The Battle of Maldon, page 6
Steadfast they stood, Byrhtnoth steadied them, bidding each man give his mind to valorous deeds who desired to win him glory in battle with the Danes. Then advanced [130] one hardy in battle, and lifted up his weapon and his shield before him, and strode against the warrior (Byrhtnoth). Equally resolute did the earl advance to meet the churl,[15] each purposed ill to the other. Then let fly the seaman [135] a southern spear, so that the lord of warriors (Byrhtnoth) was wounded; he gave a quick thrust with his shield so that the spear shaft burst asunder, and he caused the spearhead to fly off so that it sprang back. Enraged was the (English) warrior, he stabbed the proud pirate with his spear who had given him that wound. War-wise was the warrior of the (English) host. He let [140] his dart pass through the man’s neck, his hand guided it so that it reached the vitals of that fierce ravager.[16] Then speedily he cast at another so that his corslet was broken, and he was wounded in [145] his breast through the linked rings, at his heart stood the venomed point. The gladder was the chief; then laughed aloud that high hearted man, and cried thanks to God for that day’s work that the Lord had granted to him. Then one of the Danish men let fly a javelin from his hands and gripe and [150] it reached and pierced the thane of Æthelred. At his side there stood a youth not yet grown to manhood, a boy in battle, and he boldly snatched the bloodstained spear [155] from Byrhtnoth – he was Wulfmær the young son of Wulfstan; he let it grimly hard fly back again. In passed the point so that he now lay dead on the earth who had so grievously smitten his lord.
Then a man in armour approached the wounded lord, he thought [160] to get the warrior’s rings and raiment and his amulets and his jewelled sword. Then Byrhtnoth swept out his sword from his sheath – broad and burnished was its blade and smote him upon his coat of mail. All too quickly did that[17] pirate warrior hinder his stroke, and maimed [165] the chieftain’s arm. Then fell to the earth the sword with pale gleaming hilt; he could not hold his strong sword nor wield his weapon. Still he spoke this speech more, the grey haired warrior, and enheartened his men, bidding them advance [170] together like brave men. Then he could no longer stand firm upon his feet, and he cast his eyes up to Heaven (and said) ‘I thank Thee, Lord of peoples, for all those joys that I have known [175] in this world. Now I have, O merciful God, the greatest need that Thou vouchsafe the grace unto my spirit that my soul may journey to Thee, into thy dominion, King of Angels, passing in peace. I entreat Thee [180] that adversaries of Hell oppress me not’. Then the heathen men smote him and both those that stood by him, Ælfnoth and Wulfmær, both lay dead, together with their lord they gave up their lives.
[185] Then those left the field who had no heart to remain; there Odda’s sons were the first to take to flight from the battle, and Godric abandoned that good patron who had oft given him many a horse. He leapt upon that [190] steed that was his master’s own, in those very trappings of his, in which it was not right (that he should appear),[18] and his two brothers both galloped off with him, Godwine and Godwig, they cared no more for the battle but went from the fighting and made for the wood flying into fast places, and saving their lives, and (with them) more men than would [195] ever have been thought fit had they remembered all those things deserving their gratitude he had done to their good – even as Offa had one day ere that battle declared in the place of council, when Byrhtnoth held an assembly (of his [200] captains) that many there spoke manly who later in need would not stand firm.
Now was slain the chieftain of the host, Æthelred’s captain; all the men of his house saw [205] that their lord lay low. Still the proud thanes advanced, fearless men with eager hearts, they hastened on – all desired but one of two things: to lay down their lives or avenge him they loved. To this did Ælfwine the son of Ælfric exhort them, a knight young in years, these were the words he spoke, [210] and valiantly he said: ‘Remember all those speeches that we have often spoken at the drinking of mead, when we warriors sitting in the hall have made brave vows concerning [215] hard fields to be fought: Now may it be put to the test who is bold. I will here prove to all my good blood that am come of a great house in Mercia, mine grandsire Ealhelm was named, a wise ealdorman (duke), blessed among men. Nor shall the nobles in [220] that people reproach me saying that I willing left this host to go back to mine own home, now that my chief lies stricken to death in battle; greatest of all griefs is that to me. He was both my kinsman and lord of my allegiance. [225] Then he advanced (against the enemy) forgetting not his desire for vengeance, until with his spear point he got there upon one of those seamen in their host, so that he lay upon the ground overcome by his weapon. Then did he exhort his own men, friends and comrades, that they [230] should advance.
Offa spoke, shaking his spear of ashwood: ‘Lo thou, Ælfwine, hast admonished us all as there was need; now that our chief lies slain upon the earth, it behooves us all to encourage each the other to brave fighting [235] so long as a man may hold and grasp a weapon, hard brand, spear and good sword. Godric, craven son of Odda, has betrayed us all; [240] when he rode off on that horse, on that steed proudly caparisoned, all too many men thought that it was our master, wherefore on this field have ranks been opened, and the shield wall broken. Curse on his leaving[19] that he should set in flight so many of our men!’ Leofsunu spake and upraised his buckler, his shield as his [245] guard, and thus he spake in answer to the other. ‘This do I vow: that I will not flee hence a foot’s pace, but will advance and avenge in battle my patron and my lord. No cause shall have trusty men about Sturmere to reproach me [250] saying that when my leader fell I went home masterless and left the fight; nay! arms shall be my death – point and iron.’ In wrath he strode forth, unyielding he fought on, and did not deign to flee. Dunnere, [255] a simple “ceorl”, then brandished a javelin, called aloud for all to hear, crying that every man should avenge Byrhtnoth: ‘no man may show faint heart who thinks to avenge his lord amid the host, nor may he reck for his life’.
Then they went forth, they cared not for [260] their lives; fiercely did the men of his household put them into the fight, those grim wielders of the spears, and God they prayed that they might avenge their lord and patron, and compass a slaughter among their foes. [265] Gallantly did the hostage come to their aid – Ecglaf’s son, Æschferð[20] by name; he showed no faint heart in that play of war, but many an arrow he sent flying forth; now he hit a shield, now he wounded his man, unceasingly [270] from time to time he wounded one of them so long as he could wield weapons.
Moreover still in the forefront stood Eadweard the Tall[21] ready, eager; vaunting words he spake that he would [275] not flee nor give back a foot’s measure of land now a better man than he lay dead. He broke their shield wall and fought with them until he had nobly avenged his patron upon those seamen, ere he too lay among the slain. So too did Æthelric, [280] a noble of Byrhtnoth’s retinue, a gallant man who hung never back, unwearyingly he fought, Sibyrht’s brother,[22] and many another too they clove the hollow shields, boldly they defended themselves; shieldrim was burst; corslet sang a [285] grim song. Then in battle slew Offa that[23] sea-pirate, and he fell upon the earth, and there the kinsman of Gadd laid him down. Swiftly in that fight was then Offa hewn down; yet he had accomplished that which he promised to his lord, even as he had vowed before with regard to his [290] patron, that they would both ride back to town safe to their homes or (together) fall in the host, and perish of their wounds upon the stricken field; he lay like a good knight close to his prince.
Then was there a splintering of shields, the men [295] from the sea strode on filled with the rage of war; oft did the spear invade the house of life of doomed man.[24] Then Wi(h)stan stepped forth, Thurstan’s son, and fought against them; he was the death of three of them in that press ere he laid him down among [300] the slain, the son of Wighelm he was. It was a grim encounter there that day: fighting the men stood fast in that struggle; warriors fell dead, heavy with wounds; the dead fell upon the earth. All that while Oswold and Ealdwold, those [305] two brothers, held the men together, and bade their kinsmen there in the hour of need to stand, unyielding to ply their weapons.
Byrhtwold spake, his shield he raised, an old retainer was he[25] [310] his ash-spear he shook, and right boldly he admonished them thus: ‘Each mind shall be the sterner, heart the bolder, each our spirit greater as our strength lessens! Here lies our good chief all hewn to [315] death upon the sand; forever may he weep who now thinks to leave this fight, I am old and have seen much of life; I will not go from here, but I think to lie at the side of my master, whom I loved so well!’ Thus too did Godric [320] Æthelgar’s son exhort them all to fight: again and again he sent a spear and deadly shaft flying against the pirates, as he strode in the foremost ranks of the host, hewing and hurting until he too fell in battle – that was not that [325] Godric that forsook the field …
NOTES
[In addition to the material above, Tolkien also penned a substantial set of notes on the poem, organized by line number (Bodleian Tolkien MS 30/2, fols. 84–123). The limited selection presented here highlights the range of Tolkien’s interests in the history, language, and narrative of the poem, though much technical linguistic detail is omitted. To better orient the reader, and in keeping with Christopher Tolkien’s practice in Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary, the line number and OE text in question follow the corresponding phrase from Tolkien’s translation.]
the earl [would not brook cowardice]; 6 se eorl
Apparently only used of Byrhtnoð in this poem. Originally eorl meant one of good or noble blood, but not necessarily of any high rank or distinction. In the older heroic (aristocratic) verse it is practically synonymous with full grown fighting man. The same word became in Scandinavia much enhanced, and meant powerful local chief or man of rank next to king. Here we see probable influence of this Scand[inavian] use (earl, later jarl) on eorl, which has produced modern earl.
[the messenger of] pirates; 26 wicinga
Only in Maldon in verse. Occurs ll. 26, 73, 97, 116, 139, 322.
This popularity reflects contemporary conditions. The word meant exactly what we mean by pirate: a víkingr in Scand [inavian]. Was quite ready to attack people in his own home if rich. In one saga (Hallfreðar) we have their version of the highwayman’s ‘your money or your life’. They said ‘your money and your life’. Sokki the víkingr set fire to Þorvald’s house (because Þorvaldr was well off). What injury have I done to you’ said Þ. ‘We vikings don’t worry about that sort of thing – we want your life and your money’. He got it.
Honourable profession – especially for younger sons, or such as had got into scrapes at home. Its original sense is contested – at this time = pirate and is so glossed. One viking witnessing an English charter signs himself arch-pirata, pirate-chief.
at their own assessment; 38 on hyra sylfra dom
An old Germanic expression …
It naturally connoted complete control of the one that had ‘self-doom’ and a pretty handsome payment. To give anyone ‘self-doom’ was either an act of generosity = help yourself – or an acknowledgement of wrong, or defeat.
In a free community (such as Iceland) it often arrived at justice since a generous offer of ‘self-doom’ forced by public opinion the acceptor to be generous in assessment. In this kind of context it implies however tyrannical greed.
Byrhtnoth spake, and upraised his shield; 42 Byrhtnoð maþelode, bord hafenode
An early type of rhyming phrase. This sort with alliteration and rhyme thrown in as an occasional adornment is to be found in the older poetry. It is distinct, but paves way for rhyme without alliteration cf. 271, 282.
wroth, undaunted; 44 yrre and anræd
Evidently traditional – cf. Beowulf 1575; an-ræd may also have existed = fierce to go on, cf. an-mod = unanimous.
They will for tribute give you spears; 46 Hi willað eow to gafole garas syllan
The ‘treasure’ of tribute often took form of rings, mail, and war-equipment. The joke here is that B[yrhtnoth] says ‘they will give them as tribute spears, bitter spears, and ancient swords and that sort of war-gear that is (or will be) no use to you in battle’. A double-barrelled joke. The giving will take form of smiting them; the war-gear will be on wrong side.
the venomed point; 47 ættrynne ord
Meant especially spear-point but it was sometimes used of swords. Here it means stabbing weapons in general.
[swords forged of] old; 47 ealde
A compliment. Archaeology seems to confirm that the Germanic fashion of swords declined in England, and that it was fact, as well as legendary attribution to Wēland, etc., that made a good sword be called eald.
Battles are won by old swords. Beowulf and the eald sweord eotenisc [In Tolkien’s translation: ‘a blade gigantic, old, with edges stern … the work of giants’.] with which B[eowulf] finished off the Grendel-family, 1558. Offa (Uffo) won his battle with Skrep [sword used by Offa, a figure of legend alluded to in Beowulf and Widsith].
[such] war gear; 48 heregeatu
Became the technical term for ‘equipment’ esp. ‘apparel’ granted by lord to a vassal, and going back to lord on vassal’s death – extended to include horses cf. 188 where B[yrhtnoth] is referred to as hlaford of Godric – and becomes in end a tribute payable to lord of a manor on the decease of a tenant.
spearpoint and sword blade; 60 ord and ecg
Synecdoche: ord, point = spear; ecg, edge = sword
The grim jest is that ‘ord and ecg’ shall be our judges and arbitrators, and shall decide our quarrel before we come to the point of paying.
streaming waters locked together; 66 lucon lagustreamas
The streams of the sea all joined into one (incoming) flood.
casting-spear; 77 franca
Another word of great age, probably in frequent use in OE verse but preserved by chance chiefly in this late poem … It probably meant a special kind of spear for throwing, javelin – but in verse according to habit it is used vaguely.
fatal; 91 cald
A pregnant word [literally ‘cold’] connoting ‘fatal’. Well used here with its double implication (1) applied to the actual water and (2) to the fatal crossing that marked turn of the battle and the beginning of disaster. OE verse use of words is full of subtleties of this sort for those who will observe.
For similar pregnant use of words cf. 96 wælwulfas which while describing vividly the Danes streaming like a pack of hungry wolves ‘west over Panta’, also connotes outlaws, enemies of all Christian men.
glory in battle; 104 tir æt getohte
Cf. tir æt tohtan (Judith 197). An example of how half-lines stuck in minds of poets. Here it does not fit too well. The usual word is tohte = battle array (drawn up?). The noun getoht only occurs here. There was none of the niggling schoolmaster’s spirit about exact quotation.
the ravens went to and fro, and the eagle eager for carrion; 106–107 Hremmas wundon / earn æses georn
The ravens and the eagle (and also the wolf) were the traditional camp-followers, who became eager and active on the eve of battle in expectation of carrion. The crows and ravens probably remained actual enough. The purpose of their introduction was of course primarily to add to the grimness and the sense of gloom before the battle began. The raven as accompaniment of battle occurs in Elene, Judith, Beowulf, and Brunanburh.
The remarkable passage Beowulf 3024 is the only one where the poet really tunes his imagination on to these conventional trappings – The raven discussing his feed with the eagle is a direct link with the survival of this motive in the discussion of ‘twa corbies’ or the ‘Three Ravens’ of the ballads.
Twa Corbies.
Ye’ll sit on his white hause-bane
And I’ll pike out his bonny blue een,
Wi’ æ lock o’ his gowden hair
We’ll theek our nest when it grows bare.
shield received point; 110 bord ord onfeng
A kind of jingling phrase much liked – used to suggest echo as of repeated blows.
sister’s son; 115 swuster sunu
The relationship was one of special import in Germanic lines and the especially close tie existing between uncle and sister’s son is motive in several legends (notably Finnsburg).
There is however no reason to suspect that Wulfmær was not actually swuster sunu of Byrhtnoth, and this is a good caution to that kind of criticism which would dismiss as falsification actual events and situations that happen to be [the] same as familiar motives of legends. Things do not become legendary unless they are common and poignant human experiences first. The traditional affection of the relationship (whether or not it be a last survival of matriarchy or not!) may however have been the cause of the poet’s special mention.
it is said; 117 gehyrde ic
Does not necessarily imply that the poet was not there, and is versifying survivors’ tales, and means no more than ‘the tale tells’. Note the subjunctive of report in sloge 117; it does not imply any doubtfulness about Eadweard’s deed.
southern; 134 suþerne
The ‘Danes’ may actually have often been found to have weapons of costly sort plundered from France, Italy, Spain – or acquired in Constantinople; but the word may also go back to older heroic times when costly things were often so denominated.
one of the Danish men; 149 dreng
A Scandinavian word. Here probably used wittingly as such. This is the only occurrence in OE but it is found in ME.
Wulfmær the young; 155 Wulfmær se geonga
To distinguish him from an older Wulfmær, relative of Byrhtnoth, who fell earlier. Hyse unweaxen implies that he was only in his teens. Cniht here has sense of boy.
