The Symbolism of Heorot Hall

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Recommended: The Anglo Saxon period

Loyalty is the act of being faithful to one’s obligations and commitments. Such a characteristic may not be very obvious in today’s world; however, it certainly is prominent in the Anglo-Saxon society. The pattern of loyal dependency is basic to Anglo-Saxon life. It grows out of a need to protect individuals from the horrors of enemy-infested wilderness. Loyalty, an extremely valued ideal in the Anglo-Saxon community, can be seen in many works written from that time period. In the epic poem Beowulf, the author utilizes characterization of women, and symbolism of Heorot Hall, and depictions of brotherly love to show that loyalty is needed to keeping harmony within a society that is under constant threats.

The characterization of women proves that loyalty is essential to having a harmonious society that is under perpetual threats. Near the middle of the poem, a minstrel performs a tale for those in Heorot Hall. The tale is about the battle between the Danes and Frisians. The author characterizes Hildeburh as a gift, revealing that loyalty is important to keeping a harmonious society that is always threatened. He writes, “Finn was cut down, the queen brought away and everything the Shieldings could find inside Finn’s walls-the Frisian king’s gold collars and gemstones-swept off to the ship. Over sea-lanes then back to Daneland the warrior troop bore that lady home” (1153-1157:81). Here, Hildeburh acts as a mediator and remains loyal to her son and her brother despite their being on opposing sides. It is suggested that Hildeburh is acceptable of returning back to Denmark because as an Anglo-Saxon woman, she knows that she must abide by the rules of peace-keeping. The fact that the author does not include her reaction of coming hom...

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... any weapons, leaving him to be vulnerable, which further heightens the level of loyalty that he has for his king. Because Beowulf remains loyal to King Hygelac, he is able to kill Grendel. The demise of Grendel leads to harmony in society because his twelve year reign of terror has ceased. The kingdom of the Danes is at peace due to Beowulf’s loyalty. Representations of brotherly love show that loyalty is essential to keeping harmony in a vulnerable community.

The characterization of women, depictions of brotherly love, and symbolism of Heorot Hall show that loyalty is vital to keeping harmony in a society under constant attacks. Loyalty is important to have, not only in Anglo-Saxon society, but in the world in general. Loyalty will help build trust, friendships, and love. People in today’s world would benefit if they learn a thing or two from the Anglo-Saxons.

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