Monthly Archives: June 2025

Queen Wealhtheow At the Feast, lines 1160-1193)

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Ruth

Immediately, as the poem returns us to the noise and light of the feast at Heorot, and the scop lays down his harp, Queen Wealhtheow appears.  It is probably an intentional contrast, as we turn from the sorrowing, homeless Hildeburh … Continue reading →

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The Song of Hildeburh, lines 1071-1159

Posted on June 28, 2025 by Ruth

At the feast, a scop sings the sad story of Hildeburh.  It is not easy to discern what is really happening in this passage.  As background, let us consider the proposal of J. R. R. Tolkien, who thoroughly studied this … Continue reading →

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Giving Gifts

Posted on June 28, 2025 by Ruth

The first duty of a Germanic king was to give gifts wisely. All of the loot from any raid belonged to the king, and from this hoard, he handed out rewards in accordance with each man’s effort and standing. The … Continue reading →

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After the Fight, lines 825-915

Posted on June 28, 2025 by Ruth

The fight ends with an event that seems to us particularly savage. Beowulf’s men gather around, and as Beowulf appears to be essentially unhurt and rejoicing, they take from him the arm he still holds. Perhaps we are to imagine … Continue reading →

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Beowulf vs. Grendel, lines 720-824

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Ruth

Grendel arrives at the hall (720) and we see that the hall was not left entirely unlocked, but that someone had tried to lock the door.  Grendel is stronger, and with a flick of his wrist, he swings the door … Continue reading →

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Preparing for the Fight, lines 662-720

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Ruth

In line 662, Hrothgar and his men leave the hall in a procession. We can imagine the quiet and dark they left behind, as the last door closed and only fifteen young men occupied a much larger hall than they … Continue reading →

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Hrothgar’s Queen Wealhtheow, lines 607-661

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Ruth

The welcome feast goes on, with Hrothgar reassured that his champion can’t be knocked down by a simple insult. “The Bright-Danes’ chief/had faith in his helper; that shepherd of his folk/recognized Beowulf’s firm resolution.” (lines 608-10, Liuzza) The Queen enters. … Continue reading →

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Trading Insults at the Feast, lines 499-606

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Ruth

Line 499 gives the name of a new character: Hunferth, or Unferth. He’s a noble in Hrothgar’s court, and he’s called a þȳle. There’s multiple uncertainty here, because his name is spelled “Hunferth” but it’s alliterated with vowels, as if … Continue reading →

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Weregild and the Feast at Heorot, lines 456-499

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Ruth

Hrothgar’s acceptance of Beowulf’s offer to fight the monster for him comes quickly and easily. For, it turns out, long ago he did a big favor for Beowulf’s father. Ecgtheow had killed the prince Heatholaf while he was living among … Continue reading →

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Entrance to Heorot (lines 300-454)

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Ruth

(Link to Seamus Heaney’s translation online) When the Geats, in their admirable gear, arrive at King Hrothgar’s hall, the coast guard leaves them to follow the path to the hall. Here, the poet includes a realistic detail, telling us that … Continue reading →

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