고대 영웅시에 내재된 황금(보물)의 의의

Implication of Gold in Heroic Poetry

Throughout time, the possession of riches has been intrinsic to the stability and security of nations. This was true to the heroic society. Separate to the material values in heroic society were the moral values such as heroic idealism in which mutual obligation between the lord and his followers played a key role in maintaining national unity and power. Hence two major elements in heroic society - wealth(treasure, gold) and mutual obligation - became key elements to maintaining tribal security. These two elements seem incongruous mainly because one is of material value and the other has a spiritual dimension. However, they become inseparable in heroic society due to their close interrelation. In heroic society heroes or warriors desire for fame or reputation which will last after their death. Such purpose that is, in a sense, regarded as a pure spiritual aspiration which has nothing to do with materialism. However such an noble idealism can not stand alone without help of subordinating elements making such idealism possible, those are those concepts of gift-giving or reward for warrior's achievement, warrior's promotion of social ranks, revenge etc. It is quite natural to assume that gold in heroic society is used to guarantee a thanes' persistent loyalty and to recruit new members or mercenaries for as we see the comitatus is composed of various tribes. A very practical use of gold in heroic poetry can be found in its use of paying ransom - ransom as a good example of the practical use of gold is exemplified by the thief of the Dragon cave and Ecgtheow. I strongly believe that Beowulf's final speech encompasses overall heroic ideas exceeding beyond the seemingly material point of view. Beowulf is keenly aware of the significance of gold(treasure), that is, its practical and symbolic effect in relation to heroic idealism.