Question

Why does the scop recite the story of Sigemund?

A) To entertain the warriors
B) To praise Beowulf
C) To foreshadow events
D) To teach moral lessons

Answer 1

The scop recites the story of Sigemund primarily to praise Beowulf by paralleling Sigemund's heroic feats with Beowulf's, foreshadow upcoming events, and instruct listeners on morals and values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scop recites the story of Sigemund in the epic poem Beowulf for a few reasons, but primarily it serves to praise Beowulf by drawing a parallel between Sigemund's feats and the hero's own accomplishments. Sigemund was known for his great deeds and dragon-slaying, much like what Beowulf is about to undertake. There is an element of entertainment in these tales, but more importantly, they function to foreshadow events in the story and to offer moral lessons to the listeners. This tradition of storytelling was a crucial part of the culture, as the tales offered not only entertainment but also instruction on morals and values, an essential guide to life in a heroic society.