Friday, September 25, 2009

The Finnesburh Fragment, Widsith, and The Saga of Grettir the Strong

The Finnesburh Fragment:
Alike Beowulf, Hnaefs men are attacked in the hall by Finn's retainers, real early in the morning. Beowulf's men were also attacked in the hall at night while they were sleeping. There was a feud and Finn ended up marrying Hnaef's sister, who was given to him as a peace pledge. Hrothgar's wife was also given to him as a peace pledge. Hnaef is visiting Finn and Beowulf was also visiting Hrothgar when they were both attacked. Hnaef's men were attacked by Finn's men because of the feud that had been on before. Finn, however, may not have been aware of the attack. The story of Finn and his wife and men is in Beowulf. It is that short poem inside of Beowulf.

Widsith:
Beowulf is almost not a book we read today, for it was almost lost in a fire. Someone found it and translated it and now we have the poem today. The only text of Widsith
is in the Exeter Book. Offa was the youngest of all the warriors who won in such a great battle. He achieved more glory than anyone else his age. Beowulf and Widsith are both great warriors and the both travel. They both like to brag about themselves and be the best.

The Saga of Grettir the Stong:
Evil beings have struck them and no one knew quite what was happening. Grendel also kept appearing, attacking the men in there sleep, however the men knew it was he, who kept coming back for them. Grettir was strong and brave. He went to Sandhaugar on Christmas Eve to take care of the ghost and hauntings that were occurring. He was very full of himself and knew he was strong. So he stayed with them and Steinvor went to Mass. Grettir cut the trollwomen's arm off, just as Beowulf pulled Grendel's arm.

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