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Warrior's Destiny: The Bond of Comitatus in Beowulf

Explore the enduring bond between a Germanic warrior and his lord in the epic poem Beowulf. Discover the concept of Comitatus, where neither warrior leaves the battlefield before the other, invoking fate (Wyrd) and the influence of both Pagan and Christian elements in the narrative. Dive into the complexities of fate, honor, and religious beliefs in this timeless tale of heroism.

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Warrior's Destiny: The Bond of Comitatus in Beowulf

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  1. Beowulf continued

  2. Comitatus • The bond between a Germanic warrior and his lord. • One of its features is that neither leaves the field of battle before the other. • “To survive the leader and retreat from the battlefield is a lifelong disgrace and infamy.”

  3. Wyrd • Anglo-Saxon word corresponding to fate and personal destiny • Beowulf invokes fate as a determining factor in his actions (see the end of his first speech to Hrothgar • But the poet frequently assures us that the Almighty has a hand in the outcomes of the battles and the action of the poem.

  4. Pagan and/or Christian? • Pagan: invocations to fate, funerary rites that are not Christian, warrior code • Christian: monsters are demonic, Almighty God is thanked, Hrothgarthanks God but the poet points out that he and his men are unfortunately NOT exposed to Christianity? • What is the effect of these inconsistencies?

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