Beowulf's end came, so the old tradition ran, from
his unwitting interference with spell-bound treasure.
his unwitting interference with spell-bound treasure.
Beowulf, translated by Francis Gummere
{39a} The line may mean: till Hrethelings stormed on the hedged
shields, -- i. e. the shield-wall or hedge of defensive war --
Hrethelings, of course, are Geats.
{39b} Eofor, brother to Wulf Wonreding.
{39c} Sc. "value in" hides and the weight of the gold.
{39d} Not at all.
{39e} Laid on it when it was put in the barrow. This spell, or in
our days the "curse," either prevented discovery or brought dire
ills on the finder and taker.
{40a} Probably the fugitive is meant who discovered the hoard. Ten
Brink and Gering assume that the dragon is meant. "Hid" may well
mean here "took while in hiding. "
{40b} That is "one and a few others. " But Beowulf seems to be
indicated.
{40c} Ten Brink points out the strongly heathen character of this
part of the epic.
Beowulf's end came, so the old tradition ran, from
his unwitting interference with spell-bound treasure.
{40d} A hard saying, variously interpreted. In any case, it is the
somewhat clumsy effort of the Christian poet to tone down the
heathenism of his material by an edifying observation.
{41a} Nothing is said of Beowulf's wife in the poem, but Bugge
surmises that Beowulf finally accepted Hygd's offer of kingdom and
hoard, and, as was usual, took her into the bargain.
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