PROLOGUE

Early History of the Danes surrounded by gold

and treasure from distant lands.
Listen: I've never heard
You have heard of the Danish Kings of a more beautiful ship,
in the old days and how filled with shields, swords,
they were great warriors. and coats of mail, gifts
Shield, the son of Sheaf, to him for his long trip.
took many an enemy's chair, No doubt he had a little more
terrified many a warrior, than he did as a child
after he was found an orphan. when he was sent out,
He prospered under the sky a naked orphan in an empty boat.
until people everywhere Now he had a golden banner
listened when he spoke. high over his head, was,
He was a good king! sadly by a rich people,
given to the sea.
Shield had a son, The wisest alive can't tell
child for his yard, where a death ship goes.
sent by God
to comfort the people, Grain ruled the Danes
to keep them from fear-- a long time after his father's death,
Grain was his name; and to him was born
he was famous the great Healfdene, fierce in battle,
throughout the North. who ruled until he was old.
Young princes should do as he did-- Healfdene had four children--
give out treasures Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga the
while they're still young Good,
so that when they're old and a daughter who married
people will support them Onela, King of the Swedes.
in time of war.
A man prospers Hrothgar Becomes King of the
by good deeds Danes
in any nation.
After Hrothgar became king
Shield died at his fated hour, he won many battles:
went to God still strong. his friends and family
His people carried him to the sea, willingly obeyed him;
which was his last request. his childhood friends
In the harbor stood became famous soldiers.
a well-built ship,
icy but ready for the sea. So Hrothgar decided
They laid Shield there, he would build a mead-hall,
propped him against the mast the greatest the world had
ever seen, or even imagined. the moors,
There he would share out began his crimes.
to young and old alike
all that God gave him He was of a race of monsters
(except for public lands and men's exiled from mankind by God--
lives). He was of the race of Cain,
that man punished for
I have heard that orders murdering his brother.
went out far and wide; From that family comes
tribes throughout the world all evil beings--
set to work on that building. monsters, elves, zombies.
And it was built, the world's Also the giants who
greatest mead-hall. fought with God and got
And that great man repaid with the flood.
called the building
"Herot," the hart. PART ONE: GRENDEL

After it was built, Grendel Attacks

Hrothgar did what he said
he would: handed out gold One night, after a beer party,
and treasure at huge feasts. the Danes settled in the hall
That hall was high-towered, for sleep; they knew no sorrows.
tall and wide-gabled The evil creature, grim and hungry,
(though destruction awaited, grabbed thirty warriors
fire and swords of family trouble; and went home laughing.
and outside in the night waited
a tortured spirit of hell). At dawn, when the Danes learned
of Grendel's strength,
The words of the poet, there was great weeping.
the sounds of the harp, The old king sat sadly,
the joy of people echoed. crying for his men. Bloody
The poet told how the world footprints were found.
came to be, how God made the
earth That was bad enough,
and the water surrounding, but the following night
how He set the sun and the moon Grendel killed more--
as lights for people blinded by sin,
and adorned the earth he felt no remorse.
with limbs and leaves for everyone. (You can bet the survivors
Hrothgar's people lived in joy, started sleeping elsewhere.)
happy until that wanderer of the So Grendel ruled,
wasteland, fighting right,
Grendel the demon, possessor of one against many,
and the greatest hall
in all the earth Beowulf Hears of Grendel
stood empty at night.
But a warrior of Hygelac's
Twelve years this went on, heard of Grendel's doings;
Hrothgar suffering he was the strongest of men
the greatest of sorrows. alive in that day,
mighty and noble.
Poets sang sad songs That man called for a ship,
throughout the world, said he would cross the ocean
how Grendel tormented Hrothgar; and help the king who needed help.
how no warrior, Wise men urged him
no matter how brave, to that adventure
could kill Grendel. though he was dear to them.
How Grendel wasn't They examined omens
about to stop, and whetted him on.
or pay damages.
Grendel kept ambushing from his So the good Geat chose
lair, the bravest warriors,
the moors which lay in perpetual fourteen of them,
darkness. and that crafty sailor
led them to the land's brim,
Then, the cruelest of all injuries, to the ship.
he moved into the hall-- They readied the ship
stayed there every night on the waves under the cliffs
(though God would never allow and the warriors stood at the prow
such an evil thing as the water wound against the
to actually touch the throne). sand.
The warriors bore
Hrothgar was broken; into the ship's bosom
council after council proposed bright weapons,
what to do against the attacks. fitted armor.
They even went to heathen temples,
worshipped idols, and called The men shoved
to the Devil for help. the well-braced ship
The Danes forgot God. out on the journey
(Woe be to those who go they'd dreamed of.
to the fire's embrace, The foamy-necked ship
even in great distress-- went out like a bird
There is no consolation there.) so that the next day
its curved prow
No counselor, no warrior had gone so far
could destroy the evil. that the seafarers saw land,
They wept and seethed. shining shore cliffs
and steep mountains.
Their journey was already over you had best hurry to tell me
and the Geat warriors where you come from."
pulled their ship to the shore
and stood on land Beowulf, leader of the host
in their rattling shirts, unlatched his word-hoard:
their war-clothes. They "As to kin, we are of the Geat nation,
thanked God for an easy trip.
Hygelac's hearth-companions.
From his wall the sea-guard of the My father was a leader well known
Danes, among the people: Edgtheow.
protector of the cliffs, He stayed many winters
saw bright shields before he went away,
and ready war dress aged, from the court.
coming over the gang plank Every wise man readily remembers
and he wondered him throughout the earth.
who those men were. We have come with friendly hearts
Hrothgar's warrior rode to see your lord, Healfdene's son,
to shore on his horse. protector of the people.
Be good counsel to us:
Shaking a mighty spear, he spoke: we have come on a great errand
"Who are you, in armor, to the king of the Danes.
who come over the sea-road I think it foolish
in that steep keel? to keep secrets. You know
Listen: I guard here if it is true what we have heard,
so that no forces that a dark enemy in the nights
hostile to the Danes works violence and slaughter
may raid. Never has on the Danes. . . . Perhaps
one so openly brought in kindness I may advise Hrothgar
a ship's army, warriors, how he, wise and famous,
without the permission of my may overcome this enemy--
kinsmen. if change will ever come,
And never have I seen relief from this evil--
a greater man on earth, and how this seething sorrow
any man in armor, might become cool.
than is one among you. Otherwise, he will suffer tribulation
Unless I'm wrong, as long as he lives in that high place,
that is no hall-man, the best of houses."
just wearing armor--
his stature is peerless. The protector of the coast,
I wish to know your lineage now still on his horse, spoke
so I know you are not spies (a wise shield warrior,
going into the land of the Danes. one who thinks well,
You far-dwellers, seafarers, must judge two things:
hear my simple thought: works and words):
"I see that you are a band The sea-weary ones set
friendly to the lord of the Danes. their broad, strong shields
Go forth, bearing arms and against the building's wall,
equipment. then sat down on benches,
I will guide you. Also, their armor resounding.
I will order my men They stood their spears together,
to protect your ship, ash wood tipped with gray,
that new-tarred boat on the sand, an iron troop.
until it bears you again
back over the water streams Then a proud Danish warrior asked
with its curved wooden neck, them:
back to the land of the Geats-- "From where have you carried
if it be granted that you these gold-inlaid shields,
endure the battle." these shirts of mail,
masked helmets, and battle shafts?
They left then the well-made ship I am Hrothgar's messenger and
pulling at its rope. officer.
On the gold-adorned helmets Never have I seen braver strangers.
figures of boars shone, I expect you're here
those guards over war-like minds. to find adventure, not asylum."

The men excitedly marched until The brave one answered him,
they saw that ornamented hall, he of the proud Geats tribe,
the finest building on earth, hard under his helmet:
that glittered light over many lands, "We are Hygelac's table
where the mighty one waited. companions.
Beowulf is my name.
The one brave in battle pointed I will declare to the great lord,
toward the resplendent hall; Healfdene's son, my errand,
the guard of the coast turned if your prince will greet us."
his horse and said after them:
"It is time for me to go. Wulfgar spoke--he was
May the Father Omnipotent hold you of the Wendla tribe
and known to many
safe and sound in kindness! for fighting and wisdom--
I will go back to the sea "I will ask the lord of the Danes,
to hold against hostile bands." the giver of rings,
if he will reward your journey
Beowulf Comes to Herot and speedily make his wishes
known."
The paved road guided the men.
Their war-coats shone, Wulfgar went quickly
the hard locks ringing to where Hrothgar sat,
as they came toward the hall. old and gray, with
his most trusted men. your noble descent and
He went before the face that brave men who
of the Dane's lord, come over the sea swells
knowing the customs of warriors. are welcome to him.
Wulfgar spoke to his friendly lord: Come with your war dress,
"From far over the sea's expanse under your helmets,
has come a man of the Geats, to see Hrothgar, but
a chief of warriors named Beowulf. let your war shields
He and his men have, my lord, and wooden spears await
asked to exchange words with you. the outcome of your talk."
Do not refuse the request,
Hrothgar! These men look worthy The mighty one arose,
of a warrior's esteem. Indeed, surrounded by warriors,
the chief among them, a mighty band of men.
he who guides them, is strong." Some remained with the weapons,
as the brave one ordered.
Hrothgar, guard of the Danes, The rest hastened,
spoke: as the man guided,
"I knew him when he was a boy. under Herot's roof.
His father is called Edgtheow.
To that man Hrethel of the Geats The great warrior went,
gave his only daughter. hard under his helmet,
Now his offspring has come until he stood within
in bravery seeking a loyal friend. in his shining coat of mail,
Seafarers who took gifts his armor-net sewn by smiths.
to the Geats say that he
has the strength of thirty men Beowulf spoke:
in his hand grip. "I am Hygelac's kinsman and
Holy God, out of kindness, warrior.
has sent this man to us I have undertaken many
to save us from Grendel's terror. glorious deeds. I learned
I shall give treasures of Grendel in my native land.
to that brave man Seafarers say this place,
for his impetuous courage. the best of halls,
Be you in haste: go, stands idle and useless
call in this band of kinsmen. after sundown. Hrothgar,
Say to them that they are welcome the wise men among my people
to the Danish people." advised that I seek you
because they know my strength--
Wulfgar, famous warrior, they saw me come from battles
went to the door: stained in the blood of my enemies,
"My victorious lord, when I destroyed a family of giants,
prince of the Danes, when I endured pain all night,
bids me say he knows killing water monsters,
grinding them to bits, Hrothgar, protector of the Danes,
to avenge for the Geats spoke:
those who asked for misery. "Because of past kindness
And now I shall, alone, and deeds done, you have come,
fight Grendel. I ask you, my friend Beowulf. By a killing
lord of the Danes, your father brought about
protector of this people, the greatest of feuds.
for only one favor: He was the killer of Heatholaf
that you refuse me not, among the Wylfings. The Geats,
fair friend of the people, for fear of war, would not have him,
do not refuse those who so he sought us Danes
have come so far the chance over the rolling waves. . .
to cleanse Herot. back when I first ruled,
I have heard that the monster as a youth, this wide kingdom
in his recklessness uses no of the Danish people,
weapons. this treasure city of heroes.
I, therefore, to amuse Hygelac my Heorogar was dead then,
lord, my older brother,
scorn to carry sword or shield, the son of Healfdene.
but I shall seize my enemy (He was better than I!)
in my hand grip and fight, I paid money to settle
enemy against enemy, your father's feud, sent
and let God decide treasure over the water's back
who shall be taken by death. to the Wylfings. Your father
I expect, if he wins, that swore oaths to me.
he will eat fearlessly of It is a sorrow for me
the Geat people in this hall to say to any man
as he often has of yours. what Grendel has done--
Nor will you need, humiliations in Herot--
if death takes me, hostile attacks on my hall warriors
worry about a burial-- until they are diminished,
that solitary one swept away in Grendel's horror.
will carry my corpse, God may easily put an end
dripping with blood, to that mad ravager's deeds.
to a ruthless feast. Quite often have men boasted,
If battle takes me, over their ale-cups,
send this best of war garments, drunk on beer,
this shirt of mail, that they would meet
to Hygelac--it is Grendel's attack in the hall
an inheritance from Hrethel with grim swords. But
and the work of Weland. in the morning when the daylight
Fate always goes as it will!" shone, the mead hall was stained
in gore, the hall wet with
the blood of battle. And I had
a few less loyal men. to the Brondings, beloved of them,
Sit now and feast, to his people and mead hall.
glory of warriors, Brecca fulfilled all his boast.
and speak your thoughts Because of this, though you have
as your heart tells you." everywhere withstood the battle
storm,
So a bench was cleared for I don't expect much from you
the Geats and the brave men if you dare await
sat down proud in their strength. Grendel in the night."
 
A warrior did his duty, Beowulf spoke:
bearing an etched cup "Well, my friend Unferth, you
and pouring sweet drink. have said a good many things
The poet sang in a clear voice, about Brecca and that trip,
and in Herot there was the joy drunk on beer as you are.
of brave men, Danes and Geats. Truth to tell, I had more strength
but also more hardships in the
Unferth, Ecglaf's son, waves.
who sat at the feet He and I were both boys
of the king of the Danes, and boasted out of our youth
spoke, unloosing a battle-rune that we two would risk
(The bravery of Beowulf our lives in the sea.
was a vexation to him And so we did.
because he envied any man With naked swords in hand,
on this middle-earth who had to ward off whales,
more glory than himself): we swam. Brecca could not
"Are you that Beowulf out-swim me, nor could I
who struggled with Brecca out-distance him. And thus
in the broad sea we were, for five nights.
in a swimming contest? It was cold weather and
The one who, out of pride, the waves surged, driving us
risked his life in the deep water apart, and the North wind came
though both friends and enemies like a battle in the night.
told you it was too dangerous? Fierce were the waves
Are you the one who hugged and the anger of the sea fish
the sea, gliding through the boiling stirred. My coat of mail,
waves of the winter's swell? adorned in gold
You and Brecca toiled and locked hard by hand,
seven nights in the sea, helped against those foes.
and he, with more strength, A hostile thing drew me
overcame you. And to the bottom in its grim grip,
in the morning the waves but it was granted to me
bore him to the Heathrames to reach it with my sword's
from whence he went home point. The battle storm
destroyed that mighty how strong your wit is.
sea beast through my hand. I say to you truly,
And on and on evil son of Ecglaf, that wretch
things threatened me. Grendel would never have done
I served them with my sword such horrors, such humiliations
as it was right to do. on you chief, if you were so
Those wicked things fierce as you suppose.
had no joy of the feast, Grendel has found
did not sit at the sea's he need not fear feud,
bottom eating my bones. any sword storm,
When the morning came from your people.
my sword had put He takes his toll,
many to sleep, and even today showing no mercy
in that fiord they don't to the Danish folk.
hinder seafarers. Light He enjoys himself,
shone from the East, killing and feasting,
that bright beacon of God, and expects no fight
and the seas subsided. from the Danes.
I saw cliffs, the windy But I shall offer him
walls of the sea. the battle of a Geat in
Fate often saves strength and courage.
an undoomed man if When I get done with him,
his courage holds. anyone who wishes may
Anyway, with my sword happily go into the mead hall
I slew nine sea monsters. as morning shines
Nor have I heard tell on the children of men.
of a harder fight On that day the sun
or a more distressed man will be clothed in radiance
ever to go in the sea. as it shines from the South!"
I survived the grasp  
of hostiles, and the sea The giver of treasure, Hrothgar,
bore me, the surging water, gray-haired and brave in battle,
weary, into the land of the Finns. felt glad--the chief of the Danes
I have not heard could count on help.
anything about you That guardian of the folk
surviving such battles, heard in Beowulf firm resolution.
such terrors of the sword.  
Neither Brecca nor you have The men laughed, the din
performed such deeds in resounding, and the words
war sport or with shining swords. turned friendly.
Yet I don't boast about it. Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's queen,
But you, your own brother's came forth, mindful of kin,
murderer, shall be damned adorned in gold to greet the men.
and burn in Hell no matter First she gave the cup
to the country's guardian, after the sun had set,
that one dear to his people, night over the hall,
biding joy in his beer drinking. when the shadows came
That king famous for victories striding dark under the clouds.
happily took the feast cup.
Then that woman of the Helmings All the company arose.
went round to each, young and old, Warrior then saluted warrior,
sharing the precious cup. Hrothgar wishing Beowulf luck
In proper time that ring-adorned in his fight for the hall.
queen excellent in mind Hrothgar said these words:
brought the mead cup to Beowulf. "Never, since I have been able
She greeted him, thanking to lift shield, have I entrusted
God that her wish had this hall, this mighty house
been fulfilled, that finally of the Danes, to any man.
a hero had come who But now I entrust it to you.
she could count on Have and hold this best of houses.
to stop Grendel's crimes. Keep fame in mind, watch
against the foe, and make
Beowulf, fierce in war, your valor known! You shall
received the cup from Wealhtheow lack nothing if you
and spoke eagerly of battle: survive this deed."
"I resolved when I set to sea
in my boat with my warriors Then Hrothgar, protector
that I, alone, will fulfill of the Danes, and his band
the wish of your people. . . of warriors left the hall.
or die in the foe's grasp. Hrothgar sought the queen's bed.
I shall perform the deeds
of a hero or I have passed God, as men learned,
my last day in this mead hall." had chosen a man
who could fight Grendel.
The woman liked these words, The chief of the Geats,
this brave speech of the Geat. indeed, trusted his strength
The gold-adorned folk queen and God's favor.
went to sit by her lord. Beowulf took off his armor,
off his helmet, handed
Now again, as it had been his figured sword to the attendant.
in the old days, brave words Beowulf, that good man, then
were spoken and the people were spoke some brave words
happy. before he got in bed:
The gladness of warriors continued "I don't claim myself
until the son of Healfdene any lower in strength or brave deeds
wished to go to his evening rest.
Hrothgar knew the wretch than Grendel. Therefore, I will
planned to attack the hall not kill him with a sword,
though I easily might. Came then from the moor
Though he is famous for strength, under the misty hills
he knows no weapons to cut a Grendel stalking under
shield. the weight of God's anger.
If he chooses to forego a sword, That wicked ravager
if he dares seek me without weapon, planned to ensnare
then we two shall fight without, many of the race of men
and wise God, that king, shall in the high hall.
choose who shall win glory."
He strode under the clouds,
The battle-brave one lay down then, seeking eagerly, till he came to
a pillow received the warrior's face, the wine-hall, the treasure-hall
and his brave men sought rest of men decorated in gold.
around him in the hall. Not one Nor was it the first time he
thought he would seek home again, had sought Hrothgar's home.
see his people or birthplace. But never in his life before
Far too many Danes had already --or since--
died there. But the Lord would did he find worse luck!
give victory to the Geat people,
helping and supporting, so that Came then to the building
one man's craft overcame all. that creature bereft of joys.
(It is well known that God When he touched it with his hands
always rules the race of men.) the door gave way at once
though its bands were forged
The adventures of Beowulf, in fire. Intending evil,
episode 4 enraged, he swung the door wide,
Grendel Attacks Again stood at the building's mouth.
Quickly the foe moved
Came then striding in the night across the well-made floor,
the walker of darkness. in an angry mood--a horrible light,
In that gabled hall like fire, in his eyes.
the warriors slept, He saw the many warriors in the
those who guarded the hall. . . building,
all but one. that band of kinsmen asleep
  together, and his spirit laughed:
It was well known among men that monster expected
that, if God willed it not, to rip life from the body of each
no one could drag one before morning came.
that demon to the shadows. He expected a plentiful meal.
But Beowulf watched (It was his fate
in anger, waiting that he eat no more
the battle's outcome. of the race of men
after that night. . .)
The mighty one, Beowulf, watched, Grendel felt sorry
waiting to see how that wicked one he had made a trip to Herot.
would go about starting.
Nor did the wretch delay, That hall of warriors dinned.
but set about seizing All the Danes of the city,
a sleeping warrior unawares all the brave ones, feared disaster.
and bit into his bone locks, The building resounded.
drinking the streams of blood, It is a wonder the wine-hall
then swallowing huge morsels withstood the battle,
of flesh. Quickly he ate that man, that the beautiful building
even to his hands and feet. did not fall to the ground.
  But it was made fast,
Forward Grendel came, within and without,
stepping nearer. Then with iron bands
he reached for Beowulf. forged with great skill.
  I have heard say
Beowulf grasped his arm many a mead bench
and sat up. The criminal adorned in gold
knew he had not met went flying when
in this middle-earth those hostiles fought.
another with such a grip. No wise man had ever thought
Grendel's spirit was afraid that splendid building could
and his heart eager be damaged (unless a fire
to get away, to flee should swallow it).
to his hiding place, flee
to the devils he kept The din rose louder, the Danes
for company. Never had he met stood
a man such as this. in dreadful terror--everyone
heard lamentation, a terrifying
Beowulf then kept in mind song, through the wall:
the speeches he had made Grendel, Hell's friend,
in the evening and stood God's enemy, sang in defeat,
upright, firmly grasping bewailing his wound.
Grendel's hand until That man, mightiest
the fingers broke. of warriors alive, held fast.
He would not
The monster strove to escape. for any reason
Beowulf stepped closer. That allow his murderous visitor
famous monster suddenly wanted to escape alive,
to disappear into the fens. to keep the days of his life.
He realized the power of those
hands, Beowulf's warriors brandished
the wrathful grip he was in. many a sword, inheritances
from the ancient days,
trying to protect their chief, all the trouble and sorrow,
but that did no good: they had reached an end.
could not have known, those
brave warriors as they fought, The fact was plain when
striking from all sides, seeking Beowulf laid that arm
to take Grendel's soul, that and shoulder down, there
no battle sword could harm him-- altogether, Grendel's claw,
he had enchantment against under the vaulted roof.
the edges of weapons.
The Warriors Rejoice
The end of Grendel's life was
miserable, and he would travel I have heard say that
far into the hands of fiends. on that morning warriors
Grendel, the foe of God, who had came from near and far
long troubled the spirits of men to look at the wonder.
with his crimes, found that Grendel's death made
his body could not stand against no warrior sad.
the hand grip of that warrior.
They looked at the huge footprints
Each was hateful to the other and the path he had taken,
alive. The horrible monster endured dragging himself wearily away
a wound: the bone-locks after he had been overcome in
of his shoulder gave way, battle.
and his sinews sprang out. The fated fugitive's bloody tracks
The glory of battle went to led into the water-monster's mere.
Beowulf, and Grendel, There bloody water boiled,
mortally wounded, a horrible swirl of waves
sought his sad home mingled with hot gore.
under the fen slope. That doomed one had died,
He knew surely that deprived of joy,
his life had reached its end, in his fen refuge, his heathen
the number of his days gone. soul taken into Hell.

The hope of the Danes After seeing that place

had come to pass--He the warriors once again
who came from far had rode their horses to Herot.
cleansed Hrothgar's hall They spoke of Beowulf's
and saved it from affliction. glorious deed, often saying
They rejoiced it that that no man under the sky's
night's work. Beowulf had expanse, North nor South
fulfilled his promise between the seas, no man
to the Danes and all who bore a shield, was more
the distress they had endured, worthy of a kingdom. They,
however, never found fault
with the gracious Hrothgar-- won a ring hoard for himself.
he was a good king. He bore into a ship's bosom
those bright treasures
The warriors let their of the Weal kin,
bay horses go, a contest and the dragon melted
for the best horse, of its own heat.
galloping through whatever
path looked fair. Sigemund was by far the most
Sometimes a king's man, a warrior renowned adventurer. N He had
covered in glory who knew first prospered under King Heremod,
the old traditions, would be but that man's strength
reminded of an ancient song, and victory subsided.
and he would call up words adorned Among the Jutes
in truth. The man would think Heremod was betrayed
of Beowulf's deeds and quickly into enemy hands
compose a skillful tale in words. and put to death.
Sorrow oppressed him too long.
Then he sang of things he'd heard He became a trouble to his people.
about Sigemund's valorous deeds, Many a wise man
untold things about Weals's son, bewailed the old days
his struggles, his wide journeys and when Heremod had taken
feuds. the protector's position
The singer told things the children to hold the treasure
of men did not know, except for of the Danish kingdom.
Fitela, Sigemund's nephew, who He had loved the Geats
stood with him in battle. more than his own people:
With swords those two felled evil had seized him.
many from the race of giants. Thus told the song.
After Sigemund's death day
not a little fame sprang to him, Sometimes the warriors raced
about his hardy fight and killing their horses on the yellow road.
of a dragon, keeper of a hoard. The morning sped away.
Under gray stone that prince alone Many a brave warrior
engaged in that audacious deed, went to the high hall
not even Fitela with him. to see the wonder.
So also the king himself,
Anyway, it happened that the keeper of the rings,
Sigemund's sword went clear leaving the queen's rooms,
through went with his famous company.
the huge dragon and And the queen also
that splendid iron with a troop of maidens
stuck in the wall. walked among the mead seats.
The dragon died violently.
By brave deeds the hero
 The adventures of Beowulf, against the strength of an uncanny
Episode 5 foe. I wish you might have seen
--The Speeches-- this enemy killed in his gear.
I planned to bind him quickly
Hrothgar, standing on the steps, to his deathbed with hand grips.
seeing the golden roof I thought I could pin him down
and Grendel's hand, spoke: struggling for life without
"For this sight I give his body's escape. But I could not
thanks to the Almighty. keep him from going; the Creator
I have suffered much did not will it, and I could not
from Grendel's scourge. hold him firmly enough. The foe
God, the glorious protector, was too powerful in his going.
works wonder after wonder. However, he left behind his hand
Only yesterday I expected to save his life, and his arm
these woes would never end-- and shoulder, though that won't buy
this best of houses the wretch much comfort.
stood shining in blood The evil-doer, afflicted by sin,
and all my wise ones said won't live much longer;
we could never protect pain with its strong grip
the people and land has seized him in deadly bonds,
from the work of demons and there shall he await,
and evil spirits. Now guilty of crime, the great judgment,
a warrior, through God's might, how the bright creator
has performed a deed we, will decree. . . "
in our wisdom, could not contrive.
The woman who bore you, Then was the warrior silent
Beowulf, if she yet lives, in speaking of his war-like deed,
may say the Eternal Maker and the nobles beheld
was kind in her child bearing. the hand at the high roof.
Now, Beowulf, best of warriors, On each of the foe's fingers
I love you as a son: were nails like steel.
have from this moment Everyone agreed the heathen's
a new kinship. Nor will there be claw was horrible
any lack of earthly things and that the wretch's
I have power over. bloody battle hand
Often I have given gifts could not be harmed
to a lesser warrior, weaker by the best of iron.
in fighting. You have, by
your deeds, achieved fame Entertainment in Herot
forever. May God repay you
always as He has just now!" Then it was ordered
that Herot be decorated.
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: Many there were,
"We have done this work of valor men and women, who
prepared that guest-hall. Also a helmet, armor, and
Gold ornaments shone, a famous, precious sword
wondrous sights on the walls, were given to the hero
for people to look at. before that company.
That bright building Around the helmet's top
had been much hurt, as head-protection was
though its bands a wrap of metal bands
were made of iron. so that no sharpened swords
Hinges had been sprung could harm him
apart. The roof alone in the battle storm
had escaped damage before when the shield-warriors fight.
that monster, wicked outlaw,
turned in flight Beowulf drank the cup.
despairing of his life. He had no reason to be
(Fate is not easy ashamed among warriors
to flee from, for taking those rich gifts.
try it who will-- Never have I heard
the children of men, of golden treasure given
bearers of souls, at the ale bench in
must go to the prepared place, a more friendly way.
his body rest
fast in the grave, The king ordered eight horses
sleep after the feast.) with gold-plaited bridles
led into the hall.
Then came the time On one sat a saddle
that Hrothgar himself inlaid with jewels--
went to the feast. it had been Hrothgar's
Never have I heard when he had gone to sword play.
of a greater company Never had he failed
gathered around a treasure giver. at the front
Great ones sat at the benches when corpses fell.
and rejoiced with the cup. Hrothgar gave horses and weapons,
Those brave kinsmen telling Beowulf to enjoy them well.
drank many a mead cup Thus like a man
in the high hall with that great prince,
Hrothgar and Hrothulf, his nephew. treasure giver of heroes,
Herot was filled with friends repaid Beowulf for his battle,
(treachery had not yet and no man who tells the truth.
come to the Danes). will blame him. Then that chief of
nobles
Hrothgar gave Beowulf gave to each one on the mead
a gilded banner, bench
decorated battle flag, who had taken the ocean's way
as reward for victory. with Beowulf an heirloom
and ordered that the one see under the sky,
Grendel killed in wickedness did she bewail the decree
should be paid for in gold. of fate, the slaughter
(Grendel would have killed of kinsmen. At first she had
more of them if wise God, possessed the world's joy.
and Beowulf's courage, War took all but
had not prevented it. a few of the Jute men
The Creator then ruled the race of so they could not
men, fight the Dane Hengst nor
as He does yet; and, therefore, protect the survivors.
understanding is best:
the forethought of mind. But Hengst offered
Much shall he abide, them a deal: that
from friends and foes, the Jutes would make
who lives long in these room for the Danes
days of strife as he in the beer hall and
makes use of this world!) that with gifts
King Finn would honor
The Poet Sings Of Old Trouble, Hengst's men, rings,
how Hildeburh, married to stop a entertainment, and treasures
feud between Jutes and Danes, of plated gold as if
saw her husband, brother, and they were his kin.
son killed Both sides agreed to the peace.

In the presence of the battle leader Finn declared to Hengst

Hrothgar's poet touched honest oaths that the survivors
the harp and recited would be held in honor
many songs for entertainment and that no man,
in the hall. He sang by words nor works,
of Finn's offspring and how would break the peace
Hnaef of the Danes fell nor in cruelty mention
in a Jute battlefield. that they were being friendly
Indeed Hildeburh did not have with the killer of their king,
much cause to praise since a winter freeze had
the good faith of her in-laws, forced it. If any of the Jutes
the Jutes: though blameless, in daring speech mentioned it,
she was deprived of dear ones then the edge of the sword
by the shield play, both her son would settle the matter.
and Hnaef, her brother, in fate
fell to spear wounds. A funeral pyre was readied
That was a sad woman. and gold brought from the hoard.
The best of the Danes
Not without cause, after were ready for the pyre.
morning came, when she could At the fire were blood stained
shirts of mail, boar images glorious bright weather
all golden and iron-hard. to watch over the hall.
Not a few noble ones
had been destroyed by wounds! When winter had passed
and earth's bosom turned
Hildeburh ordered her son fair, the adventurer was
committed to the heat eager to go, the guest
of Hneaf's pyre; his muscles burned from the dwelling, but first
at the shoulder of his uncle. Hengst thought more of revenge
The woman mourned, for injury than of a sea journey,
sang lamentation, how he might cause
as the warrior ascended, a hostile meeting
waned to the clouds, with the Jutes
as the greatest of death fires to repay them with iron.
roared on the barrow. So it was he did not complain
Heads melted, when the son of Hunlaf
wounds, hostile bites laid Battle Bright,
to the body, opened the best of swords,
and burst; blood whose edges were
sprang out. Fire, known to the Jutes,
the greediest of spirits, on his lap.
swallowed everything, So it was that Finn,
of both peoples, there together. bold in spirit,
Their power had passed away. in his turn met
a cruel death by sword
The warriors departed, in his own home
bereft of friends, after Guthlaf and Oslaf
to seek shelter complained of their sorrows,
in the Jute land, blaming their woes
Jute homes and stronghold. on that sea journey.
So Hengst spent A restless spirit is not
a slaughter-stained winter restrained by the breast.
with Finn because
he could not leave. Then was the hall reddened
He thought of home with the life blood of enemies.
but could not go King Finn was slain
in a ring-prowed ship and Hildeburh taken.
against the sea storm, The Danish warriors
against the wind. carried to their ships
The water waves locked all the goods they could find
in icy bindings until in the house, precious jewels.
another year came They took the queen
to the gardens, on a sea journey
as they do yet, back to her people.
The poet's song was sung, I know my nephew Hrothulf
the mirth rose, bench noise, will keep his honor
as the cup bearers offered if you, king of the Danes,
wine from wondrous vessels. leave this world earlier that he.
I know Hruthulf will remember
The adventures of Beowulf, what we two wish
Episode 6 and the kindness we showed
--The Queen Speaks-- when he was a child."

Then Wealhtheow came out Wealhtheow turned then

under a golden crown to the bench where her sons
to where the good men sat, were, Hrethric and Hrothmund,
nephew and uncle (at that time children of warriors,
there was peace between the two, the youth together.
each still true to the other). There the good ones sat,
Beowulf of the Geats
Unferth the spokesman and the two brothers.
sat at Hrothgar's feet-- To him the cup was carried
everyone considered him and friendship offered in words.
brave in spirit though Wound gold was kindly bestowed:
he had not been kind to two arm ornaments, shirts
his kin at the sword's play. of mail, rings, and the largest
neck ring I have heard
Spoke then the queen of the Danes: tell of on the earth.
"Receive this cup,
my dear lord, I have not heard
giver of treasure. of any greater hoard-treasures
Be in joy, under the sky since
gold friend of men, Hama carried away
and speak to these Geats to his bright fortress
with kind words the necklace of the Brosings.
as men should do. He fled a treacherous quarrel
Be gracious to the Geats from the king of the East Goths
and mindful of the gifts with the ornament and its setting,
you have from near and far. choosing everlasting gain.
A man said to me
that he would have (This is the ring Hygelac
this warrior for a son. of the Geats, grandson of Swerting,
Herot, the bright ring hall, uncle of Beowulf, would have near
is purged. Give while you can when he guarded the battle-spoil
many rewards and leave under his banner. Fate would take
to your kin people and land him
when you must go when he courted trouble--
to learn fate's decree. out of pride--in a feud
with the Frisians. He would wear and powerful Hrothgar
those noble stones over went to his house to rest.
the cup of the waves. He would
fall beneath his shield. His body, Countless warriors guarded the hall,
his armor, and the ring also, would as they had often done:
pass into the power of the Franks. they cleared the floor of benches,
Bad warriors rifled the corpses spread out beds and cushions.
after the battle slaughter. One of the beer drinkers,
The Geat people remained doomed and fated,
in the field of corpses.) lay on the couch.
They set by their heads
Music filled the hall. Wealhtheow their war gear and bright
spoke before the company: wood shields. There on the bench
"Enjoy this neck-ring, over each warrior could be seen
beloved Beowulf, young hero, a towering helmet, ringed armor,
and use this armor, these and a huge wooden spear.
treasures of the people. Their custom was that they were
Thrive well, be known always ready for war, both
for valor, and give kind in the field and at home, each
instruction to these two boys. ready anytime his king needed him.
I will remember your deeds. Those were good people.
You have earned forever
the praise of men, end of episode six
from near and far,
even to the home of the winds Part Two: Grendel's Mother
and the walls of the sea. --The Attack of Grendel's Mother--
Be blessed while you live, prince!
I wish you well with the treasures. They sank into sleep.
Be gentle, joyful one, to my sons. One paid dearly for
In this place is each warrior his evening's rest,
true to the other, mild as had happened often
in spirit, an d faithful since Grendel had come
to his king. The warriors to the gold hall
are united, the men drink performing his evil
deep, and they do my biding." until the end came to him,
death after his sins.
She went to her seat.
There was a choice feast, It was soon learned
men drank wine. and widely known among men
They did not know that an avenger yet lived
that grim fate after that war-trouble:
would come to many nobles Grendel's mother, a monster
after evening fell woman, she who lived in
the terrible water,
the cold streams, Hard edges were drawn in the hall,
thought of her misery. swords off the benches,
and many broad shields fast in hand,
After Cain killed his brother, though they forgot about helmets
his father's son, and broad mail shirts when
he went in guilt, the terror seized them.
marked by murder,
fleeing the joys of men After they had seen her,
to occupy the waste land. she was in haste
There awoke many fated spirits, to get out of there
Grendel being one, and save her life.
that savage, hateful outcast. She quickly seized
At Herot he found a man one of the warriors
awake and ready for war. then headed back to the fens.
The monster laid hold of him, The warrior she killed,
but Beowulf kept in mind his in his sleep, was Hrothgar's
strength, the precious gift most trusted man, famous
God had granted, and God gave between the two seas,
him help and support. a glorious hero.
Thus Beowulf overcame that enemy,
subdued that hellish demon. (Beowulf was not there,
Then Grendel went, for after the treasure-giving
the enemy of mankind, the famous Geat had gone
deprived of joy, to another house.)
seeking his death place.
She took her son's famous
So his mother, greedy blood-covered hand.
and gloomy as the gallows, An outcry came from Herot,
went on a sorrowful journey care had been renewed
to avenge her son's death. and returned to the dwelling
place--that was not a good
So she came to Herot where bargain, that both sides paid
the Danes slept in the hall. with the lives of friends.
The fortunes of the noble ones
changed when Grendel's mother The wise old king,
got inside: the terror was less the gray warrior,
by just so much as was in a savage mood
is the strength of a woman, when he heard his
the war-horror of a woman, chief warrior was dead.
is less than the horror of Beowulf was quickly
a sword forged with hammer fetched to the chamber.
and stained in blood
shearing the strong edges As day broke the noble champion
of the boar on a helmet. together with his warriors
went to the wise ones, the hall's sorrow, a hand lying lifeless
wood floors resounding. who gave good things to you.
The wise ones all wondered I have heard tell
if ever the Almighty would among my people
remove this woeful spell. and councilors that
they had seen two mighty
Beowulf asked with words wanderers in the waste land
if the night had been moors keeping guard,
according to his desire alien spirits. One was,
and all things agreeable. as far as they could see,
the likeness of a woman.
Hrothgar, protector of the Danes, The other miserable thing
spoke: in the stature of a man,
"Don't ask about happiness! though he was larger
Sorrow is renewed than any other man,
among the Danish people. as they trod the paths of exiles.
Aeschere is dead, Yrmenlaf's In the days of old
elder brother, my confidant, earth dwellers called him Grendel.
the bearer of my advice, my We have no knowledge of a father,
shoulder companion when troops of any forebears among evil spirits.
clash and boar helmets smashed. They occupied the secret land,
As a noble prince should be, the wolf's retreat--
such Aeschere was! windy bluffs, perilous fens,
Now he has been slain where a waterfall
in Herot by the hands darkens under bluffs
of a restless, murderous spirit. and goes down under the ground.
I do not know where It is not far from here,
his carcass has gone by measure of miles,
to be gladly feasted on. that the mere stands.
She has avenged the feud Over it hangs a frost-covered
for your violent killing grove, woods rooted deep-
with hard hand clasps shadowing the water.
of Grendel yesternight There each night
for diminishing and destroying a portent may be seen:
my people for so long. fire on the water.
Grendel fell in battle, No wise one among
forfeited his life, and the sons of men
now another has come, knows the bottom.
a mighty man-eater Though the heath-stalker,
to avenge her kin, the strong-horned hart,
as is seen by many harassed by hounds, seeks
a warrior who mourns for me, the forest in his flight,
treasure giver, weeping in he will give his life
their minds for my heavy rather than protect his head
by going there. The adventures of Beowulf,
That is not a good place! Episode 7
There water surges up, --The Expedition to Grendel's
black, to the clouds, Mere--
and the wind stirs up
hateful weather so that A horse with plaited mane
the sky turns gloomy and weeps. . . was saddled for Hrothgar:
Again it has happened that the wise king rode in splendor,
the remedy lies with you alone. a band of men marching on foot.
The land, the dangerous place
where you might find Tracks were clearly visible
this criminal is unexplored. going over the ground
Seek it if you dare. . . along the forest paths
For that fight I will pay where she had gone forth
as I did before with over the murky moors
wound gold and ancient carrying the good warrior,
treasures. . .if you survive." the best of men, lifeless,
a man who had helped
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: Hrothgar guard his home.
"Do not sorrow, wise king!
It is better for a man The noble Hrothgar passed
to avenge a friend over narrows, lonely paths,
than mourn much. Each of us steep, stony slopes
must await the end of this on that unknown way
life. He who wishes will among steep bluffs
work for glory before death. and the homes of water monsters.
That is best for the warrior
after he is gone. He and the wise men
Arise, guardian of the kingdom, went before the rest
let us go quickly to scout the place,
to see Grendel's kin. and suddenly, he saw
I promise you this: a joyless woods leaning over
she will not escape to shelter-- turbid and bloody water.
not into the earth's bosom, For all the Danes
not into the mountain's wood, it was grievous, and
not into the sea's bottom, the warriors suffered
go where she will! when they on the sea
For this day, have cliff saw Aeschere's head.
patience in each woe." The water boiled with blood
and hot gore as the men watched.
The veteran leapt up then,
thanking God, the Mighty One, Sometimes a horn sang out,
that the man had so spoken. an eager war song, but
the troop all waited, watching
along the water the kin It was adorned with treasures,
of snakes, strange sea dragons, encircled with splendid chains--
swimming in the deep or in the old days weapon-smiths
lying on the steep slopes-- formed it wondrously, setting
water monsters, serpents, and on it boar figures so that
wild beasts, such as the ones no sword could bite it in battle.
that appear on a dangerous
sea journey in the morning time. And it was not the weakest of helps
When those creatures heard Unferth, Hrothgar's spokesman,
the war horn's note loaned: the hilted sword called
they hurried away Hrunting, an ancient treasure
bitter and angry. with edges of iron and adorned
with poison strips. That sword,
A man from the Geat hardened in blood, had never failed
tribe with his bow a man who grasped it in hand
deprived of life, of and dared a terrible journey,
wave battle, one battles in a hostile place.
of the monsters. An This would not be the first time
arrow, war hard, stuck it had gone to do brave work.
in its heart, and it Unferth, great of strength,
swam more weakly did not remember what he had
as death took it. said, drunk on wine, but loaned
Quickly it was attacked his weapon to a better sword
in the waves with barbed warrior: he himself did not
spears and swords and dare venture his life
dragged by force to the under the terrible waves
bluff, a wondrous sea roamer. to perform a deed of valor.
Warriors examined There he lost his fame,
the terrible stranger. his renown for valor.

Beowulf arrayed himself This was not so for that other man,
in armor, not at all he who prepared himself for war.
worrying about his life, Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke:
putting on his mail shirt, "Remember, Hrothgar, kin of
large and decorated, Healfdene,
woven by hand so that gold friend of men, wise king,
it could protect his chest now that I am ready to start,
as he tried the water, what we have spoken of--
so that hostile grips, if I, in your service,
the fury's malicious grasps, lose my life, that you
might not scathe his life. will be in position of my father.
Be a protector of my warriors,
A shiny helmet protected the head my comrades, if war takes me.
that would go to the watery depths. Also, beloved Hrothgar,
send the treasure you gave me Then the chief found
to Hygelac, king of the Geats, that he was with someone
that he may perceive from the gold, in a hostile hall.
beholding the treasure, The flood's rush
that I found a virtuous ring giver could not harm him there
who I enjoyed while I could. because of the hall's roof.
And give Unferth my old heirloom,
my splendid wavy sword He saw a firelight shine
widely known among men in a brilliant flame.
to have a hard edge. Then the warrior saw
I will do my glory work that monster of the deep,
with Hrunting--or the mighty mere-woman.
death will take me. . ."
He swung his battle sword
With these words quickly--he did not hold
the chief of the Geats, back--and the ringed blade
waiting for no reply, sang a greedy war song
hastened with bravery. on her head. But the guest
The surging water took found that the flashing
the warrior, and it was sword would not bite,
a good part of a day could not harm her life--
before he found the bottom. the edge failed him at need.
(It had endured many
She who had fiercely guarded, combats, often slashed helmets
grim and greedy, that water and fated war garments. . .
for a hundred half-years This was the first time
quickly saw that some man that precious treasure
from above was exploring failed in its glory.)
the monsters' home. Then
the enemy seized the warrior But Beowulf was resolute,
in her horrid clutches, yet by no means slow in valor,
he was not injured--the ringed still thinking of daring deeds.
armor protected him, and she The angry warrior threw
could not break his mail shirt the carved sword covered
with her hostile claws. in ornaments, stiff and edged
in iron, to the floor
The sea wolf bore and trusted in his powerful
the armored warrior hand grip. (So must a man do
down to her dwelling when he wishes for enduring
at the bottom. He could not, fame at war: he cannot
despite his bravery, command The lord of the Geats
his weapons--many a sea beast did not grieve at the battle
harassed him with battle tusks, but seized Grendel's mother
trying to cut his armor. by the shoulder.
Now he was enraged He who fought for the Danes,
and flung his deadly foe fierce and sword grim,
to the ground. despairing of life,
seized the chain-wound hilt,
She paid him back quickly drew the ringed sword,
with angry claws and and angrily struck--
clutched him against her. It grasped her neck hard
At that moment and her bone rings broke.
the strongest of warriors The blade entered
felt sick at heart: the fated body.
he fell. She sat She fell to the ground.
on her hall guest The sword was bloody,
and drew a dagger, and the warrior rejoiced
wide and brown-edged-- in his work.
she would avenge her son,
her only offspring. Suddenly light glittered,
a light brightened within,
On his shoulder lay as bright and clear as
the woven mail shirt. the candle of the sky.
It protected his life, He looked around the building,
withstood the entrance walked around the walls.
of point and edge. He raised the weapon
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, hard by its hilt--
champion of the Geats, Beowulf was angry and resolute.
would have perished then The edge was not useless
under the wide ground to the warrior--he wished
had not his armor, to requite Grendel for
his hard war net, helped the many attacks he
him (and Holy God, who had made on the Danes,
brought about war victory). much more often
than on one occasion,
The wise ruler of the skies when he had slain
decided justice easily when Hrothgar's guests in their sleep.
Beowulf stood up again: Fifteen Danish men
there among the weapons he devoured while they slept,
he saw a victory-blessed sword, and carried as many away,
an old sword made by giants hideous booty. The fierce
with strong edges, the glory champion paid him his reward:
of warriors. It was Beowulf saw Grendel in rest,
the choicest of weapons, worn out with fighting,
good and majestical, lifeless from the hard wounds
the work of giants, but he had gotten in battle
larger than any other man at Herot. The corpse
could carry to battle sport. split when it suffered
that blow after death-- except for the head
the hard sword stroke. and the hilt decorated
Beowulf cut off the head. with treasure. The blade
had melted. . .the
The adventures of Beowulf, ornamented sword burned up--
Episode 8 so hot was the blood,
--Meanwhile, Up Above-- so poisonous the alien
spirit who died there.
The wise men with Hrothgar
saw the surging water mingled Soon he was swimming;
with blood. The old gray-hairs his enemy had fallen in fight.
spoke together, saying He swam up through the water--
they did not expect the famous the surging waters were purged,
prince to be victorious. all the broad expanse,
To many it seemed the sea wolf when the alien spirit
had destroyed him. gave up her life days
Then came noon of the day on this loaned world.
and the valiant Danes left
the bluff. The king went Beowulf Comes Up
home. His guests sat down
sick at heart Came then to the land
and stared at he mere. the chief of the sailors,
They wished, but did not hope, boldly swimming. He rejoiced
that they would see in the sea-booty,
their dear lord again. the mighty burden of things
he had with him.
Back in the Cave
His men rushed toward him,
The sword, because of the blood, thanking God they saw him
began to fade--a battle icicle. safe. The helmet and armor
That was some wonder: were quickly loosed from
it all melted, the strong man. The lake
just like ice grew calm, the water under
when the Father-- the clouds, stained with blood.
who has power They went from there
over times and seasons-- on the forest paths
loosens the bands glad in mind.
and unwinds the wave ropes.
(That is the True Maker.) The brave men measured
the well-known road
The leader of the Geats bearing the head
took no more treasures from the lake cliff
from the dwelling, with difficulty--
though he saw many, it took four men
to bear the spear shaft He often guides a man
with Grendel's head devoid of friends.
to the gold hall. I drew that weapon,
cut in that conflict
The fourteen brave the house guardians
war-like Geats marched when I saw the chance.
straight to the hall That ornamented sword burned
with the lord of men up as the blood sprang.
proud among them. I carried the hilt away
from the enemies.
He crossed the meadow, The deeds of crime,
then came inside, the slaughter of the Danes,
the prince of warriors, has been avenged
the man of daring deeds, as it was right to do.
honored with glory, I promise you
a hero in battle, that you and your warriors
to greet Hrothgar. may sleep in Herot
free from care
They carried Grendel's head and every warrior
by its hair onto the floor of your tribe,
where the men were drinking-- old men and young--
a terrible sight before you need not,
the warriors and the women Prince of the Danes,
with them, a wondrous sight. fear for them,
The men looked at it. death of your warriors
from that side
Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke:
as you did before."
"Behold, son of Healfdene,
 
Lord of the Danes--we have brought
Then was the golden hilt,
you with pleasure this sea booty,
the ancient work of giants,
as token of glory,
given to the hand
which you see here.
of the aged warrior,
I hardly survived
the gray war leader.
the battle under the water,
The possession of it,
engaged in that deed
the wondrous work of smiths,
with difficulty. The battle
passed, after the deaths
would have ended quickly
of demons, to the king of the Danes.
if God had not protected me.
When the grim-hearted being,
Nor could I accomplish anything
God's adversary, guilty of murder,
with Hrunting, that strong
left this world,
weapon, but the ruler of men
and his mother also,
granted me to see
the hilt passed
a beautiful old mighty sword
into the power of the best
hanging on the wall.
of the world's kings
between the seas yours over all the nations.
who dealt out treasure Hold it steady,
in the Northland. might with mind's wisdom.
I shall carry out
Hrothgar examined the hilt, my friendship as
the old heirloom, we two spoke before.
on which was written You shall prove
in ancient runes a long-lasting relief
the story of the flood to your people,
which with rushing sea a help to fighters.
slew the race of giants Heremod was not so
with terrible suffering. to the offspring of Ecgwela,
That was a race foreign the honorable Danes.
to the Eternal Lord. He waxed not to their help
The Almighty gave them but to their slaughter,
a final reward through for the destruction
the water's surging. of the Danish people.
Enraged, he cut down
Also on the sword guard his table companions,
bright with gold his bosom friends,
was rightly written-- until he went about alone,
in rune letters, away from the joy of life
set and said-- among men, a notorious
for whom the sword prince, although Almighty God
had been wrought, had raised his strength,
this choicest of iron advanced it over all men.
with twisted hilt His spirit, his heart,
and snake ornaments. grew blood thirsty.
He gave no rings
Hrothgar Expounds On How To to Danes who pursued glory.
Be A Good Warrior Joyless he went on,
struggling on as a long-lasting
Then the wise one,
affliction. Learn from this
son of Healfdene, spoke
and understand manly virtues.
(all were silent):
I, old and wise in winters,
"Lo, this he may say
tell you this
who does truth and right
for your sake.
among the people,
It is wonderful to say
remembers things far distant,
how mighty God through
an old guardian:
His wisdom and large heart
This is the best-born man!
distributes land and rank
My friend Beowulf,
to the race of men.
your renown is established
He controls all.
beyond the wide ways,
Sometimes out of love
He gives a man wisdom, declines, falls fated. Another,
great among his kin, who recklessly dispenses
gives him a home, treasure, one who does not
the joy of the earth, hold it in terror, seizes
gives him control the warrior's ancient possessions.
of a fortress of men, Beloved Beowulf, best of warriors,
a wide kingdom in the world, protect yourself against that
so that the man wickedness and choose better,
in his un-wisdom eternal councils. Do not heed
does not think about the end. arrogance, famous champion!
He lives in plenty; Now is your strength famous. . .
neither disease nor age for awhile. Soon after
live with him; it shall happen that disease,
his mind is not darkened or the sword's edge, shall
with evil worries, cut off your strength.
nor does enmity Or maybe the fire's embrace,
bring about war. or the flood's welling,
All the world or the grip of the sword,
turns to his will-- or the arrow's flight,
he does not know worse-- or dire age. . . Bright eyes
but then arrogance grows; do diminish and go dark.
the guardian of his soul Straightway death will overpower
sleeps. That sleep is you, warrior.
too heavy, bound with affliction, Thus I have ruled under the clouds
and the killer very near the prosperous Danes a hundred
who shoots his bow half-years,
with evil intent. and by war have protected them
Then he is hit against many nations
in the heart, throughout this middle earth
beneath his armor, with spears and edges,
with a bitter arrow-- so that under heaven's expanse
he cannot guard himself I could think of no enemies.
against the perverse commands Lo, a reverse came to me--
of his accursed spirit. in my home--sadness after joy
Then what he has long held when the old adversary Grendel
seems too little; angry-minded, invaded. I have continually
he covets, never proudly giving carried worry over that visitation.
gold rings, and he forgets Therefore, thanks to the Creator,
and neglects the future the Eternal Lord, that I have
state because God the Ruler remained in life to gaze with
of Glory has given him my eyes at the blood-stained head
a great deal of honors. after that old contention!
In the end it comes to pass Go now to your seat,
that the body, on loan, feast in joy, you who are
distinguished in battle. The adventures of Beowulf,
We shall share Episode 9
a great many treasures --Beowulf Becomes King / The
before morning comes." Dragon Attacks--

The Geat was glad in mind, Later it happened,

quickly seeking his seat after Hygelac fell
as the wise one bade. in the storm of war,
Then again was the feast and his son, Heardred,
prepared, as before, for fell too under his shield,
the courageous ones sitting killed by the sword
in the hall. fighting the Swedes,
that the broad kingdom
The helmet of night turned black, came into Beowulf's hand.
dark over the warriors.
The men all arose. He held it well, ruled
The gray-haired one fifty winters; he was
would seek his bed, an old land guardian.
the old Dane. Then in the dark nights
a dragon began to rule,
It pleased the Geat well, he who guarded a hoard,
the strong shield warrior, a steep stone burial mound
that he should have rest. high on the heath.
A hall warrior guided
the man who was far from home, A path led underneath
tending to every courtesy, every unknown to men.
need of the warrior. Such But a certain man
in those days could stumbled on it,
a sea-fairer expect. into the heathen hoard,
The great-hearted one then rested. and took a cup,
The hall reached high, a large, decorated treasure.
vaulted and adorned in gold. The dragon did not hide
The guest rested within his opinion of that deed;
until the black raven the neighboring people
told heaven's joy quickly learned his anger.
with a happy heart.  
Then came the bright light, But the thief did not
hastening over the shadow. of his own accord
  plunder the treasure:
The warriors hurried, he was driven by need,
eager to go back a fugitive from justice.
to their people. Fleeing hostile blows
The bold of spirit sought his ship. and in need of a roof,
he stumbled in,
a man distressed. No horse gallops in the courtyard.
He was amazed at what Death has sent off many men."
he saw--a precious
hoard, cups and weapons. Thus, sad in mind,
There were many such he moaned his sorrow;
ancient treasures in the lonely survivor moved
that earth house, for day and night in sadness
in the old days a man until the flood of death
had hidden the riches surged into his heart.
of a noble, dying tribe there.
He was the last; death The Dragon Attacks
had taken the rest.
An old night-ravager,
That lone survivor, knowing that one which, burning,
death was near, mourning seeks a burial mound,
his lost friends, kept the smooth dragon of malice
those treasures all alone. who flies by night
The cave stood near the sea, encompassed in fire,
protected by secret spells. found the hoard
He bore the treasures inside, standing open.
a huge and worthy hoard
of worked gold. He said, Earth dwellers fear him much.
"Hold you now, Earth, what He must seek a hoard
warriors could not. Lo, in the earth, where,
from you first it was taken. old in winters, he
War-Death has seized my people; will guard heathen
none of them can bear a sword, gold, though he gains
hold an ornamented cup. They nothing from it.
have gone elsewhere. Now shall
So that foe of the people,
the hard helmet and its golden
exceedingly powerful,
ornaments fall. Their owners
guarded the cave
sleep in death, those who
three hundred winters
once wore the war-mask. So
until a man
it is with the coat of mail,
angered his heart,
which stood amid crashing shields,
took a cup
held off the bite of iron:
to his master
it lies, falling to pieces,
asking for peace.
like the warrior who owned it.
Peace was granted:
Never again will that armor
the lord examined
travel far on a war chief
the cup, the ancient
by the side of heroes.
work of men.
There is no joy in the song,
So was the hoard robbed,
no pleasure in the harp.
ransacked of a treasure.
No hawk sweeps over the hall.
The dragon awoke, the glow of fire stood out,
and strife came: it a horror to the people.
sniffed along the stones, That terrible sky-flier
found an intruder's footprints. wished to leave
The thief had stepped nothing alive.
with insidious craft
near the dragon's head. Near and far was seen
(Thus may an undoomed man the dragon's violence,
survive danger how that destroyer
if the Almighty hated and humbled the Geat
holds him in favor.) people. The people of the land
were enveloped in fire.
The hoard-keeper sought At dawn he darted
eagerly along the ground, back into his cave.
looked for the man He trusted in his war
who had robbed him and in his cavern.
while he slept.
Hot and fierce he moved But trust was to play him false.
about the cave. He Beowulf learned the terror
went completely around quickly, in truth:
the wasted place but the surging fires
no man was there. burned his house,
Eager for battle, he the mead hall of the Geats.
turned and turned again That was sorrow
searching the cave, to the good man,
but the golden cup was gone. the greatest of sorrows:
the wise king feared
Anxiously he awaited he'd enraged God,
the fall of night; broken a commandment.
enraged, the cave-keeper His heart surged
would with fire avenge with gloomy thoughts,
the loss of his cup. which was not
When the day was gone, his usual way.
as the dragon wanted, The flame-dragon had burned
he no longer waited, the fortress of the people.
but went in flame, The war-king studied revenge.
prepared with fire.
The adventures of Beowulf,
The beginning was fearful Episode 10
to people in the land, --We Learn of Beowulf's Reign
as was the ending: and he Prepares to Attack the
death for their king. Dragon--
The fiend spouted fire,
burned bright houses--
That prince ordered few of those
an iron shield: who carried shields
he knew for a fact left that battle
that the best wood, to seek their homes.
the very best linden, Beowulf swam the wide water,
couldn't help wretched, solitary,
against flame. back to his people.
There Hygd, Hygelac's wife,
The good prince awaited offered him treasure
the last of his days, and the kingdom,
the end of this world's life, rings and the throne,
and the dragon with him, because she did not
no matter how long trust her son to keep them
he'd held the treasure. from foreign armies.

Beowulf scorned a host, But Beowulf would not

a large army, for any reason be
when he sought the dragon; lord over his king's son,
he didn't fear so he protected the boy,
the dragon's war; gave him good council
he trusted his strength till Heardred became a man.
and courage since he had Banished men sought
survived many battles, Heardred over the sea,
the flashings of battle gleams, sons of Othere,
since the time he'd cleared king of the Swedes;
Hrothgar's wine-hall they had rebelled
of Grendel's family, against their lord,
that hateful race. the best of sea-kings.

Nor was it a small battle That was Heardred's death-

when the Geat king, sentence,
that lord of the folk, the son of Hygelac:
Hygelac, attacked Fresland for entertaining those men
and died there he died of sword strokes.
of sword drinks, Then Ongentheow's son
beaten down by weapons. left for home, and Beowulf
Yet from that place Beowulf held the gift seat,
came, down to the sea, ruled over the Geats.
with thirty suits of battle He was a good king.
in his arms, and in his strength He avenged Heardred's death
was able to swim. in later days,
became to the wretched Eadgils
The Hetware had no cause a friend, supported
for joy among their soldiers-- that son of Ohthere
over the wide sea which the old man
with men and weapons. would greet.
On a cold expedition he He would seek his reward,
deprived king Onela of life. life from body parted;
Thus had that son of Ecgtheow not for long
survived each battle, terrible would the soul of the prince
war, much courage-work, stay wrapped in flesh.
until the day when
he fought the dragon. Beowulf spoke:
"Often in youth
Beowulf Visits the Dragon I survived
the storm of battle,
Twelve enraged men the time of war.
paid the dragon a visit. I remember all that.
The king had by then I was seven winters old
learned how the feud arose, when my father took me
this affliction of men: to the king of the people.
to his possession had come, Hrethal gave me treasure
through the hand of an informer, and feasting, remembering kinship.
the precious cup. I wasn't more hateful
The thief, the cause of this to him than any son
strife, made thirteen, a saddened in his house--
captive, abjectly showing the way. than one of his children--
He went against his will Herebeald, Haethcyn, or my
to that earth-hall, Hygelac.
the one he'd found The eldest was,
near the surging sea, by a kinsman's deed,
by the tossing water. strewn on the bed of death--
Haethcyn struck his lord
The inside was full and brother with the arrow
of works of art. from a bow: missed the mark
The awful keeper, and killed his kinsman
alert fighter, with a bloody arrow.
held those gold treasures, That was a feud that
old under the earth; couldn't be fought.
no man would buy them cheap. Weary it is to the heart:
That prince lost his life
The brave king, . . .unavenged.
gold-friend of the Geats, That felt just as it does
sat down on the headland for an old man to await
and talked with his companions. the swinging of his son
He was sad, restless, on the gallows.
and ready to die. He sings a mournful song
That fate was near when his son hangs
a feast to ravens but around Hreosnaburg
and, though old and wise, planned a terrible slaughter.
he cannot help. My kinsmen avenged that,
Every morning calls to mind the feud and crime,
the journey of his son as is well known,
to elsewhere--the father though one paid with his life,
cares not to wait a hard bargain:
for the other heirs for Haethcyn the battle was fatal.
when he has, through And I've heard tell
an unavoidable death, how another kinsman
experienced an evil. attacked his slayer
Sorrow is in the home, with sword's edge;
the wine-hall abandoned, When Ongentheow sought Eofor
bereft of joy. he found his helmet split,
The riders sleep, fell down, battle pale.
warriors in the grave; I repaid Hygelac
there is no harp song, for the favors he'd shown,
no joy in the court. lands and a house,
Not as there once was. with my bright sword.
Comes then from the bedstead (He needn't look
a song of sorrow. for a worse man).
The house and fields I went alone in the front,
seem too large." and will so ever,
as long as this sword lasts
So Beowulf spoke which has served me so well.
of his sorrow I was the killer of Daghrefin,
for Herebeald. the Huga champion.
He could not He brought no treasures
for that murder back from the battle
seek revenge, to the Frisian king
though the doer but died in the fight,
was not dear to him. that banner guardian,
a prince in bravery.
"When that sorrow befell Hrethal Nor was my sword his death,
he gave up the joys of men but my hand grasp
and chose God's light. broke his bone-house,
He left to his offspring tore out his surging heart.
a land and a people. Now shall the sword's edge,
Then were accusations hands and hard sword,
across the water, fight over this hoard."
severe hostility
from the war-like sons Then Beowulf made his last boast:
of Ongentheow. They would "I ventured many battles
have nothing of friendship, in my youth; now, old,
I will seek another, The adventures of Beowulf,
try again for glorious Episode 11
deeds, if that avenger --Beowulf Fights the Dragon--
will come out."
He saw by the cave,
He spoke to each he who had many virtues,
of his brave companions he who had survived many times
for the last time: the battle flashes
"I would not use a sword when troops rush together,
against this monster a stream running
if I might otherwise fight, from the stone arch--
as I did with Grendel. a stream of fire.
But how else fight fire?
a breath of poison? He could not enter
Therefore I wear shield and mail. for the dragon's flame.
I will not back Beowulf was angry,
a step away the lord of the Geats,
from that hoard-guardian. he who stormed in battle.
We two shall end He yelled into the cave.
as fate decrees.
I am brave in mind, The hoard-keeper perceived
so I go against the war-flyer a man's voice and
in no need didn't plan to ask
of further boasting. for friendship.
You men wait on the hill, Flames shot out
protect the war-gear from among the stones,
and see which will, hot battle-sweat.
after the death rush, The ground dinned.
come away unwounded.
This is not your duty, The hero raised his shield
nor in the power of man. against the dreadful stranger.
No one but myself Then the coiled thing
can fight this monster. sought battle.
Your lord shall either The war king drew his sword,
win the treasure an ancient heirloom
or lose his life." with edges unblunt.
Each of them intended
The brave in battle arose then, horror to the other.
bore his shield and mail,
trusting his strength Stouthearted stood that war-prince
under the stone cliffs. with his shield upraised,
(This is not the coward's way). waited in his war-gear.
The dragon coiled together,
went forth burning, The hoard-keeper took heart,
gliding toward his fate. heaved his fire anew.
He who once ruled a nation
His shield protected was encircled by fire;
life and body no troop of friends,
for a shorter time strong princes,
than the prince had hoped. stood around him:
That was the first day they ran to the woods
he was not granted to save their lives.
glory in battle.
The lord of the Geats Yet in one of them
raised his arm, welled a sorrowful heart.
struck the horrible thing That true-minded one
with his ancestral sword, didn't forget kinship.
but the edge gave way: Wiglaf he was called,
that bright sword the son of Woehstan,
bit less on the bone a beloved shield-warrior,
than the war-king needed. a lord of the Scylfings,
a kinsman of Aelthere.
After that stroke He saw his lord
the cave-guardian suffering from heat
was in a savage mood. under his helmet.
He threw death-fire-- He remembered the gifts,
widely sprayed a rich home among
battle flashes. the Waegmundings,
The gold-friend of the Geats the rich inheritance,
wasn't boasting of victory. that his father had had.
His war-sword had failed,
not bitten home Wiglaf could not refrain,
as it should have, but grabbed his shield,
that iron which had drew his ancient sword
always been trustworthy. that among men was known
This wasn't a pleasant trip: as the heirloom of Eanmund,
that famous king, Beowulf, the son of Othere.
would have to leave this earth, (Eanmund, after a quarrel,
would have, against his will, was killed by Weohstan
to move elsewhere. with the sword's edge.
(So must every man Weohstan became
give up a friendless exile.
these transitory days.) To Eanmund's own kinsmen
he bore the burnished helmet,
It wasn't long before the ring-locked mail,
the terrible ones the old sword made by giants.
met again-- Onela had given Eanmund that,
the war-equipment, famous deeds among men.
and did not mention Now has the day come
the feud, though his that our lord
brother's child was killed. is in need of fighters,
Weohstan held the treasure of good warriors.
many years, Let us go to him,
the sword and mail, help the war-chief
until his son could in this fire-horror.
do heroic deeds God knows, to me,
as his father had done. my lord means more
He gave the war-dress to Wiglaf than my skin.
and a great many treasures, With him I will
then departed this earth embrace the fire.
old on his journey. It isn't proper
But this was the first time that we bare shields
the young champion back to our homes
had gone into the war-storm.) before we can
defend our lord
His spirit did not fail, and kill the enemy.
nor his heirloom: that He doesn't deserve
the dragon discovered to suffer alone.
when they met in battle. We two shall share
the sword and helmet,
Wiglaf spoke words about duty, the mail and war-garment."
said in sorrow to his companions:  
"I remember the times Then Wiglaf advanced
we drank mead and how through the death-fumes,
we promised our lord wore his helmet
there in the beer-hall, to help his lord.
he who gave us gifts,  
that we would repay He spoke these words:
all his largess, "Dear Beowulf, may you
the helmets and hard swords, accomplish all well,
if the need as you did in youth,
should ever befall. as I have heard tell.
He chose his best men Don't surrender the glory
for this expedition, of your life. Defend now,
gave us honor and with all your strength,
these treasures because your brave deeds.
he considered us best I will help."
among spear fighters,  
though he proposed to After these words
do the job alone because the dragon angrily came;
he had performed the most the terrible spirit
another time attacked but struck a little lower,
with surging fire. helped his kinsman
Fire waves burned though his hand was burned.
Wiglaf's shield The sword, shining
down to the handle, and ornamented,
his mail could not drove in so that
protect the young the fire abated.
spear-warrior.
He ducked behind Then the king controlled
his kinsman's shield. his senses, drew his
  battle knife, bitter
Then the war-king and battle sharp, which
remembered past deeds, he carried on his mail,
struck mightily with his sword and cut the dragon
so that it stuck through the middle.
in the dragon's head; The enemy fell--strength
Naegling, the great sword of had driven out life;
Beowulf, the two kinsmen, together,
ancient and shining, had cut down the enemy.
broke, failed in battle. So should a warrior do.
Fate had not granted that
the iron sword would help. That was Beowulf's last victory;
  his last work in this world.
(I've heard that Beowulf's
swing was too strong The adventures of Beowulf,
for any sword, Episode 12
overstrained any blade, -- The Death of Beowulf--
anytime he carried
The wound began
a blood-hardened sword
to swell and burn,
into battle.)
the venom seethed,
 
that poison inside.
Then the terrible dragon
The prince went
a third time rushed,
to sit by the wall,
hot and battle-grim.
the wise man sat down
He bit Beowulf's neck
to look at the work
with sharp tusks--Beowulf
of giants held within
was wet with life's blood;
the earth-house standing
blood gushed in waves.
on stone pillars.
Then, I've heard,
Wiglaf bathed him,
Wiglaf showed courage,
his lord,
craft and bravery,
wearied in battle,
as was his nature--he went
and unfastened his helmet.
not for the thought-seat,
Beowulf spoke, Wiglaf hurried
despite his wounds. from his wounded lord,
(He knew well obeyed the battle-sick one,
he'd seen the last rushed in his mail
of this world's joys, under the cave's roof.
that he'd numbered There by a seat
his last day.) the brave young man saw
"Now should I give my sons many precious jewels,
my battle garments, shining gold on the ground,
but fate did not grant and works of art
that I have sons. on the walls.
I ruled the people There in the dragon's den
fifty winters. Wiglaf saw the cups
Not one king among of ancient men,
the neighboring peoples ornaments fallen.
dared greet me There were helmets,
with a sword; old and rusty,
I feared no one. and many arm-rings
I awaited my destiny well: twisted with skill.
never did I plot a quarrel, (Treasure, gold in
never did I swear the ground, may be easily
an unjust oath. seized by any man,
I take joy in this, hide it who will.)
despite a mortal wound.
The Ruler of Mankind Wiglaf saw a standard
will not charge all golden high
that I murdered a kinsman over the treasure,
when my life the greatest of hand-wonders,
departs this body. woven with the skill of hands.
Go quickly, Wiglaf, From it a light shone,
examine the hoard lit all the ground
under the gray stone so he could look
now that the dragon lies over all the treasures.
sleeping of a wound, Then, I have heard,
bereft of his treasure. he rifled the hoard and
Be in haste into his bosom loaded
so that I may see the ancient work of giants--
the ancient treasure, goblets and dishes,
may examine whatever he chose,
the curious gems, even the golden standard.
so that I may The sword, the iron edge,
more cheerfully give up had carried off
my life and country." the guardian who
for a long while
carried surging fire a ring, and mail.
in the middle of the sky. He bid him use them well.
"You are the last
Wiglaf was in haste, remnant of our kin,
eager to return of the Waegmundings.
with these great treasures; Fate has swept
he feared the great spirit the rest away,
might be dead those courageous warriors.
in the place where he lay. I follow them."
With the treasure
in his hands Those were the aged king's
he found his lord last words, thoughts from
bloody and weak. the heart, before he tasted
He bathed Beowulf the funeral-fire,
until he could speak, that hot, hostile flame.
until words broke His heart departed, his soul,
from his breast-hoard. to seek glory.

The king, aged in sorrow, Wiglaf Speaks to the Cowards

beheld the gold and spoke:
"I thank the Wonder-King, The young man looked
the Ruler of All, on his beloved lord,
that I could win this wretchedly killed,
for my people lying on the ground.
before my death-day. His killer, the terrible
I have traded cave-dragon, also lay
my old life for bereft of life, overwhelmed
the people's needs. in destruction.
I cannot remain. The dragon no longer
Bid my warriors coiled round the hoard,
raise a splendid mound but was taken by iron,
on the shore-cliffs hacked in battle
after my funeral fire by the hammer's creation.
that a remembrance shall He had fallen
tower high on Hronesness. on the ground
Sea-farers shall afterward near his treasure house.
call it Beowulf's Mound No longer would he circle
when they pilot ships at midnight
far over the ocean's mists." proud in his flames;
he had fallen
He unfastened from his neck, before the prince's
his golden necklace, gave it hand-work.
to the brave young warrior,
and a gold-trimmed helmet,
As far as I have heard hall-sitters. . .
no man ever prospered helmets and armor,
rushing against that enemy; the most splendid
no man ever prospered he could find,
who found that dragon awake. far or near.
Beowulf bought the treasures He completely
with his life. wasted that armor.
Both of them found When war came
the end of this life. he couldn't boast
of warriors.
Soon the cowards, Still, God granted
the ten warriors, victory to him
returned from the woods, that he alone avenged
those who did not dare himself with sword
fight with spears when he needed help.
when their lord I could do little in battle,
needed help. though I undertook it.
They carried their shields, It was beyond my measure.
wore their mail, But I struck the foe
in shame and fire gushed less
to where Wiglaf sat, strongly from his head.
near his lord's shoulder There were too few men
trying to wake him around the prince
with water. when he faced
He did not succeed-- his time of need.
he could not, Now shall the treasure,
though he much wished it, the sword gifts
hold his chief in life. and delightful homes
He could not change given to your people,
the will of God. cease. You will lose
your land rights
The young man when men far and wide
gave a grim welcome hear of your flight,
to those who had your shameful doings.
lost courage. Wiglaf spoke, Death is better
glaring at the hated ones: to any man
"Lo, this will he say than a life of disgrace."
who wishes to speak the truth:
that lord of men He commanded then
gave you treasures, that the battle-deeds
the war-equipment be announced
you stand in. to those in town,
At the ale-bench up over the cliff-side
he often gave you. . . where the other warriors
the whole morning Since then the Mereovingians
had waited, have given us no kindness.
sad in heart, Nor do I expect
for their lord's return kindness from the Swedes--
or news of his death. it is widely known
that Haethcyn, son of Hrethel,
The Messenger Tells of Beowulf's wounded Ongentheow
Death and of the Feud Which Will near Ravenswood
Now Be Renewed when the Geats
arrogantly sought
The messenger was not silent war against the Swedes.
but said truly Quickly Ongentheow,
to all who heard: old and terrible,
"Now is the joy-giver gave a counterblow,
of the Geat people cut down Haethcyn
still on his death-bed, and rescued his wife,
his slaughter-couch, that aged woman,
through the deeds bereft of her gold,
of the dragon. the mother of Onela and Ohthere.
Beside him lies Ongentheow pursued
his life-enemy, sick his enemies--
from a dagger wound. lordless they escaped
His sword could not into Ravenswood,
in any way and those survivors,
wound the monster. weary with wounds,
Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, were besieged
sits by Beowulf, one by a huge army.
warrior by another, Often through the night
in the death-watch. that wretched band
Now may the people heard threats,
expect a time of war how in the morning
when the Franks and Frisians he would,
learn of our king's fall. with the sword,
A hard quarrel was made cut them open,
with the Hugas or hang them from trees,
when Hygelac went a sport for birds.
traveling in ships Help came to them
to the land of the Frisians, with the early dawn
attacked the Hetware. when Hygelac
With a larger army they sounded his trumpet,
brought down that warrior; came up the road
he fell among his troops. with picked warriors.
He gave no gifts The bloody tracks were widely
to his warriors. seen, the bloody feud
between Geats and Swedes. bowed, mortally wounded.
Ongentheow was forced Wulf was bound up. They
to seek higher ground, controlled the slaughter-place.
the old man One warrior plundered another.
with his kinsmen-- They took from Ongentheow
he quickly learned his iron mail,
of Hygelac's war, his hard sword,
did not believe and his helmet also.
he could not withstand They carried
the war of the sailors. the old man's armor
The old man retreated to Hygelac.
with his children and wife He received these weapons
behind an earth-wall. and promised treasures
Hygelac attacked the refuge, to his people,
overran the enclosure. which he fulfilled,
There was Ongentheow, paying Wulf and Eofor
gray-haired, brought to bay for the storm of battle--
with the edges of swords. gave them both
He was forced to submit land and treasures.
to the judgement of Eofor. Nor should any man
Wulf hit him angrily, throughout this world
struck him with sword reproach those gifts--
so that blood sprang they were earned in war.
out of his veins, And to Eofor
out under his hair. Hygelac gave
But that old man his only daughter
was not daunted-- as a pledge
he quickly repaid of friendship.
that blow with a harder, That is the feud,
nor could Wulf the deadly hostility
return the blow, for which I expect
for Ongentheow had the Swedes will attack
sheared his helmet when they learn our lord
so that Wulf bowed who long protected
to the earth, over hoard and kingdom,
covered with blood. is dead.
(He was hurt, though not yet That most valiant of warriors
doomed.) will no longer look after
As his brother lay, the needs of our people,
Eofor, with his broad sword, will do no more
an ancient sword heroic deeds.
made by giants, Now should we hurry
broke Ongentheow's helmet. to see our king
That king, shepherd of his people, and bring him back
to a funeral pyre. That was the last day
Not a little will melt of the prince of the Geats;
with that bold man, he died a wondrous death.
but a huge treasure,
countless wealth, There too on the ground
bought with grimness was the strange thing,
by that brave man. the hateful dead dragon,
All that the flames will eat, the fire-thrower,
the fire embrace; in his horrible colors,
no warrior will carry scorched by flames.
any of it as a token, He measured fifty feet,
no beautiful woman he who had
will wear a neck-ring, joyed in the sky,
but, bereft of gold flown at night,
they shall walk then hidden in his lair.
in a foreign country But he'd made his last
now that our lord has forgotten use of caverns--
laughter and joy. death held him fast.
Now shall the spear be
raised, clasped in hands, Beside him lay
many a cold morning; cups and pitchers,
now no sound of harp dishes and swords
shall wake the warrior, eaten through with rust
but the voice as if the earth had embraced
of the dark raven, them a thousand winters.
eager over the doomed, That was a hoard
speaking to the eagle of great power,
of how the meals are, that gold
how he rifles corpses ancient men
beside the wolf." had encircled with a spell
Thus the valiant warrior so that no man
spoke grievous words. could touch it,
And he was not much wrong. unless God himself,
the great Truth-King,
The Funeral gave leave
to whichever man
The sad troops rose, seemed fit to Him.
went in tears But it was plain
below Earnaness that nothing had gone well
to view the wonder. for him who had,
Lifeless on the sand, unrightly, hidden those
held in his rest-bed, works of art
was the man who had under that roof.
given them treasures.
It's a mystery where carried out many
a good man goes of the hoarded treasures
when he reaches his end, to my lord.
when he can no longer He was alive still,
live in the houses of men. sound in mind;
So it was with Beowulf that aged man
after he'd sought sorrowfully said
the keeper of the cave. many things:
He himself couldn't know He wanted you to build
how he would leave the world. on the site of his pyre
The famous kings who had cursed a high mound,
that treasure deeply great and glorious,
damned him who plundered it since he was
into eternal heathen shrines, among warriors
the solid bond of Hell. the most magnificent,
But Beowulf did not famous throughout the world.
look on it in greed. We should now hasten
to see the curious gems,
Wiglaf spoke, Weohstan's son: the wonders under the earth.
"Often must a warrior I will show you the way.
suffer for another's mistake, Make the pyre ready
as has happened here. so that we may bring our lord
Nor could we convince to the place
our beloved prince he will abide
that he should not attack in the keeping
that gold-keeper of the All-Powerful."
but let him lie  
alone in his cave Wiglaf ordered
until the world's end. the brave warriors
He grasped to carry wood
his high fate-- from far and wide
the hoard is open, to the funeral pyre
grimly bought. for the great leader
That fate of the people.
was too cruel  
to which our king "Now shall fire eat,
was impelled. the flourishing dark flames,
I went inside, the ruler of warriors,
saw all the treasure, he who often braved
the precious things; the rain of iron,
I didn't enter the storming of arrows
in a friendly way. hard from bows,
I hastily grasped the sturdy shaft
many things in my hands, swift on feathered wings."
  Beowulf's queen uttered
Wiglaf called seven warriors, a mournful song, spoke
the very best, her heart's care with her hair
and made the eighth himself, bound tight. She told earnestly
to go under how she feared evil days,
that evil roof. a great slaughter of warriors,
One carried a torch. humiliation and captivity.
No man needed forcing Heaven swallowed the smoke.
when he saw that great treasure
rusting without guardian. The Geats built a mound then,
None mourned in ten days, high and broad
carrying that off, on the hill, a beacon
and they shoved the dragon for the warrior
over the cliff-- widely seen by sailors.
the waves embraced They surrounded the ashes
that treasure guardian. by a wall, as splendid
  as the cleverest
Then the twisted gold, men could make.
treasure uncountable, In the mound they placed
was lain in a wagon; rings and bracelets
they carried the gray warrior and all such things as
to Hronesness. they'd found in the hoard.
For him then They left that treasure
they prepared in the hands of the earth,
a huge funeral pyre as it lies still,
on the earth, as useless to men
hung with helmets, as it had been before.
war-shields,
and bright coats of mail, Then twelve warriors
as Beowulf had asked. rode round the grave
  speaking their sorrow,
There they laid reciting praises
the famous prince for their lord's
and lamented courageous deeds.
that beloved lord. (A warrior should do so
Warriors then built when his lord dies.)
the greatest of fires.
Wood-smoke ascended, Thus the Geats
dark black over the flames. mourned their great lord,
That roar wrapped around saying he was,
sorrowful weeping. among this world's kings,
The wind stood still. the mildest, the gentlest,
Then his bone-house broke, the kindest to his people,
the heart burned.
and the most eager
for eternal fame.