We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

Boar Helmets in Beowulf

essay
The whole doc is available only for registered users
  • Pages: 2
  • Word count: 353
  • Category: Beowulf

A limited time offer! Get a custom sample essay written according to your requirements urgent 3h delivery guaranteed

Order Now

Beowulf: A Verse Translation, a story passed on through the centuries in Anglo-Saxon and other Germanic cultures, inherently speaks through archetypes while still holding true to the cultural zeitgeist of the times. In an epic such as Beowulf, where war is a common theme, the archetypal images of weaponry and armory naturally enter the complex allegorical plot line. Specifically, the helmet of Beowulf and the other soldiers often becomes a basis of analytical thought. This analysis offers different suggestions as to the meaning behind the helmet both in literal use and the figurative use of the story tellers of the time.

The most common helmet used at the supposed time Beowulf took place was the boar helmet. The boar helmet is as it sounds, a helmet with a boar shaped piece at the top of it. One archaeology study states that these helmets were often fitted with precious metals such as bronze, silver, and gold, and often made with an iron base (Webster 217). Depending on the location the helmets were trimmed with different metals. For instance, in Torslunda, Oland, boar helmets have often been found with bronze trim dating to approximately the sixth and seventh centuries. However, much earlier in Denmark, boar helmets were often encrusted with silver trim (Speake). The different regions’ mineral wealth determined the archaic meaning of the boar helmet. The unifying structure of iron remains constant however the different trims can change the symbolic meaning to the culture. Moreover, a feature that did remain constant was the structure of the actual helmet itself. Models found in both York and Sweden had face masks, cheek guards, and neck protection (Webster 217). Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, a small boar on the top of the helmet remains constant.

The most interesting aspect of this helmet appears to be the different metals used in the different cultures. Beowulf happens to use every metal in reference to these helmets. “Boar-shapes flashed above their cheek-guards, the brightly forged work of goldsmiths” (Heaney 303-305). “To guard his head he had a glittering helmet… It was of beaten gold” (Heaney 1448-1453).

Related Topics

We can write a custom essay

According to Your Specific Requirements

Order an essay
icon
300+
Materials Daily
icon
100,000+ Subjects
2000+ Topics
icon
Free Plagiarism
Checker
icon
All Materials
are Cataloged Well

Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email.

By clicking "SEND", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.
Sorry, but only registered users have full access

How about getting this access
immediately?

Your Answer Is Very Helpful For Us
Thank You A Lot!

logo

Emma Taylor

online

Hi there!
Would you like to get such a paper?
How about getting a customized one?

Can't find What you were Looking for?

Get access to our huge, continuously updated knowledge base

The next update will be in:
14 : 59 : 59