Within two small passages, it is
known the importance placed upon material items in the time “Beowulf” was
written. In lines 2743 to 2751, Beowulf
addresses Wiglaf to go and get the treasures that the dragon was hiding so that
he may see them and know what he fought for and what he would leave behind with
him as he perished. Beowulf states, “My going will be easier for having seen
the treasure” (lines 2749-2750).
I
found it interesting that in such a time where glory and heroism were seen as
the most important characteristics, that so would possessions. People in the
1500’s most likely felt that the man who won and owned the treasure was a man
of power. Therefore Beowulf wanted to know what he would leave behind with him
as he died in battle. Not only is he concerned about the people knowing he
killed the dragon, but he is also (more) concerned about the treasures he will
leave behind to the people of Geatland.
Then as I read further, there is a
line that states, “…that pile of rings he paid for at the end with his own life
will go up with the flame…treasure no follower will wear in his memory…” (lines
3013-3016). Therefore this treasure that Beowulf was worried about seeing and
knowing what he will leave behind will be burned with him; it did not even
matter that he won the treasure because no one will see it or know the story
behind it.
These lines tell of the pride men
had and how material things were what was most important, in Beowulf’s case
anyways. But also to not worry about material possessions because it won’t
matter in the end. The main act that the Geats will remember is the heroic acts
he successfully completed.
Questions: Why did Wiglaf all of
the sudden come to help? Do you think maybe he wanted some credit for helping
Beowulf because he knew Beowulf would meet his demise there?
At the very end, the last word they
used was “fame.” Do you think that was another issue that was important to the
Geats, becoming remembered and famous?
Great post Katie and excellent use of quotes and line numbers to make your discussion really specific. I think it is important that there are 500 years separating the author of the poem from the actual events, so maybe some of that disconnect between Beo's love of treasure and the sadness of the funeral pyre comes from there. We will be talking about that today in class.That last word is key, and I think legacy and fame were central to much of Beowulf's deeds.
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