What is a retainer Beowulf?
This is the honor code that exists between the king, or feudal lord, and his warriors, sometimes called “thanes” or “retainers.” (Technically, retainers would be of higher rank, but the words are often used interchangeably.)
Which retainer comes to help Beowulf fight the dragon?
Wiglaf. A young kinsman and retainer of Beowulf who helps him in the fight against the dragon while all of the other warriors run away. Wiglaf adheres to the heroic code better than Beowulf’s other retainers, thereby proving himself a suitable successor to Beowulf.
Who is Shild in Beowulf?
Shield Sheafson is the founder of the tribe of the Spear-Danes, a great warrior who manages to establish a little dynasty.
What is Thane in Beowulf?
thanes warriors who serve a king or feudal lord in exchange for land or treasure.
What happens to Beowulf’s body?
They light the fire and Beowulf’s body burns while his people wail and mourn him. One Geat woman in particular mourns Beowulf’s death, singing a lament in which she anticipates the destruction of the Geat nation by invaders. After the pyre burns down, the Geats build a barrow over it.
Is Beowulf a Geat or Dane?
Beowulf A Geat, son of Edgetheow and nephew of Hygelac, lord of the Geats. The hero of this story. Breca Beowulf’s best friend. He once took part in a famous swimming contest with the hero.
What is a shield in Beowulf?
Shield was considered a king, as he was able to rampage through his foes, and was paid tribute those that lost. Though Grendel was described as a monster, he too has killed people, but was not viewed as good. Beowulf, the protagonist, is the “hero” of the story for having great power and looked up to by others.
How was shield buried?
He is placed in a boat surrounded by his gear and treasures, sent off to sea, and then the boat is set on fire. 2. I think the Danes observed this burial as a way to show respect.
What is a mead-hall in Beowulf?
The mead-hall is the symbol of a society: it is in this central place that the people gather to feast, socialize, and listen to the scop (bard) perform and thereby preserve the history of the people. Heorot, as the largest mead-hall in the world, symbolized the might and power of the Spear-Danes under Hrothgar.
What is helmet bearer?
• “mail armor” = helmet. • “helmet bearers” = warriors. • “earth-hall” = burial mound. • “stout-hearted” = bravery. • “shield-warrior” = fighter behind the.