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The Sutton Hoo Archeological Site [Caroline]

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The Sutton Hoo Archeological Site [Caroline]

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1. The Sutton Hoo Archeological Site is ship burial site in Sutton Hoo, East Anglia. It is thought to be the burial site of an Anglo-Saxon royal, and is comprised of a ship that was lowered into a dug out chamber. This royal was surrounded by treasures for the afterlife, and it contains artifacts from across Europe including Scandinavia and even some items that are likely to have originated in Africa and Asia. Some of the artifacts appear to have a Christian influence, suggesting the beginnings of a shift from the pagan religions to Christianity.

2. "Then fashioned for him the folk of Geats firm on the earth a funeral-pile,
and hung it with helmets and harness of war and breastplates bright, as the boon he asked; and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain, heroes mourning their master dear" (2712 - 2718).

3. Why do you think Anglo-Saxons and other Northern European tribes of this period buried their great kings with boats and treasure?
It seems as though they viewed it as a way to honor their deceased leaders. The idea of burying the dead with possessions seems similar to the Egyptian burial methods where they would also do this as a way to send their dead to the afterlife with items from their life.

4. Image citation: https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/secrets-of-sutton-hoo.htm
5. Information citation:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo/features/a-brief-introduction-to-sutton-hoo-

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1. A standard in this context is an upright metal structure that is placed on a boat. Specifically, it is a golden standard that is being placed on the boat that the warrior king Shield is put on when being sent into the ocean after he dies. A standard was able to have a flag attached to it, so in this context, it is most likely being used as both a directional device and an item that symbolizes Shield's honor.

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

3. How might an iron standard and a gold standard differ in importance?
An iron standard and a gold standard might differ in importance through the varying values of iron versus gold. At the time, gold was a symbol of honor and many powerful figures displayed their power by wearing and owning items made out of gold. An iron standard might have been used for day-to-day ceremonies and rituals while gold could have been saved for special occasions, such as the death of a powerful war figure.

4. Image citation:
http://www.britishmuseum.org/collectionimages/AN01413/AN01413411_001_l.jpg?width=304

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Map of Jutes, Geats, Danes and Swedes [S. Martin]

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Map of Jutes, Geats, Danes and Swedes [S. Martin]

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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 in Danes, modern day Denmark, and Geats, modern day Sweden. The tribes of the Jutes, Geats, Danes, 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).

3. 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.

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

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Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark (Mead Hall) [Fang]

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Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark (Mead Hall) [Fang]

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1. Fyrkat is a ring fortress built in Denmark during the Viking age around 980 by King Harald Bluetooth. Fyrkat is surrounded by huge circular ramparts. The ramparts are broken at four different parts with gates, these four points are the cardinal points of the compass. Internally it is 120m wide. Men, women, and children lived within Fyrkats. The fortresses were most likely there to protect royal power. Inside the Fyrkat are different buildings for example stores, smith shops, stables, etc.

2. "So his mind turned to hall-building: he handed down orders for men to work on a great mead-hall meant to be a wonder of the world forever..." (67-70)

3. How does the quotation above help us understand the importance of the mead hall to the Germanic tribes?
The quotation above helps us understand that to the Germanic tribes, the mead hall was something so great to them that it could almost be considered sacred. To the tribes at the time, Fyrkats were magnificent and some of the greatest architectures seen to them. It was also important to them because according to the quote that's where orders were handed down.

sources:
https://www.followthevikings.com/visit/frykat

4. Image citation: http://files.guidedanmark.org/files/441/441_308115.jpg?qfix

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1. The Nydam Boat, also called the Nydam Ship, is the oldest known rowing vessel in Northern Europe. Rather than being used for sailing, the Nydam Boat was used for sacrifices and offerings. The boat is called the Nydam Boat because it was found in Nydam, a bog located in present day Denmark. After a battle or war, the ancient Nordic tribes living there would sink their enemies boats and supplies into the water as a sacrifice; an act of gratitude to the gods for their victory.

(sources: https://www.abc.se/~pa/uwa/nydam-e.htm, https://nautarch.tamu.edu/class/316/nydam/)

2. "A ring-whorled prow rode in the harbor, ice-clad, outbound, a craft for a prince. 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. I never heard before of a ships well furbished with battle-tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail" (32-40).

3. How does the quotation above about a boat burial expand our understanding of boats' importance to the Northern European tribes of this period?
The quotation above about a boat burial expands on our understanding of boats' importance to the Northern European tribes of this period because it shows how they had sacred significance. They were not just vessels used to get from place to place, but were used to honor their dead. This tells us that the Northern European tribes had elaborate burial customs and that they honored their dead and their great warriors.

4. Image citation: https://www.abc.se/~pa/uwa/nydam-e.htm

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1. Sutton Hoo is the site of an ancient ship burial that contains weapons, armor, bowls, and buckles. One of the most notable weapons is the Sutton Hoo sword, an elaborate iron blade with gold accents, sheathed in a wooden scabbard lined with oiled sheep’s wool. The Sword was presumably wielded by the East Anglian king Raedwald in the seventh century, who may have also been buried in the ship.
(works cited)

2. "...a rare and ancient sword named Hrunting. The iron blade with its ill-boding patterns had been tempered in blood. It had never failed the hand of anyone who hefted it in battle" (1458-1461).

3. Why do you think a sword might have been an object of mythical or magical importance?
The creation of swords was such a difficult task that in order to create a perfect blade that wasn't too soft or too brittle, it only seemed possible with magic. Because of this magic associated with them, these perfect swords could often be portrayed as possessing some mythic power. For instance, those who wielded the sword Hrunting had never lost in battle, so therefore it must have held special powers.

4. Image citation: http://www.britishmuseum.org/collectionimages/AN00035/AN00035175_001_l.jpg

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1. A torque is a type of jewelry made up of a metal bar or metal ribbon that is curved into a loop. The ends of the loop are shaped into knobs that are decorated. The torque was worn as a metal collar, neck ring, or armband and is not flexible, consisting of significant size and weight.

2. "Far and wide through the world, I have heard, orders for work to adorn that wallstead were sent to many peoples. And soon it stood there,
finished and ready, in full view,
the hall of halls. Heorot was the name he had settled on it, whose utterance was law. Nor did he renege, but doled out rings and torques at the table. The hall towered, its gables wide and high and awaiting a barbarous burning" (74-84).

3. How does the quotation help us understand the place of the torque in the world of Beowulf?
This quotation helps us to understand that the torque in the world of Beowulf was seen as a decoration or piece of art. Rather than being used to wear as jewelry, it was used for display.

4. Citation: http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466150
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "torque". Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Jan. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/art/torque-jewelry. Accessed 25 October 2021.

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1. The Sutton Hoo Shield... was found among the treasures of an Anglo-Saxon royal burial in what is now Suffolk, England. It is believed that these items, such as the shield, were given as diplomatic gifts from Scandinavia. (citation link)

2. “Swaddled in flames, it came gliding and flexing and racing toward its fate. Yet his shield defended the renowned leader’s life and limb for a shorter time than he meant it to: that final day was the first time when Beowulf fought and fate denied him glory in battle” (2569-2575).

3. How does the passage indicate the importance of the shield? This passage emphasizes the importance of the shield by showing how an object so powerful that it can save one's own life can not provide defense infallibly. The shield comes to represent respect for fallen soldiers, for the way that Beowulf lost this battle, yet still nobly so.

4. Image citation: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/90/fe/57/90fe572b832bc2bcc8652b80a7836c71.jpg

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1. The Sutton Hoo silver bowls...  found in the Sutton Hoo ship burial and possessed the largest amount of silver ever found in a grave. Bowls were most likely used as silverware and emphasized wealth and status. These bowls were made in the East Mediterranean and brought to Britain as a gift.

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. I never heard before of a ship so well furbished with battle tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far
on out into the ocean's sway" (34-42).

3. Why do you think the Anglo-Saxons have included bowls in a boat burial? I think they included bowls in a boat burial as a way to carry their wealth into the next life, and to also enable no one else stole it from them.
Work Cited

"Silver Bowls and Spoons from the Ship Burial at Sutton-Hoo." British History Museum. Arts and Culture, artsandculture.google.com/asset/silver-bowls-and-spoons-from-the-ship-burial-at-sutton-hoo/-wENdEIg-TTEWQ?hl=en. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.

4. image citation: britishmuseum.org

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1. The dancing warrior helmet plate is...

2. "You are free now to move forward to meet Hrothgar in helmets and armor, but shields must stay here and spears be stacked until the outcome of the audience is clear" (395-398).

3. Why do you think the guard allows the Geats to approach with their helmets an armor but not their shields and spears?

4. Image citation:
http://vikingrune.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sutton_hoo_dancing_warriors.jpg

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1. The Sutton Hoo Helmet is an iron and tinned copper alloy helmet with a forming cap, cheek-pieces, mask, and neck guard. The copper alloy sheets are stamped with various patterns and warrior motifs — the "Dancing Warrior" and the "Fallen Warrior". It comes from the Early Anglo-Saxon and possibly Germanic time period, in which it was used as a functional piece of battle equipment. It also served as a symbol of its owner's power and prestige.

2.)" He began to remove his iron breast-mail, took off the helmet and handed his attendant the patterned sword" (671-673)

3.) Besides protection in battle, the helmet is important because it indicates its owner's status since it is the richest known Anglo-Saxon helmet. The extraordinary helmet is very rare and it is only one of four complete helmets. The helmet is also unusual because it has a face mask resembling a dragon.
4. Image citation: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/schools/primaryhistory/images/worldhistory/sutton_hoo_helmet/ship_burial_helmet.jpg

Sources:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1939-1010-93

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutton_Hoo_helmet

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/early-medieval-art/early-medieval-objects/a/the-sutton-hoo-helmet

https://smarthistory.org/the-sutton-hoo-helmet/

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1. To keen is to...
- To keen is "the action of wailing in grief for a dead person". It can also be used as an adjective, used to describe a sound that is, "prolonged and high-pitched, typically in a way that expresses grief or sorrow." (Found from Google Dictionary, no URL)

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

3. What do you think it says about a culture that they turn their weeping into a traditional song?
- I think it shows the great respect and care that people in this culture have for their family and friends around them. The creation of a traditional song to mourn creates unification and respect throughout their society, which is a beautiful thing.

4. Image citation: https://maddypaxman.com/2016/08/19/the-loss-of-keening-singing-for-the-dead/

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1. The Sutton Hoo harp is a six stringed instrument that is small and easy to carry around. It is a pan-Germanic lyre that is most associated with Old English poetry. Even with it's small size it can produce a sound that can fill a germanic mead hall or large room.
Source: https://www.tha-engliscan-gesithas.org.uk/daily-life-in-anglo-saxon-england/the-sound-of-the-sutton-hoo-harp/

2. "Then a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark, nursed a hard grievance. 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 . . ." (86-91)

3. How does the quotation establish the importance of singing and harp-playing among the Northern European tribes?
The quotation established the importance of music among Northern European Tribes because it shows how often the played music and sang. It says that the monster became distressed by the constant music that he heard almost everyday. The story is based off of Northern European tribes, show it uses that banquets to show how often they sang and played music.

4. Image citation: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/schools/primaryhistory/images/anglo_saxons/stories_and_pastimes/as_lyre_from_ship_burial.jpg

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1.The Descendants of Cain were people who were literally descended from Cain. Cain was a biblical figure who was the first born son of Adam and Eve and killed his brother Abel. Because he killed Abel, he was exiled and cursed with a mark that prevented him from being killed by others. So, the descendants of Cain have this same curse that separates them from society and prevents them from being killed so they can live a life being abhorred.

2. "[Grendel ] had dwelt for a time
in misery among the banished monsters, Cain's clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts. For the killing of Abel the Eternal Lord had exacted a price: Cain got no good from committing that murder, no because the Almighty made him anathema and out of the curse of his exile there sprang ogres and elves and evil phantoms and the giants too who strove with God
time and again until He gave them their reward" (104-114).

3. Why do you think the poet has Grendel be a descendant of Cain?
I think the poet made Grendel a descendant of Cain because it played into his character as a monster who was an outcast. Because this epic was written in a time that pieces were written for cautionary purposes, the original outcast who was Cain broke that first law of protecting your family. So Grendel was this evil who was lurking on the edges of threatening the people. Because the threat was there people inside society were able to love and care for each other.

Source:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cain-biblical-figure4. Image

https://www.google.com/search?q=descendants+of+cain&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGtJy34bbWAhVKRCYKHZMdCsAQ_AUICigB&biw=1414&bih=700&safe=active&ssui=on#imgrc=wKVohg8iIauHqM:

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1. The Sutton Hoo Purse Lid...
The Sutton Hoo Purse Lid covers a leather pouch for gold coins. The purse lid was made out of whalebone and gold. There are seven plaques on the purse lid which historians think show the importance of strength and courage for men. (https://smarthistory.org/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid/)

2. "Boar-shapes flashed
above their cheek-guards, the brightly forged work of goldsmiths, watching over those stern-faced men. They marched in step,
hurrying on till the timbered hall
rose before them, radiant with gold" (303-308).

3. Why do you think the Northern European tribes were so interested in metals and metalwork?
I think that Northern European tribes were interested in metals because it showed their social position as a mighty warrior and wealth.

4. Image citation:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/latin-western-europe/early-medieval/a/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid

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1. The Sutton Hoo Should Clasp was used in Roman military clothes. It was used to fasten armor and cuirasses, a type of armor for your chest. The loops in the back were used to attach to your garments.
https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5107/the-sutton-hoo-shoulder-clasps/

2. "The Geat people built a pyre for Beowulf, stacked and decked it until it stood four-square, hung with helmets, heavy war-shields and shining armour, just as he had ordered. Then his warriors laid him in the middle of it, mourning a lord far-famed and beloved" (3137-3142).

3. Do you think these shoulder clasps would have been made for armor warn in battle? Why or why not?
I don't think these would've been worn in battle because they are too ornate and look too expensive for fighting.

4. Image citation: http://wuffings.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/DSC02926-B.jpg

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1. Mead is an alcoholic drink made from honey and water that was fermented by yeast. Other flavors may be added. It is categorized between beer and wine because it has similar qualities to both.

https://www.delish.com/food/a28691670/what-is-mead-honey-wine/

2. "So, after nightfall, Grendel set out for the lofty house, to see how the Ring-Danes were settling into it after their drink, and there he came upon them, a company of the best asleep from their feasting, insensible to pain and human sorrow" (115-120).

3. What does it mean that some of the Danes were "insensible to pain and human sorrow"?

This could mean that they are evil because they do not care about pain and do not have sorrow. They do not care about hurting others.

4. Image citation:
https://www.honeycolony.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Mead.jpg

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1. The Sutton Hoo Gold Coins...
-The Sutton hoo coins are a collection of 37 Frankish coins remaining from the Anglo-Saxon period. Among the coins, there is little duplication as during the Anglo-Saxon period there were a large number of money-makers.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_1939-1003-27

2. "They marched in step, hurrying on till the timbered hall rose before them radiant with gold" (305 - 308).

3. What seems to drive the Northern European tribes' interest in gold?
-The value of gold was likely what drove the Northern European tribes' interest in it. Gold was their currency so it had a high value to them.
4. Image citation: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/latin-western-europe/early-medieval/a/the-sutton-hoo-ship-burial

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1. The Sutton Hoo Golden Buckle...

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

3.Why do you think that the Germanic tribes used animal images such as boars, bears, wolves, eagles, crows, etc., so often in their metalwork?

4. Image citation: britishmuseum.org

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The Sutton Hoo Bird of Prey Ornamentation [Sulli]

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The Sutton Hoo Bird of Prey Ornamentation [Sulli]

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1. The Sutton Hoo Bird of Prey is...

This item was apart of the Sutton Hoo Shield which was a shield used in an Anglo-Saxon burial ceremony for an unknown person, although this grave was very grand. This bird of prey was apart of decoration used on the shield. The shield was made out of Copper Alloy with many decorations on top of it, with this being one of them.

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. I never heard before of a ship so well furbished with battle tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far
on out into the ocean's sway" (34-42).

3. Why do you think that these tribes used animal images such as boars, bears, wolves, eagles, crows, etc., so often in their metalwork?

Animals were seen throughout many Anglo-Saxon metalwork because throughout their religion, animals were very significant. Animals could be seen to bring luck, harm, protection, or even convey the importance of the natural world.

Urls:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1939-1010-94-C-1
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/death-and-memory/anglo-saxon-ship-burial-sutton-hoo

4. Image citation:
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/anglosaxon-bird-shield-ornament-from-the-suttonhoo-ship-burial-from-picture-id501585757

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1. A scop is the Old English term for a traveling poet/singer who memorized and recited long poems, myths, legends, stories, and songs. Some scops composed new material based on older ideas. A scop would perform for different groups of people as both entertainer and cultural educator.

2. "Then a powerful demon, a prowler through the dark, nursed a hard grievance. 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..."(86 -91)

3. What does the above quotation tell us about the role of the scop within the Anglo-Saxon and Northern European tribal culture?

4. Image citation: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/4e/93/55/4e93552d1da8a31bb2780489f80cf33e--asatru-anglo-saxon.jpg

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1. Fens are an area of marsh or wetland. They are home to plants and animals, including larger mammals. Fens are greatly important to ecosystems as they house built-up groundwater. In Beowulf, the fens are used as a home to the monster, Grendel.

2. "Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches, marauding round the heath and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cain's clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts" (102-108)

3. How does the fact that Grendel makes his home in a fen help to characterize the monster?
Grendel living in a fen helps characterize the monster because of the biodiversity of fens and because of their swamp-like nature. Giving a monster character the home of a muddy, wetland supports the personality of an ugly being.

URL:
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/California_Fens/what.shtml &

4. Image citation: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/pub/seascience/images/saltmarsh2.jpg