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The Sutton Hoo Archeological Site [Lucy]

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The Sutton Hoo Archeological Site [Lucy]

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1. The Sutton Hoo Archeological Site is a burial site for a ship with treasure along as remnants for the ship in the site. The site was found in 1939 in Suffolk, England and is for a 27m ship. The burial site was probably for a very special person since it would have taken a long time and a lot of man power in order to dig out the trench and bring the ship up the hill. The person who was buried there might have been an Anglo-Saxon king. The human body is missing, but there is evidence that the body was once there, so it is known that it is a burial spot. The burial most likely took place in the 7th century -- this is known from the coin that were buried with the person in the ship.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/death-and-memory/anglo-saxon-ship-burial-sutton-hoo

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?
The Anglo- Saxons and other Northern European tribes of this period buried their great kings with boats and treasure as a way to honor them. They gave them these things so that the kings could have a way to having possessions with them while they were being buried. Any person can be buried and have a tombstone, but having a ship and treasure with the person is a way of showing rank, how respected, and powerful the person who died is.

4. Image citation: https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/secrets-of-sutton-hoo.htm

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1. A torque is necklaces in ancient civilizations. The necklaces date back to the time period of the Celts and vikings. It is believed that they were giving as offerings to gods/goddeses as a symbol of gratitude.
https://www.museumreplicas.com/viking-dragon-torque
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466150

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?
The quotation helps us to understand us understand that the placement of the torque was very important.

4. Image citation: http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466150

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1. The Sutton Hoo Helmet...
Only four of these helmets can be found today. These helmets from the Anglo-Saxon period have an iron head cap, a face mask, cheek pieces, and a neck guard. A lot of these helmets have pictures of animals or wars. On the face of the helmet facial features lie eyebrows, mustaches and noses are featured, but these can also be looked at in a different way to see a bird or a dragon in flight. At the end of the eyebrows there are boars head which are symbolic of courage and strength.
https://smarthistory.org/the-sutton-hoo-helmet/
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, what other value might a helmet have had in this culture?

These helmets may have been ceremonial or symbolic to certain things. For example the dragon depicted on the helmet symbolizes an interest in fantasy. For example folktales like Beowulf were very magical. This aspect of the helmet could be part of this culture. Moreover however, this helmet could have also been a great honor to wear, and like Beowulf because you were heroic and you had courage and strength like the boar symbolizes on the helmet, you got to wear this helmet.

4. Image citation: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/schools/primaryhistory/images/worldhistory/sutton_hoo_helmet/ship_burial_helmet.jpg

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1. The Sutton Hoo harp is a type of pan-Germanic harp or round lyre associated with Early Old English Poetry. It is especially associated with Beowulf. The Harp was played along to rhythmic poetry that was being chanted.
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?
This quotation establishes the importance of singing and harp-playing among the Northern European tribes by saying that the harp was played "every day" and that there were "skilled poet[s] telling" their stories "with mastery." (86-91) Since there were master poets who told their stories frequently, poetry had to be important to the Northern European tribes.

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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Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark (Mead Hall) [Cora C.]

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Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark (Mead Hall) [Cora C.]

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1. Fyrkat is a mead hall that was discovered near Hobro, which is a mid-size town in Denmark. In these mead halls were gatherings called sumbl, which is the Germanic term for feast or banquet. In Beowulf, the mead hall is the location for all of Beowulf's boasting about his victories.
Citations:
https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9802/reconstructed-longhouse-or-mead-hall/

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?
Heaney says in the above quote that the mead hall is "meant to be a wonder of the world forever". This means that back in the time of Beowulf, the mead halls were the most important and symbolic aspects of the people who lived in Fyrkat and other similar areas. When architecture is meant to be a wonder of the world, it is meant to be a paragon of human achievement and artwork. The significance of this structure suggests the significance of boasting about achievements in battle (specifically Beowulf's boasting during the feasts in the mead hall in Beowulf), which wasn't viewed as a bad thing in Germanic culture.

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

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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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1. The Nydam Boat is the first viking ship that was able to navigate the sea, however the boat had no sail. This ship is from Denmark and built 350-400 CE.
https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8030/nydam-ship/

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?
This quote shows that the tribes buried their king on a boat as a sign of respect with treasure. This expands on our knowledge of boats because they want their King to be buried with safety and honor. The boat shows the tribes respect for their leaders. The boat also gives us an understanding to how connected they felt to water in their funeral life.

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

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1. A standard in this context is a...

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?

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

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1.The Sutton Hoo Sword was found in the ship burial at Sutton Hoo. The sword is really complex with gold handle fittings, gold plates, and many more details. It was found bound in leather and wrapped with sheep oil, and stayed together because of an oil it was wrapped with.
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/sword-from-the-ship-burial-at-sutton-hoo/uQGATpxRArOXnw?hl=en
http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/kids/sutton_sword.html

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?
A sword represents wars and battles fought, and the glory and importance that came with it. In Beowulf weapons have a lot of importance, usually due to its history, and this importance might give it power. For example, the person using this sword would gain confidence and some hope of winning because of the sword's past victories and promises.

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

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1. The Sutton Hoo Shield is a shield that was found in a buried ship in 1939. The shield was believed to have belonged to an ancient king who lived around the year 650.

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?
The shield is a powerful artifact that for a short time protected Beowulf from the flames of a dragon. The shield also belonged to king Raedwald who was one of the most powerful kings of his time, so the shield is only obtained by those who are powerful. In this passage, Beowulf faces his demise. This shield protected him from the dragons fire for some time, but in the end, weapons and protection do not matter, because fate is inevitable. This is a lesson taught in Beowulf.

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

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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 silver bowls are shallow bowls made of silver that have a rose motif in the center of the cross design inside the bowl. All of the arms of the cross are the same distance from the center of the bowl to the rim. In the center of the bowl the rose motif has eight petals and within the cross, there are intricate details that consist of four armed stars.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1939-1010-80

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 the bowls in the boat burial because the they could have been important to the person who was being buried either because they were silver or that since the Anglo-Saxons were burying him with other treaures they thought these should also be considered worthy to be buried with him. There also could have been a belief where the bowls could be used in the afterlife and the people wanted their lord to have them in after he died.

4. image citation: britishmuseum.org

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1. The Sutton Hoo Purse Lid was originally created to cover a leaver pouch containing gold coins. It is believed to be made of whalebone which was a very precious material back in early Anglo-Saxon England. Although these decorations are very hard for us to interpret, it is believed to have held a deeper significance for the Anglo-Saxons.

Information Citation: 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 believe that the Northern European tribes were interested in metal not only because it was one of the best materials to protect themselves with at the time, but it also made them appear very strong and resilient to their enemies.

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. To keen is to...
Keening is the act of performing a vocal ritual to celebrate the dead. Keens have repeated vocal motifs and crying.  It is formed by hitting on the coffin and the ground while chanting.
http://www.keeningwake.com/keening-tradition/

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?
It is seen as a farewell to the corpse, however it different from a lament. Having traditional song to go along with death shows that this culture views death as something sacred and important to acknowledge the sanctity of each life.
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 Should Clasp...

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?

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

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1. The Sutton Hoo Gold Coins and Ingots are coins that were found buried in a tomb within a ship for a prominent Anglo-Saxon warrior, or possibly a King. The coins and ingots were found amongst other treasures that were extremely valuable. The coins show that the Anglo-Saxons had not only detailed ships and creations, but also deep connections across Europe.

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?
This quote implies that the Northern European tribes were interested in gold because of its value and what it stood for. Having a lot of gold meant that the Anglo-Saxons were not only rich, but also powerful.

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

5. Information Citation:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/early-medieval-art/early-medieval-objects/a/the-sutton-hoo-ship-burial

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The Sutton Hoo Great Golden Buckle [Ariana]

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The Sutton Hoo Great Golden Buckle [Ariana]

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1. The Sutton Hoo Golden Buckle weighs more than 400 grams and depicts various stylized creatures throughout the surface of the buckle. During Anglo-Saxon England belt buckles were a way of establishing a mans wealth and social status. At least 13 animals are shown including: snakes, birds heads, dog like creatures, and various beasts.

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?
I think Germanic tribes used animal images such as boars, bears, wolves, eagles crows, etc,  because these animals were most likely very common in the places Germanic tribes lived, and they could have religious value and significant meaning behind them. Based on the quote I also think these animals depicted on metalwork were seen as a type of protection, as if the animals were watching over someone.

4. Image citation: britishmuseum.org

url: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/gold-belt-buckle-from-the-ship-burial-at-sutton-hoo/ywGloVQL6jfErg?hl=en

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The Sutton Hoo Bird of Prey Ornamentation [Celia]

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The Sutton Hoo Bird of Prey Ornamentation [Celia]

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1. The Sutton Hoo Bird of Prey is an ornament and symbol that was found on a purse lid from the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo ship burial. The birds of prey are pictured as grasping a smaller bird on the famous purse lid, however the meaning behind the birds pictured on the lid has not yet been determined and it is almost impossible to interpret their significance.
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/early-medieval-art/early-medieval-objects/a/the-sutton-hoo-purse-lid

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?
I think that tribes used animals to symbolize strength and courage as a way to represent themselves. They could also use animal images to express their value and spiritual belifs.
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 was...
A scop was an old English poet. They entertain people by composing and reciting their own works. In some cultures, the scop also served as a way to recite and preserve oral history.

https://www.britannica.com/art/scop

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?

This quote shows a poet or s scop reciting history for an audience. This reveals how the scope was used as a way of entertainment because he was reciting for an entire banquet hall. This expert also shows how they used the scope as a way to recount history. He is telling a story of the "mystery of man's beginnings", which is historical.

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

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1. Fens are

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?

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

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1.The Descendants of Cain...

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?

4. 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. Mead is...

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"?

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