In the "Concise Dictionary of Anglo-Saxon" they list beo as meaning
bee, however it also is the 1st per pres of beon> to be. In
other languages, as Spanish, they use the word picar to denote a sting,
even though insects may very well bite.
Also, take Bilbo's dagger Sting, which was fierce and quick and
biting. Like Muhammed-Ali said, "I float like a butterfly, and sting like
a bee" which would appeal to a culture that thrived on metaphors. Bees,
are quick and painful if they sting, so a stinging wolf, would be one that would
be quick in battle and hurt very much when he hit.
pam
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2002
11:37
Subject: RE: [norse_course] Hello
again
That is quite
interesting, since bee wulf as kenning for Bear is
what I have been taught ages ago. And it still makes sense, while I only find
the translation of ‘to be’ for beon. Could you
enlighten me?
Best,