Beowulf LRJ #1

There are three main values of Hrothgar's society portrayed in Beowulf. Hrothgar's society is a patriarchal society with strong Christian ideals; brave warriors are also very important to his kingdom. The importance of patriarchs is shown when the children of Healfdene are named. "Healfdene had four children--Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga the Good, and a daughter who married Ovela, King of the Swedes" (Brendeen 61-64). This is the royal family of their society, the representative for the Shieldings as a whole. The male children are listed, but the daughter is given a name as Queen pf the Swedes. She is not given her own name, but is forced to be seen as a piece of her husband. The Shieldings have very strong beliefs in the Christian faith. When they are in mortal danger (form Grendel), they are reminded that they will go to hell if they lose faith in God. "(Woe be to those who go to the fire's embrace" (Brendeen 53-54). This is saying that even though they are in great distress, they will go to the fiery depths if they do not hold true to their beliefs. Essentially, they are not allowed to lose hope. Heroes brave enough to protect the kingdom are glorified. When Beowulf comes to help Hrothgar's kingdom defeat Grendel, he is praised. "And never have I seen a greater man on earth, any man in armor, than is one among you" (Brendeen 126-129). Here, Hrothgar is addressing Beowulf, telling him that he and his companions are very great because they are brave enough to face Grendel.

Alliteration was a literary device used quite often by the author of Beowulf. The alliterations are used to put emphasis on certain parts of the story, and just give a natural rhythm to the epic poem. One alliteration was used to emphasize the fact that Hrothgar was a good king. "...handed out gold and treasure of huge feats. The hall was high..." (Brendeen 90-93). The use of the consonant sound of "h" shows the greatness of Hrothgar (which also begins with the same "h" sound). Beowulf's ship is described with an alliteration to show its strength. "The ship rode the water, broad-beamed, bound by its hawser" (Haney 301-302). As captain of this strong ship, Beowulf himself is described with an alliteration to reinforce his capability, as head of the mission to defeat Grendel. "...as captain, a canny pilot along coasts and currents" (Haney 208-209).

The use of kennings is another commonly used device by the author of Beowulf. Kennings are words or short phrases used as synonyms to nouns, in order to be more descriptive. In Beowulf, the sea is given another name. "Whale-road" (Haney 10) is this name. It shows that the sea is not simply a vast pool of water, but a means of transportation. Another kenning found in Beowulf is "cloud-murk". Instead of simply saying fog or darkness, this kenning has a stronger connotation of fogginess, without needing to use any adjectives. The gruesome images of carnage in Beowulf are made more grotesque by the use of "wound-slurry"; a vile image is given without the need to use gory language.