Celebrating with sumble in the mead hall is presented as a time to thank Deities, affirm purpose, and honor those who are gathered. The crowd is already in a good mood when Wealhtheow, the Queen, arrives. It is on top of page 42 and 43 where the Old English and translation first uses the word, 'sumble'. "Symbel ond sele-ful" is translated as, "with festive cheer".

The arrival of Wealhtheow raises the level of the cheer and also the formal intent of the celebration. She is presented as gracious and richly adorned. She 'observes the courtesies' that is, she keeps the time-honored actions of the high presence that a woman brings to the gathering. She graciously salutes the gathering. It is Wealhtheow who offers a drink to each person.

This post will be improved as a study soon. For now, I want to publish a post that expresses my wish for the coming year to bring my Kindred frith and weal.

A challenge to Beowulf's announced intention occurs next. The King's thyle, Unferth, steps forward to criticize Beowulf's character and ability to carry out his quest. This is a surpising developement in view of the fact that a thyle is a main advisor to a king. A thyle is supposed to be a magician and perceptive about what is best for a king and the kingdom's interest. Whether Unferth happens to be a flawed advisor or is using a challenge to support the King's interest is debatable. We know that Unferth comes forward to support Beowulf's battle later, so he at least had the strength of character to act beyond any petty differences.

Maybe this challenge represents how any worthwhile goal will be met with inevitable obstacles and criticism. Unferth represents those who say there can be no achievement. It could be debated whether the King's thyle was a worthy magician. Within the full environment of both suport and criticism Beowulf responds with firm resolve.

It must be remembered that Beowulf had magical skills as well as martial strenth. He had read the omens before making his journey to rescue Hrothgar's kingdom. He was up to the task of meeting Unferth's challenge at any level. Perhaps too much of a consistant pattern should not be made of Unferth's behavior. If Hrothgar would have had a more capable thyle, maybe he would have already been victorious. It might be good for a magician to have magical capability and also warrior skills.

Beouwulf responds not with anger but rather with facts. He calls Unferth a friend and says it may only be excessive inebriation doing the talking. He restates even more boastful facts about his previous deeds and speaks power into the future deed he intends to accomplish. He strenghtens his resolve and promises the people they will benifit. He says that after he wins all who want to may "to medo modig , liththen morgen-liht." (pg. 40 in Old English) that is, "go bravely to mead in the morning light." (pg. 41 in English translation).

King Hrothger is even more gladdened to hear how Beowulf states his "steadfastness and his word". (pg. 40). Beowulf has met the challenge by speaking even more power into his assurance of victory.