Page "Beowulf" Paragraph 16

The first funeral in the poem is of Scyld Scefing ( translated in some versions as " Shield Shiefson ") the king of the Danes.

The first section of the poem, ( the first fitt ), helps the poet illustrate the settings of the poem by introducing Hrothgar ’ s lineage.

The funeral leads to the introduction of the hero, Beowulf and his confrontation with the first monster, Grendel.

This passage begins by describing Scyld ’ s glory as a “ scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches .” Scyld ’ s glory and importance is shown by the prestigious death he obtains through his service as the king of the Danes.

His importance is proven once more by the grand funeral given to him by his people: his funeral at sea with many weapons and treasures shows he was a great soldier and an even greater leader to his people.

The poet introduces the concepts of a heroic society through Scyld.

The possessions buried with the king are elaborately described to emphasise the importance of such items.

The importance of these earthly possessions are then used to establish this dead king ’ s greatness in respect to the treasure.

Scyld ’ s funeral helps the poet to elaborate on the glory of battle in a heroic society and how earthly possessions help define a person ‘ s importance.

This funeral also helps the poet to develop the plot to lead into the confrontation between the protagonist, Beowulf, and the main antagonist, Grendel.