Germanic peoples

In both modern and ancient times, gold is a versatile, tangible symbol of wealth and power, and a standard on which monetary and symbolic value is placed. In Anglo-Saxon England, many connotations of gold are represented in the poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney. John Gardner's novel Grendel presents gold in a modern literary context. Although both literary works focus on relatively the same characters and context, gold plays a different role in each. The meaning of gold in Beowulf…

ultimately betray him by fleeing during his final fight, during which only Wiglaf steps up. It is the betrayal of Beowulf by his men in his final fight that leads him to request that Wiglaf must “lead [Beowulf’s] people], something only expected of a direct blood heir (ll.811). The people who celebrate in Herot are all organized around and regard Hrothgar with unwavering respect and trust. They “congregate and make merry” under his leadership, and greet him with “Hail Hrothgar” (Introduction…

This sentence highlights the controversy surrounding the issue of whether or not the Kingdom of France was subject to the authority of the Holy Roman Empire. This debate also includes the issue of whether French king was a subject of the Holy Roman Empire and, therefore, a subordinate to the Holy Roman Emperor. Because both the French and Germans claim to be descended from Charlemagne, some French argued that the transfer of power from the Frankish Kingdom to the Holy Roman Empire, which many…

stresses a society in which the inhabitants of the story are under great scrutiny due to the fact that the tribes push the idea that force is the only way to resolve any issues. This ideal reflects throughout the tale how the society protects the people based on how a warrior goes about his actions; however it dictates decisions made that have negative outcomes because of the influence of this society that exists in the tribes. This society is referred to as a “warrior society” and most of these…

conversion to Christianity, Unferth’s heart has “stiffened” and made him stronger. He basically tells Beowulf that if these baptisms and conversions to the Christian faith, strengthen people emotionally and spiritually, then what harm has been done? To this, Beowulf retorts: “They swim only out of fear” suggesting that these people only go on and fight out of fear. Hrothgar then replies “but still, they swim” meaning that even if fear drives them, they still get the job done. Beowulf, in this…

Heros of Their Time The idea of heroic action and an epic hero have been evolving for many years. Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight both have different, but also similar ideas of what it takes to be a hero. The heroic traits they share are loyalty to their lords, and they also are both knights. They more or less follow a certain code of honor that they must upheld.The difference of the time period and religion influence has very much so do with it with how they are portrayed as heroes…

men and telling them to “wait close by” (679) only to help if in dire need. They could all go into to battle together but Beowulf does what very few leaders do, which is go into battle first. With his last breath Beowulf tells Wiglaf “to lead his people” (888) meaning he wants him to be the next king. Beowulf could appoint anyone who would have already known how to run the Geats but is generous and rewards Wiglaf for his loyalty. Throughout the poem the main character Beowulf…

Thanks to the ingenious use of the longbow in the Battle of Crecy, the English king, Edward III, and his army were able to win the battle with under 100 casualties while the French having over 10,000(Kops). Because of the outcome of the war, the longbow earned the name “The Medieval Machine Gun” (Kagay). Many of the tactics used during the Battle of Crecy by the English army were considered to be great breakthroughs in warfare and were the basis of some of the tactics used in modern warfare.…

hero to his boundaries. In the Anglo-Saxon culture a hero was to be a strong, courageous, and intelligent warrior. They had to be willing to come up against any odds, and be willing to fight to the death for respect within themselves and from the people. The stereotype Anglo-Saxon hero was able to attain all of these traits and still…

and how he treats his soldiers. He proves to possess many of the characteristics listed in the Anglo-Saxon Code. Beowulf is described to be, “The mildest of men and the gentlest, kindest to his people, and most eager for fame” (Beowulf, 52). He is willing to die for his loyalty to his lord and to his people. He is ideal hero described in the Anglo-Saxon…