Gold In Beowulf

Beowulf exemplified great integrity throughout all the battles he won and honors he received. He endured noble acts of heroism established by his own moral beliefs and never expected praise or gifts in return. Nevertheless, the people decorated him with a "gold-chased heirloom of Hrethel's...and then rewarded him with land as well, seven thousand hides, and a hall and a throne" (Beowulf 149). When Beowulf decided to fight against the dragon for his people, he did not even think about the material rewards that he may receive, all he thought about was protecting the innocent lives of many people. In battle, Beowulf received his strength knowing that he was fighting for a good cause. Beowulf was "formidable in

Gift-giving, generosity, and hospitality are critical to the economic, military, and social aspects of this ancient culture. Gold and gift-giving defined the heroism and success of the hero. In the epic poem “Beowulf,” gold and gift-giving play a very significant part of the story.

The story of Beowulf begins with a short narrative of Shield Sheifson. Though he began as a foundling, he grew to be a great hero who was widely admired for his courageous actions and heroic achievements. During his funeral, the narrator states that “...they [Spear-Danes] stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear. I never heard before of a ship so well furbished with battle-tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far out into the ocean’s sway.” The decision to begin the story with Shield Shiefson was a way of introducing the theme of wealth and demonstrating the respect he received for his heroic achievements. The story goes on to tell of Beowulf’s adventures, as he takes on various challenges in an attempt to make a name for himself and gain wealth through heroic deeds. Before receiving his reward, Beowulf presented king Hrothgar with Grendel’s arm as proof of his victory during battle. After his second battle, he returned with Grendel’s head as well as the hilt of the magical sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother. Because the kings often rewarded his heroic deeds with treasure, Beowulf gained a great amount of wealth

Gold is a prized possession and often times it becomes something worth fighting and dying for. It validates greatness in battle thus representing the spoils of war. Treasure is valuable to people today but its meaning has evolved since Beowulf’s time. Warriors were buried in flames while our warriors were buried in the earth but much like we do, the people who served Beowulf built “a mound on a highland/a marker that sailors could see from far away” (3157-3158) which becomes “a hero’s memorial”(3160). With the greed and desire treasure had on people, Wiglaf had the gold burned in Beowulf’s pyre knowing they aren’t worthy of having gold that lead to their king’s death. Treasure is important but it’s not important enough to risk one’s life and

The character Beowulf represents honor, bravery, faith and loyalty, which all contribute to the strength of the community. Beowulf, the story’s hero, hears of the creature and its destructive powers so he volunteers

2. Beowulf acts honorably towards Hygelac because at first he started off by talking about how he killed Grendel’s mother. He then talks about the things he received when he was able to defeat Grendel. Beowulf decided to hand over his treasure to Hygelac. He gave them to him, because the king didn't want anything in return from him. “King Hygelac, I am happy to present to you this gifts,” (2148-2149) His happy to present

He is dividing up all of his useful assets amongst his men to serve as a memorial. It has been said that “Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.” (Alcott). It is obvious that the only riches available to those living in Beowulf’s time were armor, weaponry, and mead.

In Beowulf, the reader can clearly identify this value of wealth. The reader understands that the power of wealth possessed by King Hrothgar is something that is given to only his best warriors. In the beginning, Beowulf shows evidence that he fights for fame and reputation to receive gold and boasts to improve his reputation. At the end of the poem, King Beowulf fights for the heroic code to preserve peace and stability within the Geats society. However, King Beowulf’s main duty is to be just and protect his

Throughout the poem, the enemies Beowulf battles each have their own hoards of treasure. Grendel and his mother collected many things, some of them even being weapons that Beowulf used against their “owners”. When Hrunting,

Not only does Hrothgar give Beowulf treasures, but he also puts his trust into him: "Now Beowulf, best of men, I will love you in my heart like a son, keep to our new kinship from this day on"(Crossley, 32). This is an excellent portrayal of the lord and thane relationship, and shows how much appreciation

Although, Gold has been previously thought as a means of currency, I will argue that gold becomes a symbol of social constructions of gratitude in the Christian-pagan world of Beowulf. This is seen as an honorary gift of heroism. Gold means more than just riches in Beowulf, though. I believe, it also symbolizes Beowulf’s connection and gratitude towards his followers. My point is easily defended during Beowulf’s actions when he defends Heorot, King Hrothgars hall, from Grendel.

In Beowulf’s last words, he entrusts to Wiglaf, his faithful warrior, his “collar of gold from his neck and gave it to the young thane, telling him to use it… well” (From Beowulf 49). In Anglo-Saxon society, wealth was awarded to warriors and kings for their services but also passed on to others for the good of the kingdom or community. Many Anglo-Saxons awarded their warriors golden “objects of war - sword hilts and pommels” (Real Life Buried Treasure) and others “adorned their fallen warriors with beautiful riches” (A Window on Anglo-Saxon Life). Since many warriors had these golden embellishments on their weapons, wealth must have been an important reward system for men who had achieved glory in battle. Wealth connected individual warriors to the Anglo-Saxon community, benefiting all who lived in

After defeating Grendel, Beowulf is presented gifts of gratitude by the Danes, which further exemplifies his favorable position in this poem. “Then Wealhtheow pronounced in the presence of the company: take delight in this torque, dear Beowulf, wear it for luck and wear also in mail from our people’s armory: may you prosper in them.” (1216-1218) After defeating Grendel, Beowulf is in luxury.

Throughout the epic poem, the possession of wealth and treasure represents a reputation of honor, status, and skill, but were also used to solidify bonds and ensure loyalty. Every king along the lineage of royalty had a duty to spread his riches, a responsibility indicated by the frequent use of “ring-givers” that would even provide, “far-fetched treasures… and precious gear” (36-37). Wealth, a vastly important role in Beowulf, enables the king to manifest his generosity upon society. This act was not only a practice, but also a representation of honor as it was a way to exhibit benevolence to others as well as rewarding their loyal followers. An example would be during the time Beowulf saves the hall of Hereot from the terror and destruction of Grendel. As a result of Beowulf’s heroic acts, Hrothgar showers treasure on him and his men in order to show his thankfulness and goodness. The poet asserts how this giving of gifts signifies the manifestation of Hrothgar’s honor as king.

“If this combat kills me, take care /of my young company, my comrades in arms. /And be sure also, my beloved Hrothgar, /to send Hygelac the treasures I have received.” (lns. 1480-1483) This quote shows that Beowulf thinks first of his people, then of his possessions. The quote starts with Beowulf facing the fact that he may not come back from this fight alive, revealing that although he has superhuman strength, he is still human and can die. The very next thing Beowulf says of Hrothgar is a request to keep the young men that came to fight with him safe should he not survive. This shows Beowulf’s compassion towards his fellow warriors and that they are his main concern. Lastly he makes sure that Hrothgar knows what to do with Beowulf’s earthly possessions. By requesting that his possessions be given to his king Beowulf shows his selflessness and loyalty to his people.