Textuality » 3A Interacting
FZanaboni - Society in Beowulf
by - (2009-03-03)
Up to Beowulf . Epic Poetry
From the text I can understand the kind of society during Beowulf's period.
There was a king that ruled the population. Then there were the warriors and the seamen/sailors.
The society was based on a hierarchy: the king or chief, the vassals and the other people.
"Thane" is an Old English name that means vassal.
The old people were very important because they were wise.
The people were pagan because they trusted "omens".
The society was based on values: generosity, solidarity and courage.