Mead Hall in Beowulf
The Mead Hall in Beowulf Why do we tell stories? ... The mead hall described in Beowulf served two purposes; it was a cultural institution and a symbol of greatness. The first function of the mead hall was to serve as a cultural institution. ... Mead was a strong alcoholic drink made from honey. The warriors would gather in the mead hall to re-live their glorious exploits while they drank copious quantities of mead. It is this “loud merriment in the hall” which Grendel hears and hates from the beginning. Historically, the mead hall represented a safe haven for warriors returning from battle. ... This heroic code also required that he provide them with the protection and sanctuary of a lavish mead hall. ... In the mead hall young inexperienced warriors would hear tales of battle and honor. ... The second function of the mead hall was a symbol of greatness. ... He was determined to build the Hollis 3 greatest hall ever built. ... The walls of the hall were made of timber posts clamped together with iron. There were benches around the inside of the hall that were set up only at mealtime during the day and were used for beds at night.