Anglo Saxon Literature :: History Beowulf

Anglo Saxon LiteratureW Y R D The word wyrd generally means specify in Anglo Saxon literature. It is iodin of the recurrent themes in many another(prenominal) old English attains. For example, wyrd is seen as the draw and quarter that determines the result of events in Beowulf. In another story, The Wanderer, wyrd is mentioned several times. In the low gear few lines, the speaker states that fully-fixed is his fate (Norton 100). This shows that wyrd is unchange fitted. Then, he goes on to say speech 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 cope with wyrd. afterwards on, wyrd is proclaimed as mighty because not even earls are 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 o utcome of a persons life. This final use of wyrd may in any case refer to the weird Sisters. They are seen in Shakespeares play Macbeth. The Fates are in addition an master(prenominal) part of Greek culture. Usually they are render as trine 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 fell a thread another 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 dowry 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 addicted the opportunity to pick their own husbands. The families acted merely as financial advisors. However, in many circumstances, women were married off to members of enemy tribes in order to bring peace. Hence, they were given the nam e peace-weavers. Women, depending upon social standing, were also educated and wise, sometimes acting as advocates and protectors of the people of the village. Over all, the women in Anglo Saxon were well respected and valued. outlook 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.