- Jun 2019
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.comSir Orfeo26
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In poverty he left the town
Although what he does for true love is admirable, he does slack in the leadership of being a good king because of how he leaves his people.
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Forth must I fare on woeful quest To dwell where never man may be, Of beasts and birds to be the guest. And when ye know my soul has rest, Call then yourselves a parliament, And choose a king as seems you best. Do all as this my testament.”
I believe it's admirable that he's going on the quest alone, since he is a king and could make a knight assist him. He also trusts the parliament to find a new king, instead of choosing someone he would like to be king.
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king
Is the king Hades?
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wo gallant horsemen, young and fair, Rode to my feet, and bent the knee, ” And bade me come with haste and speed To parley with their lord the king. But I replied I durst not heed,
Was this a dream she had when she was asleep and bitten?
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Would have deemed his spirit were Housed in Heaven, such melody Was it, and such joy to hear.
A very powerful description of the emotion that his music can convey onto others.
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minstrelsy
A medieval musician/ singer. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minstrel
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Orfeo most of any king Loved a harper and his lay
It's interesting that he loves music. When most people think of kings they think of brutal, strong men that enjoy fighting or activities to prove physical strength.
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Christian
Reference to religion. It seems that their religious affiliation is part of their character identity.
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mirth
Mirth= Glee or joyful https://www.dictionary.com/browse/mirth
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featly
Featly= A graceful manner https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/featly
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Increase Font Size Toggle Menu HomeReadSign in Search in book: Search Contents Introduction: An Open Companion The ProjectAdditional Information:AUTHORS: Accessibility Statement Pressbooks’ Accessibility Policy:Contact us with any Accessibility Issues: I. The Middle Ages (ca. 476-1485) 1. Introduction: Caedmon's Hymn Bede: Biography2. Dream of the Rood 3. Introduction: Beowulf: Parts I & II Introduction: BeowulfStory SummaryThemesHistorical BackgroundLiterary StyleDiscussion Questions: Further Resources for Students:Reading: Beowulf Part II4. Beowulf: Part III 5. Judith X.XI.XII.6. The Wanderer7. Wulf and Eadwacer8. The Wife's Lament9. The Ruin 10. Selection of Old English Riddles I. A StormII. A StormIII. A StormV. A ShieldVII. A SwanVIII. A NightingaleXIV. A HornXXIII. A BowXXVI. A BibleXLV. DoughXLVII. A BookwormLX. A Reed II. Irish Literature 11. Cúchulainn’s Boyish Deeds Introduction: Cúchulainn’s Boyish Deeds III. Introduction: Anglo-Norman Literature 12. Selections: The Myth of Arthur's Return 13. Tristan and Iseult IntroductionSTORY SUMMARYLITERARY THEMESDiscussion Questions:Further Resources for Students:14. From: Guide for Anchoresses (Ancrene Wisse) 15. Romances of Marie de France IntroductionBiographyInfluencesWriting StyleDiscussion Questions:Further Resources for Students: 16. Sir Orfeo IV. Middle English Literature in the 14th and 15th Century 17. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (ca. 1375-1400) 18. Sir Gawain: Parts I & II IntroductionBackground:The Character of Sir Gawain: Story Summary: Themes:Discussion Questions:Further Resources for Students: 19. Sir Gawain: Parts III & IV20. Geoffrey Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales21. Canterbury Tales: General Prologue 22. Canterbury Tales: The Knight's Tale lines 1-34: About Duke Theseus, lord of Athens, and his achievementslines 35-93: Women complain that they have lost their husbands in battlelines 117-146: The achievement of revengelines 147-174: Two knights, Arcita and Palamon, are captured and imprisonedlines 175-233: Emily walks in the garden and is seen by the two prisonerslines 234-264: Arcita compares Emily with Venuslines 265-293: Palamon claims Emily to be his lady and lovelines 294-328: Arcita rejects Palamon’s claimlines 329-350: Arcita is ransomedlines 351-360: The conditions of the ransomlines 361-416: Arcita is released from prison and regrets losing the sight on Emily 23. Canterbury Tales: Miller's Prologue and Tale Introduction: The Miller’s TaleStory SummaryReading: The Miller’s PrologueThe Miller’s Tale 24. Canterbury Tales: The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale Introduction: The Wife of BathStory Summary:Reading: The Wife of Bath’s PrologueWife of Bath’s Tale 25. The Canterbury Tales: The Friar's Prologue and Tale The Friar’s PrologueThe Friar’s Tale 26. Canterbury Tales: The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale Introduction: The PardonerStory Summary:Reading: Pardoner’s PrologueThe Pardoner’s Tale 27. Canterbury Tales: The Nun's Priest's Tale Introduction: The Nun’s Priest’s TaleStory Summary:Reading: The Nun’s Priest’s Tale: PrologueThe Nun’s Priest’s Tale28. Chaucer's Retraction to Canterbury Tales 29. From: The Vision of Piers Plowman by William Langland From: The PrologueFrom: Passus IFrom: Passus 5Passus 6From: Passus 7From The C-Text30. Julian of Norwich: Revelations of Divine Love (Selections) 31. Margery Kempe: Excerpts from The Book of Margery Kempe IntroductionReading: The Birth of Her First Child and Her First Vision (excerpt)Her Pride and Attempts to Start a Business (excerpt)Margery and Her Husband Reach a Settlement32. The Wakefield Second Shepherd's Play33. Middle English Lyrics34. Robert Henryson: The Cock and the Jasp35. Everyman 36. Thomas Malory: Le Morte d'Arthur Introdution: Le Morte d’ArthurReading: Selection from Morte d’Arthur V. The Sixteenth Century 37. Sir Thomas More: Utopia UTOPIA38. From: The Book of Common Prayer39. From: The Schoolmaster by Roger Ascham 40. WOMEN IN POWER: Selected Readings Mary I (Tudor): IntroductionMary Tudor: BiographyLady Jane GreyIntroductionMary Queen of Scots: IntroductionElizabeth I: IntroductionBiography41. Edmund Spencer: the Faerie Queene (Book I) 42. Sir Walter Raleigh: Poems and From: The Discovery of the Large, Rich and Beautiful Empire of Guiana Sir Walter Raleigh: IntroductionBiography: Sir Walter RaleighPoems43. Sir Philip Sidney: From Astrophil and Stella 44. THE WIDER WORLD: Selected Readings The Wider World: Selected Readings Richard Hakluyt: BiographyReading: Hakluyt’s Dedicatory Epistle to The Principal Navigations, 1589Leo Africanus: BiographyReading: Leo Africanus on the North Africans, 1526An English Traveller’s Guide to the North Africans, 1547Voyage to the Arctic, 1577, with Reflections on Racial DifferenceAmadas and Barlowe’s Voyage to Virginia, 1584Introduction: Thomas HariotHariot’s Report on Virginia, 1585General History of the Turks, 1603Introduction: Thomas DallamReading: A Gift for the Sultan 45. Christopher Marlowe: Hero and Leander Hero and Leander 46. Christopher Marlowe: Doctor Faustus The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus 47. William Shakespeare: Introduction Biography 48. William Shakespeare: Selected Sonnets Introduction: Shakespeare’s SonnetsNotable Themes and SummariesReading: Selected Sonnets 49. William Shakespeare: Taming of the Shrew Introduction: Taming of the ShrewExtended OverviewReading: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW VI. Early Seventeenth Century 50. John Dunne: Selections Songs and SonnetsA Selection of Holy SonnetsFrom: Devotions upon Emergent Occasions51. Aemilia Lanyar: Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum 52. Ben Jonson: Epigrams and Poetry EpigramsPoemsFrom: Underwood 53. Selections by Mary Wroth From: The Countess of Montgomery’s Urania SongFrom: Pamphilia to AmphilanthusFrom: A Crown of Sonnets Dedicated to Love 54. GENDER RELATIONS: Conflict and Counsel From: The Arraignment of Lewd, Idle, Froward, and Unconstant Women: Or the Vanity of Them Choose you WhetherRachel Speght: From A Muzzle for Melastomus William Gouge: From Domestical Duties55. Francis Bacon: Essays56. Margaret Cavendish: The Blazing World 57. George Herbert: The Temple The Temple 58. CRISIS OF AUTHORITY Readings Crisis of Authority: The Beheading of Charles IFrom: King Charles, His Trial (1649)From: A Perfect Diurnal of Some Passages in Parliament, no. 288Crisis of Authority: Political WritingsRobert Filmer: From Patriarcha Introduction: John Milton’s Political WritingsReading: From The Tenure of Kings and MagistratesGerrard Winstanley: From A New Year’s Gift Sent to the Parliament and ArmyThomas Hobbes: From LeviathanCrisis of Authority: Writing the SelfLucy Hutchinson: From Memoirs of the Life of Colonel John HutchinsonEdward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon: From The History of the RebellionLady Anne Halkett: From The Memoires 59. John Milton: Poems and Sonnets IntroductionReadings: John Milton’s Selected PoemsLycidasSonnets 60. John Milton: Paradise Lost (Books 1-3) BOOK 1BOOK 2BOOK 3 61. John Milton: Paradise Lost (Books 4-6) BOOK 4BOOK 5BOOK 6 62. John Milton: Paradise Lost (Books 7-9) BOOK 7BOOK 8BOOK 9 63. John Milton: Paradise Lost (Books 10-12) BOOK 10BOOK 11BOOK 12 VII. The Eighteenth Century 64. Oroonoko by Aphra Behn Oroonoko: Or, the Royal Slave 65. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift Gulliver’s Travels Appendix An Open Companion for British Literature I 16 Sir Orfeo An introduction for this reading has not yet been written. Reading: Sir Orfeo Adapted from the Middle English by Edward Eyre Hunt, 1909. We often read with new delight The lays that clerks would have us know, For lays there are that sing aright Each wondrous thing of long ago: Some are of weal, and some of woe, And some of joy and gentle mirth, And some of guile and treacherous foe, And some the strangest haps of earth; Some are of jests and ribaldry, And some there are of fairy lore; But most of all, as men may see, They sing of love and trials sore. In Britain in the days of yore The harpers writ that men should praise The gallant deeds that were before Of such the Britons made their lays.
Some people are influenced by books or stories of other heros and they follow in their footstep. These men at the time merely acted out of their good nature or true beliefs.
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“Thy lovely body, once so bright, Is bruised as if thou wished thee dead. Alas! alas! how wan and white Thy little mouth that was so red! And dark with blood thy nails have shed Thy fingers that were erst as snow! Thy lovely eyes are full of dread And gaze as if I were thy foe!
wow she is really upset and really "beat herself up"! bruises and blood dang! I'm assuming this is referring the damage of the snake bite?
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Then sudden with a cry she rose And burst in tears of wild despair, And wrung her hands, and showered blows Upon her breast, and tore her hair.
Im not sure what is going on? Did she have a bad dream or is this symbolizing something else? Perhaps this is the part where she got bit by a snake?
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Lady Heurodis
is this the same person as Eurydice? If so, why did they change her name?
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” For thou art rough, and foul, and lean, But lovely as a rose is she.
Suggesting she isn't perfect
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None may describe that wondrous sight
sounds amazing
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bonsour
Does anyone know what this means?
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timorous.
Was nervous
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His beard, that once was black and trim, Was white, and lengthened to his knee;
Wow he really aged...
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gleemen
entertainers
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Stalwart
Loyal/Reliable
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mirth
amusement
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And so his kingdom he forsook; He had no kirtle and no hood; A simple palmer’s cloak he took; No shoes he had, no store of food. But with his harp he sadly strode Barefooted from the castle gate, Alone to wander where he would. Alas! how woeful was his state!
Must be true love, if I had to chase after my love into a place that wasn't meant for man, i'd at least wear my chanclas and take a Cliff bar.
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” Since we were first together, naught Hath marred our life; no smallest sign; But we have loved as love we ought; Thou art my life, and I am thine. Now do thy best and do not pine, For we must part, and I to doom ! ” ” Alas ! ” he cried, and ” woe is mine ! Where dost thou go, Love, and to whom
Up until now they had a great relationship. She is telling him not to be sad but that she must go because she has had a dream/vision of her death. Orfeo cries out in distress and wants to know where she is going and with who
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None before him was, I trow, Or in after days will be Held the peer of Orfeo
The author believes that no one has been or ever will be as good of a harpist as Orfeo.
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hearken
listen
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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resplendent
attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous
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With wine in splendid jugs
Drinking was mentioned several times in this story so I'm guessing that is was a way of life for them
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blood-sullen
Gruesome
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Hoc’s daughter– How could she not Lament her fate When morning came And the light broke On her murdered dears? And so farewell Delight on earth, War carried away 1080 Finn’s troop of thanes, All but a few.
Okay so why did the format of the story change?
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They sang then and played to please the hero, Words and music for their warrior prince, Harp tunes and tales of adventure:
Wow, that does seem very nice and elegant party, or commemoration.
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. But death is not easily Escaped from by anyone: All of us with souls, earth-dwellers And children of men, must make our way To a destination already ordained Where the body, after the banqueting, Sleeps on its deathbed.
Very powerful and seems that has a religious aspect in a way. Seems that faith plays a huge role in this entire story.
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I have often honored smaller achievements, 950 Recognized warriors not nearly as worthy, Lavished rewards on the less deserving. But you have made yourself immortal By your glorious action. May the Lord of Ages Continue to keep and requite you well.”
This makes Beowulf seem that he is more worthy than the other men. But these words are very nice to hear and its great that now Beowulf is getting the recognition that he deserves for defeating Grendel all by himself
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But nit came to pass that his sword plunged Right through those radiant scales 890 And drove into the wall. The dragon died of it. His daring had given him total possession Of the treasure hoard , his to dispose of However he liked. He loaded a boat: Wael’s son weighted her hold With dazzling spoils. The hot dragon melted.
This entire section was well described and made a great image in head as well as dramatized everything.
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chestnut horses
Brown horses? lol its just funny how this there, it almost seems that it has no purpose but I am sure it does. Maybe for dicription
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ignominious
deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.
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As long as either lived He was hateful to the other. The monster’s whole Body was in pain, a tremendous wound Appeared on his shoulder. Sinews split And the bone-lappings burst.
Is it just me or are these sentences all super short and fragmented? If so, I wonder what the purpose of that way for. Emphasis or something?
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He would rip life from limp and devour them,
Okay, wow. That sounds very gruesome, but great detailed descriptions
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Wealhtheow, His queen and bedmate.
Interesting how they used the word "bedmate" is this applying they are sexually active or they just go to bed together? Its just interesting how they put that there while describing her.
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So for all your cleverness and quick tongue, You will suffer damnation in the pits of hell.
Unferth in other words is being called a coward and being cursed because he was cowardly in his ways of not helping or fighting in any battle.
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desolate
(of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.
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my sword had killed
Personification once again
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The sleep of the sword,
Personification I think is what this is called? An object can't sleep so it is being personified.
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I noticed that throughout this story, certain things would stand out to me more than others would. For example, the line "Afterwards a boy-child was born to shield," stood out more. This is partly because it is physically on a different line than the upcoming or previous text, but also on a deeper level. The use of "boy-child," as a way to show someones level of maturity is an interesting choice. It helped me understand that the person being referred to in this line was more mature compared to others around their age. Not only did this unique diction catch my eye, but I think it helped me understand that this time period was a difficult time for everyone and that fact that the "boy-child," was mature for his age really spoke to me. It help me connect to my own experiences where I have had to mature more rapidly than my peers. It was nice to see a connection. When I first thought about this story, I thought that this was not going to be relevant, but after I finished reading it, I quickly realized that even though timed were way different during the Anglo Saxon period, some things can still be seen as indicators or as connections to the modern day.
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filigree
ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery.
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beer
LOL interesting to see that these people seemed to drink openly, or it seems that way. I wonder if this was a norm back in the day for everyone or just for those who were wealthy
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Heathoreams
What does this even mean? I tried looking it up but still couldn't understand it.
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“Are you the Beowulf who took on Breca In a swimming match on the open sea, Risking the water just to prove you could win? It was sheer vanity made you venture out
This also shows more heroism but also gives the understanding that his battles are well known.
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No need then 450 To lament for long or lay out my body: If the battle takes me, send back
This text clearly shows the bravery and heroism that he has to not worry about the results of this event
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Now Holy God Has, in His Goodness, guided him here To the West-Danes, to defend us from Grendel. This is my hope; and for his heroism I will recompense him with a rich treasure.
Hrothgar has recognized his bravery to come defend them from Grendel and has decided to respond to his message with embrace
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The valiant follower stood four-square In front of his king: he knew the courtesies.
The mood of the text showed that passing the message was formal and conventional
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Stoutness of heart,
Having a courageous or stubborn heart
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Above their cheek-guards, the brightly forged Work of goldsmiths, watching over Those stern-faced men
The men could see the people with a slight glance watching them from their ship
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What’s more, I’ll order my own comrades On their word of honor to watch your boat
It is very clear that he has trust in his companions to protect his boat
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Cain
I think the connection here to the Biblical Cain is an interesting choice in this story. Cain is the "original" evil human, killing his brother out of jealousy. I don't think these stories completely parallel because I don't think that Grendel is acting out of jealousy, but I guess it could be interpreted this way. I think this is also in line with an old common thought that all evil is the offspring of Cain. So, there is a historical and cultural aspect present in this poem.
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hell-serf
a “serf” (servant) of Hell
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ignominious
sinful
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stockade
a place where weapons are kept
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mauled
destroyed
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vied
fought
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gloating
mocking in triumph
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moor-nest
the “nest” in the moors (swampy wetlands) where Grendel lives
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proffer
offer
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word-hoard
vocabulary, speech (n.)
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sentries
guards
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looming
hanging over dangerously
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gangplank
part of a ship that leads from the deck to the ground
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canny
careful, smart
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pagan
non-Christian
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Atrocious
disgusting, horrifying
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rabid
crazy, dangerous
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respite
rest
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wassail
celebration
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havoc
chaos
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anathema
opposite
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exacted
taken (v.)
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dwelt
lived
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fens
a marsh, swamp
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desolate
without hope
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heath
deserted field common to England where very little grows
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marauding
destroying
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quickened
came alive
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girdled
encircled
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din
loud noise
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harrow
torment
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rampant
out of control
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held sway
had power
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weathered
withstood
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bewailing
moaning
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bountifully
generously
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tackle
equipment (n.)
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ring-whorled prow
the front of a ship decorated with interlaced rings
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revered
worshiped
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bade
told
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Steadfast
strong and steady
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And the goods he hoarded and inherited by another Who lets them go with a liberal hand.
others will not always cherish your earthly possessions like you
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His old possessions seem paltry to him now. He covets and resents; dishonors custom And bestows no gold
people who succeed and gain power in their earthly life will continue to crave that validation and want more whether it is an award, honor, or stuff, until they die and realize what actually matters
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swan
is this swan instead of swam?
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Holy God Decided the victory. It was easy for the Lord, The Ruler of Heaven, to redress the balance Once Beowulf got back up on his feet.
God now helps beowulf win the fight because that is the plan he has laid out or the fate he has decided
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The strongest of warriors stumbled and fell.
Even the strongest people will fail
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Beowulf was quickly brought to the chamber: 1310 The winner of fights, the arch-warrior,
the second line just reiterates the first, beowulf is the best fighter
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She had snatched their trophy, Grendel’s bloodied hand. It was a fresh blow
finding your dead sons arm being paraded around like a trophy would be infuriating to anybody
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Counselors
what did counselors mean in this time period?
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So must a man do Who intends to gain enduring glory In a combat.
there he goes about glory again
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They are fatherless creatures, And their whole ancestry is hidden in a past Of demons and ghosts.
Very dark ideas surrounding the heritage of the monsters
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With that the old lord sprung to his feet And praised God for Beowulf’s pledge
He is praising God for Beowulf instead of praising Beowulf
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I shall gain glory or die
Again he talks about achieving glory or death, there are no other options
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They were leaderless In forced allegiance To his murderer. So if any Frisian Stirred up bad blood With insinuations Or taunts about this, The blade of the sword Will arbitrate it.
I think this is saying they were not allowed to disagree or cause trouble or else the new leader would kill them
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Past and present, God’s will prevails.
I feel like I have heard this phrase in many other places
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He is hasped and hooped and hirpling with pain, Limped and looped in it.
rhyming and alliteration
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From any of my burdens: the best of houses Glittered and reeked and ran with blood.
is glittered bad in this phrase?
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Entwining
Interweaving words
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His fatal departure 840 Was regretted by no one who witnessed his trail
Nobody was sad the monster was dead/dying
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The howl of the loser, the lament of the hell-serf Keening his wound.
lament- passionate expression of grief hell-surf- servant of hell keening- a prolonged high-pitched sound that expresses grief the loud cry of the loser that was the servant to hell mourning his wound
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spoiling for action
wanting action
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I meant to perform to the uttermost What your people wanted or perish in the attempt, In the fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, Prove myself with a proud deed Or meet my death here in the mead-hall.”
He believes he will do well and defeat the monster. He needs to do this to feel proud of himself again so he is okay with the idea that he might die trying
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My flesh was not for feasting on, There would be no monsters gnawing and gloating Over their banquet at the bottom of the sea.
very proud and egotistical of all that he has defeated
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hen morning light, Scarfed in sun-dazzle, shines forth from the south And brings another daybreak to the world.”
What is 'sun-dazzle', is it just sunshine or is it treasures
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You waded in, embracing water, Taking its measure, mastering currents, Riding on the swell. The ocean swayed, Winter went wild in the waves
Beowolf learned to master the currents and swim in his last test. There is also a personification of winter saying it "went wild"
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Fate goes ever as fate must.”
Saying if death is my fate then that is how it should happen
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Then news of Grendel, Hard to ignore, reached me at home:
This part seems choppy, but it is very straight forward and to the point
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“We are retainers From Hygelac’s band. Beowulf is my name. If your lord and master, the most renowned Son of Halfdane, will hear me out And graciously allow me to greet him in person, I am ready and willing to report my errand.”
This is the first time Beowolf has spoken. He calls this task an "errand"
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No elder denied him, dear as he was to them. Instead, they inspected omens
Elders looked for a message from God. Omens were believed to tell the future
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So Grendel waged his lonely war, Inflicting constant cruelties on the people, Atrocious hurt. He took over Heorot, Haunted the glittering hall after dark, But the throne itself, the treasure-seat, He was kept from approaching; he was the Lord’s outcast.
To me this means that Grendel could be as horrific and evil as ever, but after killing so many and Haunting a place, he would still never be revered. He is inherently evil so even after getting what he wanted it still left him unfulfilled
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weather-eye open
to maintain an awareness of Grendel
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oy-child
is "Boy-child" used to state the gender of the child or is it saying the baby is more mature. Calling the child a boy instead of an infant makes me think of the baby as more mature
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while some scholars point to a particularly Christian or pagan reading of the text, what is certain is that there are only allusions to the Old Testament and Christ is never mentioned.
Are the references to God in this text about a pagan God or a Christian God?
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I have never seen so impressive or large
It is clear that their appearance has a lot of character and is pretty impressive.
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Those stern-faced men
How does someone have a stern face? How can you tell what a stern face even looks like? Ive always heard of a stern personality but not a stern look. I wonder if the men have straight faces, or mean faces
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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She bade the knights of her company to draw rein, and dismount from their palfreys, so that they might refresh themselves a little.
she's basically telling them to back off and give her space so she could wander off into the woods to find him
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Thereat the King waxed marvellously wrathful, and swore a great oath that he would set Launfal within a fire, or hang him from a tree, if he could not deny this thing, before his peers.
wow they are really over reacting just because Launfal turned her down! She didn't get her way so now she's throwing a fit and got her feelings hurt that she is going to put his life in danger. PETTY
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If you are prudent and discreet, as you are goodly to the view, there is no emperor nor count, nor king, whose day shall be so filled with riches and with mirth as yours.”
Why the secret? Is she already married? I could be wrong but basically she's saying if he keeps his mouth shut about their affair, she'll be the sugar momma of his dreams haha don't do it dude don't do it!
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By reason of the heat her raiment was unfastened for a little, and her throat and the rondure of her bosom showed whiter and more untouched than hawthorn in May.
sure...let's blame the heat. She knows well of what she's doing. Seduction at its finest lol wonder what she wants from him?
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Above the tent was set an eagle of gold, so rich and precious, that none might count the cost. The cords and fringes thereof were of silken thread, and the lances which bore aloft the pavilion were of refined gold.
literary device: imagery. wow all that for just a tent. oh they're fancy huh?
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prays that you will follow us, her messengers, as she has a certain word to speak with you. We will lead you swiftly to her pavilion, for our lady is very near at hand.
hmmm that seems a bit strange...they just knew he was going to be there and its strange how shes so close by under a whole tent. seems like a set up for something bad?
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pass or ford
what does this mean? without even thinking twice?
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Sir Launfal would have crossed this stream, without thought of pass or ford, but he might not do so, for reason that his horse was all fearful and trembling
aww he was considerate of the horse being fearful
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son to a King of high descent, though his heritage was in a distant land.
I wonder why he didn't stay in his own land and maybe rule there?
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see so stout
someone who is fat or of heavy build
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Never were such worship and bounty shown before at any feast, for Arthur bestowed honours and lands on all his servants
gave them nothing but the best
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nun or a noblewoman as these were among the only literate women in medieval society.
wow very interesting that these were some of the few literate women during medieval times!
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Fair lady,” he answered, “since it pleases you to be so gracious, and to dower so graceless a knight with your love, there is naught that you may bid me do—right or wrong, evil or good—that I will not do to the utmost of my power. I will observe your commandment, and serve in your quarrels. For you I renounce my father and my father’s house. This only I pray, that I may dwell with you in your lodging, and that you will never send me from your side.”
Stage five clinger
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The lad struck so heavily, he thrust home so shrewdly, that Milon’s hatred changed to envy as he watched.
He underestimated him
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raiment
clothing
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It were good for me to die rather than to live, but by no means can I escape from their hands.
She suggests she's better off dead.
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warily
cautiously
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for when he hears of this matter he will make of me an example.
She will be punished and will serve as a lesson to others.
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damsel
young unmarried woman
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kindred
no relatives
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ending all this trouble with his knife.
Almost took his own life.
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reviled
Insulted in a way
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dolent
sad
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realm
his kingdom.
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These maidens turned neither to the right hand nor to the left, but went directly to the place where Launfal lay.
They really minded their own business
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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The third part of Beowulf was a great continuation of part I and part II. It begins to dig deeper into the idea that killing one another or fighting or violence causes the destruction throughout the land and throughout the people. In the third part, the "grave cost" as mentioned. Now in the story, I am pretty sure that it wasn't literally referring to how much it costs to build a grave, but I interpreted it as that. I took it as it costs a lot of money to build a grave, and if people keep killing one another, then eventually there won't be any money left because it has all been used to build graves. Therefore causing destruction on everyone else. I really enjoyed how the story takes a different direction in the third part. In this first and second part, it was talking about good versus evil and religion. In the third part, it takes that a bit deeper and goes into about how good versus evil affects the lived of everyone else in the land and not just one person but as the land as a whole. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed getting the read the third part of Beowulf.
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This was an awesome story of a true hero. Beowulf truly was symbolic of the perfect leader--he was courageous, had unwavering strength, and was fair (and thoughtful) for his people. In regard to the theme, it's interesting (though a bit cliche) that many of the characters revolve around the idea that fate controls their lives. As for the ending, even though it ended with Beowulf's death, I still would like to know what happened to his clans. Overall, Beowulf is a perfect description of Anglo-Saxon times because of its values, poetic style, and epic hero.
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fomented
stirred up
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filigree
ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
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profusely
in large amount
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assail
to attack violently, assault
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nightmarish
resembling a nightmare, especially in being terrifying, exasperating, or the like
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“To the everlasting Lord of All, To the King of Glory, I give thanks That I beheld this treasure here in front of me, That I have been allowed to leave my people So well endowed on the day I die. Now that I have bartered my last breath To own this fortune, it is up to you 2800 To look after their needs. I can hold out no longer.
The ultimate purpose of the epic hero is to leave something of lasting value to his culture.
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Then twelve warriors rode around the tomb, Chieftain’s sons, champions in battle, 3170 All of them distraught, chanting in dirges, Mourning his loss as a man and a king. They extolled his heroic exploits And gave thanks for his greatness; which was the proper thing, For a man should praise a prince whom he holds dear And cherish his memory when that moment comes When he has to be convoyed from his bodily home. So the Geat people, his hearth companions, Sorrowed for the lord who had been laid low. They said that of all the kings upon the earth 3180 He was the man most gracious and fair-minded, Kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.
The closing lines serve as a kind of elegy.
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“You are the last of us, the only one left Of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, Sent my whole brave high-born clan To their final doom. Now I must follow them.”
These last words of the dying hero essentially shows his courage and reinforces the theme of fate, which sweeps away even the bravest warrior.
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The warriors’ protector, prince of the hall-troop, Ordered a marvelous all-iron shield From his smithy works. He well knew That linden boards would let him down 2340 And timber burn.
Instead of merely stating that Beowulf bested the monster Grendel in battle, the narrator gives an elaborate description of Grendel's brokenness.
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The man we loved, to where he will lodge For a long time in the care of the Almighty.
Wiglaf plays a key role in the retelling of Beowulf’s journey and gives credibility to such an extraordinary tale of an incredible hero.
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In a commanding position, since of all men To have lived and thrived and lorded it on earth His worth and due as a warrior were the greatest.
Beowulf’s people promise to ensure that his story will forever be passed on and remembered throughout eternity.
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Order my troop to construct a barrow On a headland on the coast, after my pyre has cooled. It will loom in the horizon at Hronesness And be a reminder among my people– So that in coming times crews under sail Will call it Beowulf’s barrow, as they steer Ships across the wide and shrouded waters.
Beowulf’s mortality is revealed to his own warriors and members of his kingdom.
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press-ganged
to coerce someone into taking a certain action
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affliction
a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery
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reconnoiter
to inspect, observe, or survey (the enemy, the enemy's strength or position, a region, etc.) in order to gain information for military purposes
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exquisite
of special beauty or charm, or rare and appealing excellence
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earth-vault
probably refers to the custom of sleeping in sacred tombs
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The precious cup Had come to him from the hand of the finder, The one who had started all this strife And was now added as a thirteenth to their number.
In Christianity, number 13 is an unlucky number because there were 12 Apostles and Jesus at the Last Suppeer. Jesus declared that one of them will betray him. Here the slave stole the cup of the dragon.
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Then Beowulf was given bad news, A hard truth: his own home, The best of buildings, had been burnt to a cinder, The throne-room of the Geats.
even Beowulf was affected
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swathed
wrapped
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The dragon began to belch out flames And burn bright homesteads; there was a hot glow That scared everyone, for the vile sky-winger Would leave nothing alive in his wake. Everywhere the havoc he wrought was in evidence. Far and near, the Geat nation Bore the brunt of his brutal assaults And virulent hate. Then back to the hoard He would dart before daybreak, to hide in his den.
He wreaks havoc on the people far and wide at night, leaving nothing alive after his attacks. He returns to his lair before daybreak.
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He is driven to hunt out Hoards under ground, to guard heathen gold Through age-long vigils, though to little avail. For three centuries, this scourge of the people Had stood guard on that stoutly protected Underground treasury
He has been protecting it for three hundred years and is furious when he discovers the theft.
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vigils
wakefulness maintained for any reason during the normal hours for sleeping
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Between the two of us will turn out as fate, Overseer of men, decides.
He brings up fate again. He refers to God as the "overseer of men". He still wants to glory of winning this battle but still thinks that God decides his fate.
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coffered
what does coffered soul mean? does it have to do with the size or liking of money?
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The one who stood guard Was dangerous and watchful, warden of that trove Buried under earth: no easy bargain Would be made in that place by any man.
this was not going to be a simple/easy battle to take on.
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thwarted
prevent this from happening
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To shake with terror…………..in shock The wretch……………………………. ………………………..panicked and ran Away with the precious………………….
Why did he use so many periods here?
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There was no way Beowulf could manage to get the better Of the monster with his sword. Wiglaf sits At Beowulf’s side, the son of Weohstan,
This makes Beowulf look heroic because it is stated the task of beating this monster was hard and nearly impossible but Beowulf still attempted it and never backed down.
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Die than live a life of shame.”
This is also a strong statement that is also said and rephrased now in our times.
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From the young warrior to the ones who had been cowards.
wow. This is a pretty harsh statement towards the people who he is talking to.
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Much as he wanted to, there was no way He could preserve his lord’s life on earth
Shows great respect and love that he has for his lord
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Big and brave as they may have been, Few who would have held out if they had had to face The outpourings of that poison-breather
Very admirable
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pyre
a heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony
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How easily treasure Buried in the ground, gold hidden However skillfully, can escape from any man!
Not sure about what the last sentence in the paragraph mean. Is it saying that all the riches can leave or escape easily because once you die its all gone? Because now the gold and treasure are there but who owns them now and who will own them in the future. Gives you a good sense of all material things in life being temporary.
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Now is the time when I would have wanted To bestow this armor on my own son, 2730 Had it been my fortune to have fathered an heir And live on in his flesh. For fifty years I ruled this nation. No king Of any neighboring clan would dare Face me with troops, none had the power To intimidate me. I took what came,
This section of his speech can come off kind of arrogant at first.
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Beowulf spoke: in spite of his wounds, Mortal wounds, he still spoke For he well knew his days in the world Had been lived out to the end: his allotted time Was drawing to a close, death was very near.
This is actually sad, but then this is also admirable because it says that Beowulf still speaks even though he is wounded and hurt and about to die.
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noble son of Weohstan Saw the king in danger at his side And displayed his inborn bravery and strength. He left the head alone, but his fighting hand Was burned when he came to his kinsman’s aid. He lunged at the enemy lower down So that his decorated sword sank into its belly 2700 And the flames grew weaker. Once again the king Gathered his strength and drew a stabbing knife He carried on his belt, sharpened for battle. He stuck it deep into the dragon’s flank. Beowulf dealt it a deadly wound. They had killed the enemy, courage quelled his life;
This entire section about the son of Weohstan is very heroic and it makes the reader start liking him. But sadly, it makes us like his and admire him more than Beowulf.
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When he yielded a sword, No matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade His hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt (I have heard) would ruin it. He could reap no advantage.
This section makes it clear that Beowulf is not the best with the fight in war. The description of the sword being useless no matter how good really emphasizes his lack in skill.
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reap
Receive (a reward or benefit) as a consequence of one's own or other people's actions.
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I shall stand by you.”
Immense amount of support is seem for Beowolf from Wiglaf. This adds more emotion to the story and gives a sense of what others feel about Beowolf, and they also make Beowolf very likable.
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Sad at heart, addressing his companions, Wiglaf spoke wise and fluent words:
Seems that Wiglaf is a very respectable person and it is being shown that he is caring as well.
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furled
neatly and securely rolled or folded up.
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flashed and slashed
great rhyming, adds more emphasis to the action
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