In
the epic “Beowulf,” lines 436 through 455 on page 50 of the textbook reveal
multiple instances of the mode shifting from heroic to Christian. In this
passage, Beowulf describes to Hrothgar his plan for battling Grendel. Within
the speech, he mentions his plan for battle as well as his acceptance of the
fate his God has chosen for him.
In lines 436 to 440, Beowulf reveals
a heroic mode by proclaiming that his battle will simply be “hand-to-hand” with
Grendel. This proclamation displays the Anglo-Saxon belief in taking brave and
heroic measures to protect the lord (Hrothgar) and his clansmen. The passage
also mentions Grendel, and, although the epic as a whole refers to the creature
frequently, this reference to a monster is also associated with the heroic
mode. Lines 440 to 441, contrastingly, reveal a Christian mode when Beowulf
leaves his fate in God’s hands, willingly sacrificing himself at an attempt to
save Heorot. Self-sacrifice, selflessness, and the belief in God all represent
elements of the Christian mode.
Beowulf combines the modes in lines
450 to 455, describing to Hrothgar the steps to take if he were to lose the
battle. He selflessly tells Hrothgar that he does not need an expensive
funeral, once again displaying a Christian mode. He also accepts his potential
death as fate in the Lord’s hands. On the other hand, he asks his body to be
sent back to his lord “if the battle takes [him].” This refers back to
Beowulf’s bravery in battle-- willing to fight even when the risk of death
requires a funeral plan. This bravery is a characteristic of the heroic
mode. Throughout the passage, Beowulf
speaks about his battle in both heroic and Christian modes, referring to his bravery
often as well as his God, both of which he believes will help him conquer
Grendel at Heorot.
I have heard before that this epic
incorporates multiple kennings. I have a slight remembrance of what a kenning
is, but could I see some examples to get a better idea? I’m also confused on
exactly what a mead hall is. Is it simply for gatherings, or did people tend to
reside there?
Taylor, great work and you definitely have a sense of what defines the Christian mode in the poem. I want you to keep thinking about what makes the heroic mode unique. We see that funeral's play a significant part in the culture, but why do you think that is? As far as your questions, we are definitely going to talk about kennings, and the mead hall is like a great dining hall, like the one shown in Harry Potter with the long tables. The king may have stayed there, probably in a back room, but his men, his retainers, had their own homes although they might have slept in the hall overnight after great feasting (which we see) on cots or the ground.
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