The epic poem Beowulf frequently mentions gold, given from lords to secure the loyalty of followers, with ancient heirlooms used to secure treaties and oaths. Hrothgar says he gained trust from Beowulf’s father by sending ‘old treasures to the Wylfings over the sea’s spine; he swore oaths to me’. More relevant to our exploration of the Loftus Princess, gold is placed in the ground and protected by both a terrifying dragon and the curses of ‘famous chieftains’ spoken over the burial mound to ensure no one would dig it up:14
