Now that Beowulf has been acknowledged, he can address the king. "Beowulf strode forward and stood on the hearth." Maybe a better translation would be, "Beowulf strode forward and stood near the hearth.". We know that the hearth was important for warmth and light in the great lodge. Then Beowulf announces his pedigree and states that he is accomplished and worthy. He states his qualifications to help. Then he states excactly what deed he will accomplish, his purpose in arriving. Beowulf requests of the king, "the privelage of purifying Heorot". He then states that he will fight the foe on equal terms and with honor.

There is an excellent study of the literature, history, architecture, and artifacts of the historical culture of humanity and lodge by Pollington. "The Mead-Hall". Someone interested in this subject would do very well to get this book. Pollington is certainly more knowlegable than me and he also has access to archeology and museums for evidence of the era. I wanted to explore the primary sources for myself before thoroughly studying Pollington's work.

Mine is a literary analysis that gives evidence of the structure required to recreate the Old Ways. So far we have the greeting, a preliminary statement of intention, and guidance to the Hall. In the Hall, a place of entry and a place to stack gear is first and then a place for the retinue to sit. The leader would probably remain standing until introduced to the king. A formal introduction between the two parties takes place and then the king and Beowulf make their mutual honor and intentions known. It is important that the intention is spoken into the energy of the gathering. This is how we avoid frittering away into long chatter and not getting down to business. There is a time and place for chat and a time and place for creating the nature of our quest.