Question 36
Which line best shows the Anglo-Saxon belief in wyrd?
2.5 p
A golden standard / They raised over him high over head / Let the wave take him on trackless seas
O When the next day dawns on the dwellings of men / And the sun in splendor shines warm from the sout
The earl pressed after; the monster was minded / To win his freedom and flee to the fens
O On every sword he had laid a spell / On every blade; but a bitter death / Was to be his fate



Answer :

In the given options, the line that best shows the Anglo-Saxon belief in wyrd is: "The earl pressed after; the monster was minded / To win his freedom and flee to the fens" This line reflects the concept of wyrd, which is the Anglo-Saxon belief in fate or destiny that is predetermined and inevitable. In this line, the actions of the earl and the monster are portrayed as being guided by a force beyond their control, emphasizing the idea that events are influenced by fate or destiny in the Anglo-Saxon worldview. The word "minded" implies a sense of purpose or intention driven by a higher power or fate, highlighting the belief in wyrd where individuals are subject to a preordained course of events. By choosing this line as the best representation of the Anglo-Saxon belief in wyrd, it showcases how the concept of fate shapes the actions and outcomes of the characters in the text, aligning with the cultural and religious beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons during that time period.