The Beowulf Discussion: Section IV

[Michael]

This discussion was originally posted to the Endor mailing list. It used the Project Gutenberg eText based on Frances Barton Gummere's translation of the poem. The source can be found here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext97/bwulf11.txt

It is necessary to use a public domain translation, so while more modern translations may be better or preferable, we cannot legally cite their texts here.

Eventually, I switched over to using this source text:
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16328/16328-8.txt

The section numbers differ by 1. I had to post a "null" section for Section XVI to make the transition between translations. Some of my comments address the translator's choices, and they are not relevant to other translations.


IV


To him the stateliest spake in answer;
the warriors' leader his word-hoard unlocked: --
"We are by kin of the clan of Geats,
and Hygelac's own hearth-fellows we.
To folk afar was my father known,
noble atheling, Ecgtheow named.
Full of winters, he fared away
aged from earth; he is honored still
through width of the world by wise men all.
To thy lord and liege in loyal mood
we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son,
people-protector: be pleased to advise us!
To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand,
to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right
that aught be hidden. We hear -- thou knowest
if sooth it is -- the saying of men,
that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster,
dark ill-doer, in dusky nights
shows terrific his rage unmatched,
hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I
in greatness of soul would succor bring,
so the Wise-and-Brave {4a} may worst his foes, --
if ever the end of ills is fated,
of cruel contest, if cure shall follow,
and the boiling care-waves cooler grow;
else ever afterward anguish-days
he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place
high on its hill that house unpeered!"
Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered,
clansman unquailing: "The keen-souled thane
must be skilled to sever and sunder duly
words and works, if he well intends.
I gather, this band is graciously bent
to the Scyldings' master. March, then, bearing
weapons and weeds the way I show you.
I will bid my men your boat meanwhile
to guard for fear lest foemen come, --
your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean
faithfully watching till once again
it waft o'er the waters those well-loved thanes,
-- winding-neck'd wood, -- to Weders' bounds,
heroes such as the hest of fate
shall succor and save from the shock of war."
They bent them to march, -- the boat lay still,
fettered by cable and fast at anchor,
broad-bosomed ship. -- Then shone the boars {4b}
over the cheek-guard; chased with gold,
keen and gleaming, guard it kept
o'er the man of war, as marched along
heroes in haste, till the hall they saw,
broad of gable and bright with gold:
that was the fairest, 'mid folk of earth,
of houses 'neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived,
and the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar.
The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright
burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go
straightway thither; his steed then turned,
hardy hero, and hailed them thus: --
"'Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty
in grace and mercy guard you well,
safe in your seekings. Seaward I go,
'gainst hostile warriors hold my watch."



INITIAL COMMENTARY:
While I have no doubt that the ancient Danes had to mount careful watch over their borders, this coast guardsman seems a little too conveniently placed to me. I think his role is to vet Beowulf's men on behalf of Hrothgar. By the time Beowulf arrives at Hrothgar's hall, the king knows Beowulf must be friendly.

The golden hall of Hrothgar has been compared to Edoras in THE LORD OF THE RINGS, but despite the fact that Tolkien named a chapter "The King of the Golden Hall", there isn't that much similarity between the two halls. Hrothgar's use of gold is extravagant, almost downright decadent. This tale takes place in the migration period of the northern tribes, but it is also viewed as a golden age because gold was so freely accessible during the decline of the Roman empire.

The warden also suggests that he is a good judge of character. Eomer says something similar when he decides to parole Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.

[Swain]

Hey, if I get back here to comment on Beowulf about once a year....well...hmmm. Anyway, its summer, so perhaps I can get back now and again and continue Beowulf discussions.

While I have no doubt that the ancient Danes had to mount careful watch over their borders, this coast guardsman seems a little too conveniently placed to me. I think his role is to vet Beowulf's men on behalf of Hrothgar. By the time Beowulf arrives at Hrothgar's hall, the king knows Beowulf must be friendly.

As I mentioned in my last commentary on Fitt III, there is the example of coastguards in other literature. I would presume that a smart guard would only come within hailing distance to ascertain whether friend or foe is on the strand, otherwise he wouldn't have much opportunity to report back if they're unfriendly! Narratively, as Michael says, he's there to really hear who Beowulf is, this is the first speech we hear Beowulf "unlock his word-hoard" for.

The golden hall of Hrothgar has been compared to Edoras in THE LORD OF THE RINGS, but despite the fact that Tolkien named a chapter "The King of the Golden Hall", there isn't that much similarity between the two halls. Hrothgar's use of gold is extravagant, almost downright decadent. This tale takes place in the migration period of the northern tribes, but it is also viewed as a golden age because gold was so freely accessible during the decline of the Roman empire.

Well there is more to it, I think. First, both are described as having golden, shining roofs. Second, Of Heorot in Old English, the description "meduhall" is given, and while not said of Heorot, the word meduseld, also meadhall, is used in Beowulf....suggesting to me at least that Tolkien took meduseld from Beowulf because of its association with meduhall, Heorot. Third, drawing on other descriptions in the poem beyond this section, we know that Heorot was led up to by a stone paved street, was gabled, was dark within, there was a single throne in a large room, and was surrounded by out buildings. Perhaps I'm misremembering, but that seems to me to be also the general description of Meduseld in LoTR. If I'm wrong, do point it out. Fourth, we have a hall that was once happy and glorious and now has been visited by something that has dimmed its light and its joy. That light and joy is returned by the deeds of an outside hero come for the purpose of trying to put things right. So, at least in my view, I think there is quite a lot of similarity.

The warden also suggests that he is a good judge of character. Eomer says something similar when he decides to parole Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.

Yes! Quite so! I had forgotten that.