Answer

Hwilum (43) implies that the ceremony occurred more than once; it is unlikely therefore to be an investiture. More plausibly, the lines describe a lord distributing treasure to his retainers and receiving in return for his generosity a ceremonial demonstration of loyalty and affection. This seems to be the ceremony described in Maxims I 67-8: Hond sceal heafod inwyrcan, hord in streonum bidan, / gifstol gegierwed stondan, hwonne hine guman gedælan ('the head must control the hand; treasure must wait in its hoards, and the throne stand ready, for when men may share it out').

 

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