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Post by Sparrow on Aug 24, 2004 20:38:43 GMT -6
When Balin and Dwalin arrive the narrator described their conduct as "frightfully polite." This is not the first time they have used their best manners. Is their behavior simply guided by circumstance? Is it a reflection of British propriety? Is there something to be learned from this display of politeness?
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Post by Hilary on Aug 26, 2004 12:19:00 GMT -6
I think perhaps because the dwarves are quick to take offense, they make a special effort not to give offense to someone from whom they are about to hit up for food and lodging. Also, they are wise enough to heed Gandalf's advice, since he knows of Beorn and they do not.
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Post by Stormrider on Aug 26, 2004 21:22:22 GMT -6
I agree that they are heeding Gandalf's advice. I also see that the grumpy, argumentative, haughty, proud Dwarves can be polite and polished when they want to. But it doesn't seem that it comes easily to them. I am glad that they are trying to be nice (acting on Gandalf's advice) because otherwise, since it is not really their nature, one might wonder what their motives are!
I think they just needed to be set straight since they are not on their own territory and entering into the realm of someone who can help them if he feels they are worthy of his giving it to them! So I am glad that they recognized that and acted in the appropriate manner.
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Post by Stormrider on Aug 28, 2004 19:50:01 GMT -6
Beorn is also called a berserker so I looked it up on Yahoo's online dictionary and this is what I found:
berserker SYLLABICATION: ber·serk·er PRONUNCIATION: ber-sûr'ker, -zûr'- KEY NOUN: One of a band of ancient Norse warriors legendary for their savagery and reckless frenzy in battle. ETYMOLOGY: Old Norse berserkr : *bera, feminine of björn, bear; see bher-2 in Appendix I + serkr, shirt.
Here is a definition from Merriam-Webster online: Function: noun Etymology: Old Norse berserkr, from bjorn bear + serkr shirt 1 : an ancient Scandinavian warrior frenzied in battle and held to be invulnerable 2 : one whose actions are recklessly defiant
So this is what Gandalf meant when he said that Beorn was "appalling when he is angry" and that the Dwarves had better be very polite when they were introduced to him! I don't think the Dwarves would wish to have someone like this as an enemy!
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Post by Stormrider on Aug 22, 2012 16:41:56 GMT -6
Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves had just gone through a series of terrible trials and frightening experiences so they were worn out, hungry, and irritable. No wonder Gandalf gave them a gentle reminder to be on their best behavior knowing what Beorn could be like if they got on his "wrong" side!
It is good to be forewarned! If Gandalf hadn't given them this warning, they could have ended up in another bad situation that would have been difficult to get out of. That would have been all they needed at this point. And I couldn't have taken the excitement as a first time reader either! ;D I was in need of a rest just as much as they were.
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