Wealth In Beowulf

Kings wealthy enough to fill ship’s holds with treasure gift subjects with gold. Lavish parties in halls decorated with gold last throughout the year. One might expect that given the seemingly exorbitant wealth of such kingdoms, their economic practices differ from today’s methods. However, careful analyzation of the epic Beowulf and the present shows that certain uses of wealth and money seem to stay the same. The gold-giving and treasure-hoarding customs of the ancient Anglo-Saxons might give the illusion that the actions of the characters in Beowulf differ from those of people today. However, aspects of their lives included a wide range of economic activities that mirror the modern day. From the giving of gold to buy favors and pacify
Gold and wealth represent power and high societal social standing both in Beowulf and the modern world. In early Anglo-Saxon society, gold represented the
Later in the text, the narrator describes the queen of the Danes as “gold-ringed”(346). In addition, the epic uses the terms “gold-giver” as a way to reference the kings (782). During this time period of autocratic rule, no person could claim more power or class than the ruling majesty. Thus, gold possesses a unique value as it represents leadership and class. Furthermore, the end of the dragon battle scene features a symbolic exchange of gold when Beowulf relinquishes “the collar of gold” to Wiglaf (818). Following this action, Beowulf instructs him to become king. Hence, the connection between gold and authority becomes clear in this transfer. Analyzing who receives the gold reinforces the conclusion presented above. Since Beowulf receives treasure for his help to Hrothgar and his kingdom, one can speculate that this occurrence probably happens with other warriors (391, 568). Other than the ruling class, the warrior class enjoys the highest standing in Beowulf. Consequently, no coincidence exists when these warriors are on the receiving end of the treasure. Gold, treasure, and wealth, whether taken or given, represent power and class in society. In our modern times, individuals still value gold.