The significance of Hrothgar\'s sermon in Beowulf
The significance of Hrothgar's sermon in Beowulf (lines 1700-1784)Hrothgar delivers this speech in his royal hall Heorot, where the Geats and the Danes are celebrating Beowulf's victory over Grendel's mother. This victory has finally freed the Danes of the monsters which had been terrorizing them for twelve years. Hence, there is much rejoicing and feasting over the victory as Beowulf and his warriors are feted and rewarded by Hrothgar. Beowulf had earlier given a speech recounting the details of his fight with the monster. He then presented the golden hilt of the sword salvaged from the monster's den to Hrothgar. In accepting this relic, Hrothgar launches into a long moralizing speech of advice to Beowulf.In his speech Hrothgar highlights the code of the heroic world and the serious repercussions if one were to break or disregard this heroic ideal. According to this code, the relationship between the king/lord and his men, known as thanes/warriors, is very important. It is the responsibility of the thanes to defend their lord and his lands and also to fight his wars. This relationship is one of mutual loyalty, trust and respect. The thane vows his loyalty to his lord and eventually becomes his companion. In return, the ki
Hrothgar's sermon also touches on his pride. death shall soon have beaten you then. As a result of his treachery and cruelty, he was cut off from the camaraderie of mankind and became an outcast in society. In those lines, Beowulf had been compared favourably to Sigemund while reference to Heremod was meant to highlight Beowulf's goodness against Heremod's wickedness. Instead of providing his comrades with loyalty and protection, he killed them. In lines 901-915, reference had been made to Heremod by the scop singing praises in response to Beowulf's victory over Grendel. Thus, Hrothgar's reference to Heremod is meant as a warning to Beowulf on the serious repercussions if a lord were to disregard this code. Hrothgar warns Beowulf that "the noon of your strength shall last for a while now" just as it did for him. Beowulf is the exact antithesis of Heremod. As he says,"I shall venture this feud and again achieve glory,the guardian of my people, old though I am. Heremod's death signaled the end of the destructive period whereas Beowulf's death signaled the end of a peaceful reign. A good lord is of noble character and he is generous with his wealth and he forms a close bond with his men through merrymaking and feasting.
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