The Elusive Term :: Essays Papers

The Elusive TermThe word ring-giver is slippery because it does non stick to its logical meaning. at one time researched and defined, it is known that a ring-giver is a king or overlord. Not just a king can be called a ring-giver. A person in an administrative position can be referred to as a ring-giver. The thanes who received this award of arm-ring or neck-ring proved their battle-worthiness and were held in high respect by their kinsmen. then the warriors kept close watch of their rewards. After research, one also finds the term ring-giver is a kenning or Anglo - Saxon metaphor.Ring-giver is an elusive word. Separately, ring is defined as an cosmetic circular band worn on a finger, and giver is defined as to hand over something. Putting those two definitions together, ring-giver implies the act of giving rings. However, this is not at all the case. A ring-giver is a king or overlord. Someone in power is also referred to as being the ring-giver. In the Norton Anthology we read in heroic poetry at least, a principal form of currency was the gold arm ring which had the advantage of being valuable, portable and showy hence the king always being referred to as ring-giver. (28). Although it was usually the king who was given the name ring-giver, anyone in power, could be given the title. In the Grendel, Beowulfs most famous adversary site, we claver another occurrence of a ring-giver being born When the retainers soldiers returned from battle, they were expected to turn over their bounty to their chief, who would then redistribute it according to the performance of individually retainer during battle. Thus, we often find the dryhten overlord being referred to as the gold-giver or ring-giver. Usually the king had the power to distribute bounty or rewards, but here we see that anyone in the leadership position might have been given the illustrious title of ring-giver. The king or overlord gave out arm-rings or neck-rings to promote valiancy and fighting for land and king. The individual who received the ring was honored by his fellow soldiers. These rings worn on either arm or neck, gave the wearer mention and instant envy in others. They were symbols of strength and courage there must have been many attempts to steal such objects of monetary and social value. However, it is doubtful that the withstand men who received such awards ever gave the opportunity to lose their trophies.