Sunday, June 12, 2011

Why does Hrothgar decide to build a mighty hall in "Beowulf"?In the epic Beowulf, why does Hrothgar decide to build the great hall?

Hrothgar built Heorot (Herot, depending on translation) for the "best and bravest of his men." It is an honorable king who seeks to reward his soldiers for their bravery. The building was beautiful, both inside and out. Extravagant in decor (it was covered in hammered gold), the hall was supposed to be a tribute of Hrothgar's pride in his men, but Grendel, who could not stand the idea of happiness, made it a place of horror.

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