What is the role of the mead hall in anglo-saxon culture? what is its significance in the epic of beowulf? how does treasure function in beowulf? how do the characters and the scop feel about gold, as it is continuously mentioned in the poem? is beowulf the ideal epic hero? if not, what is he lacking?

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Jackson Beck

3 November, 13:04

What is the role of the mead hall in anglo-saxon culture? what is its significance in the epic of beowulf? how does treasure function in beowulf? how do the characters and the scop feel about gold, as it is continuously mentioned in the poem? is beowulf the ideal epic hero? if not, what is he lacking?

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Essence Madden · Answer 1

-The hall was the center of aristocratic lifestyles in Anglo-Saxon time period. A king or lord and their peoples ate, drank, and conversed within the mead hall; it was a place of gathering for everyone.

-The first thing that comes to mind about the treasure, is that it is the dragon's treasure that leads Beowulf to the Danes, but we are also told that a great leader also distributes his wealth and treasures to his men. The most common kenning for a king, or leader, was "ring-giver".

-Gold validates greatness in battle, and is treasured among the finest of prizes in the Dark Age Germanic peoples.

-Yes, Beowulf is the idea of a hero, he is larger than life, brave, strong, loyal and respected. The response of his men after his death shows his true ability to lead, and his love for the men and his people is reciprocated to him in his death.