Abstract
Translation
Recordings
Beowulf's Ultimatum
Cooling cares
Closing
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Abstract
Beowulf concludes his speech to the Danish coastguard.
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Translation
"'That I might teach Hrothgar
through the counsel of a broad mind,
how he the wise and good could overcome that fiend --
if he ever should end
this ruinous trouble, relief will come after --
and his cares shall turn cool;
Else ever after shall be times of sorrow,
endure distress, all while that greatest
of houses is forced to make do in its high place.'"
(Beowulf ll.277b-285)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
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Beowulf's Ultimatum
So here's the final piece of Beowulf's speech. He's introduced himself, spoken about his mission, and stated that he is the one that can kill Grendel. But there's something strange about his phrasing.
Line 283 starts with the harsh conjunction "else" ("oððe a syþðan"). I call it a harsh conjunction because "else" always indicates a sharp turn in topic and tone. The phrase "or else" is so dramatic that contemporary culture's love of irony has made it fodder for comedy, but "oððe" wasn't something to take lightly back in the day.
I've translated the phrase "oððe a syþðan" as "else" because such is the simplest way to do so.
Looked at literally, a translation would be "and/until forever afterward." Using "and" rather than "until" gives the same sense as "else" since it still indicates a sharp turn away from what was said before. Even so, there's not really any other way to take the phrase "until forever afterward," than "else"; what better word is there to convey something that will happen until the time "forever" is reached?
So, getting back to Beowulf's phrasing. It seems that the conclusion to his speech is as much a boast as it is a statement of fact. But that's important, here.
As Beowulf is speaking the coastguard is measuring him up against the terror of Grendel. Ending on what is really an ultimatum shows that Beowulf can be a match to that terror. For what could be more terrifying than to be told that if this latest of many wishing to attempt a daring feat can't accomplish it no one can?
Thus, Beowulf's phrasing is certainly intentional and persuasive. It shows that Beowulf knows about the others who have come before him and uses this knowledge to his advantage.
Such an ultimatum wouldn't work if he was the first to come challenge Grendel. But, since many have tried and failed before him, his threat that he is the Danes' final hope is much more believable. It could even be that the line of hopeful heroes has dwindled down to nothing of late, and Beowulf is the first to be seen for some time, making Beowulf's threat/boast all the more effective.
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Cooling cares
Care and the heart go hand in hand. Poetically, at least.
And the heart is poetically linked to temperature. Kind people are warm hearted, misers are cold hearted. Fear can be described as having your blood run cold and if you find yourself in anger's grasp some might say the very blood in your veins is boiling.
However, on line 282, Beowulf uses an image that suggests that care itself once had some connection to temperature.
"And his cares shall turn cool" ("ond þa cear-wylmas colran wurðaþ").
That Beowulf notes that he can cool the cares of Hrothgar shows, once again, his knowledge of the situation.
Sure, Grendel is definitely foremost among Hrothgar's cares, but going beyond stating that he'll simply kill the monster that's terrorizing the Danes really makes it clear that Beowulf isn't looking for glory alone.
Keeping in mind the fact that the people that he is here to help really makes it clear that he can and will keep their interests in mind. He will respect their customs and regard their ways as he strives to maintain them.
Closing the positive possibility of his defeating Grendel with the image of cooling the Danes' cares is really quite powerful. It shows Beowulf's concern with the effect of his success as well as the mission itself.
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Closing
Next week, the coastguard gives Beowulf his answer.
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Thursday, February 27, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
On words of evil and Beowulf's cover letter (ll.270-277a) [Old English]
Abstract
Translation
Recordings
Words of evil
Beowulf and cover letter writing
Closing
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Abstract
Beowulf introduces the problem he's come to Daneland to solve.
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Translation
"'We have much to declare towards your errand,
the freedom of the Danes, no longer shall there evil
be, this I believe. You know - if it is
truly as we have heard -
that against the Scyldings fights a fiend unknown to me,
a thriving ravager, that in the dark of night
threatens you with unknowable fear,
oppression and slaughter.'"
(Beowulf ll.270-277a)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
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Words of evil
Line 275 of this passage suggests a pattern in Old English words. Those starting with the letter "d" are more often than not related to evil or, that intention's favoured cover, darkness.
The words that suggest this pattern are "deogol" ("unknown"), "daed-hata" ("ravager"), "deorcum" ("dark of"). In a passage containing roughly 50 words, four may not seem like a lot, but what's important here is that these words were chosen for their alliterative properties.
Now, bringing the poem's use of alliteration into an argument about the meaning of the poem's words might seem backwards.
Calling attention to the fact that Beowulf is written alliteratively can remind people that its words aren't necessarily chosen for their meaning, after all. But, my point in doing so is to also remind readers that any single word in a line of Old English poetry could be used for alliteration. The fact that line 275 contains three words that are linked by both alliteration and connotation seems far too coincidental to be anything but intentional.
So what can be said about this combination of words relating to evil and darkness?
Well, first off, that they're related concepts in the Old English mind.
Further, that since the Old English perception of colour is more about lustre than shade, these words show the association of darkness and evil at work. Dark colours, those lacking lustre, are still regarded as being more dire than their brighter counterparts, just as they would have been regarded during the time that Beowulf strives to capture.
Putting these three things together also establishes Grendel, the subject of this line, as being utterly separate from god. To the Anglo-Saxons, god was a concept of light and intricate patterns (both things negated by such darkness). That his utterance implies an understanding of this association also marks Beowulf as a rather smooth talker, one who can turn a memorable phrase as well as parry and riposte a well timed strike.
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Beowulf and cover letter writing
Speaking of Beowulf as well-spoken. This section of his speech to the coastguard fits very nicely into a rhetorical outline of his speech as a whole.
The previous section of his speech was all about his introduction. That section established who Beowulf is as a person and where he stands in relation to the hierarchy of power. That is, he's related to Ecgtheow, who had helped the Danes previously, he's in the service of Hygelac, a famed warrior, and has accomplished deeds of renown in the past.
This week's section has him move from that self-introduction to an explanation of why he (and his crew) have come to Daneland. Although the coastguard would already be well-versed in the troubles of his people, Beowulf's stating the problem (before running through his ability to solve it next week), establishes that he is familiar with said problem. Thus, Beowulf offers the coastguard a view onto his own understanding of what it is he is here to help with.
Rhetorically speaking, this sort of complete introductory speech is still used today.
Unless I've been doing it wrong this whole time, the classic cover letter follows a relatively similar format. You introduce yourself, state the purpose of your application, and then why you're a good fit for the job to which you're applying. The biggest difference between this staple of serious job applications and Beowulf's speech is that instead of explicitly describing the job you're applying for, you implicitly do so in the skills and experiences that you emphasize in your cover letter.
Boasts are also sometimes a shared feature between Anglo-Saxon discourse and cover letter writing. But we won't see any of those in Beowulf until this coming week's extract.
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Closing
Check back here on Thursday for the third part of Beowulf's introductory speech. In it he claims to be able to solve all the Danes' problems.
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Translation
Recordings
Words of evil
Beowulf and cover letter writing
Closing
Back To Top
Abstract
Beowulf introduces the problem he's come to Daneland to solve.
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Translation
"'We have much to declare towards your errand,
the freedom of the Danes, no longer shall there evil
be, this I believe. You know - if it is
truly as we have heard -
that against the Scyldings fights a fiend unknown to me,
a thriving ravager, that in the dark of night
threatens you with unknowable fear,
oppression and slaughter.'"
(Beowulf ll.270-277a)
Back To Top
Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Words of evil
Line 275 of this passage suggests a pattern in Old English words. Those starting with the letter "d" are more often than not related to evil or, that intention's favoured cover, darkness.
The words that suggest this pattern are "deogol" ("unknown"), "daed-hata" ("ravager"), "deorcum" ("dark of"). In a passage containing roughly 50 words, four may not seem like a lot, but what's important here is that these words were chosen for their alliterative properties.
Now, bringing the poem's use of alliteration into an argument about the meaning of the poem's words might seem backwards.
Calling attention to the fact that Beowulf is written alliteratively can remind people that its words aren't necessarily chosen for their meaning, after all. But, my point in doing so is to also remind readers that any single word in a line of Old English poetry could be used for alliteration. The fact that line 275 contains three words that are linked by both alliteration and connotation seems far too coincidental to be anything but intentional.
So what can be said about this combination of words relating to evil and darkness?
Well, first off, that they're related concepts in the Old English mind.
Further, that since the Old English perception of colour is more about lustre than shade, these words show the association of darkness and evil at work. Dark colours, those lacking lustre, are still regarded as being more dire than their brighter counterparts, just as they would have been regarded during the time that Beowulf strives to capture.
Putting these three things together also establishes Grendel, the subject of this line, as being utterly separate from god. To the Anglo-Saxons, god was a concept of light and intricate patterns (both things negated by such darkness). That his utterance implies an understanding of this association also marks Beowulf as a rather smooth talker, one who can turn a memorable phrase as well as parry and riposte a well timed strike.
Back To Top
Beowulf and cover letter writing
Speaking of Beowulf as well-spoken. This section of his speech to the coastguard fits very nicely into a rhetorical outline of his speech as a whole.
The previous section of his speech was all about his introduction. That section established who Beowulf is as a person and where he stands in relation to the hierarchy of power. That is, he's related to Ecgtheow, who had helped the Danes previously, he's in the service of Hygelac, a famed warrior, and has accomplished deeds of renown in the past.
This week's section has him move from that self-introduction to an explanation of why he (and his crew) have come to Daneland. Although the coastguard would already be well-versed in the troubles of his people, Beowulf's stating the problem (before running through his ability to solve it next week), establishes that he is familiar with said problem. Thus, Beowulf offers the coastguard a view onto his own understanding of what it is he is here to help with.
Rhetorically speaking, this sort of complete introductory speech is still used today.
Unless I've been doing it wrong this whole time, the classic cover letter follows a relatively similar format. You introduce yourself, state the purpose of your application, and then why you're a good fit for the job to which you're applying. The biggest difference between this staple of serious job applications and Beowulf's speech is that instead of explicitly describing the job you're applying for, you implicitly do so in the skills and experiences that you emphasize in your cover letter.
Boasts are also sometimes a shared feature between Anglo-Saxon discourse and cover letter writing. But we won't see any of those in Beowulf until this coming week's extract.
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Closing
Check back here on Thursday for the third part of Beowulf's introductory speech. In it he claims to be able to solve all the Danes' problems.
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Thursday, February 6, 2014
What's found in Beowulf's word hoard (ll.258-269) [Old English]
Abstract
Translation
Recordings
Beowulf's credentials
Words from the hoard
Closing
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Abstract
Beowulf unlocks his word hoard, and begins to answer the coastguard's concerns.
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Translation
"The eldest answered him,
with the wisdom of the band, unlocked his word hoard:
'We are kin of the Geatish people
and of Hygelac's **hearth retainers;
His people knew my father,
a noble progenitor known as Ecgtheow, -
he commanded many winters, before he went on his way,
full of years; each man of counsel
on the wide earth takes heed of him.
We through care of the worries of your lord,
son of Halfdane, have come seeking,
the protector of your people; your exhortation to us is great!'"
(Beowulf ll.258-269)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Beowulf's credentials
Being the main character's first speech, this extract is surprisingly straightforward.
We get the poet introducing the speaker with a description of him and his answer rather than a name. We hear Beowulf tell the guard who they are, who they serve, who he is, and who his father is.
Hold on a second.
It's standard in old heroic stories that people introduce themselves with mentions of their connections. But placing the fealty connection so close to the blood connection creates a parallel that carries some weight.
In defining who they are, Beowulf says that they are "Hygelac's hearth retainers." In defining who he is, he says that Ecgtheow is his father. But, no doubt with a characteristic wry smile, the poet has for more than ten lines ignored the guard's admonishment from last week's extract: "haste is best
in saying why you are come hence'" ("Ofost is selest/to gecyðanne hwanan eowre cyme syndon" (ll.256-57)).
So why spend so many lines introducing himself so indirectly? In part because of tradition. But also, I think, because the credentials that Beowulf lays down are of the utmost importance.
Hygelac is a great war leader from what little we've learned of him so far. And, from what Beowulf says, his father is a famed tactician. Along with wanting to show the guard just what he's all about, I think Beowulf mentions these two men in the way that he does to communicate that he combines these qualities. Qualities that until now have appeared separately in all of those who have come to face Grendel.
The combination of a warrior's spirit and a commander's mind (also, a commander who survived for a long time, suggesting, in one way, that Ecgtheow was able to delay death itself) would surely be seen as what was needed to destroy Grendel.
What, then, can be said for the order of Beowulf's laying down his credentials? Why not put his father first and his people second?
I think it's a move meant to show humility, that Beowulf is not out to serve himself, but instead in the service of a whole people.
Again, much like the reference to a warrior like Hygelac, I believe this is meant to show Beowulf's courage or strength of heart. What he fights for is not personal gain, but the benefit of whole groups of people. That makes him the perfect candidate for defeating Grendel, since he has the moral high ground against a monster that the poet has called kin of Cain, a lineage that marks him with grand immorality.
At least, as far as kinship ties go. If Beowulf's ties bring in longevity, battle strength, and cunning, Grendel's brings in murderousness, gluttony, and rage.
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Words from the hoard
Some wondrous words are used in this passage.
"Yldest" (l.257) is usually fairly straightforward. It simply means "oldest," or "chief." In the context in which it appears here, this latter definition makes fine sense. And the probe into this word's meaning could end there.
But if it's taken to mean the "oldest," then just how young are Beowulf's companions?
As he is the hero of the story, it's easy to see Beowulf as a young man who stands on an established reputation for prowess. But being reminded of the rest of his band like this makes that perception shaky. Especially if this trip is a means for Beowulf to come of age and prove his worth. Such a test seems tailored to someone in his teens. Does that mean that his companions are hardly able to grow beards? Or is the age difference just a matter of months?
Interpreting the word as "chief" is clearer, but why have a word that could mean either "oldest" or "chief"?
This dual definition implies a connection between the two, certainly.
And why not? seniority and authority often go together quite well, especially in medieval societies. Still, the connection one way makes me wonder if it could go the other way as well. If Beowulf is the oldest he can be the chief, but if he is the chief does that mean that he is, necessarily, the oldest?
Another curious compound appears in this passage, too. It's the word translated as "hearth retainers" in line 261 above: "heorð-geneatas," a combination of "heorð" (meaning "hearth") and "neat" (meaning "companion, follower (esp. in war); dependent, vassal; tenant who works for a lord"). Because of the range of options for "geneatas," the meaning of this one is difficult to bring out in Modern English.
Much like "hall hero", I think that "hearth retainers" is a solid translation. This new compound gets across that those meant are close to the one they serve and that their master has given them job security of some sort - keeping them on retainer.
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Closing
Next week, Beowulf continues to speak. Come on by this blog on Thursday to listen!
Back To Top
Translation
Recordings
Beowulf's credentials
Words from the hoard
Closing
Back To Top
Abstract
Beowulf unlocks his word hoard, and begins to answer the coastguard's concerns.
Back To Top
Translation
"The eldest answered him,
with the wisdom of the band, unlocked his word hoard:
'We are kin of the Geatish people
and of Hygelac's **hearth retainers;
His people knew my father,
a noble progenitor known as Ecgtheow, -
he commanded many winters, before he went on his way,
full of years; each man of counsel
on the wide earth takes heed of him.
We through care of the worries of your lord,
son of Halfdane, have come seeking,
the protector of your people; your exhortation to us is great!'"
(Beowulf ll.258-269)
Back To Top
Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Beowulf's credentials
Being the main character's first speech, this extract is surprisingly straightforward.
We get the poet introducing the speaker with a description of him and his answer rather than a name. We hear Beowulf tell the guard who they are, who they serve, who he is, and who his father is.
Hold on a second.
It's standard in old heroic stories that people introduce themselves with mentions of their connections. But placing the fealty connection so close to the blood connection creates a parallel that carries some weight.
In defining who they are, Beowulf says that they are "Hygelac's hearth retainers." In defining who he is, he says that Ecgtheow is his father. But, no doubt with a characteristic wry smile, the poet has for more than ten lines ignored the guard's admonishment from last week's extract: "haste is best
in saying why you are come hence'" ("Ofost is selest/to gecyðanne hwanan eowre cyme syndon" (ll.256-57)).
So why spend so many lines introducing himself so indirectly? In part because of tradition. But also, I think, because the credentials that Beowulf lays down are of the utmost importance.
Hygelac is a great war leader from what little we've learned of him so far. And, from what Beowulf says, his father is a famed tactician. Along with wanting to show the guard just what he's all about, I think Beowulf mentions these two men in the way that he does to communicate that he combines these qualities. Qualities that until now have appeared separately in all of those who have come to face Grendel.
The combination of a warrior's spirit and a commander's mind (also, a commander who survived for a long time, suggesting, in one way, that Ecgtheow was able to delay death itself) would surely be seen as what was needed to destroy Grendel.
What, then, can be said for the order of Beowulf's laying down his credentials? Why not put his father first and his people second?
I think it's a move meant to show humility, that Beowulf is not out to serve himself, but instead in the service of a whole people.
Again, much like the reference to a warrior like Hygelac, I believe this is meant to show Beowulf's courage or strength of heart. What he fights for is not personal gain, but the benefit of whole groups of people. That makes him the perfect candidate for defeating Grendel, since he has the moral high ground against a monster that the poet has called kin of Cain, a lineage that marks him with grand immorality.
At least, as far as kinship ties go. If Beowulf's ties bring in longevity, battle strength, and cunning, Grendel's brings in murderousness, gluttony, and rage.
Back To Top
Words from the hoard
Some wondrous words are used in this passage.
"Yldest" (l.257) is usually fairly straightforward. It simply means "oldest," or "chief." In the context in which it appears here, this latter definition makes fine sense. And the probe into this word's meaning could end there.
But if it's taken to mean the "oldest," then just how young are Beowulf's companions?
As he is the hero of the story, it's easy to see Beowulf as a young man who stands on an established reputation for prowess. But being reminded of the rest of his band like this makes that perception shaky. Especially if this trip is a means for Beowulf to come of age and prove his worth. Such a test seems tailored to someone in his teens. Does that mean that his companions are hardly able to grow beards? Or is the age difference just a matter of months?
Interpreting the word as "chief" is clearer, but why have a word that could mean either "oldest" or "chief"?
This dual definition implies a connection between the two, certainly.
And why not? seniority and authority often go together quite well, especially in medieval societies. Still, the connection one way makes me wonder if it could go the other way as well. If Beowulf is the oldest he can be the chief, but if he is the chief does that mean that he is, necessarily, the oldest?
Another curious compound appears in this passage, too. It's the word translated as "hearth retainers" in line 261 above: "heorð-geneatas," a combination of "heorð" (meaning "hearth") and "neat" (meaning "companion, follower (esp. in war); dependent, vassal; tenant who works for a lord"). Because of the range of options for "geneatas," the meaning of this one is difficult to bring out in Modern English.
Much like "hall hero", I think that "hearth retainers" is a solid translation. This new compound gets across that those meant are close to the one they serve and that their master has given them job security of some sort - keeping them on retainer.
Back To Top
Closing
Next week, Beowulf continues to speak. Come on by this blog on Thursday to listen!
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Thursday, January 30, 2014
What the Danes' coastguard says of Beowulf (ll.247b-257) [Old English]
Abstract
Translation
Recordings
A matter of translation
Beowulf's self control
Closing
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Abstract
The Dane's coastal watchman gaurdedly compliments the Geats' leader and calls on him to identify himself and his purpose.
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Translation
"'Never saw I a mightier man
upon this earth, than this one before me,
this man of might; is that not a retainer,
one worthy of weapons; never would his mien betray him,
a singular sight. Now, you of the far off dwelling place,
sea-farer, I would hear tell of
your singular purpose; haste is best
in saying why you are come hence.'"
(Beowulf ll.247b-257)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
A matter of translation
The last word of line 249 doesn't quite work. I'm not working to get a set meter into my translation of Beowulf, nor am I worried about rhythm. But even John R. Clark Hall and Herbert D. Meritt are bothered by the word at the end of line 249, that they translate as "retainer?" (Hall 302a).
This word is "seld-guma."
Its only ascription in my dictionary is to this instance of it in Beowulf. Apparently the words "seld" and "guma" are not combined anywhere else in the extant body of Old English writing.
The former of the two words in this compound means "hall, palace, residence; seat, throne, dais," and the latter means "man, lord, hero." So literal combinations could be "hall hero," "palace lord," or "throne man." One of these is better than simply "retainer," I think. "Hall hero" does the best job of capturing the sense of "seld-guma."
Just what is that sense?
I think, aside from its literal meaning, "seld-guma" connotes someone who is a regular attendant upon a hall or palace who has distinguished himself somehow. I'm pulling this connotation from the combination itself, since an appellation like "seld-guma" doesn't seem to be something lightly given.
The Anglo-Saxons put a high value on halls, after all, and so to be called "seld-guma" could be considered a great commendation. What's more, in this specific instance it must mean that Beowulf has a very dignified look about him since the coastguard is riffing off of his appearance alone. Association with a hall or residence would confer certain airs upon a person, and Beowulf very clearly carries himself with these in full effect.
Another way to think of the combination is that it connotes "household guard." To lightly assign warriors to guard your house (and by extension your family, valuables, and own life) would be to invite peril. Thus, naming Beowulf as such not only signifies that he has this title back in Geatland, but also that he is a hall hero because a stranger recognizes such qualities in him.
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Beowulf's self control
Further along in this week's extract, the coastguard says of Beowulf "never would his mien betray him" ("næfne him his wlite leoge" (l.250)). It's my opinion that this is meant to build on Beowulf as a "seld-guma."
As a warrior, even as a debater, it's important that you control yourself as much as possible. Attacks can be telegraphed by the body in strange ways, after all.
With that in mind, saying that Beowulf's countenance would never betray him suggests that he is in complete control of his expression, letting nothing at all slip out unintentionally.
Once more, this comes back to the coastguard assessing Beowulf on how he carries himself. Based on what's said here, it must be very well indeed. Not to mention, if Beowulf can really keep a lid on things to the extent that's suggested, it's fair to guess that he's a truly great warrior since he would leave his opponents guessing until he struck.
More generally, it must also mean that Beowulf could erase things like fear and joy from his face, making him just as dangerous with words as with swords, as we'll see next week.
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Closing
In next week's extract, we hear, for the first time in the poem, from Beowulf himself.
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Translation
Recordings
A matter of translation
Beowulf's self control
Closing
Back To Top
Abstract
The Dane's coastal watchman gaurdedly compliments the Geats' leader and calls on him to identify himself and his purpose.
Back To Top
Translation
"'Never saw I a mightier man
upon this earth, than this one before me,
this man of might; is that not a retainer,
one worthy of weapons; never would his mien betray him,
a singular sight. Now, you of the far off dwelling place,
sea-farer, I would hear tell of
your singular purpose; haste is best
in saying why you are come hence.'"
(Beowulf ll.247b-257)
Back To Top
Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
A matter of translation
The last word of line 249 doesn't quite work. I'm not working to get a set meter into my translation of Beowulf, nor am I worried about rhythm. But even John R. Clark Hall and Herbert D. Meritt are bothered by the word at the end of line 249, that they translate as "retainer?" (Hall 302a).
This word is "seld-guma."
Its only ascription in my dictionary is to this instance of it in Beowulf. Apparently the words "seld" and "guma" are not combined anywhere else in the extant body of Old English writing.
The former of the two words in this compound means "hall, palace, residence; seat, throne, dais," and the latter means "man, lord, hero." So literal combinations could be "hall hero," "palace lord," or "throne man." One of these is better than simply "retainer," I think. "Hall hero" does the best job of capturing the sense of "seld-guma."
Just what is that sense?
I think, aside from its literal meaning, "seld-guma" connotes someone who is a regular attendant upon a hall or palace who has distinguished himself somehow. I'm pulling this connotation from the combination itself, since an appellation like "seld-guma" doesn't seem to be something lightly given.
The Anglo-Saxons put a high value on halls, after all, and so to be called "seld-guma" could be considered a great commendation. What's more, in this specific instance it must mean that Beowulf has a very dignified look about him since the coastguard is riffing off of his appearance alone. Association with a hall or residence would confer certain airs upon a person, and Beowulf very clearly carries himself with these in full effect.
Another way to think of the combination is that it connotes "household guard." To lightly assign warriors to guard your house (and by extension your family, valuables, and own life) would be to invite peril. Thus, naming Beowulf as such not only signifies that he has this title back in Geatland, but also that he is a hall hero because a stranger recognizes such qualities in him.
Back To Top
Beowulf's self control
Further along in this week's extract, the coastguard says of Beowulf "never would his mien betray him" ("næfne him his wlite leoge" (l.250)). It's my opinion that this is meant to build on Beowulf as a "seld-guma."
As a warrior, even as a debater, it's important that you control yourself as much as possible. Attacks can be telegraphed by the body in strange ways, after all.
With that in mind, saying that Beowulf's countenance would never betray him suggests that he is in complete control of his expression, letting nothing at all slip out unintentionally.
Once more, this comes back to the coastguard assessing Beowulf on how he carries himself. Based on what's said here, it must be very well indeed. Not to mention, if Beowulf can really keep a lid on things to the extent that's suggested, it's fair to guess that he's a truly great warrior since he would leave his opponents guessing until he struck.
More generally, it must also mean that Beowulf could erase things like fear and joy from his face, making him just as dangerous with words as with swords, as we'll see next week.
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Closing
In next week's extract, we hear, for the first time in the poem, from Beowulf himself.
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Thursday, January 23, 2014
On the coastguard and Anglo-Saxon nationalism (ll.237-247a) [Old English]
Abstract
Translation
Recordings
An idea of nationalism
The bureaucratic border guard
Closing
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Abstract
The Danish coastguard begins his speech to the newly arrived Geats.
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Translation
"What are ye gear-havers,
wearers of corselets, that thus laden
in a high ship come over the sea-street,
hither with the waves? I am set
as border guard, to keep this isle hold watched,
So that no loathed ones may batter this
Danish land with naval force.
Never in known memory have any
come so openly bearing shields; nor do you
seem eager to get a word of permission from this watchman,
a Dane's consent."
(Beowulf ll.237-247a)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
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An idea of nationalism
This passage really says a lot about the conception of nationhood that the poet/scribe was working with. Or, that the poet/scribe wanted to portray.
On line 241, the coastguard is referred to as "endesæta." Clark Hall and Meritt translate this compound as "border-watchman." Taken separately, the word "ende" translates as "border, edge," and "sæta" could be a form of the verb "sittan" meaning "to sit" or it could mean "sitter." So a more modern spin on this compound would be "border-sitter."
What this little word says about conceptions of nationhood is this: A nation's land comes down to what it can directly control or patrol.
This lone Dane is out on the coast making sure that no-one sneaks up on the rest of his people, yes. But, his being at the coast also extends the purview of the Danish people so long as he remains connected to the whole (something that is implied when he sends the Geats speedily on to the interior, where Hrothgar is). However, such a conception of borders or limits is essentially one that relies much more heavily on social constructions than on any sort of physical marker.
In one sense, the Danes don't extend their rule into the sea, but at the same time, their representative at the coast is policing incoming traffic. Not that he can do anything about visitors until they land, but he is nonetheless watching the sea and anticipating threats to the Danes more generally.
At any rate this sense of nationhood is most curious because of its portable nature. Aside from Heorot, the Danes have no constructed physical indicator of their borders. Like the Israelites, or the Anglo-Saxons, they are a people because of their familial and loyalty ties rather than a shared, fixed land.
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The bureaucratic border guard
The Watchman's last set of statements seems strange without the other half of his speech. Jumping ahead for a second, his "Never...nor" ("No...ne" (ll.244-246)) statement reflects how impressed he is by the Geats' leader.
More immediately, and sticking to this excerpt, though, mentioning the Geats' not seeking Danish permission to land seems strangely bureaucratic for a bunch of warrior-adventurers.
Nonetheless, having to ask permission at a border to disembark makes sense. Having to deal with one foreigner within your lands would be much easier than having to manage a boatload of them. It's no doubt easier for a tribe like the Danes to trust one foreigner at a time when first meeting them, too.
What makes this part of the extract stand out, though, is just the plain shock that comes across in the Danish watchman's statement. Perhaps he has been coastguard for so long that procedure is something he holds dear because it's all the human interaction he gets. After all, as a coastguard, he's hardly in exile, but he's not exactly back at the hall enjoying the friendly boasting and the mead there.
Alternatively, this could be a reflection of this coastguard's inexperience. He's so green that he shakes his spear before he begins to speak not to intimidate, but because of his nervousness. And he makes a statement about the Geats' lack of respect for protocol because he's never had to deal with such impatience before.
Given the Dane's situation, though, it's not likely that even the newest of their coastguards would be without a good knowledge of warriors landing at the coast. Surely, more than a few have stopped by to try their hands at Grendel. Nonetheless, be he old hand, or greenhorn, the awe expressed in the coastguard's pointing out the Geats' eagerness comes across quite clearly. And it sounds genuine to boot.
Clearly Beowulf has made a good first impression.
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Closing
Next week, check back for the second part of the coastguard's speech.
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Translation
Recordings
An idea of nationalism
The bureaucratic border guard
Closing
Back To Top
Abstract
The Danish coastguard begins his speech to the newly arrived Geats.
Back To Top
Translation
"What are ye gear-havers,
wearers of corselets, that thus laden
in a high ship come over the sea-street,
hither with the waves? I am set
as border guard, to keep this isle hold watched,
So that no loathed ones may batter this
Danish land with naval force.
Never in known memory have any
come so openly bearing shields; nor do you
seem eager to get a word of permission from this watchman,
a Dane's consent."
(Beowulf ll.237-247a)
Back To Top
Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
An idea of nationalism
This passage really says a lot about the conception of nationhood that the poet/scribe was working with. Or, that the poet/scribe wanted to portray.
On line 241, the coastguard is referred to as "endesæta." Clark Hall and Meritt translate this compound as "border-watchman." Taken separately, the word "ende" translates as "border, edge," and "sæta" could be a form of the verb "sittan" meaning "to sit" or it could mean "sitter." So a more modern spin on this compound would be "border-sitter."
What this little word says about conceptions of nationhood is this: A nation's land comes down to what it can directly control or patrol.
This lone Dane is out on the coast making sure that no-one sneaks up on the rest of his people, yes. But, his being at the coast also extends the purview of the Danish people so long as he remains connected to the whole (something that is implied when he sends the Geats speedily on to the interior, where Hrothgar is). However, such a conception of borders or limits is essentially one that relies much more heavily on social constructions than on any sort of physical marker.
In one sense, the Danes don't extend their rule into the sea, but at the same time, their representative at the coast is policing incoming traffic. Not that he can do anything about visitors until they land, but he is nonetheless watching the sea and anticipating threats to the Danes more generally.
At any rate this sense of nationhood is most curious because of its portable nature. Aside from Heorot, the Danes have no constructed physical indicator of their borders. Like the Israelites, or the Anglo-Saxons, they are a people because of their familial and loyalty ties rather than a shared, fixed land.
Back To Top
The bureaucratic border guard
The Watchman's last set of statements seems strange without the other half of his speech. Jumping ahead for a second, his "Never...nor" ("No...ne" (ll.244-246)) statement reflects how impressed he is by the Geats' leader.
More immediately, and sticking to this excerpt, though, mentioning the Geats' not seeking Danish permission to land seems strangely bureaucratic for a bunch of warrior-adventurers.
Nonetheless, having to ask permission at a border to disembark makes sense. Having to deal with one foreigner within your lands would be much easier than having to manage a boatload of them. It's no doubt easier for a tribe like the Danes to trust one foreigner at a time when first meeting them, too.
What makes this part of the extract stand out, though, is just the plain shock that comes across in the Danish watchman's statement. Perhaps he has been coastguard for so long that procedure is something he holds dear because it's all the human interaction he gets. After all, as a coastguard, he's hardly in exile, but he's not exactly back at the hall enjoying the friendly boasting and the mead there.
Alternatively, this could be a reflection of this coastguard's inexperience. He's so green that he shakes his spear before he begins to speak not to intimidate, but because of his nervousness. And he makes a statement about the Geats' lack of respect for protocol because he's never had to deal with such impatience before.
Given the Dane's situation, though, it's not likely that even the newest of their coastguards would be without a good knowledge of warriors landing at the coast. Surely, more than a few have stopped by to try their hands at Grendel. Nonetheless, be he old hand, or greenhorn, the awe expressed in the coastguard's pointing out the Geats' eagerness comes across quite clearly. And it sounds genuine to boot.
Clearly Beowulf has made a good first impression.
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Closing
Next week, check back for the second part of the coastguard's speech.
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Thursday, January 16, 2014
A thoughtful shore guard and Anglo-Saxon karma? (ll.229-236) [Old English]
Abstract
Translation
Recordings
Why so curious?
Anglo-Saxon Karma
Closing
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Abstract
This week, we're offered a look into the head of a Danish shore guard as he sees the Geats land.
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Translation
"Then from the cliffs the Scyldings shore guard saw them,
the one who was to hold the sea-cliffs,
men carrying bright shields across a ship's gangway,
bearing ready war gear; his curiousity overpowered
his thinking, the need to know what these men were.
Then rode out the thane of Hrothgar
to the shore, powerfully shook the
spear in his hand, asked in a querying tone:"
(Beowulf ll.229-236)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Why so curious?
The core of this short passage is the shore guard's inner conflict. From "his curiousity overpowered/his thinking" ("hine fyrwyt bræc/modgehygdum" (ll.232-233)) we can see that he's generally a cautious, thoughtful sort of guy (possibly an introvert?), but his curiousity overpowers him. What marks this as the core of the passage is what this conflict can tell us about the current feeling among the Danes more generally.
There are a number of things that the man could wonder or assume about those he sees trundling onto the shore, armed and ready for war. But of them, there are two that seem most likely to be in there.
One of these is the possibility that this band of warriors is here to fight Grendel. The other thought is the possibility that the band is an advance party sent to scout out (maybe even take on?) the Danes in open war. Word had spread about their predicament with Grendel, after all. And such word would draw those who wanted to help the Danes as much as those who wanted to take advantage of them. Even fiend-harried, there would no doubt be some gain to be had from taking the storied hall of Heorot.
If we assume that the first possibility is what eggs the man on, then there's not too much more to write on it. He's hopeful that the Danes will be saved and that Grendel will be dealt with. This feeling among the Danes is already well-established in earlier passages. However, if it's the second possibility, that this band of men has come to cause further trouble for the Danes, then things get more interesting.
Perhaps, none have tried to take advantage of the Danes' weakened state just yet, but Hrothgar, king that he is, is well aware that people will do so. As such, maybe this is even the assumption the man has been commanded to make in this sort of situation. Or, perhaps such attempts have already been made and repelled, making this shore guard wary of such parties of warriors.
The latter situation is more likely to generate inner conflict since hope for help would clash with a learned dread of outsiders. As such, the latter situation is more strongly implied here, which means that a whole lot more has been happening in Daneland than the poet's told so far. Not that the poet finds such inter-human conflicts as interesting as those between people and the supernatural.
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Anglo-Saxon Karma
Combining the possibility that over the course of Grendel's twelve year reign of terror people came to challenge the Danes as well as Grendel with Beowulf's cyclical and interwoven nature creates a very strong through-line.
Is Beowulf later visited by a supernatural fiend of his own because he freed Hrothgar from another?
Perhaps, buried in old books and found among words told to children beside winter fires, there is a long since dead belief that whatever you helped to rid one person of would come back in a greater form to challenge you directly. Thus Beowulf's supernatural element moves from a pair of ogres/goblins/monsters to a single fire-breathing, night-flying dragon.
Because I've always read Beowulf as a story about the broken link a long chain of events, the end of a way of life, this reading of the poem adds further depth to Beowulf's failure against the dragon.
Hrothgar prospers, or at least survives, because his help is from outside of his group. As such, the group itself is not weakened internally and is able to re-emerge from a lengthy oppression. On the other hand, the dragon that terrorizes the Geats isn't dealt with by some warrior from another group but is finished off by another Geat: Wiglaf.
Because it's a member of the group in peril that saves the group from that peril, by whatever mechanic the matter of disasters works in the world of the poem (and maybe its originator?), the Geats are left permanently weakened.
The Geats' position is also not helped, of course, by the death of their leader. Perhaps the Geats fall not because of the loss of Beowulf alone but because the the outcome of a supernatural revenge system is heaped on top of it.
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Closing
Next week, we hear what the shore guard says. Listen up come next Thursday!
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Translation
Recordings
Why so curious?
Anglo-Saxon Karma
Closing
Back To Top
Abstract
This week, we're offered a look into the head of a Danish shore guard as he sees the Geats land.
Back To Top
Translation
"Then from the cliffs the Scyldings shore guard saw them,
the one who was to hold the sea-cliffs,
men carrying bright shields across a ship's gangway,
bearing ready war gear; his curiousity overpowered
his thinking, the need to know what these men were.
Then rode out the thane of Hrothgar
to the shore, powerfully shook the
spear in his hand, asked in a querying tone:"
(Beowulf ll.229-236)
Back To Top
Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Why so curious?
The core of this short passage is the shore guard's inner conflict. From "his curiousity overpowered/his thinking" ("hine fyrwyt bræc/modgehygdum" (ll.232-233)) we can see that he's generally a cautious, thoughtful sort of guy (possibly an introvert?), but his curiousity overpowers him. What marks this as the core of the passage is what this conflict can tell us about the current feeling among the Danes more generally.
There are a number of things that the man could wonder or assume about those he sees trundling onto the shore, armed and ready for war. But of them, there are two that seem most likely to be in there.
One of these is the possibility that this band of warriors is here to fight Grendel. The other thought is the possibility that the band is an advance party sent to scout out (maybe even take on?) the Danes in open war. Word had spread about their predicament with Grendel, after all. And such word would draw those who wanted to help the Danes as much as those who wanted to take advantage of them. Even fiend-harried, there would no doubt be some gain to be had from taking the storied hall of Heorot.
If we assume that the first possibility is what eggs the man on, then there's not too much more to write on it. He's hopeful that the Danes will be saved and that Grendel will be dealt with. This feeling among the Danes is already well-established in earlier passages. However, if it's the second possibility, that this band of men has come to cause further trouble for the Danes, then things get more interesting.
Perhaps, none have tried to take advantage of the Danes' weakened state just yet, but Hrothgar, king that he is, is well aware that people will do so. As such, maybe this is even the assumption the man has been commanded to make in this sort of situation. Or, perhaps such attempts have already been made and repelled, making this shore guard wary of such parties of warriors.
The latter situation is more likely to generate inner conflict since hope for help would clash with a learned dread of outsiders. As such, the latter situation is more strongly implied here, which means that a whole lot more has been happening in Daneland than the poet's told so far. Not that the poet finds such inter-human conflicts as interesting as those between people and the supernatural.
Back To Top
Anglo-Saxon Karma
Combining the possibility that over the course of Grendel's twelve year reign of terror people came to challenge the Danes as well as Grendel with Beowulf's cyclical and interwoven nature creates a very strong through-line.
Is Beowulf later visited by a supernatural fiend of his own because he freed Hrothgar from another?
Perhaps, buried in old books and found among words told to children beside winter fires, there is a long since dead belief that whatever you helped to rid one person of would come back in a greater form to challenge you directly. Thus Beowulf's supernatural element moves from a pair of ogres/goblins/monsters to a single fire-breathing, night-flying dragon.
Because I've always read Beowulf as a story about the broken link a long chain of events, the end of a way of life, this reading of the poem adds further depth to Beowulf's failure against the dragon.
Hrothgar prospers, or at least survives, because his help is from outside of his group. As such, the group itself is not weakened internally and is able to re-emerge from a lengthy oppression. On the other hand, the dragon that terrorizes the Geats isn't dealt with by some warrior from another group but is finished off by another Geat: Wiglaf.
Because it's a member of the group in peril that saves the group from that peril, by whatever mechanic the matter of disasters works in the world of the poem (and maybe its originator?), the Geats are left permanently weakened.
The Geats' position is also not helped, of course, by the death of their leader. Perhaps the Geats fall not because of the loss of Beowulf alone but because the the outcome of a supernatural revenge system is heaped on top of it.
Back To Top
Closing
Next week, we hear what the shore guard says. Listen up come next Thursday!
Back To Top
Sunday, December 29, 2013
An end to Geatish sailing (ll.217-228) [Old English]
Abstract
Translation
Recordings
Leaving the sea mysterious
Beowulf as historical allegory (a sketch)
Closing
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Abstract
The Geats swiftly arrive on Daneland's bright shores.
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Translation
The ship then knew the ocean's motion, was wind-hastened,
became foamy-necked, became seabird like,
until near the time of day they had left,
after their ship with curved prow had glided,
when those well-travelled ones saw land,
dazzling sea cliffs, steep hills,
an ample headland; then was sailing simple,
the journey at an end. From that ship sprang
the Geats onto the sands,
their boat they bound there - they shook their mailcoats,
war gear; they thanked God then,
the one that made their ship's going smooth.
(Beowulfll.217-228)
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Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Leaving the sea mysterious
For a poem about sea-faring peoples, the poet's definitely not spinning out what you'd expect. Every time that someone travels by sea it's usually glossed over. There's often something about it being swift, or sailors being lucky with conditions, but no real detail about it is given.
Maybe, in this poem for a people looking to settle into a fixed identity, the idea was to keep transitory acts (like sailing) to a minimum. If that's the case, then the poet definitely did his/her job: there's not a true sailing scene in the whole poem. Though, there is the matter of Beowulf and Breca's swimming match.
Perhaps the Geats' trip over to Daneland is not shown because it would interfere with the importance of the swimming match. After all, the sea would hold no mystery or power or be able to inspire as much of a response if details about safe passage across it were given. With the sailing scenes (and even Beowulf's swimming back to Geatland after a major battle later in the poem) as short as they are, the sea retains its mystery. And with that mystery can come monsters, like those that Beowulf fights as he defends his friend.
Perhaps the power of this mystery was meant to extend further, as well. For, if the Anglo-Saxons of the British Isles wanted to feel like a grounded, rooted people, then making something as transitional as the sea a mystery could help them do so. For mysterious things are usually alienated or alien things.
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Beowulf as historical allegory (a sketch)
An interesting detail is contained in line 222: "brimclifu blican." I translated that second word, "blican," to dazzling (in line with the Clark Hall & Meritt Anglo-Saxon Dictionary's definition). Perhaps most of northern Europe had the white cliffs that are now associated with Britain (thanks in no small part to Matthew Arnold). So, is Daneland, in all things but figures and fealties, another Britain?
Going back to the Anglo-Saxons as a sea-faring people, they're sure to have noticed the white cliffs of Britain facing France. So if Beowulf was written by the Anglo-Saxons, and not just translated from a language you might expect given peoples' and places' names, then maybe that's a detail signalling that Daneland represents Britain.
If Daneland is understood as Britain, then perhaps Grendel is the Celts, or some sort of spirit or genius of the Celts that the Anglo-Saxons didn't care for. Reading Grendel in this metaphorical way, it then becomes possible to interpret Beowulf himself within the same historical framework. Where Grendel is the embodiment of what is wrong with the place that the Anglo-Saxons (the Danes) have chosen to settle, Beowulf represents what is just and what is good - Beowulf is god's instrument for the creation on earth of what is to be harmonious and perfect. Like the Anglo-Saxons he came from elsewhere, but frees those that he meets and is elevated to kingship because of his prowess and own merits rather than inheritance.
In fact, he becomes king because of the people's accord when a new ruler has to be found after Hygelac's line is ended. Ultimately, though, what Beowulf's death could mean in this metaphorical interpretation of the hero gets tricky. Perhaps it is a kind of prophecy of what would come next for the Anglo-Saxons, after they had waned like their other heroic peoples, the Jews of the book of Exodus, had.
Back To Top
Closing
This entry wraps things up for 2013. Check back for the first post of 2014 on the third Thursday of January!
Back To Top
Translation
Recordings
Leaving the sea mysterious
Beowulf as historical allegory (a sketch)
Closing
Back To Top
Abstract
The Geats swiftly arrive on Daneland's bright shores.
Back To Top
Translation
The ship then knew the ocean's motion, was wind-hastened,
became foamy-necked, became seabird like,
until near the time of day they had left,
after their ship with curved prow had glided,
when those well-travelled ones saw land,
dazzling sea cliffs, steep hills,
an ample headland; then was sailing simple,
the journey at an end. From that ship sprang
the Geats onto the sands,
their boat they bound there - they shook their mailcoats,
war gear; they thanked God then,
the one that made their ship's going smooth.
(Beowulfll.217-228)
Back To Top
Recordings
Old English:
{Forthcoming}
Modern English:
{Forthcoming}
Back To Top
Leaving the sea mysterious
For a poem about sea-faring peoples, the poet's definitely not spinning out what you'd expect. Every time that someone travels by sea it's usually glossed over. There's often something about it being swift, or sailors being lucky with conditions, but no real detail about it is given.
Maybe, in this poem for a people looking to settle into a fixed identity, the idea was to keep transitory acts (like sailing) to a minimum. If that's the case, then the poet definitely did his/her job: there's not a true sailing scene in the whole poem. Though, there is the matter of Beowulf and Breca's swimming match.
Perhaps the Geats' trip over to Daneland is not shown because it would interfere with the importance of the swimming match. After all, the sea would hold no mystery or power or be able to inspire as much of a response if details about safe passage across it were given. With the sailing scenes (and even Beowulf's swimming back to Geatland after a major battle later in the poem) as short as they are, the sea retains its mystery. And with that mystery can come monsters, like those that Beowulf fights as he defends his friend.
Perhaps the power of this mystery was meant to extend further, as well. For, if the Anglo-Saxons of the British Isles wanted to feel like a grounded, rooted people, then making something as transitional as the sea a mystery could help them do so. For mysterious things are usually alienated or alien things.
Back To Top
Beowulf as historical allegory (a sketch)
An interesting detail is contained in line 222: "brimclifu blican." I translated that second word, "blican," to dazzling (in line with the Clark Hall & Meritt Anglo-Saxon Dictionary's definition). Perhaps most of northern Europe had the white cliffs that are now associated with Britain (thanks in no small part to Matthew Arnold). So, is Daneland, in all things but figures and fealties, another Britain?
Going back to the Anglo-Saxons as a sea-faring people, they're sure to have noticed the white cliffs of Britain facing France. So if Beowulf was written by the Anglo-Saxons, and not just translated from a language you might expect given peoples' and places' names, then maybe that's a detail signalling that Daneland represents Britain.
If Daneland is understood as Britain, then perhaps Grendel is the Celts, or some sort of spirit or genius of the Celts that the Anglo-Saxons didn't care for. Reading Grendel in this metaphorical way, it then becomes possible to interpret Beowulf himself within the same historical framework. Where Grendel is the embodiment of what is wrong with the place that the Anglo-Saxons (the Danes) have chosen to settle, Beowulf represents what is just and what is good - Beowulf is god's instrument for the creation on earth of what is to be harmonious and perfect. Like the Anglo-Saxons he came from elsewhere, but frees those that he meets and is elevated to kingship because of his prowess and own merits rather than inheritance.
In fact, he becomes king because of the people's accord when a new ruler has to be found after Hygelac's line is ended. Ultimately, though, what Beowulf's death could mean in this metaphorical interpretation of the hero gets tricky. Perhaps it is a kind of prophecy of what would come next for the Anglo-Saxons, after they had waned like their other heroic peoples, the Jews of the book of Exodus, had.
Back To Top
Closing
This entry wraps things up for 2013. Check back for the first post of 2014 on the third Thursday of January!
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