Mind your language
Mind your language
24 November 2007
The language of Beowulf
Although a badger does not hibernate in the true sense of the word, it lies low for long periods in winter, just as my husband does, stirring only (in his case) to fetch the whisky bottle. He is, I have long suspected, a sort of shape-shifter, but turning neither into anything alarming like a werewolf or into anything too energetic, such as a hare.
There are strong hints in the poem that Beowulf is a shape-shifter or skin-changer too. They’ve made a film of Beowulf, which is strange, because hardly anyone finds the poem of any interest whatsoever. And one gets the feeling that whatever good things there are hidden in the poem do not make it to the screen.
For all its computer effects, the film does not bring out the shape-shifting aspect. Beowulf is meant to be a courteous but fierce warrior. His name is literally ‘bee-wolf’, or ‘bees’ enemy’. This is merely a kenning, or poetic name, for ‘bear’, since bears seek out honey, destroying bees’ nests as they go.
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Jens Knocke
November 24th, 2007 7:23am Report this commentI wonder, dear Mrs Wordsworth, if you'd care to have a look at netlingo.com with, I think, several thousand searchable terms.
Ponytail
January 31st, 2008 2:51am Report this commentThanks fo being helpful in a none helpful way.
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