pgs 3-21 notes beowulf

pg1 "Shield Sheafson scourge of many tribes and wrecker of mead benches, rampaging among foes..."- This entry can be used to show the role of kings and what was expected of a King, unlike later more christian times the king was supposed to be more of a centerpiece and leader rather than a warrior who could be killed at any moment-leaving a country in turmoil. This could tie into the theme of pagan vs. Christianity because a more pagan warrior could be more concerned with being remembered and would need his battles as well as the idea of wyrd. Furthermore in order to retain his warriors respect battle was considered necessary

Pg 3 the burial of shield...
Burial of a King, the great shield sheafson was sent out to sea, while Beowulf was buried in the earth. Earlier warrior traditions called for the ship but Beowulf was buried, perhaps an add on by the christian author or perhaps to signify the shift of the nation from pagan to Christianity. the christian aspects of Beowulf allow him to defeat Grendel.

pg 13 "sometimes at pagan shrines they vowed offerings to idols swore oaths... almighty judge of good deeds and bad [was unknown to them]"
Paganism vs. Christianity looks down on paganism and perhaps suggest that the reason that the Danes have been unable to defeat Grendel is that they are pagan. this brings into question why Beowulf would be able to defeat Grendel, is the poem suggesting he is more christian than the Danes? perhaps because he is in line to kingship and kings were supposedly chosen by god? Does this mean Hrothgar could have defeated Grendel?

Pg. 7 herogar, Hrothgar, the good Halga and a daughter I have heard who was Onela's queen a balm in bed for the battle-scared swede.
One of the best examples of the only role of women... SEX! The unnamed daughter is used as a tool to unite the two nations with her "femininity." All of her brothers names were mentioned even though they have no deeds to accompany them, while she remains nameless. this is used to boost the fame of her father while giving her no credit.

But the throne itself, the treasure-seat he was kept from approaching; he was the lord's outcast.
Shows how kings were chosen by god. Also foreshadows Grendel's weakness to the lord's power. Again draws into question why Beowulf was able to defeat Grendel.

pg 15"Swan road" pg 3 "Whale road" pg? "sea-lane" all keening's for the ocean, the whale road is used to show shields far reaching power. Whales travel long distances and are huge, powerful creatures. Beowulf travels the Swan road because he comes on a mission to create peace. the coast-guard is unaware of what intentions Beowulf might have so he uses the neutral "sea-lanes" to not make assumptions.

Pg 19Beowulf's introduction- Wyrgild Beowulf has a debt to Hrothgar through his father. Obviously his father must have done some serious deed to owe such a debt. last year we came to the conclusion that he sought shelter there after being banished. Hrothgar furthermore has a sort of responsibility to rid his hall of the demon for all the men whom Grendel has killed. Beowulf can pay off his debt and unite the kingdoms by killing Grendel.

Is it coincidence that Beowulf brings exactly half of Hrothgar's guard?15 men to Hrothgar's 30 which were eaten?