Beowulf
What indications are there in the opening lines that this poem is about a warrior society?
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Asked by
Ali45
Last updated by
Jill W
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From the text:
Hear me! We've heard of Danish heroes,
Ancient kings and the glory they cut
For themselves, swinging mighty swords!
How Shild1 made slaves of soldiers from every
Land, crowds of captives he'd beaten
Into terror; he'd traveled to Denmark alone,
An abandoned child, but changed his own fate,
Lived to be rich and much honored.
Shild's strong son was the glory of Denmark;
His father's warriors were wound round his heart 20
With golden rings, bound to their prince
By his father's treasure. So young men build
The future, wisely open-handed in peace,
Protected in war; so warriors earn
Their fame, and wealth is shaped with a sword.
Beowulf, Raffel Translation