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Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

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Beowulf: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes, Ashes… Ashes… Feraco Feraco Search for Human Potential Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012 12 January 2012
Transcript
Page 1: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Beowulf:Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes, Ashes…Ashes…FeracoFeraco

Search for Human PotentialSearch for Human Potential

12 January 201212 January 2012

Page 2: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

It’s largely triumphantIt’s largely triumphant The flush of heroic youthThe flush of heroic youth Only one setback (Hrunting’s failure) and one Only one setback (Hrunting’s failure) and one

minor failure (Grendel breaks Beowulf’s grasp)minor failure (Grendel breaks Beowulf’s grasp) However, there’s real sadness in the However, there’s real sadness in the

stories and myths King Hrothgar’s stories and myths King Hrothgar’s storyteller, the scop himself, recitesstoryteller, the scop himself, recites There are plenty of hints that darkness is There are plenty of hints that darkness is

coming – “The Shielding nation/was not yet coming – “The Shielding nation/was not yet familiar with feud and betrayal” (1017-18)familiar with feud and betrayal” (1017-18)

The first half also references many The first half also references many characters from either legend or the pastcharacters from either legend or the past We’ll study them, then move on to “modern” We’ll study them, then move on to “modern”

characters (present tense)characters (present tense)

The Poem’s First HalfThe Poem’s First Half

Page 3: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Rogues’ GalleryRogues’ Gallery First, however, let’s look at two of the four most First, however, let’s look at two of the four most

important men in Beowulf’s lifeimportant men in Beowulf’s life We’ll talk about Hrothgar and Wiglaf laterWe’ll talk about Hrothgar and Wiglaf later

Ecgtheow – Father of Beowulf, husband to King Ecgtheow – Father of Beowulf, husband to King Hygelac’s sister (so Beowulf is quasi-royalty)Hygelac’s sister (so Beowulf is quasi-royalty) Killed Heatholaf years ago, starting a feudKilled Heatholaf years ago, starting a feud Ecgtheow’s people banished him – shades of Grendel Ecgtheow’s people banished him – shades of Grendel

(“Like a man outlawed/for wickedness” (976-77) – out of (“Like a man outlawed/for wickedness” (976-77) – out of fear over the war they knew would ensuefear over the war they knew would ensue

Feud was ended by a young King Hrothgar, who paid the Feud was ended by a young King Hrothgar, who paid the “death-price” for Heatholaf by sending treasure “death-price” for Heatholaf by sending treasure overseasoverseas

Hygelac – The king of the GeatsHygelac – The king of the Geats He will die wearing the torque Wealhtheow hands to He will die wearing the torque Wealhtheow hands to

Beowulf (in the wake of his victory over Grendel)Beowulf (in the wake of his victory over Grendel) Beowulf will succeed him as king, but hasn’t when the Beowulf will succeed him as king, but hasn’t when the

poem beginspoem begins

Page 4: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Shield Sheafson – The Danish king Shield Sheafson – The Danish king whose funeral marks the opening of whose funeral marks the opening of the poemthe poem

Beow – Shield’s son who follows in Beow – Shield’s son who follows in his footsteps as kinghis footsteps as king

Halfdane – Beow’s son; continues the Halfdane – Beow’s son; continues the family line of kings, and sires family line of kings, and sires Hrothgar, Heorogar, and HalgaHrothgar, Heorogar, and Halga Heorogar is actually king of the Danes Heorogar is actually king of the Danes

before Hrothgar; the latter takes the before Hrothgar; the latter takes the throne after his brother’s deaththrone after his brother’s death

The Danes’ Family TreeThe Danes’ Family Tree

Page 5: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

We follow the Danes’ saga for the poem’s We follow the Danes’ saga for the poem’s first quarter without interruptionfirst quarter without interruption

The scop/OEP thrusts himself into the The scop/OEP thrusts himself into the story around line 880, and begins telling story around line 880, and begins telling other stories about characters who aren’t other stories about characters who aren’t involved in the main plotinvolved in the main plot

This provides This provides BeowulfBeowulf with a parallel with a parallel mythological structure that reflects and mythological structure that reflects and enhances the main storyenhances the main story Think of the two (main plot and legends) as Think of the two (main plot and legends) as

helices of a DNA strandhelices of a DNA strand The second helix helps the scop foreshadow The second helix helps the scop foreshadow

events and flesh out his characterizationevents and flesh out his characterization

Legend and SongLegend and Song

Page 6: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Sigemund – A dragonslayer, Fitela’s Sigemund – A dragonslayer, Fitela’s nephew, and the subject of the royal nephew, and the subject of the royal storyteller’s songstoryteller’s song

He wins the dragon’s treasure-hoard after He wins the dragon’s treasure-hoard after defeating the monster alone (very defeating the monster alone (very important)important)

Ironically, the scop is singing about Ironically, the scop is singing about Sigemund in order to honor Beowulf’s Sigemund in order to honor Beowulf’s defeat of Grendeldefeat of Grendel

In actuality, the Sigemund tale In actuality, the Sigemund tale foreshadows Beowulf’s battle with the foreshadows Beowulf’s battle with the dragon near the end of the poemdragon near the end of the poem It also introduces King Heremod, whose wrong-It also introduces King Heremod, whose wrong-

doings will be referenced later by King doings will be referenced later by King HrothgarHrothgar

The DragonslayerThe Dragonslayer

Page 7: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Heremod – An old king of the DanesHeremod – An old king of the Danes Betrayed by his own men and forced into Betrayed by his own men and forced into

exile; he’s the example of a “bad cyning,” exile; he’s the example of a “bad cyning,” while Shielf Sheafson and Hrothgar are while Shielf Sheafson and Hrothgar are “good cynings”“good cynings”

Although Heremod is mentioned in order Although Heremod is mentioned in order to contrast him with the noble Beowulf, to contrast him with the noble Beowulf, the scop (once again) foreshadows the the scop (once again) foreshadows the young hero’s eventual fateyoung hero’s eventual fate

If you’re wondering how the OEP can use If you’re wondering how the OEP can use two wildly different examples to two wildly different examples to foreshadow the same future – in the space foreshadow the same future – in the space of a single legend! – well, you should keep of a single legend! – well, you should keep readingreading

Bad CyningBad Cyning

Page 8: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Finn – The Frisian King mentioned by the Finn – The Frisian King mentioned by the scop during the second talescop during the second tale

He reaches a truce with the Danes during He reaches a truce with the Danes during their war, and keeps the peace with the their war, and keeps the peace with the survivorssurvivors

He allows the Danes to burn their dead on He allows the Danes to burn their dead on the funeral pyre – an extremely honorable the funeral pyre – an extremely honorable gesture to extend to a defeated enemy gesture to extend to a defeated enemy

However, he does keep the Danes from However, he does keep the Danes from returning to their homes; he doesn’t want returning to their homes; he doesn’t want them to come back with reinforcements them to come back with reinforcements and resume the fightand resume the fight

Decisions, DecisionsDecisions, Decisions

Page 9: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

This decision eventually dooms him, as This decision eventually dooms him, as the Danes cannot tolerate exilethe Danes cannot tolerate exile

Homesick and resentful, the Danes betray Homesick and resentful, the Danes betray and murder him before stealing his queen, and murder him before stealing his queen, Hildeburh (whose complicated Hildeburh (whose complicated relationship with the two sides relationship with the two sides compounds her pain) and returning homecompounds her pain) and returning home

This betrayal foreshadows another This betrayal foreshadows another message from the second half: that message from the second half: that “nothing is sacred,” and that those who “nothing is sacred,” and that those who violate their own principles (and mutual violate their own principles (and mutual values) can defeat those who won’t do the values) can defeat those who won’t do the samesame

Nothing SacredNothing Sacred

Page 10: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Hengest – The Dane who assumes Hengest – The Dane who assumes command after King Hnaef is lost in the command after King Hnaef is lost in the battle with the Frisiansbattle with the Frisians

Hildeburh – A Danish princess who married Hildeburh – A Danish princess who married Finn (the Frisian king); she’s the queen Finn (the Frisian king); she’s the queen from the previous slidefrom the previous slide

In the end, she not only loses her brother In the end, she not only loses her brother (Hnaef, the Danish king) and her son (Hnaef, the Danish king) and her son (another Dane), but Finn as well(another Dane), but Finn as well

She’s carried away by the Danes after her She’s carried away by the Danes after her husband’s slaughter, becoming both a husband’s slaughter, becoming both a tragic victim of pointless hatred and a tragic victim of pointless hatred and a symbol of revenge’s corrosive powersymbol of revenge’s corrosive power

Fire and BloodFire and Blood

Page 11: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Beowulf – Not much left to be said about Beowulf – Not much left to be said about him!him! He’s a Geat, and Ecgtheow’s sonHe’s a Geat, and Ecgtheow’s son One of Hygelac’s thanesOne of Hygelac’s thanes He will eventually assume the throne in He will eventually assume the throne in

Geatland in order to hold the country togetherGeatland in order to hold the country together Hrothgar – The king of the Danes, he Hrothgar – The king of the Danes, he

builds Heorot Hallbuilds Heorot Hall Interestingly, Hrothgar has sons of his Interestingly, Hrothgar has sons of his

own (Hrethric and Hrothmund), but own (Hrethric and Hrothmund), but Wealhtheow urges him to break the line of Wealhtheow urges him to break the line of succession by passing the throne to succession by passing the throne to Halga’s son, Hrothulf (a bit after line Halga’s son, Hrothulf (a bit after line 1170, right in the middle of her long 1170, right in the middle of her long speech)speech)

She doesn’t believe the boys are readyShe doesn’t believe the boys are ready

The Main PlayersThe Main Players

Page 12: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Wealhtheow – Hrothgar’s beautiful and Wealhtheow – Hrothgar’s beautiful and regal queen; helps bestow treasure upon regal queen; helps bestow treasure upon victorious warriors and loyal servantsvictorious warriors and loyal servants

Wulfgar – One of Hrothgar’s retainers, he Wulfgar – One of Hrothgar’s retainers, he introduces Beowulf upon his arrivalintroduces Beowulf upon his arrival

Aeschere – Hrothgar’s best friend amongst Aeschere – Hrothgar’s best friend amongst the retainers – Govinda, but betterthe retainers – Govinda, but better Carried off and decapitated by Grendma Carried off and decapitated by Grendma

following Beowulf’s defeat of Grendelfollowing Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel His death is another hint of the darkness His death is another hint of the darkness

to come in the poem’s second half – that to come in the poem’s second half – that there are even limits to the protection there are even limits to the protection Beowulf can deliverBeowulf can deliver

Servants, Lovers, and FriendsServants, Lovers, and Friends

Page 13: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Unferth – Another one of Hrothgar’s men; he Unferth – Another one of Hrothgar’s men; he envies Beowulf because he craves the same type envies Beowulf because he craves the same type of praiseof praise

Unferth is intelligent and somewhat respected, Unferth is intelligent and somewhat respected, but he is “under a cloud” because he killed both but he is “under a cloud” because he killed both of his brothersof his brothers The scop/OEP had issues with fratricide – remember Cain The scop/OEP had issues with fratricide – remember Cain

and Grendel?and Grendel? Earns a measure of redemption when he gives Earns a measure of redemption when he gives

Hrunting to Beowulf before he heads into battleHrunting to Beowulf before he heads into battle Grendel – The beast who lurks in the haunted Grendel – The beast who lurks in the haunted

meremere A descendant of Cain, and thus cursed by GodA descendant of Cain, and thus cursed by God

Grendel’s mother (“Grendma”) – A demon who Grendel’s mother (“Grendma”) – A demon who attacks Heorot after Grendel’s demiseattacks Heorot after Grendel’s demise

Villains and KnavesVillains and Knaves

Page 14: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

The characters are worth knowing The characters are worth knowing because they add substance to the poem, because they add substance to the poem, tie the themes together, and help us tie the themes together, and help us better understand Beowulfbetter understand Beowulf

That said, there really isn’t much depth or That said, there really isn’t much depth or subtlety to most of them subtlety to most of them This is a blessing in disguise, as it would be This is a blessing in disguise, as it would be

really difficult to keep track of them otherwise!really difficult to keep track of them otherwise! Outside of Unfurth’s reversal, most of the Outside of Unfurth’s reversal, most of the

characters don’t change at all (although characters don’t change at all (although Beowulf does)Beowulf does)

The themes give Beowulf the bulk of its The themes give Beowulf the bulk of its lasting power, as a great deal happens at lasting power, as a great deal happens at or just beneath the surface of the poemor just beneath the surface of the poem

Why So Many Characters???Why So Many Characters???

Page 15: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Although the first half of the poem is about Although the first half of the poem is about preservation – after all, Beowulf saves Heorot – preservation – after all, Beowulf saves Heorot – the poem as a whole is about the ways in which the poem as a whole is about the ways in which things endthings end

We see this in the death of kings in war – and the We see this in the death of kings in war – and the destruction of entire nationsdestruction of entire nations

The funerals that bracket the poemThe funerals that bracket the poem Shield’s death opens the tale; we barely see him Shield’s death opens the tale; we barely see him

alive!alive! The end of courage, heroism, and loyalty in a The end of courage, heroism, and loyalty in a

darkening age; none of the Shieldings will fight darkening age; none of the Shieldings will fight Grendel or Grendma anymoreGrendel or Grendma anymore

The inevitable toll that power takes on anyone, The inevitable toll that power takes on anyone, good or evil, who tries to hold itgood or evil, who tries to hold it

Even the ending of Cain’s God-cursed line, Even the ending of Cain’s God-cursed line, celebrated by the scop, rams this point homecelebrated by the scop, rams this point home

Just Sit Here and Wait for the Just Sit Here and Wait for the End of the WorldEnd of the World

Page 16: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

But in an interesting parallel, the poem is also But in an interesting parallel, the poem is also about protection and restoration – about trying about protection and restoration – about trying to hold on to what’s yours even as it inevitably to hold on to what’s yours even as it inevitably slips awayslips away

In the wake of Grendel’s attack, Heorot is rebuilt In the wake of Grendel’s attack, Heorot is rebuilt and restored to its old glory (only to be attacked and restored to its old glory (only to be attacked again when Grendma arrives!)again when Grendma arrives!)

Faith provides protection: Beowulf’s arrival in Faith provides protection: Beowulf’s arrival in Denmark is treated as a gift from God, and his Denmark is treated as a gift from God, and his defense of the hall smacks of salvationdefense of the hall smacks of salvation

It also saves Hrothgar, as God-cursed Grendel It also saves Hrothgar, as God-cursed Grendel cannot approach the throne (it’s divinely cannot approach the throne (it’s divinely protected)protected)

Faith also requires protection – notice the poet Faith also requires protection – notice the poet condemns those who burn pagan offerings in an condemns those who burn pagan offerings in an attempt to save Heorot (after line 170)attempt to save Heorot (after line 170)

I Will Protect MyselfI Will Protect Myself

Page 17: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Creaky TraditionCreaky Tradition One of the ways that “protection” – the One of the ways that “protection” – the

maintenance of what we already have – subtly maintenance of what we already have – subtly influences the poem is in its treatment of ritual influences the poem is in its treatment of ritual and traditionand tradition

These are our bulwarks against attacks from the These are our bulwarks against attacks from the terrifying darkness, and the scaffolding that terrifying darkness, and the scaffolding that preserves society “as we know it” (comforting!)preserves society “as we know it” (comforting!)

The ways we treat our deadThe ways we treat our dead The ways we treat one anotherThe ways we treat one another The way we feast collectivelyThe way we feast collectively The way we collect and re-distribute treasureThe way we collect and re-distribute treasure The way we worship GodThe way we worship God The way we tell our storiesThe way we tell our stories The way we value family heritageThe way we value family heritage

Page 18: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Only As Good As What’s SaidOnly As Good As What’s Said Another way we see tradition and values upheld is Another way we see tradition and values upheld is

through the power of reputationthrough the power of reputation People routinely pay not only for what they do, but People routinely pay not only for what they do, but

for what they say – although action is more important for what they say – although action is more important than wordsthan words

For example, Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf centers For example, Unferth’s challenge to Beowulf centers around the latter’s supposed defeat in a contest at around the latter’s supposed defeat in a contest at the hands of his rival – a challenge Beowulf had loudly the hands of his rival – a challenge Beowulf had loudly insisted he would win (justifiably so, as it turns out)insisted he would win (justifiably so, as it turns out)

He uses the “contrast” between Beowulf’s past He uses the “contrast” between Beowulf’s past actions and words to argue that the Geat is an empty actions and words to argue that the Geat is an empty boaster who is unworthy of fame – and, therefore, boaster who is unworthy of fame – and, therefore, respectrespect

Unferth is eventually mocked by the OEP because he Unferth is eventually mocked by the OEP because he dared to insult Beowulf and because he refuses to dared to insult Beowulf and because he refuses to fight Grendma – he loses “fame and renown”fight Grendma – he loses “fame and renown”

In short, tradition serves as the foundation of all In short, tradition serves as the foundation of all social contracts between individuals and nationssocial contracts between individuals and nations

Page 19: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Another Endless WarAnother Endless War Yet there’s another battle to explore outside of Yet there’s another battle to explore outside of

that uneasy balance between tradition and that uneasy balance between tradition and change, words and actions, the inevitability of change, words and actions, the inevitability of loss and the desperate need to “fight the loss and the desperate need to “fight the future”: the battle between good and evilfuture”: the battle between good and evil

Unlike the aforementioned comparison, this Unlike the aforementioned comparison, this battle is fairly obvious in the poem’s first half battle is fairly obvious in the poem’s first half (Beowulf = Good; Monsters = Bad)(Beowulf = Good; Monsters = Bad)

This theme returns in a more subtle fashion This theme returns in a more subtle fashion during the second half of the poem, when during the second half of the poem, when Hrothgar delivers a speech about the dangers of Hrothgar delivers a speech about the dangers of power…and we face the dragonpower…and we face the dragon

That’s one of the poem’s major questions, and That’s one of the poem’s major questions, and one we’ve already covered: how do you face your one we’ve already covered: how do you face your dragons?dragons?

How do you face that which you cannot defeat?How do you face that which you cannot defeat?

Page 20: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Grendel’s Wicked MotivesGrendel’s Wicked Motives It’s worth noting that Grendel initially attacks the It’s worth noting that Grendel initially attacks the

hall (starting his “lonely war”) because he can’t hall (starting his “lonely war”) because he can’t tolerate the sounds of happiness or communal tolerate the sounds of happiness or communal celebrationcelebration

A seemingly simple “mwa-ha-ha” motive that A seemingly simple “mwa-ha-ha” motive that grows more complex once you realize that grows more complex once you realize that Grendel’s being victimized for the sins of othersGrendel’s being victimized for the sins of others

Notice that the songs he hates glorify the being Notice that the songs he hates glorify the being who punished him – and his family – “unfairly”who punished him – and his family – “unfairly”

Once Grendel finds a formidable opponent in Once Grendel finds a formidable opponent in Beowulf, he only wants to flee homeBeowulf, he only wants to flee home

Would he have attacked Heorot again? Did he Would he have attacked Heorot again? Did he need to die?need to die?

When Beowulf kills Grendel, “he did not consider When Beowulf kills Grendel, “he did not consider that life of much account/to anyone anywhere” that life of much account/to anyone anywhere” (792-93); we’re about to see how wrong he was(792-93); we’re about to see how wrong he was

Page 21: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Grendma’s Wicked MotivesGrendma’s Wicked Motives It’s worth noting that Grendma never attacks until It’s worth noting that Grendma never attacks until

Beowulf dismembers her sonBeowulf dismembers her son The scop doesn’t like her very much, but it’s clear she The scop doesn’t like her very much, but it’s clear she

wasn’t hurting our characters until they hurt herwasn’t hurting our characters until they hurt her Did she deserve to suffer, or is she a victim?Did she deserve to suffer, or is she a victim? An overwhelming number of past respondents to the An overwhelming number of past respondents to the

Revenge Therapy thread said they’d have gladly killed Revenge Therapy thread said they’d have gladly killed those who hurt their kin; some of them conditioned their those who hurt their kin; some of them conditioned their statements, but that’s a bit of an ethical cheat, a moral statements, but that’s a bit of an ethical cheat, a moral with an asteriskwith an asterisk

If you’re going to insist that family ties overwhelm If you’re going to insist that family ties overwhelm morality (which is how one justifies the desire to kill, in morality (which is how one justifies the desire to kill, in this situation, to begin with), you’re talking about a this situation, to begin with), you’re talking about a connection based on blood, not on actionconnection based on blood, not on action

If the connection’s based on blood, why pretend If the connection’s based on blood, why pretend Grendel’s actions should change Grendma’s loyalty to Grendel’s actions should change Grendma’s loyalty to him? him?

How do you “kick someone out” when their blood runs How do you “kick someone out” when their blood runs through your heart?through your heart?

Wouldn’t that be just the least bit hypocritical?Wouldn’t that be just the least bit hypocritical?

Page 22: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Reasons to KillReasons to Kill The motives for killing in the poem varyThe motives for killing in the poem vary

Some are supposedly “noble” (i.e., Beowulf killing Some are supposedly “noble” (i.e., Beowulf killing Grendel)Grendel)

Some are decidedly less so (Finn pays for his truce with Some are decidedly less so (Finn pays for his truce with the Danes with his life)the Danes with his life)

It’s interesting, however, that killing always It’s interesting, however, that killing always begets killing for begets killing for specific reasonsspecific reasons – defending – defending tradition, seeking a way home, wreaking havoc in tradition, seeking a way home, wreaking havoc in the name of vengeance – and that there’s never a the name of vengeance – and that there’s never a clear end to the battles as a resultclear end to the battles as a result

There’s always another enemy nation on the There’s always another enemy nation on the horizon, or another monster to fight – and horizon, or another monster to fight – and revenge only perpetuates pain and sufferingrevenge only perpetuates pain and suffering

““[Beowulf] had healed and relieved a huge [Beowulf] had healed and relieved a huge distress / unremitting humiliations, / the hard distress / unremitting humiliations, / the hard fate they’d been forced to undergo” (829-31) – fate they’d been forced to undergo” (829-31) – until Grendma comes to make him pay, and it until Grendma comes to make him pay, and it becomes clear that nothing is overbecomes clear that nothing is over

Page 23: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

The Main ExceptionThe Main Exception Oddly, the only real exception to this Oddly, the only real exception to this

trend is probably the most important trend is probably the most important killing of the storykilling of the story

Ecgtheow’s murder of Heatholaf doesn’t Ecgtheow’s murder of Heatholaf doesn’t seem to have been motivated by any seem to have been motivated by any greater, noble causegreater, noble cause

However, all things considered, it didn’t However, all things considered, it didn’t work out too badlywork out too badly

If Ecgtheow had never killed the man, If Ecgtheow had never killed the man, Hrothgar wouldn’t have salvaged the Hrothgar wouldn’t have salvaged the situation, and Beowulf may never have situation, and Beowulf may never have sailed to Denmarksailed to Denmark

As it stands, Beowulf goes seeking glory, As it stands, Beowulf goes seeking glory, but also to honor his lineagebut also to honor his lineage

Page 24: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Family TreesFamily Trees I’ve discussed lineage and its related issues I’ve discussed lineage and its related issues

during our earlier during our earlier Macbeth Macbeth unit, and I want to unit, and I want to stress its importance yet againstress its importance yet again

I mainly want to make the ritualistic nature of I mainly want to make the ritualistic nature of honoring one’s heritage clearerhonoring one’s heritage clearer

Sons are not only bound by the actions and Sons are not only bound by the actions and bonds of their predecessors, but they’re always bonds of their predecessors, but they’re always mentionedmentioned in the context of their fathers in the context of their fathers

You cannot exist separately from your father, no You cannot exist separately from your father, no matter what kind of man he wasmatter what kind of man he was

Family heirlooms are significant – especially Family heirlooms are significant – especially considering the value these cultures place on considering the value these cultures place on objects and treasuresobjects and treasures

Everything returns to protection and Everything returns to protection and maintenance – continue the line, preserve the maintenance – continue the line, preserve the kingdom, etc. – by any means necessary kingdom, etc. – by any means necessary (marriage, war, gifts, and so on)(marriage, war, gifts, and so on)

Page 25: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Everybody Loves PresentsEverybody Loves Presents As mentioned in our first lecture, good kings As mentioned in our first lecture, good kings

collected treasure in war and tribute from their collected treasure in war and tribute from their subjects – then redistributed that wealth instead subjects – then redistributed that wealth instead of hoarding it (lines 71-73, 80-81)of hoarding it (lines 71-73, 80-81) The kings bought loyalty, in a way, but it was The kings bought loyalty, in a way, but it was

considered an honorable practice at the timeconsidered an honorable practice at the time These gifts provided individuals with a way to These gifts provided individuals with a way to

establish concrete ties with others (the torque establish concrete ties with others (the torque Wealhtheow presents to Beowulf, for example)Wealhtheow presents to Beowulf, for example)

Good subjects earn treasure for the ring-giversGood subjects earn treasure for the ring-givers Even good allies pay tribute – in gold during good Even good allies pay tribute – in gold during good

times, and in manpower for armies and defense times, and in manpower for armies and defense forces in times of needforces in times of need

Presents, in short, made the world go ‘roundPresents, in short, made the world go ‘round

Page 26: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Send It Home, Leave Me HereSend It Home, Leave Me Here We see a slightly different side of the “presents” We see a slightly different side of the “presents”

issue when Beowulf discusses what to do with his issue when Beowulf discusses what to do with his possessions – and his body – if he dies in battlepossessions – and his body – if he dies in battle For example, Unferth gets Beowulf’s sword if Grendma For example, Unferth gets Beowulf’s sword if Grendma

kills himkills him Before Grendel attacks, however, Beowulf tells Before Grendel attacks, however, Beowulf tells

Hrothgar (and later reminds him) that he doesn’t Hrothgar (and later reminds him) that he doesn’t need or want to be buried or sent home if he diesneed or want to be buried or sent home if he dies Grendel will probably have eaten his body anywayGrendel will probably have eaten his body anyway Most of the Geats don’t expect to make it home, and Most of the Geats don’t expect to make it home, and

Hrothgar only has to pay the death-price for one of Hrothgar only has to pay the death-price for one of them; contrast this with Grendel, who only wants to “go them; contrast this with Grendel, who only wants to “go home”home”

However, it’s critical that Hrothgar send the However, it’s critical that Hrothgar send the chainmail Hygelac’s smith fashioned for him back chainmail Hygelac’s smith fashioned for him back to Geatland – that Beowulf’s king receive a final to Geatland – that Beowulf’s king receive a final repayment for the “debt of protection” his repayment for the “debt of protection” his subjects owesubjects owe

Page 27: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

Death, Fate, and FaithDeath, Fate, and Faith The scop presents an interesting relationship The scop presents an interesting relationship

between fate/divine will, bravery, and deathbetween fate/divine will, bravery, and death Beowulf tries to count on himself at the same time Beowulf tries to count on himself at the same time

as he places all of his faith in the Almighty – can as he places all of his faith in the Almighty – can you even do that, or are the two mutually you even do that, or are the two mutually exclusive?exclusive?

Does Beowulf beat Grendel because he deserves to Does Beowulf beat Grendel because he deserves to on his own merits, or because he’s “armed by on his own merits, or because he’s “armed by divinity”?divinity”? ““But the Lord was weaving/a victory on His war-loom But the Lord was weaving/a victory on His war-loom

for the Weather-Geats” (696-97)for the Weather-Geats” (696-97) Is Beowulf brave on his own, or because he Is Beowulf brave on his own, or because he

convinces himself the Almighty will protect him?convinces himself the Almighty will protect him? Does Beowulf’s faith in fate make him wiser? Does Beowulf’s faith in fate make him wiser?

(Check lines 572-73)(Check lines 572-73) He’s “dangerous in action/and eager for it always” He’s “dangerous in action/and eager for it always”

(629-30)(629-30) Is it Is it pridepride that’s Beowulf’s greatest source of that’s Beowulf’s greatest source of

strength strength andand weakness? weakness?

Page 28: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

The Meaning of a Shortened LifeThe Meaning of a Shortened Life Why does Beowulf love risking his life for glory?Why does Beowulf love risking his life for glory? It’s not that Beowulf sees life as something to be It’s not that Beowulf sees life as something to be

wasted, or as something that isn’t his own (and wasted, or as something that isn’t his own (and therefore trivializes it)therefore trivializes it)

It’s more that Beowulf is keenly aware that life is It’s more that Beowulf is keenly aware that life is meant to be lived, and that his ability to lead a meant to be lived, and that his ability to lead a worthwhile existence is entirely dependent on his worthwhile existence is entirely dependent on his accomplishments accomplishments

What he’s capable of in the future depends What he’s capable of in the future depends entirely on his success in the present; failure in entirely on his success in the present; failure in the here and now means the erasure of that the here and now means the erasure of that wonderful futurewonderful future

Therefore, Beowulf sees life as an unbroken Therefore, Beowulf sees life as an unbroken string of successes, a line of triumphs from birth string of successes, a line of triumphs from birth to death, one giant celebration until the last call to death, one giant celebration until the last call sounds (see lines 1001-07)sounds (see lines 1001-07)

When he fails someday, it’ll all be over – but he’s When he fails someday, it’ll all be over – but he’s enjoying the ride until thenenjoying the ride until then

Page 29: Beowulf: Ashes, Ashes… Feraco Search for Human Potential 12 January 2012.

The Wonderful Future (?)The Wonderful Future (?) After beating Grendel and Grendma, After beating Grendel and Grendma,

Heorot is safe once more, evil Heorot is safe once more, evil monsters have been banished from monsters have been banished from the world, and Beowulf and his the world, and Beowulf and his company have won renown for company have won renown for themselves and their ring-giver. themselves and their ring-giver.

The best is yet to come…The best is yet to come… ……Right?Right? (Can you find Geatland on a map (Can you find Geatland on a map

today?)today?)


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