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Beowulf

Beowulf. The King and his Thanes. Learning Objectives. Analyze cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding. (TEKS §110.32.b.8). Leadership in Beowulf. King Thanes Warriors, land-owners, noblemen. Comitatus.

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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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