Beowulf Theme: Traditions and Customs
Beowulf: Traditions and Customs
A huge theme in the story of Beowulf involves the traditions and customs of the people because characters are repeatedly asked to tell about themselves, always rewarded for sacrificing for the greater good, and constantly showing loyalty to their king or leader. When traveling to another land, the traveler is asked to state his name, family, home,and purpose. If something is done for the good of the king and the people, those warriors are rewarded with praise, treasures, and long-lasting relationships. In life and in death, the folk never fail to show loyalty and appreciation to their leader. Common traditions such as how folk from different lands approach and greet each other, how people display gratitude when something is done for them, and how the common people stay loyal and show appreciation to their leader are consistent throughout the poem.
When someone journeys to another kingdom in this time period, they cannot do so without passing by a coastguard and stating who they are, where they are from, who their family is, and what is their purpose in coming to their land. As Beowulf begins his journey, he is asked multiple times to state those four things. The first time is when he and his crew arrive to their destination, the Danish land. A curious sea warden sees them dressed in armor and immediately travels to where the strangers are to ask, “ 'Who are ye, then, ye armed men, mailed folk... tell your folk and home, lest hence ye fare suspect to wander your way as spies in Danish land. '” Beowulf then replies that they are followers of Hygelac from the land of the Geats, and “ 'To folk afar was my father known,noble atheling, Ecgtheow named...we on mickle errand, to the lord of the Danes.. '” (Gummere, Ch.4). With that along with much more said, the coastguard agrees to lead them to the king.
After Beowulf and his clansmen pass through that guard, they are lead to the mead-hall to seek the Danish king, Hrothgar. Before they
A huge theme in the story of Beowulf involves the traditions and customs of the people because characters are repeatedly asked to tell about themselves, always rewarded for sacrificing for the greater good, and constantly showing loyalty to their king or leader. When traveling to another land, the traveler is asked to state his name, family, home,and purpose. If something is done for the good of the king and the people, those warriors are rewarded with praise, treasures, and long-lasting relationships. In life and in death, the folk never fail to show loyalty and appreciation to their leader. Common traditions such as how folk from different lands approach and greet each other, how people display gratitude when something is done for them, and how the common people stay loyal and show appreciation to their leader are consistent throughout the poem.
When someone journeys to another kingdom in this time period, they cannot do so without passing by a coastguard and stating who they are, where they are from, who their family is, and what is their purpose in coming to their land. As Beowulf begins his journey, he is asked multiple times to state those four things. The first time is when he and his crew arrive to their destination, the Danish land. A curious sea warden sees them dressed in armor and immediately travels to where the strangers are to ask, “ 'Who are ye, then, ye armed men, mailed folk... tell your folk and home, lest hence ye fare suspect to wander your way as spies in Danish land. '” Beowulf then replies that they are followers of Hygelac from the land of the Geats, and “ 'To folk afar was my father known,noble atheling, Ecgtheow named...we on mickle errand, to the lord of the Danes.. '” (Gummere, Ch.4). With that along with much more said, the coastguard agrees to lead them to the king.
After Beowulf and his clansmen pass through that guard, they are lead to the mead-hall to seek the Danish king, Hrothgar. Before they
Cited: Gummere, Francis Barton. "Prelude of the Founder of the Danish House."Beowulf. Lit2Go Edition. 1910. Web. . January 28, 2014.