The King and his Thanes
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Analyze cultural, historical, and contemporary
contexts and provide evidence from the text
to support their understanding. (TEKS §110.32.b.8)
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King
Thanes
◦ Warriors, land-owners, noblemen
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A special relationship between the King and
his thanes
◦ The thane swears to defend the king to his death
◦ The king provides protection
◦ The king gives the thanes land, wealth, & weapons
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Great comradery between King and his thanes
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The thanes sleep in the mead-hall while the
king sleeps in an adjoining chamber so that
they can always protect him.
◦ If anyone wants to harm the king, he has to go
through a room full of warriors.
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“He gave out great gifts, so that his dear
comrades, when he became king, would then
stand by him, as steadfast retainers, when war
came.” (lines 21-24)
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“Man-payment”
Germanic custom of paying a slain man’s
family to atone for the killing.
Prevents the slain man’s family from taking
revenge.
Hrothgar paid wergild to Beowulf’s father.
Beowulf feels compelled to help Hrothgar in
his time of need.


Special relationship between the King and his thanes
◦ The thane swears to defend the king to his death
◦ The king provides protection
◦ The king gives the thanes land, wealth, & weapons
Great comradery between King and his thanes



“Man-payment”
Germanic custom of paying a slain man’s family
to atone for the killing.
Prevents the slain man’s family from taking
revenge.