Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jorge Luis Borges' poem "Hengest Cyning" is a dramatic monologue delivered by Hengist, the legendary Anglo-Saxon warrior and king, who is credited with founding one of the early kingdoms in what would become England. The poem explores themes of power, loyalty, conquest, and the inherent tension between mercenary loyalty and personal ambition. Through the voice of Hengist, Borges delves into the complexities of a warrior's life, his relationship with kingship, and the inevitable judgment of history.

The poem begins with "The King’s Epitaph," a brief, stark declaration of Hengist's legacy: "Beneath this stone lies the body of Hengist / Who founded in these islands the first kingdom / Of the royal house of Odin / And glutted the screaming eagle’s greed." The epitaph encapsulates Hengist's role as both a warrior and a founder of a kingdom. The reference to "the royal house of Odin" ties Hengist to the mythological and divine lineage of the Norse gods, establishing him as a figure of significant historical and cultural importance. The image of the "screaming eagle" suggests the violence and bloodshed that accompanied his conquests, highlighting the brutal reality of his rise to power.

In "The King Speaks," Hengist reflects on his life and deeds. He begins with an acknowledgment of his uncertainty about how future generations will remember him: "I know not what runes will be scraped on the stone / But my words are these." This line introduces the theme of legacy and the enduring question of how one's actions will be interpreted by posterity.

Hengist describes himself as "Hengist the mercenary," indicating that his early career was defined by service to other kings in exchange for payment. He recounts how he "marketed" his "might and courage" to rulers "whose lands lay west over the water"—a reference to the Britons, whom he initially served as a hired warrior. The mention of the sea "Called the Spear-Warrior" evokes the martial spirit of the age, where warfare and conquest were constants.

However, Hengist soon reveals the limits of a life defined by mercenary service: "But a man’s might and his courage can / Not long bear being sold." This line marks a turning point in Hengist's narrative, where he begins to reject the role of the mere hired hand. After "cutting down all through the North / The foes of the Briton king," Hengist ultimately turns against his employer, seizing power for himself: "From him too I took light and life together." The shift from servant to sovereign underscores the themes of ambition and the rejection of subservience.

Hengist expresses a deep connection to the land he has conquered: "I like this kingdom that I seized with my sword; / It has rivers for the net and the oar / And long seasons of sun / And soil for the plough and for husbandry." His appreciation for the land suggests a sense of belonging and a desire to establish a lasting legacy. However, he also acknowledges the presence of the Britons, whom he has subjugated, and the ruins of their cities: "And Britons for working the farms / And cities of stone which we shall allow / To crumble to ruin, / Because there dwell the ghosts of the dead." This passage reflects the conqueror's pragmatism—he is focused on the future and the needs of his people, rather than on preserving the remnants of the past.

Despite his successes, Hengist is aware of how the Britons perceive him: "But behind my back I know / These Britons brand me traitor." This awareness of betrayal contrasts with Hengist's own sense of integrity: "Yet I have been true to my deeds and my daring / And to other men’s care never yielded my destiny." Hengist asserts that he has remained loyal to his own values and ambitions, refusing to allow others to dictate his fate. The final line, "And no one dared ever betray me," is a bold assertion of his power and the respect (or fear) he commanded, underscoring his belief in the righteousness of his actions.

"Hengest Cyning" is a powerful exploration of the themes of power, loyalty, and legacy. Through the character of Hengist, Borges examines the tension between the mercenary's need for survival and the king's desire for sovereignty. The poem reflects on the complex nature of leadership and conquest, where the lines between heroism and treachery, service and ambition, are often blurred. Hengist emerges as a figure who, despite the judgments of history, remains true to his own code, embodying the fierce independence and relentless drive that characterized the legendary warriors of the past.

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