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Map of Jutes, Geats, Danes and Swedes [SMM]

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Map of Jutes, Geats, Danes and Swedes [SMM]

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1. This is a picture showing 5th or 6th Century Scandinavia and the location of Jutes, Geats, Danes, and Swedes. The epic poem, Beowulf is set among the Danes (in modern day Denmark) and among the Geats (in modern day Sweden). The tribes of the Jutes, Geats, Danes, Wulfings, and Swedes were in constant warfare throughout history.

2 "Then it fell to Beow to keep the forts. He was well regarded and ruled the Danes for a long time after his father took leave of his life on earth" (53-56).

Scyld is the wealthy king of the Danes, and when he dies, his famed son, Beow assumes the throne. This quotation demonstrates the Danes government and royal lineage.

3. Image Citation: http://historyofenglishpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/42-Beowulf-Vikings.png

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1. Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark is a Viking ring castle or fort that is over a thousand years old constructed by the Danish Viking King, Harold Bluetooth. The location of Fyrkat is unique in comparison to other Danish forts because it is in a valley and adjacent to a swamp and a stream, used as the main source of transportation due to the dense forests. Fyrkat consisted of sixteen longhouses made of white oak, along with the central ringfort. Activities practiced during the Viking era such as bread-making, forging, and archery are demonstrated at the present-day fort.
2. "the timbered hall rose before them, radiant with gold. Nobody on earth knew of another building like it"(307-310)

Heorot in "Beowulf" is the world renowned mead-hall constructed by the Danes. Approximately a thousand years ago, the Danes built the impressive fortress Fyrkat, similar to Heorot.

3. Image Source: http://files.guidedanmark.org/files/441/441_308115.jpg?qfix

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1. The Nydam Boat was discovered in Denmark and is one of the oldest preserved Nordic ships. It is made of oak and its narrow shape (and weapons) imply the ship was used in war. The tribes of Beowulf fought often and used their large warships to cross the Baltic Sea in order to reach/conquer new lands. Denmark is where the Shieldings tribe was located, and the Nydam boat is an example of the type of ships they would have built.

2. "Time went by, the boat was on water, in close under the cliffs,
Men climbed eagerly up on the gangplank, sand churned in surf, warriors loaded a cargo of weapons, shining war-gear in the vessel's hold, then heaven out, away with a will in their wood-wreathed ship" (210-216).

This passage shows the preparation and journey of Beowulf's army when they sailed to the Shieldings' kingdom. The warship's description is very similar to the Nydam Boat, and fits the time period of when it would have been constructed.

3. Image/Information credit:
https://www.abc.se/~pa/uwa/nydam-e.htm

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1) the sutton hoo helmet is an artifact discovered during the 1939 excavation of the sutton hoo ship burial. it is a decorated helmet that provided protection in battle and also displayed the owner’s status.

in beowulf, the warriors wear helmets that are elaborate and designed with carved images of boars to show their power and status. the boars in particular were used as charms to protect them in battle. these helmets were also imposing and intimidating to others, especially to the guards at heorot.

2) “Boar-shapes flashed above their cheek-guards, the brightly forged work of goldsmiths, watching over those stern-faced men.” (303-306)

“Where do you come from, carrying these decorated shields and shirts of mail, these cheek-hinged helmets and javelins? … I have never seen so impressive or large an assembly of strangers.” (333-338)

3) source: https://aryanisrael.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/sutton_hoo_helmet_3d_render_by_mrsvein872-d5wg1l8-1.jpg

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1. The Sutton Hoo Shield was found in a cemetery near Woodbridge, Suffolk that contained a famous ship burial from the early 7th century. The shield was found at the head end of the ship. It displayed two large symbols: a bird, and a dragon. The shield was found along with artifacts such as a helmet, sword, armor with gold and gems, and silver plate.

2. "They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, / Laid out by the mast, amidships, / The great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures / Were piled upon him, and precious gear" (34-37).

The mythical king of the Danes was named Shield Sheafson, and he was buried within a ship just like the Sutton Hoo Shield was discovered within a ship-burial surrounded by treasures and precious armor.

3. Image Citation: http://www.britishmuseum.org/collectionimages/AN00079/AN00079865_001_l.jpg

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1. The Sutton Hoo harp is rounded harp used in the later time of the Anglo-Saxon period. It is light weight and easy told, making it suitable for for bards. This six string instrument is often used for telling epic poems, such as Beowulf.
2. "It harrowed him to hear the din of the loud banquet every day in the hall, the harp being struck and the clear song of a skilled poet telling with mastery of man’s beginnings" (87-91)
3. http://history.furman.edu/webimages/pages/39%20Sutton%20Hoo,%20harp%20replica_jpg.htm

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Sutton Hoo Birds Of Prey Ornamentation - Caroline 

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Sutton Hoo Birds Of Prey Ornamentation - Caroline 

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1.  The Sutton Hoo birds of prey ornamentation was a symbol found on multiple artifacts showing a bird of prey swooping down on a smaller bird. It was often found on shields.
2. "Boar-shapes flashed above their cheek guards, the brightly forged work of goldsmiths" (303-305)
3.http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=86423&partId=1&place=35846&plaA=35846-3-1&sortBy=imageName&page=1

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Sutton Hoo Gold Coins and Ingots - Forster

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Sutton Hoo Gold Coins and Ingots - Forster

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1. The Sutton Hoo gold coins and ingots were the coinage used in "Beowulf." The coins represented a high social status in the community.
2. "They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships the great river-giver. Far-fetched treasures was loaded on top of him:" (34-41)
3. http://www.ealdfaeder.org/imy/coins-bulk.jpeg

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1. The Sutton Hoo Sword comes from a tradition of Germanic swords adopted from the Roman cavalry sword, called the spatha. They were decorated with gold and jewels and symbolized status.
2. "Time and again, Beowulf's warriors  worked to defend their lord's life, laying about them as best they could, with their ancestral blades." (793-796)
3.  Image:
http://warehamforgeblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-pattern-welded-sword.html

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1. A torque is a neck ring made of metal that was usually worn as a symbol of status or nobility. Torques have been found among many different cultures, including Celtic and Scandinavian. They were sometimes worn during rituals, and they were given to soldiers as acts of bravery and courage. In Beowulf, torques are given out to celebrate Heorot's completion.

2. "Nor did he renege, but doled out rings and torques at the table" (80-81).

3. Image:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466150

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The Sutton Hoo Iron Standard - Lillibet 

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The Sutton Hoo Iron Standard - Lillibet 

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1. The Sutton Hoo Iron Standard was found in the excavation of Sutton Hoo, England, and is from the 7th century. It is believed to be a symbol of the king's power and used in ceremonies such as burials.

2. "And they set a gold standard above his head and let him drift to wind and tide, bewailing him and mourning their loss" (47-50).

In Shield Sheafson's burial, a standard is set near him, along with many other treasures to bring with him to the afterlife. This is similar to the ship burial of Sutton Hoo, which also includes a standard and other expensive items.

3. http://cgi.stanford.edu/group/rufus-project/cgi-bin/images/imagedatabase/ironstand.JPG

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The Sutton Hoo Dancing Warrior Helmet Plate- Sophia

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The Sutton Hoo Dancing Warrior Helmet Plate- Sophia

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1. The The Sutton Hoo Dancing Warrior Helmet Plate is significant during the Anglo-Saxon era. The plate shows detailed depictions of warriors doing a ritual dance that was done at many gatherings. Warriors dancing being on the helmet plate signifies the importance that warriors have in society. It also connects warriors with their rich culture and reminds them of why they are out to fight.

2. "The ship rode the water, broad-beamed, bound by its hawser and anchored fast. Boar-shapes flashed above their cheek-guards, the brightly forged work of the goldsmiths, watching over those stern faced men." (301-306)

3. Image Citation:
http://viking.archeurope.info/index.php?page=sutton-hoo-ship-burial-the-dancing-warriors-helmet-plate

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1. The Sutton Hoo Silver Bowls were commonly found among the many treasures in Anglo-Saxon ship burials. The silver portrayed the wealth and status of the person being buried. The bowls and the spoons were often described in a Christian setting or scene but are not specifically associated with a particular religion.

2. “They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear” (34-37).

When Shield Sheafson dies, his people put him in his boat and send him away with lots of treasures; this practice is very similar to how the silver bowls were placed in a boat during burial.

3. Image Citation:
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-british-museum

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1. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from water, honey, malt, and yeast. In Beowulf, it is the common alcohol that is served to guests at Herot, Hrothgar’s great mead hall.

2. “An attendant stood by with a decorated pitcher, pouring bright helpings of mead” (494-496).

When Beowulf anchors at the Spear-Danes’ land, he is welcomed to Herot. Hrothgar and his people celebrate his arrival by hosting a feast at the mead hall. The epic does not mention food; it mentions the presence of mead instead. The significance of the alcohol is clear as it is connected to the joyous nature of a party.

3. Image Citation:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjh8eGMnOPdAhWBdd8KHa29CkUQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Funcrate.com%2Fhomemade-mead-kit%2F&psig=AOvVaw3FEwcTZBm9ROnVPMyvO1my&ust=1538413773753507

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1. The Sutton Hoo Purse Lid was excavated from the Anglo-Saxon royal burial-ground at Sutton Hoo within a buried ship. It held a leather pouch designed to be worn on the belt, and it was a symbol of wealth and luxury. The purse lid is a gorgeous ornament made of gold and enamel that depicts a man surrounded by wolves and an eagle flying towards its prey. Historians are unsure what this could depict, but the most popular theories are that they are symbols of courage and bravery or that they're part of lost ancient folklore.

2. "'I  meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in the attempt, in the fiend's clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, prove myself with a proud deed or meet my death here in the mead-hall." (634-638)

Beowulf's bravery and devotion to the mission demonstrates the courage depicted in the purse lids carvings. The man facing the wolves and the eagle going towards its prey represent a beast facing another beast with courage and confidence, which is exactly what Beowulf is doing with Grendel. It's human against demon, against all odds, yet Beowulf remains confident.

3. https://smarthistory.org/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid/