Beowulf and Feudalism

The Old English poem, Beowulf, clearly portrays the feudal relationship between lords and nobles in the Middle Ages. In this system, lords deliver protection and maintenance for the exchanged of their noble's loyalty and military strength. This system created a male-dominated world, in which violence and danger were second nature. Nobles were expected to stand behind their lord at all cost, even if it meant fighting to their death. Society instilled a heroic code, in which nobles were defined by their ability to live a life of great heroic deeds. These heroic deeds translated into a glory that would forever be remembered through oral tradition and riches accumulated by triumphs. Beowulf clearly portrays this through selective quotes that bring to life the reality that once existed during the Middle Ages.

The authority of a king is one that lies in his gracious giving: "And a young prince must be prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line…"(20-24). This quote directly exemplifies that by giving a lord is investing in military strength and protection. In Beowulf, Danish King Hrothgar resurrects a mead hall, Herot. Herot was a place where noble man could unwind and merrily drink mead as the bard's foretold the glories of others before them. Herot was adorned with "gold-worked tapestries…wonderful sights," (995) it was the official location for noble men to adequately boast of their current victories. It was there that rituals of generosity, such as distributing "Halfdane's sword an ornamented golden ensign, war-helmet, and corselet," took place (1020-23) when Beowulf slayed Grendel, a 12 year plague of fear. King Hrothgar's feasting and rewards after such a victory served as an additional incentive beyond the fame for noble man, such as Beowulf to continue to serve as the means of protection for society as a whole.

Why sacrifice one's life for a mere unit of gold and silver? Was society then as vain full and materialistic as it is now? Like all the fame craving stars of today, noble man sacrificed for the desire to be remembered and known. This is exemplified in Beowulf's statement to King Hrothgar after Grendels mother raptures up Aeschere: "Grieve not, wise warrior. It is better to avenge one's friend than mourn too much. Each of us must one day reach the end of worldly life; let him who can win glory before he dies: that lives on after him, when he lifeless lies" (1384-1389). Today's societal morals foster Christian teachings, such as treating