Essay Questions

Evaluate the implication of freeing the hawk?

Releasing the hawk denotes bravery: “When Offa’s kinsman first understood/ that the earl would not suffer cowardice,/he let his beloved hawk fly from his hands/ away into the woods and then he advanced to the battle—"(5-8). The hawk's release communicates that the earl is not scared of confronting his foes in a combatant. Discharging is equivalent to releasing all the doubts he has regarding the need to participate in the war.

How does religion intersect with war?

God covertly participates in war: “Then they went forth, reckoning not of their lives./These retainers fought sternly, fierce spear-bearers,/and they asked God that they be allowed to avenge/their friendly lord " (260-264). Prayers at the battlefield indicate that God endorses the war. Soldiers invoke God so that he will be on their side and he offers them victory over their foes. Comparatively, the group that is trounced is deemed to be short of God's support.

Expound Byrhtnoth’s prime role in the war.

In the war, “Byrhtnoth encouraged his warriors there,/riding and ruling, directing his soldiers
how they must stand and keep that place, and gave them/instruction as to how they should hold their shields/correctly, fast with their hands—that they should fear nothing” (17-21). Byrhtnith functions as a leader who guides the soldiers on the execution of their strategy. His guidance fosters coordination and collaboration among the soldiers under his guidance. Moreover, his directions reduce confusion among his team members.