1. The King and his Thanes

2.  Analyze cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts and provide evidence from the text to support their understanding. (TEKS §110.32.b.8)

3.  King  Thanes ◦ Warriors, land-owners, noblemen

4.  A special relationship between the King and his thanes ◦ The thane swears to defend the king to his death ◦ The king provides protection ◦ The king gives the thanes land, wealth, & weapons  Great comradery between King and his thanes

5.  The thanes sleep in the mead-hall while the king sleeps in an adjoining chamber so that they can always protect him. ◦ If anyone wants to harm the king, he has to go through a room full of warriors.

6.  “He gave out great gifts, so that his dear comrades, when he became king, would then stand by him, as steadfast retainers, when war came.” (lines 21-24)

7.  “Man-payment”  Germanic custom of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the killing.  Prevents the slain man’s family from taking revenge.  Hrothgar paid wergild to Beowulf’s father.  Beowulf feels compelled to help Hrothgar in his time of need.

8.  Special relationship between the King and his thanes ◦ The thane swears to defend the king to his death ◦ The king provides protection ◦ The king gives the thanes land, wealth, & weapons  Great comradery between King and his thanes  “Man-payment”  Germanic custom of paying a slain man’s family to atone for the killing.  Prevents the slain man’s family from taking revenge.