Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary by J. R. R. Tolkien

Author:J. R. R. Tolkien [Tolkien, J. R. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2014-05-21T22:00:00+00:00

300 while he was yet a boy; *372 cnihtwesende

It is not easy to imagine how Hrothgar knew Beowulf as a ‘boy’ – whatever precise age that may mean. If Beowulf had ever before been to Denmark to Hrothgar’s court – e.g. with his father when Ecgtheow was a refugee – it is odd that he never alludes to this. If Hrothgar ever paid a visit to the (on the whole) hostile court of Hrethel, that also would be curious; and also is not mentioned.

It is possible that the poet merely wanted to introduce some facts about Beowulf and found the speeches of Hrothgar a convenient and dramatic method, without considering the details of his machinery very closely. But I do not think that is really the case. It would have been easy to bring on any other character (e.g. one of those who had been on the mission to Geatland (303–4, *377–9) to give the required information. More likely is it that Beowulf had already been given a place in the legends of Denmark and Geatland before our poet handled the tale; and is here (in his manner) merely giving selections from and allusions to other accounts. I think that Beowulf is meant to have been at Hrothgar’s court as a young child. He may not remember much about it or the causes of his father’s holiday abroad; but sóhte holdne wine (*376) says Hrothgar: ‘he has come back to visit a friend who has not forgotten him’ [cf. the translation 302–3, ‘seeking a friend and patron’]. In that case Ðonne ‘Then’(*377) is clearer – ‘Then later on’ when Hrothgar got a chance of learning more he heard that the little lad had grown up to be a champion wrestler. [Cf. the translation 303–6, ‘Voyagers by sea . . . have since reported that he hath in the grasp of his hand the might and power of thirty men.’]

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