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Beowulf

This analysis delves into the cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts of leadership in the epic poem "Beowulf." It highlights the comitatus, the sacred bond between a king and his thanes, emphasizing their loyalty and the protective role of warriors. Key concepts such as wergild, a practice of atonement for killing, illustrate the moral obligations within this society. Through textual evidence, students will understand the significance of these relationships and their impact on leadership, loyalty, and communal identity in the Germanic tradition.

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Beowulf

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  1. Beowulf The King and his Thanes

  2. Learning Objectives • Analyze cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding. (TEKS §110.32.b.8)

  3. Leadership in Beowulf • King • Thanes • Warriors, land-owners, noblemen

  4. Comitatus • A special relationship between the King and his thanes • The thane swears to defend the king to his death • The king provides protection • The king gives the thanes land, wealth, & weapons • Great comradery between King and his thanes

  5. Comitatus • The thanes sleep in the mead-hall while the king sleeps in an adjoining chamber so that they can always protect him. • If anyone wants to harm the king, he has to go through a room full of warriors.

  6. Comitatus • “He gave out great gifts, so that his dear comrades, when he became king, would then stand by him, as steadfast retainers, when war came.” (lines 21-24)

  7. Wergild • “Man-payment” • Germanic custom of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the killing. • Prevents the slain man’s family from taking revenge. • Hrothgar paid wergild to Beowulf’s father. • Beowulf feels compelled to help Hrothgar in his time of need.

  8. Comitatus • Special relationship between the King and his thanes • The thane swears to defend the king to his death • The king provides protection • The king gives the thanes land, wealth, & weapons • Great comradery between King and his thanes Wergild • “Man-payment” • Germanic custom of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the killing. • Prevents the slain man’s family from taking revenge.

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