Anglo Saxon Literature :: History Beowulf

Anglo Saxon LiteratureW Y R D The word wyrd generally kernel fate in Anglo Saxon literature. It is one of the recurrent themes in many elder English swear outs. For example, wyrd is seen as the force that determines the result of events in Beowulf. In other story, The Wanderer, wyrd is mentioned several times. In the first few lines, the speaker states that fully-fixed is his fate (Norton 100). This shows that wyrd is unchangeable. Then, he goes on to say Words of a weary heart may not withstand fate (Norton 100). Here it seems that a person must be strong, brave, and show no emotion in order to be able to negociate with wyrd. Later on, wyrd is proclaimed as mighty because not even earls be able to escape their deaths. Lastly, we see the power of wyrd The world beneath the skies is changed by the work of the fates (Norton 102). This quote reflects the belief of Anglo-Saxons that wyrd is an invisible, powerful force that controls the outcome of a persons life. This final use of wyrd may also refer to the Weird Sisters. They are seen in Shakespeares play Macbeth. The Fates are also an important part of Greek culture. Usually they are pictured as three horrid old ladies who share one eye with which they see the future. They also are seen tending to so-called threads of life. Each time they cut a thread other soul goes to the underworld. This portrayal of the Fates can also be related to the Measurer in Caedmons Hymn. The Measurer seems to be the one who decides the destiny of a person, just as the Fates The Measurers might and his mind-plans (Norton 24). Like witches, the Fates are sometimes shown surrounding a large pot, brewing spells. Women were given the opportunity to pick their own husbands. The families acted merely as pecuniary advisors. However, in many circumstances, women were married off to members of enemy tribes in order to bring peace. Hence, they were given the name peace-weavers. Women, depending upon social standing, were also educated an d wise, sometimes playacting as advocates and protectors of the people of the village. Over all, the women in Anglo Saxon were well respected and valued. Scene Analysis Beowulf Fights Grendels MotherSummaryIn the Howe translation of Beowulf, the scene depicted on pg. 26-29 deals with the battle between Beowulf and Grendels mother.