Hero's Boast

Untitled Slide

• Demonstrates glory by listing ancestry and heroic deeds
• Rallies the crowd and makes an honor bound oath

Occurs During Desperate Times

• May be spoken nearly anywhere - to the king, before the enemy, to the thanes
• A request has been made, permission has been granted, a battle is about to begin

Introduces Himself

• Greets audience, flattery:
• “O king of the Bright-Danes and ring-giver of great magnificence” (Kenning) Flattery is helpful
• Includes his ancestry
• Describes legendary accomplishlments

States the Problem at Hand

• Outlines solution
• May offer conditions required for his assistance
• The best ones have a punch line
• What was Beowulf's famous punch line?

Elements of a Eulogy

• Spoken at a memorial service
• Historical recap
• Quotes
• Interests, accomplishments
• Capture the true spirit of deceased

Beowulf's Eulogy

• Legendary in tone
• Incorporate A/S elements
• Ancestry
• Heroic deeds
• Beowulf as a representation of his culture