Beowulf

            The success of failure of a literary work often depends on how the author depicts the beginning and ending. This is particularly true in the ease of a poem, when it is vital to capture the reader's interest quickly and set the stage for what follows. The end of a poem leaves the reader with a lasting impression and usually contains theme of the poem. In Howell D. Chickering, Jr's translation of the anonymously written epic poem Beowulf the poet uses the end and beginning to describe the funerals of two important kings.
             Scyld is the King and founder of the Danes and represents everything a king is and should be. The poet describes Scyld as a "good king" who saves the Danes from ruin by taking control of a leaderless kingdom and by standing strong against all of it's enemies. Earning the respect of your people is vital to the success of any king during this period. Scyld accomplishes this by rewarding his thanes for good deeds and for bravery in battle.
             The poem begins with the funeral of Scyld. The guidelines for the funeral were set forth by Scyld himself prior to his death. This fact alone reveals how significant Scyld felt that the funeral ceremony was for his memory and for his people. Scyld instructs his comrades to carry his body to the sea and on to a ship. Scyld's body is placed in the center of the ship by the mast. The ship is then covered in layers of all types of jewels and riches. In addition to jewels, all types of military paraphernalia were included to reflect the king's valor on the battlefield. There had never been "a ship so decked/ with better war-dress, weapons of battle,/ swords and mail-shirts"(38b-40a). His men wept as they pushed him off to sea never to be seen again. At that time the sending of the deceased out to sea was thought to be returning its body and soul to god.
             Beowulf is a geatish hero and is described to be the biggest and best warrior to ever live.