jackal definition
Beowulf / Offered them only his sword, ended / so many jackal lives that the few / Who were able
skulked silently home. (Beowulf
In the context of the given quote from Beowulf, the term "jackal" is used metaphorically to refer to a type of enemy or opponent. The word jackal itself typically refers to a small carnivorous mammal native to Africa and parts of Asia, known for its cunning and scavenging behavior. In this context, it is used to represent the adversaries that Beowulf encounters and defeats using his sword. The line suggests that Beowulf was able to vanquish a large number of his enemies, causing the remaining few to retreat and sulk away quietly.
In the given excerpt from the epic poem Beowulf, the term "jackal" seems to be used metaphorically and not in its literal sense. In this context, "jackal lives" refer to the lives of enemies or adversaries that Beowulf ended using his sword. The word "jackal" is employed to emphasize the cunning and deceitful nature of his foes, as jackals are often associated with scavenging and sneaking around. By comparing his opponents to jackals, the poet highlights their inferiority and the ease with which Beowulf dispatches them.
The term "jackal" is used in the context of the quote from Beowulf to refer to a type of carnivorous mammal.
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