Includes bibliographical references (pages 243-266) and indexes
Loot and the economy of honour -- Unferth's gift -- The angel in the mead hall -- Three queens -- The perils of peacemaking -- Beowulf's last triumph
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"This book examines violence in its social setting, and especially as an essential element in the heroic system of exchange (sometimes called the Economy of Honour). It situates Beowulf in a northern European culture where violence was not stigmatized as evidence of a breakdown in social order but rather was seen as a reasonable way to get things done; where kings and their retainers saw themselves above all as warriors whose chief occupation was the pursuit of honour; and where most successful kings were those perceived as most predatory"--P. [4] of cover
Honor, exchange and violence in Beowulf
Beowulf
Epic poetry, English (Old)-- History and criticism