoc: greedy and grim, 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." (120-125)
Grendel isn't only a violent murderer. He's also a "greedy" killer, someone who takes the lives of thirty men at one stroke even though he can't pay reparations for their deaths and there seems little reason for him to lash out in this way. Even though the world of the Spear-Danes and Weather-Geats is a brutal medieval battlefield, Grendel's violence stands out because it just doesn't make sense according to their customs.
12. "'If Grendel wins, it will be a gruesome day; he will glut himself on the Geats in the war-hall, swoop without fear on that flower of manhood as on others before. Then my face won't be there to be covered in death: he will carry me away as he goes to ground, gorged and bloodied; he will run gloating with my raw corpse and feed on it alone, in a cruel frenzy, fouling his moor-nest.'" (442-450)
Beowulf imagines, not just the possibility of his death and defeat, but the exact details of his gruesome demise, what his corpse will look like, and what will happen to his body after he is dead.
Grendel isn't only a violent murderer. He's also a "greedy" killer, someone who takes the lives of thirty men at one stroke even though he can't pay reparations for their deaths and there seems little reason for him to lash out in this way. Even though the world of the Spear-Danes and Weather-Geats is a brutal medieval battlefield, Grendel's violence stands out because it just doesn't make sense according to their customs.
12. "'If Grendel wins, it will be a gruesome day; he will glut himself on the Geats in the war-hall, swoop without fear on that flower of manhood as on others before. Then my face won't be there to be covered in death: he will carry me away as he goes to ground, gorged and bloodied; he will run gloating with my raw corpse and feed on it alone, in a cruel frenzy, fouling his moor-nest.'" (442-450)
Beowulf imagines, not just the possibility of his death and defeat, but the exact details of his gruesome demise, what his corpse will look like, and what will happen to his body after he is dead.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #9-10
9. "The Almighty Judge of good deeds and bad, the Lord God, Head of the Heavens and High King of the World, was unknown to them. Oh, cursed is he who in time of trouble had to thrust his soul into 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." (180-188)
The narrator admits that he feels sorry for the pagan ancestors of the Anglo-Saxons, who didn't have the opportunity to turn to a Christian God for help. There's some condescension in this admission, of course, but also a genuine sorrow
10. "But the Lord was weaving a victory on His war-loom for the Weather-Geats." (696-697)
In this image, the poet unites the Christian God with pagan imagery – the loom of fate, on which men's lives are woven. Weaving, spinning, and threads were common metaphors for life and fate in Scandinavian culture. By adopting these traditional pagan images, but using them in a Christian context, the poet tries to negotiate between the two religious perspectives.
The narrator admits that he feels sorry for the pagan ancestors of the Anglo-Saxons, who didn't have the opportunity to turn to a Christian God for help. There's some condescension in this admission, of course, but also a genuine sorrow
10. "But the Lord was weaving a victory on His war-loom for the Weather-Geats." (696-697)
In this image, the poet unites the Christian God with pagan imagery – the loom of fate, on which men's lives are woven. Weaving, spinning, and threads were common metaphors for life and fate in Scandinavian culture. By adopting these traditional pagan images, but using them in a Christian context, the poet tries to negotiate between the two religious perspectives.
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #7-8
7. "Then a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark,
nursed a hard grievance. It harrowed him
to hear the din of the loud banquet
every day in the hall, the harp being struck
and the clear song of a skilled poet
telling with mastery of man's beginnings,
how the Almighty had made the earth
a gleaming plain girdled with waters;
in His splendour He set the sun and the moon
to be earth's lamplight, lanterns for men,
and filled the broad lap of the world
with branches and leaves; and quickened life
in every other thing that moved." (86-98)
Grendel's demonic nature is rubbed the wrong way by a bard's recitation of the story of Creation. Notice that this description of the creation of the world is an unusual mishmash of pagan and Christian imagery, reminding us of the complex religious background of the poem – told by Christians, but about pagans.
8. "Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches, marauding round the heath and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time 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: Cain got no good from committing that murder because the Almighty made him anathema and out of the curse of his exile there sprang ogres and elves and evil phantoms and the giants too who strove with God time and again until He gave them their reward." (102-114)
The only Biblical story specifically referred to inBeowulf is the tale of Cain and Abel, two brothers who took part in a murderous feud. In medieval Scandinavia, tribe against tribe and clan against clan often came down to fratricidal combat. Grendel represents the ultimate evil in this culture because he's the descendant of a man who killed his brother. Another villain of the poem, Unferth, is also condemned by the narrator because he killed his brothers.
The only Biblical story specifically referred to inBeowulf is the tale of Cain and Abel, two brothers who took part in a murderous feud. In medieval Scandinavia, tribe against tribe and clan against clan often came down to fratricidal combat. Grendel represents the ultimate evil in this culture because he's the descendant of a man who killed his brother. Another villain of the poem, Unferth, is also condemned by the narrator because he killed his brothers.
Vocabulary #2
Bellicose - inclined or eager to fight; adj.
Gregarious - fond of the company of others; adj.
Surly - churlishly rude or bad-tempered; adj.
Surreptitious - obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; adj.
Contumacious - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; adj.
Jollity - merry mood, condition, or activity; noun
Referendum - he principle or practice of referring measures proposed or passed by a legislative body, head of state, etc., to the vote of the electorate for approval or rejection; noun
Conundrum - a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words; noun
Sybarite - a person devoted to luxury and pleasure; noun
Gustatory - of or relating to taste or tasting; adj.
Regale - to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight; verb
Gregarious - fond of the company of others; adj.
Surly - churlishly rude or bad-tempered; adj.
Surreptitious - obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; adj.
Contumacious - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; adj.
Jollity - merry mood, condition, or activity; noun
Referendum - he principle or practice of referring measures proposed or passed by a legislative body, head of state, etc., to the vote of the electorate for approval or rejection; noun
Conundrum - a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words; noun
Sybarite - a person devoted to luxury and pleasure; noun
Gustatory - of or relating to taste or tasting; adj.
Regale - to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight; verb
Friday, September 2, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #5-6
5. "'Most gracious Hrothgar, do not refuse them, but grant them a reply. From their arms and appointment, they appear well born and worthy of respect, especially the one who has led them this far: he is formidable indeed.'" pg. 27
He tells Hrothgar that he finds Beowulf a worthy warrior and that is very intimidating; should be granted a audience with Hrothgar for it might of been sent from the Heavens to kill Grendel.
6. "Wulfgar duty delivered the message: 'My lord, the conquering king of Danes, bids me announce that he knows your ancestry; also that he welcomes you here to Heorot and salutes your arrival from across the sea.'" pg. 27
This becomes important because Beowulf is now known throughout Heorot due to his relations with Hrothgar.
He tells Hrothgar that he finds Beowulf a worthy warrior and that is very intimidating; should be granted a audience with Hrothgar for it might of been sent from the Heavens to kill Grendel.
6. "Wulfgar duty delivered the message: 'My lord, the conquering king of Danes, bids me announce that he knows your ancestry; also that he welcomes you here to Heorot and salutes your arrival from across the sea.'" pg. 27
This becomes important because Beowulf is now known throughout Heorot due to his relations with Hrothgar.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Beowulf Dialect Journal: #3-4
3. "The Almighty Judge of good deeds and bad, the Lord God, Head of the Heavens and High King of the World, was unknown to them. On, cursed is he who in time of trouble has 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." pg. 15
Danes can't defat Grendel because they are not seeking help from God. God will also forgive them after their death. People who worship God in life shall go to Heaven. People who do not worship God in life shall still be welcomed in the kingdom of God because they would of formed a alliance or a good deed with God.
4. "Stoutness of heart, bravery not banishment, must have brought you to Hrothgar" pg. 25
The warriors are saying that bravery and a strong heart has brought everyone together at Denmark to defeat Grendel once and for all. No warrior has ever gone to the den of Grendel so they are all basically giving each other a pat on the back for coming so far.
Danes can't defat Grendel because they are not seeking help from God. God will also forgive them after their death. People who worship God in life shall go to Heaven. People who do not worship God in life shall still be welcomed in the kingdom of God because they would of formed a alliance or a good deed with God.
4. "Stoutness of heart, bravery not banishment, must have brought you to Hrothgar" pg. 25
The warriors are saying that bravery and a strong heart has brought everyone together at Denmark to defeat Grendel once and for all. No warrior has ever gone to the den of Grendel so they are all basically giving each other a pat on the back for coming so far.
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