The Finn Digression Summary Finn a Frisian may

Summary • Finn, a Frisian (may have been a sub-tribe of the Jutes), and

• Hnaf’s sister (or daughter depending on translation) named Hildeburh is married to

• Hildeburh loses her brother Hnaf and her own son in the battle.

• Hildeburh’s other brother Hengest becomes Danish King and is offered peace by

• Hengest is really out for revenge. He waits until spring and then

Purposes: • Stresses themes of revenge, wergild, political marriage.

• Like Hermod, Finn is an example of an unwise and treacherous ruler.

Foreshadowing: • Freaw’s (Hrothgar’s daughter) marriage to Ingeld, the Hathobard. This is an attempt

• Welthow asks her nephew Hrothulf to look after her two sons Hrethric

Questions: • What does this say about the role of women or of changes

Slides: 12

Download presentation

The Finn Digression

Summary • Finn, a Frisian (may have been a sub-tribe of the Jutes), and his warriors attack Danish King Hnaf in Hnaf’s own mead-hall—It is a sneak attack.

• Hnaf’s sister (or daughter depending on translation) named Hildeburh is married to Finn, thus this is a violation of a sacred trust, the political marriage.

• Hildeburh loses her brother Hnaf and her own son in the battle.

• Hildeburh’s other brother Hengest becomes Danish King and is offered peace by Finn (who was unable to win); they divide the kingdom and treasure.

• Hengest is really out for revenge. He waits until spring and then kills Finn.

Purposes: • Stresses themes of revenge, wergild, political marriage.

• Like Hermod, Finn is an example of an unwise and treacherous ruler. He is contrasted w/ Beowulf, Hrothgar, Higlac, Shild, etc.

Foreshadowing: • Freaw’s (Hrothgar’s daughter) marriage to Ingeld, the Hathobard. This is an attempt to bring peace to the two nations—it does not work.

• Welthow asks her nephew Hrothulf to look after her two sons Hrethric and Hrothmond after her death. Later, he kills Hrethric in an attempt to become king.

• Higlac’s death by the Frisians

Questions: • What does this say about the role of women or of changes to the old vengeance code? • Why does the vengeance code retain such a hold on people's actions?