Question

read the passage from beowulf.

so the helming woman went on her rounds,
queenly and dignified, decked out in rings,
offering the goblet to all ranks,
treating the household and the assembled troop
until it was beowulfs turn to take it from her hand.

which feature of anglo-saxon culture is described in the excerpt?

a christian tradition
a cup-bearer
a gift-giving
a pagan tradition

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt's cultural details

The passage describes "the Helming woman" (Queen Wealhtheow) going on her rounds, "offering the goblet to all ranks" and "treating the household and the assembled troop."

Identify the corresponding cultural feature

Serving drinks to warriors in the hall is the traditional role of a noblewoman acting as a cup-bearer, which established and reinforced social bonds and hierarchy within Anglo-Saxon society.

Match with the multiple-choice options

The description directly matches the role of "a cup-bearer."

Answer:

• a Christian tradition
• a cup-bearer (Correct answer)
• a gift-giving
• a Pagan tradition