jackal definition
Beowulf / Offered them only his sword, ended / so many jackal lives that the few / Who were able
skulked silently home. (Beowulf
1 answer
In the context of the given quote from Beowulf, the term "jackal" is used metaphorically to refer to a type of enemy or opponent. The word jackal itself typically refers to a small carnivorous mammal native to Africa and parts of Asia, known for its cunning and scavenging behavior. In this context, it is used to represent the adversaries that Beowulf encounters and defeats using his sword. The line suggests that Beowulf was able to vanquish a large number of his enemies, causing the remaining few to retreat and sulk away quietly.
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