ABSTRACT
In England, however, where, as the Runic poem proves, the older meaning was preserved at least into Cynewulf’s century, it is likely that with it there also remains the earlier symbolic significance of “male strength”. The interpretation suggested again has the advantage of being literal and of fitting well into the context, without in any way straining the sense of the passage. Frofor, as often in Beowulf carries the more concrete meaning of “help, succour” rather than the more spiritual “comfort, consolation,” while ned is variously glossed “necessity, need, urgent requirement, a necessary business, duty,” thus permitting the interpretation offered. The runic acrostic, however dear to Cynewulf’s heart, was subordinated to the requirements of the narrative, and the result is that the flow of his alliterative verse continues unimpeded.
