What is Hwt? The Debate Behind Beowulf's Opening Line - Medievalists.net
Briefly

Hwæt is a significant pronoun in Old English, appearing approximately 5,800 times throughout the literature. Its translations vary, encompassing meanings like 'what', 'who', 'how', and more. Context is crucial for understanding its usage, resulting in different interpretations. Early translations of Beowulf used archaic terms like 'Lo!' and 'What ho!', while more contemporary translations have opted for phrases such as 'Listen!' or 'So'. Notably, modern translators have moved away from traditional renderings to find more relatable equivalents.
The pronoun hwæt appears around 5,800 times in Old English literature, leading to extensive interpretations and discussions regarding its meaning and context.
Hwæt can translate to various English words such as 'what', 'who', 'how', and is often context-dependent, resulting in varying translations.
Early translations of Beowulf often chose archaic expressions like 'Lo!' or 'What ho!', while later versions favored phrases such as 'Listen!' or 'So'.
Translators of Beowulf have historically differed on how to convey the meaning of hwæt, with opinions shifting between modern and traditional interpretations.
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