Treasure In Beowulf Research Paper

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Cornelius Payne !!Treasure!! In Beowulf, treasure was one of the main important parts of Anglo-Saxon culture. Even in death, treasure is considered very important. Normal people aren’t usually covered in their treasures, only kings and great warriors are buried with their prized possessions: “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.” (Beowulf 43-46) The wealth was distributed by the king and was earned by providing help to any king in any way or being successful in attempt to finish a quest or in battle. A king can also receive gifts, mostly rare priceless objects, for being a great, respected ruler: “Then the gold gilt was handed over to the old lord, a relic from long ago for the venerable ruler. That rare smith-work was…show more content…
Hrothgar contains much power and wealth, so he is allowed to shower Beowulf and anyone else he pleases, with untold riches for their duties. When someone died they were placed on a ship, which is afterwards burned, with their most prized possessions put on top of them because they believed they sought to have them taken with them after death. Sadly treasure can be both a curse and a blessing. Treasure is a blessing when, for example: “The treasure that Hygleac lavished on me I paid for when I fought, as fortune allowed me, with my glittering sword. He gave me land and the security land brings, so he had no call to go looking for some lesser champion, some mercenary from among the Gifthas or the Spear-Danes or the men of Sweden.” (2490-2496) Another example of treasure being a blessing is when, Beowulf presented Hygleac with rewards that he received from Hrothgar. He provided King Hygleac with four horses, a boar-framed standard, a battle-topping helmet, a mail-shirt, and a precious war-sword. Beowulf also presented Queen Hygd a gorget, a priceless torque, and three horses. Treasure is a curse
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