Anglo-saxon poetry. Pagan poetry content Introduction 3

2.2 The concept of goodness in the poem

The world of culture, joyful and multicolored, is personified in " Beowulf " by Heorot - a hall, the radiance of which extends "to many countries." In his banquet hall, the leader and his associates frolic and have fun, listening to the songs and legends of the osprey - a retinue singer and poet, glorifying their military deeds, as well as the deeds of their ancestors; here the leader generously presents the vigilantes with rings, weapons and other valuables. Such a reduction of the "middle world" ( middangeard ) to the king's palace (for everything else in this world is passed over in silence) is explained by the fact that " Beowulf " is a heroic epic that has developed, at least in the form known to us, in a retinue environment. [5, p.6]

Since it happened in the 10th century, the time of conquests, the Anglo-Saxons first of all valued the qualities that manifest themselves on the battlefield - this is strength, courage, valor, courage:

About the valor of the Danes ,

about the Danish kings,
whose glory is in battles
has been obtained! [4, p.13]

But no less than the glory gained in battles, the uniform of a warrior was also valued. It often turned out that it was by weapons and armor that the first impression was made, it was used to determine the position in society, behavior on the battlefield. The weapon showed the dignity of a warrior:

good weapon

serves as a guarantee
their strength and courage;
mighty husband,
brought the army
a worthy leader!" [4, p.46]

Accordingly, the Anglo-Saxons were also sensitive to quality. Regardless of whether it is a weapon or armor, or a house. The key to a good relationship with a person was the quality of his things. This was especially true for metal products. Since the Germans did not yet know how to melt metal, skillful products aroused admiration.

The Anglo-Saxons were just as reverent about the ship.

This freshly tarred

ship to guard
and protect from enemies; <…>
(the ship stayed
moored to the shore
broad-chested,
at heavy anchor); [4, p.41-42]

In the text of the poem, we see with what words they describe their ship ( freshly tarred , broad-breasted). Since the Anglo-Saxons spent a lot of time on campaigns and, accordingly, on voyages, the attitude towards the ship was like a second home, without which they would die.

The text repeatedly reaffirms the value of family and blood ties:

Sovereign reclined

on the bed of Walchteov
in the chambers of the wife;
already heard
all households,
that the Creator himself
put up a guard
in the mansions of the king,
reliable watch
against Grendel . [4, p.74]

These lines say that the villain Grendel cannot enter the chambers of his wife, for they are guarded by the Creator himself. This suggests that the Anglo-Saxons had a very respectful, exalted attitude towards a woman, a wife. And the fidelity of the spouse was especially appreciated.

It didn't suit a woman

even the best of wives
straight consent,
out of malice, slander
deprive of life
innocent men! [4, p.181]

Here it is said that the wife should not be interested in other men or give them any attention beyond measure. Otherwise, the husband killed this man, and all the blame fell on the shoulders of the woman.

In addition, the fearlessness of death was considered a high moral quality.

fate from death

saves him
who is fearless! [4, p.65].

[ One of the most striking aphorisms in Beowulf . The Germans constantly talked about those doomed to death. Nothing could help such people, because Fate put its seal on them. But the rest, not doomed, had to stand up for themselves in a difficult moment, then Fate showed them favor.] [9, p. 195]

But not only these lines speak about the values of the Anglo-Saxons. It is necessary to refer to the image of Beowulf as a collective image of goodness in the poem.
In the image of Beowulf , the qualities of the entire tribe are concentrated. The power of Beowulf is the power of all Gauts , which is said in the poem in connection with the victory of Beowulf over Grendel : "...they ( Geats ) have surpassed the enemy with one strength, his ( Beowulf ) power." The very image of a mighty hero, personifying the strength and power of his tribe, devoid of individual features, but endowed with exaggerated virtues, is aimed at fulfilling the main task facing him - protecting the tribe (his own and friendly) from monsters. One of the main functions of the ideal of a medieval knight (an ideal dating back to the early Middle Ages) is the mission (function) of a defender and a just judge. This is clear from the poem itself.
The fulfillment of this task is ensured by a combination of qualities that Beowulf is endowed with : strength, courage, loyalty to one's duty, etc. Moreover, all these qualities are elevated to the highest degree, inaccessible to others. The strength of Beowulf is such that "he overcame thirty warriors with one hand." Beowulf stands out among other vigilantes with his appearance, which immediately reveals his heroic essence. It is no coincidence that the Dane - the guardian of the coast - immediately draws attention to Beowulf : and I have never seen a knight in an elegant harness - stronger and higher, noble blood than your comrade-in-arms - is visible in bearing! [4, p.37-38]. Similarly, Wulfgar , the warrior of Hrothgar , hosting in Heorot , is sure at first glance that Beowulf is "an illustrious leader, renowned for his strength and military prowess"
And the appearance of Beowulf , and his strength, and his moral qualities - fidelity to duty, loyalty to the king and kin are hyperbolized, ideal, which creates a distance between them and the hero that is clearly felt by the listeners and the narrator.
An additional means of heroization is the genealogy of the hero. The person in the poem is not conceived outside the collective with which he is connected by ties of kinship. The introduction of any character, in fact, opens with an indication of the genus to which he belongs, and a listing of his illustrious ancestors: the genealogy of Hrodgar and Hygelak is described in detail , Unfert is the "son of Ecglav ", Offa is the "relative of the Hemmings". Here is what the poem says about Wiglaf :
That was Viglaf , the son of Veohstan , a relative of Elvher , a shield- bearer ... [4, p.251]
The concept of mutual duty plays an important role in the poem. It combines the ethical ideas of different eras. The ties of kinship are perhaps the most important social ties. On the other hand, in the era of the late tribal and early feudal system, a person is included in the emerging system of relations of vassalage, which determines the mutual obligations of the king and his squad. The duties of the king in relation to the warriors are quite unambiguous and are most fully embodied in the image of an ideal ruler. It is more difficult with the attitude of combatants to the king. The declared ideal is Wiglaf . Obviously, family ties continue to be decisive: Beowulf is faithful to his overlord Hygelak , who is also his uncle. He helps the son of Higelak and takes care of him, as befits a kinsman. Hrodulf is condemned to the greatest extent for the fact that in the struggle for the Danish throne he kills his kinsman, the son of Hrodgar . Yes, and Wiglaf , as it turns out, is connected with Beowulf by bonds, albeit distant, but kinship. The debt of vassal loyalty is a payment for the favors that the king bestows on his warrior. [10] This is how Wiglaf understands his duty, delivering a speech denouncing the "small squad" for neglecting their duty:
... Truthful in vain distinguished he would say: truly with sharp swords the leader who endowed you, trembling you, not standing, at the sight of an enemy.
rings of gold, He could not boast of military harness ... your help ... [4, p.271]
The thirst for glory, prey and princely awards - these are the highest values for the German hero, as they are drawn in the epic, these are the main springs of his behavior.
Death awaits every mortal! -
let whoever can live deserve it
eternal glory! For for a warrior
the best payment - memory worthy ! [4, p.305]
Such is the creed of Beowulf . When he has to deliver a decisive blow to his opponent, he focuses on the thought of glory.
So hand to hand
the warrior must go, so that glory
acquire everlasting , not caring about life!)
Better than a warrior
to die than to live in disgrace!" [4, p.307]
Beowulf lived facing evil constantly from the first second of his appearance, but stood up for what was good and true, and gave his life to defend this idea of what was right. Such were the values of the heroic age embodied in Beowulf .