Explaining Phrases Within the Context of Beowulf In A Nutshell

Heorot, King Hrothgar’s mead hall, is a feasting place for warriors who drink "meads" to celebrate their accomplishments. Being also the home of the warriors, Heorot is important for the brotherhood and commitment of thanes and followers to one another. The mead hall in Beowulf is the seat of the King. Thus, it has a political function as well.

The ring-giver who bestows awards on the great warriors refers to both the chieftain and the king. In this sense, King Hrothgar is the bestower-of-rings who rewards, for instance, Beowulf by giving him warfare supplements and treasures for fighting with Grendel. Also, the lords of the warriors can give gifts to their successful retainers who prove themselves on the battlefield.

Comitatus, which represents the social structure in the Anglo-Saxon community, necessitates the oath of allegiance between a lord and his followers, who need to be loyal to their chief and comrades no matter what. This bond can be seen between Beowulf and Wiglaf, who fight with the dragon beside Beowulf until the end. Beowulf and King Hrothgar also promise they will be allies to overcome monsters and protect their community. However, Heorot is left empty for a long time after Grendel’s attack, which unsettles the comitatus as the mead hall enhances the loyalty of soldiers.

Cross-over literature blending different world views with one another crosses Christianity and paganism in Beowulf. In this sense, Beowulf, who accepts his death to protect his community, is likened to Christ sacrificing himself to save humankind on the cross. Grendel is an evil monster banned from societal interaction and resembles Cain, an outcast in Christianity, as a murderer. Also, it is believed that when a virtuous warrior dies, he will go to Valhalla, which equals heaven in Christianity.

Wyrd is a pagan concept similar to the Christian belief in predestination. Beowulf obeys his wyrd since he goes to fight with the dragon, although he believes that he will die fighting with it. In this sense, his death is predetermined.