Interview with the characters: Beowulf and Unferth talk about Hrothgar, Hygelac, and Shield Sheafson

Intro

Hey guys, Beowulf is an Anglo Saxon story, written in old English by a Christian monk, about the life of the hero named Beowulf. The story was how Beowulf overcame three deadly challenges against monsters and how he helped the Geats against enemy tribes. Loyalty was the most important value in Anglo Saxon culture, because loyalty was the one of the most important thing for the Anglo Saxon civilization. Without loyalty tribes would fall apart,become weaker, and eventually conquered. The book conveyed this ideology of the importance of loyalty, by exhibiting Beowulf’s loyalty as a thane to his lord, his relationship with his thanes and Wiglaf, and the royal generosity bestowed upon him by Hygelac and Hrothgar.

Beowulf showed that loyalty was important to Anglo Saxon culture by showcasing through the comitatus between Hrothgar, Hygelac, and Beowulf. Comitatus is the Anglo Saxon way of life where the thanes would fight for their lords and be responsible for bringing the treasure of battle to their lord. Their lord would then give them some of the treasure they brought back. The thane’s reward be larger or smaller depending on what they did. Comitatus was loyalty for the Anglo Saxons. The story Beowulf outlines the best examples of loyalty or “Comitatus” through the actions of Beowulf. For example, Beowulf was loyal to Hrothgar and they were not even kin. Another is when he makes sure he still loyal to Hygelac before fighting another deadly monster.As you can hear listeners, this man is awesome and loyal to the very end, so let's go to the Interview.

Script

G: This is a throwback podcast, we going all the way back to the Anglo Saxon period. We gonna be meeting with my boy Beowulf. My man Beowulf is gonna tell us how he was chill all throughout his life and never backed down from a fight. To meet Beowulf and talk about Wiglaf with him, I’m gonna have to go back in time, and while I’m there I am also going to talk about Shield Sheafson, cause I hear he was a real loyal baller like Dirk Nowitzki.Here we go!

G: I’m am now here at Heorot with Beowulf, thanks for meeting me dude.

B: Any time young feller.

G: So I have a couple of questions for you.

B: As long as they don’t take too long, I have Hygd waiting for me at the castle ha ha ha. (wink sound effect)

G: Ok then... What are your thoughts on your King Hygelac?

B:He is the “Wisest of kings”.(line 1474)

G: I understand that you are a thane, protector of the land, do you do it for the people, the material goods, or the king?

B: I’d surrender my life for my people. I “take care Of my young company, my comrades in arms. And be sure also, my beloved Hrothgar, To send Hygelac the treasures I received. Let the lord of the Geats gaze on that gold, Let Hrethel’s son take note of it and see That I found a ring-giver of rare magnificence And enjoyed the good of his generosity. (1476-1477)

B: They are my beloved lords.

G:Why choose these people when you have the strength of a God?

B: It’s everything I’ve ever known growing up prince to a warlord.

G: Why did you choose to go and protect Heorot from Grendel when it was not a pressing danger for you?

B: Because they needed help, if I didn't go save them they wouldn’t be alive, also if my king asks me to do something I comply.

G: After you ripped Grendel’s arm off, what was your celebration that night?

B: Partied hard with the fellers that night, unfortunately I wasn't there when Grendel’s mom came or I would have ended it there.

G: Switching ideas how do you feel about Wiglaf?

B: I got mad respect for that homie, he helped me slay the dragon before we got swept by the Swedes.

G: What does he remind you of?

B: He reminds me a lot of my younger self but I’m still the greatest before and after death.

G: I talked to Wiglaf not to long ago and this is what he told the ten men that ran away, “Anyone ready to admit the truth Will surely realize the lord of men Who showered you with gifts and gave you the armor You are standing in--when he would distribute Helmets and mail-shirts to men on the mead-benches,”

B:I always used to fighting alone. That's the first time someone actually had my back. For example( knocking sound) Unferth walks in, Hey Beowulffffff….

B: Hey sorry i broke your sword, wait i'm not sorry, you were to scared to use it. Not the only thing he’s scared to use because it breaks. Ha Ha Ha.

G: Ok then let's stay civilized

U: Lots of talk from “I beat Brecca in a swim race”

B: Hey, I was fighting sea monsters something your sword would break doing.

G: I can sense that you two have a lot of mutual respect for eachother

B: I love the guy don’t get me wrong.

U: Beowulf is the only person who could do such a deed and I trust him.

B:I would lay down my life for the Danes.

G: So you may not always get along but at the end of the day you’re loyal to your causes and countries?

B AND U: Yes

G: Okay Unferth we don’t need you anymore, thank you.

B: What else do you wish to know?

G: How do you feel about Hrothgar

B: I liked Hrothgar a lot I had a lot of trust for him he helped my dad so when I showed up to fight Grendel I told him,

G: Do you feel like you owe him?

B: “I had a fixed purpose when I put out to sea. As I sat in the boat with my band of men, I meant to perform to the uttermost What your people wanted or perish in the attempt, In the fiend’s clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, Prove myself with a proud deed Or meet my death here in the mead-hall.”

G: That is a lot of loyalty for someone that you are pretty knew to meeting.

B: That’s just the way that I am. There isn't a non-loyal bone in me.

G: What is your goal from all of this?

B: My main reason to fight these monsters is to protect the people.

G: If you could be compared to one person in history who would you want it to be?

B: It would be an honor to be compared to the great Shield Sheafson. “That was one good king.” (11)

G: Beowulf thank you for your time it has been a true pleasure to get to know you and your stories I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

B: You’re welcome, Thank you.

So you heard it here first guys. My man Beowulf is super loyal. That’s all we have today on the throwback podcast. If you have a sword use it, make sure to stay loyal to your people and greatness will come.