Editing Symbel (section)

==Anglo-Saxon cultures==
{{Main|Beowulf|Unferth|Wealhtheow|thyle|flyting|scop}}

In Old English poetry, especially ''Beowulf'', feasts could be instrumental occasions to bind the community, secure the loyalty of warriors and to bolster their determination to perform heroic deeds.
* In ''[[Beowulf]]'', [[Unferth]] the ''[[thyle]]'' ([[cf.]]: [[Old Norse|ON]] ''þulr'') appears to act as a royal officiant at the feast which King Hrothgar organised for the Geatish newcomers, Beowulf and his companions. He challenged and questioned Beowulf, not eschewing taunts and mockery (''[[flyting]]''). Since no one intervenes during the incident, such behaviour appears to have been expected of him.
* In ''Beowulf'', a warrior's boast (''gielp, gylp'') or his oath ([[beot]]) is often spoken at a feast.
* Another role commonly attested for during a feast was that of the ''[[scop]]'' (cf.: ON ''[[skald]]''), who recited genealogies, folklore and metrical poetry.
* The alcoholic drink was served by women or alekeepers (''ealu bora'' "ale bearer"), the first round usually poured by the lady of the house.