The Dig: Reflections on Grief and History

The 2021 movie The Dig introduced me to the 1939 archeological discovery of Sutton Hoo (Courtesy of the National Trust).

Sutton Hoo is an archaeological site in Suffolk, England, renowned for an exceptionally rich Anglo-Saxon ship burial discovered in 1939, considered one of the most critical discoveries in early medieval European history; this burial contained a large, ornate ship filled with remarkable treasures like gold jewelry, silver vessels, weaponry, and a famous ornate iron helmet, indicating the high status of the buried individual, likely a king of East Anglia, providing invaluable insight into Anglo-Saxon culture and society during that period. 

Key points about Sutton Hoo:

• The burial:
• A large, wooden ship, over 27 meters long, was used as a burial chamber, filled with a vast array of precious artifacts, including gold and garnet-encrusted jewelry, drinking horns, a decorated sword, and a unique iron helmet. 
• Significance:
• This discovery revolutionized our understanding of Anglo-Saxon society, showcasing the wealth and power of early English royalty. 
• Location:
• Sutton Hoo is situated in the county of Suffolk, England. 
• National Trust site:
• Today, the Sutton Hoo site is managed by the National Trust and is a popular tourist destination. 

      I found the film to be a poignant reflection on change and grief. Edith Pretty is facing an unknown illness as the site is being excavated. Her young son, Robert, is having to face the reality of losing his mother. What unites Edith, Robert, and the crew working on the site is amazement and appreciation of the grandeur of the burial. For the mound to be created and the wooden boat to be buried, the ship had to be pulled from the river half a mile away. Edith and Robert spend time sitting in the mound, looking up at the stars, and imagining the ship is taking them away, somewhere her illness can’t follow them.

        Recently, a family member experienced a health event and is now in hospice. This is a family member I have had a close relationship with since childhood and who has been there for me in difficult times. As I face this family member’s mortality, The Dig feels even more relevant. I am doing my best to remain in the moment and enjoy the wonders that come with everyday life. Because WWII broke out while they were still digging up the mound, the site couldn’t be fully uncovered. Even though uncertainty plagues the characters in The Dig, they still marvel at the beauty of Sutton Hoo. I doubt that I will find an ancient burial in my backyard. Still, I can appreciate the moments of beauty in my own life while navigating the pain and uncertainty of losing this family member.

Some days, I’m able to go for a walk outside and appreciate nature. Others, I’ll step into the lobby of my office and look outside at the weather. Taking a few moments to meditate on the rain or sunshine outside connects me to my body and the world around me. Staying grounded allows me to remain present in the moment. Anxiety has been a lifelong struggle. To avoid dealing with struggle, I would focus on making plans for the future as an escape. I have learned that no amount of planning erases pain. When I got the news about my relative, I spent a lot of time trying to distract myself from the pain. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to become more comfortable with sitting in uncomfortable emotions. The best way to move forward is to go through the difficulty.