Which literary term is implied by the quote steadfast companions will stand by him from Beowulf ?
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Answer: C. Comitatus ethic
Explanation
The cultural expectation that faithful companions will stand by their lord exemplifies the comitatus ethic. This Germanic warrior code required retainers to defend their leader to the death in battle. Failing to uphold this oath brought lifelong shame and social ostracization in early medieval society. Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic composed anonymously between the eighth and eleventh centuries. The comitatus relationship formed the organizational backbone of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian tribal royalty. Wergild and martial loyalty were central concepts governing the interactions of early medieval warriors.
Option A refers to a precious physical collar or ring given as treasure, not the code of warrior loyalty. Option B names Hrunting, the specific magical sword loaned to Beowulf during his underwater battle. Option D describes metaphorical compound nouns common in Old English verse rather than a code of conduct.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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