Why Is Gold-Giving Important In Beowulf

The epic Beowulf is loaded with rich details of the early Anglo-Saxon culture and paints a clear picture of the values and standards of the time. A Christian morality and perspective is woven throughout Beowulf, creating a tension between the two value systems represented. This tension can be seen through the high value placed on giving and receiving treasure. Like mead-benches and armor, treasure is vital to the culture and is used to set the stage throughout the novel; however, the frequency and causal use of gold-giving may cause the reader to miss the literary significance. Treasure-giving in Beowulf evolves from a significantly honorable act to a careless, misused practice in its final moments.

In Part One, treasure was used by kings to honor Thanes with gifts. The Anglo-Saxon belief in fate caused the men to pledge their loyalty to the king, which was then rewarded with gold to express the king’s gratitude and ensure loyalty. Beyond the purpose of loyalty, treasure was

given for many reasons: a man-price for those who are always ready to give up their lives for their king and his kingdom, a reward for courageous battles, and a payment for the price of injury or death. The amount of treasure a man held was in direct relation to his social status. Kings and other royalty were guaranteed to hold great wealth, which they distributed to warriors and other courageous citizens. Often referred to as “ring-givers,” kings rewarded elaborately from their personal treasures.

In the beginning of the story, then, we see a traditional use of gold.

In fact, in one of the opening descriptions in the poem we read about Shield Sheafson, the beloved Danish king who has died: “They stretched out their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear. I never heard before of a ship so well furbished with battle-tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far on out into the ocean’s sway (34-42).” This giving of gold sets the scene for other references to gold in the first part of the story. Gold is used as wergild, or a man-price used as a compensation for any kind of injury or even a death, and after Beowulf kills the marauding Grendel, Hrothgar rewards him richly, including a gold standard. Hrothgar also rewards all of Beowulf's men with lesser gifts of gold for their willingness to come and help his

countrymen.