1. "Waeteregesa worn" (Stormy Sea-Warder): This phrase, used to refer to Beowulf after his death, evokes a sense of loss and the vastness of the sea, conveying the idea that even great heroes are subject to the forces of nature and mortality.
2. "Hildeburg's lament": The poem incorporates a brief but poignant lament from Hildeburg, Beowulf's queen. Her words express sorrow and grief, emphasizing the personal loss felt by those close to the departed hero.
3. "Gold in the earth": The description of Beowulf's burial mound, filled with treasures and offerings, reinforces the notion of loss and the transience of material possessions. The image of wealth buried beneath the earth suggests that even great riches cannot conquer death.
4. "The Geats' sorrow": The poem mentions the profound grief experienced by Beowulf's people, the Geats. This collective mourning adds to the elegiac tone, highlighting the widespread impact of his passing.
5. "Laying to rest": The act of laying Beowulf to rest, described in detail, emphasizes the finality and solemnity of his death. The ritualistic nature of the burial further contributes to the sense of loss and mourning.
6. "The rising of the sun": The final image in the poem is of the sun breaking through the darkness. While this could symbolize hope and renewal, it also serves as a reminder of the passing of time and the eternal cycle of life and death.
These words and images collectively create a somber and elegiac atmosphere, conveying a deep sense of grief, loss, and the transience of human life, even for legendary heroes like Beowulf.