Question

[Beowulf's Funeral]

"On a height they kindled the hugest of all
Funeral fires; fumes of woodsmoke
Billowed darkly up, the blaze roared
And drowned out their weeping, wind died down
And flames wrought havoc in the hot bone-house,
Burning it to the core. They were disconsolate
And wailed aloud for their lord’s decease.
A Geat woman too sang out in grief;
With hair bound up, she unburdened herself
Of her worst fears, a wild litany
Of nightmare and lament: her nation invaded,
Enemies on the rampage, bodies in piles,
Slavery and abasement. Heaven swallowed the smoke."
(3137-3155)

Who seems to be the greatest enemy in this quote?

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

In this quote from Beowulf, the greatest enemy mentioned is not explicitly named, but rather described indirectly through the fears expressed by the Geat woman. The woman sings out in grief, expressing her worst fears, which include her nation being invaded and enemies on the rampage. She mentions bodies in piles, slavery, and abasement. These descriptions suggest that the greatest enemy in this quote is the attacking force that threatens the Geat nation and brings destruction and suffering to its people.