TERMS for BEOWULF Wyrd

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TERMS FOR BEOWULF Wyrd: a concept in AngloSaxon culture roughly corresponding to fate or an individual’s destiny (derived from weorþan, which means “to become.” Comitatus: The bond / contract between the Chieftan/Lord and his vassals. The Lord’s vassals are a band of loyal/noble followers; men who have sworn to defend the Chieftan with their lives in exchange for protection, victory, and spoils. TRADITIONALLY, in this relationship, the vassals promise at least 40 days of military service, money for the Lord’s eldest daughter’s dowry, money if the Lord’s eldest son is knighted, money if the lord goes on a crusade, money for the Lord’s ransom if he is captured, advice if asked. Symbel – a rite of AngloSaxon paganism – sometimes referred to as a “drinking rite.” It is a symbolic ritualistic celebration. During this celebration, attendees are seated by order/rank of importance. The ritual begins with a FORESPEECH in which the host welcomes his guests and provides context/reason for the gathering. It is followed by the POURING, which is when the Lady of the house pours mead to the men – in order of rank. She starts by pouring mead into the horn. This act represents the idea of “watering the world tree” and bringing the past to the present. Once the POURING is complete, the FULLS commences. The FULLS is a series of boasts about the three most important gods to the situation at hand. The FULLS is followed by the MINNI, which is a toast to dead ancestors. Next comes the GIFTGIVING when the host presents important/worthy attendees with gifts to recognize them. Then there is the OPEN FULLS – which includes GIELPS and BEOTS and FLYTING. All are welcome to boast, and the SCOP presents a collective boast at the end. The purpose of this ritual is to put oneself in the path of WYRD and thereby control the results of future events. It links the deeds of the past to the deeds of the present and affects those of the future. Gielp: a boast of ancestry and of past deeds. Beot: a boast of future acts Flyting: the formal exchange of insults/a verbal assault/challenge Wergild: money paid to the family of a victim in compensation for the loss and to avoid a blood feud. The amount is based on rank and place in society. THE SEVEN VIRTUES OF THE ANGLOSAXONS Courage in Battle Generosity in Peace Fearlessness as a Warrior Loyalty as a Friend Kindness and Justice as a Ruler Calm Courage as a Dying Man Fortitude in the Face of Whatever Trials Wyrd Might Impose .

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