Classical Childrens Books

Summary of Beowulf

Section by section summary of the story of Beowulf with list of activities

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Lesson One

I. The Funeral of Scyld Scefing

Summary: Scyld Scefing, was king of the famous Dane warriors and great-grandfather of King Hrothgar, a major character in our story. Scyld was a champion in battle and loved by his people. He was known as a ring-giver rewarding followers with gold rings. After his death, they laid his body in a ship and sent it out to sea as he requested. He was a mysterious character who had arrived as an abandoned child alone on a ship, and was sent back out to sea the same way.


II. Hrothgar Builds Heorot

Summary: Hrothgar, King of the Danes, great-grandson of Scyld Scefing, builds a great hall named Hearot. After it was built, he gave away gold rings but kept his promise not to waste lives or land. A monster named Grendel was disturbed by the joyful songs coming from Heorot Hall, particularly the songs of Creation that praised the Almighty. For Grendel was descended from Cain, the ancient killer of Abel and the ancestor of all of earth’s evil creatures.


III. Grendel Attacks

Summary: After the banquet, Grendel attacks killing 30 sleeping warriors and carries them to his lair to eat. A great outcry goes up in the morning. The next night the attack is repeated. The assault continues for 12 years and Hearot is emptied of people. Only the mead hall is attacked and not the throne room. King Hrothgar’s counsilors debate what they can do and pray to their old gods, hoping for help from hell. They did not know God as a loving father.


IV. Beowulf Hears and Sets Out

Summary: Beowulf (unnamed) is a strong and noble man from the court of Hygleac who hears about Grendel’s attack and decides to help. He gets fourteen other bold warriors and takes a ship across the sea. The brightly, war-decked men pushed their ship into the water and the next day arrive in Denmark. The Danish guard saw them coming and wondered who these men with rattling and clinking war-gear were that stepped on their land. He challenges them, noting particularly that one of them (hint: Beowulf) is obviously more than a simple warrior but has the look of royalty. He demands to know where they are from.


Lesson Two

V. A Danish Watchman Allows the Geat
Warriors to March to Hearot

Summary: Beowulf answers the Danish guard on horseback that he is the son of Ectheow a man now dead but famed for his wisdom. They have come from Hygelac’s court to help Hrothgar in his conflict. The watchman accepted his words and said he would lead them to Hrothgar. He assigned another to guard the Geat’s boat which was left at anchor. The men marched towards Heorot, the watchman points the way to the great hall high on the hill, and then leaves them to return to his post at the shore.


VI.Beowulf's Company at Hearot's Gate

Summary: The Geats arrive at the hall and are confronted by Hrothgar’s herald named Wulfar who asks them their purpose and states he believes by their bearing they come with a noble cause and not as beggars. Beowulf introduces himself (by his name Beowulf) and states they wish to speak to the king. Wulfar approaches Hrothgar and recommends he listen to the noble visitors.


VII. Beowulf Tells Hrothgar His Plan

Summary: King Hrothgar of the Danes states he knows about Beowulf. Beowulf, it turns out, is not only the son of Ectheow, he is also the grandson of Hrethel, the former king and father of King Hygelac. Thus Beowulf is the nephew of King Hygelac. Hrothgar has heard of Beowulf, and that he has the strength of 30 men. Hrothgar tells Wulfar, his messenger, to welcome Beowulf and his company. Wulfar then welcomes the Geats, telling them they may stay dressed in their battle gear but to leave their weapons. Beowulf then approaches King Hrothgar and tells him he has come from the court of King Hygelac because they heard of the monster who attacks Heorot at night. Beowulf has succeeded in killing many enemies, including monsters of the land and sea. His only request is that King Hrothgar will allow Beowulf and his company the right to fight Grendel unaided. Beowulf also states he has heard no weapon works against Grendel, so he plans to fight without weapon but to use the strength of his own grip. If Grendel wins the battle, the body of Beowulf will be consumed by him and will not need to be returned to his homeland, but he does ask King Hrothgar to return his battle-garments, which were gifts to him from his grandfather, King Hrethel.


VIII. Hrothgar Responds to Beowulf's Arrival

Summary: King Hrothgar answered Beowulf and welcomed him. Hrothgar told him that Ectheow (Beowulf’s father) had come to the Danes after he had killed Heatholaf of the Wulfings. After that killing, Ectheow’s own people, the Geats, would not receive him because they feared war with the Wulfings. Ectheow had come to Denmark when King Hrothgar was young and had just ascended the throne after the death of his older brother Heregar. The young King Hrothgar had sent money to the Wulfings to end the war with them. Later, Grendel began to attack Hearot Hall. Often the Danish warriors would boast in the mead-hall over their beer, but the next morning they would all be dead and the hall bloody. King Hrothgar invited Beowulf and his company into the very same mead hall.


Lesson Three

IX. Unferth Taunts Beowulf

Summary: We are introduced to Unferth, son of Ecglaf, and a councelor who sits “at the feet of King Hrothgar” and begins an unfriendly spat with Beowulf due to jealousy. First Unferth taunts: “Are you the Beowulf that lost the foolish, life-treatening, seven-day swimming contest with Breca? Breca then went to his own land, the Brondings, and became a ruler of his people.” Unferth insinuates that Grendel is likely to defeat Beowulf, the Loser.
Beowulf responded, “As drunk as you are, Unferth, you tell the truth about Breca. But I had the greater might in the ocean.”
Beowulf describes their boy-hood pledge: “We swam for five days with swords in our hands and I never left him and he could not out swim me. Then a mighty storm caused a sea-monster to drag me below the surface and I pierced the sea-monster with my sword.” (Story of Contest with Breca to be continued in the next section.)


X. Beowulf and Brecca's Contest

(story continued from Section IX.)

Summmary: In his sea-battle, Beowulf slaughtered nine sea-monsters who would no longer attack sea-faring men.The waves bore him to the shores of the Finns. He stated (to Unferth), “I never heard anything like that told of you - or Breca. And, by the way, weren’t you the murderer of your own brothers? And, I’m wondering, if you really were as tough as you claim, why is that Grendel is allowed to attack Hearot Hall all the time you have been here? He has no fear of you, but lives in pleasure and feasts off the Danes and sleeps soundly. But I plan to oppose him with the power of the Geats.”
After Beowulf’s response to Unferth, the warriors in the mead-hall laughed and went back to their drinking. Queen Wealtheow arrived, gave the goblet to her husband, then went among all the men in the hall. She stopped at Beowulf, offered the cup, and stated it was a comfort for him to come to their aid. He responded, “I shall accomplish deeds of heroic might, or endure my last days in the mead hall.”
Queen Wealtheow went to sit by her husband; there was talking and feasting in the hall; and as night came the king and queen rose to go. King Hrothgar said farewell to Beowulf: “Never before did I trust to any man the excellent hall of the Danes, except to thee now.” (Gordon, X)


XI. God Gave One Man the Strength to Save Them

Summary: King Hrothgar, Queen Wealtheow, and their company of Danish knights retired for the night, leaving Beawulf and his company to sleep in the mead hall. God himself had given Beowulf the strength to guard the hall. He removed his armor and gave it and his sword to his esquire. Before going to sleep Beowulf boasted that he would fight without weapons, and whoever God wills to win, will win. Beowulf’s men lay down as well, none believing they would ever return to their homeland, since they had heard from the men of the mead hall how many of the Danes had been killed. But God gave them success through the one leader. “The shadowy visitant came stalking in the night.” All slept but one.


Lesson 4

XII. Grendel Attacks the Geat Warriors

Summary: Grendel came under cover of cloud and darkness, forced open the doors of Hearot, crossed the floor of the hall and saw the band of warriors sleeping. He thought he would kill them all before morning and have a great feast. Beowulf was awake and watched what the monster was likely to do first. Quickly he grabbed the closest Geat, tore him to pieces and ate him. He grabbed the arm of the next warrior, which was Beowulf on his couch. Grendel had never felt such strength as Beowulf seized him. He tried to escape but could not get away. Then Beowulf remembered his speech earlier in the evening, stood up, and cracked the monster’s fingers. The hall resounded with the din of their battle and it was a wonder the hall remained standing but it was made well. Mead benches were broken in the fight, which would surprise the Danish leaders who built it to withstand all but fire. Then the Danes outside Hearot Hall were terrified by the wail they heard. Grendel was held firmly by the strongest man of earth.


XIII. Beowulf's Victory

Summary: Beowulf refused to let go, and counted his own life as unimportant. His warriors watched, swords drawn, wanting to save their leader if they could, but they did not know that no weapon on earth could pierce the monster’s flesh. It looked like Beowulf would die.

Beowulf would not let go and Grendel suffered pain. A wound was seen in his shoulder, the sinews were torn apart, his body split open and Beowulf earned life-long fame for the battle. Grendel had to flee, mortally wounded, towards his home in the marshes - knowing he would not live long. The desire of all the Danes was fulfilled.

Beowulf, who had traveled from afar, wise and strong, had cleansed Hearot Hall and freed it from its war with Grendel. Beowulf rejoiced that he had fulfilled his boast and cured the Danes’ sorrow. He had a sure sign of victory: the shoulder, arm, and claw of Grendel was attached to the roof of Hearot Hall.


XIV. Danes Rejoice / A Minstrel’s Tale

Summary: In the morning, leaders around the area gathered and followed the bloody tracks of Grendel to the side of the water which was boiling and seething in blood. The monster had gone done to his lair and died there. Old and young men traveled on horseback to see it and Beowulf was praised. They said none deserved a kingdom more than he, but they did not find fault with King Hrothgar who was regarded as wise and good. They had horse races to celebrate. The thane in the mead hall had many good tales. He devised a story about Beowulf. He also told the story of Sigemund, the dragon-slayer, and Heremond, the foolish king. After the song of Beowulf, horses continued to race, the morning continued to advance and the Queen and her ladies went to the Mead Hall.


XV. Hrothgar and Beowulf Gaze at the Arm & Speak

Summary: Hrothgar went to the Mead Hall, saw Grendel’s hand and thanked the Almighty for their deliverance. He recounted the woes they had suffered, acknowledged the might the Lord gave Beowulf to allow him success where their wisest counsellors failed. He blessed the mother of Beowulf (if she still is alive.) Then King Hrothgar said, “Now I love thee in my heart as my son, Beowulf, best of men; keep well the new kinship.” (Gordon) He promised to give Beowulf any reward he desired since he had given treasurers to other warriors for far less cause. Beowulf, he stated, has achieved eternal fame for this deed and the Ruler-of-All will continue to reward Beowulf with good. Beowulf responded that, “We accomplished that heroic deed through battle, through great favor.”(Gordon) He notes they had all risked their lives in coming. Beowulf stated that he would have prefered Hrothgar to be able to see Grendel’s dead body himself, because he had wanted to kill him there. But Grendel was strong enough to get away, leaving only his shoulder, arm, and hand. Nonethless, Grendel died and awaits judgment. Unferth, the son of Ecglaf, was silent as the Danish chieftains stared at the monster’s hand where the tip of each finger was like an iron-spike. Everyone agreed no sword could have killed him.


Lesson 5

XVI. Hrothgar Bestows Valuable Gifts on Beowulf

Summary: A command was given and many men and women repaired Hearot and redecorated it. The doors had burst, only the roof was undamaged as Grendel forced his escape, only to meet the fate no one can escape. The time arrived for King Hrothgar to join the banquet in the hall with a noble group about him for the joyous feast. Hrothgar was accompanied by his nephew Hrothulf (son of the deceased Halga.) Then we find these mysterious words: Not yet at this time had the Scyldings practiced treachery. (Gordon) King Hrothgar then gave Beowulf four valuable gifts made of gold. One of the gold gifts was a helmet with a strong ridge that would protect against strong swords. Beowulf graciously accepted the generous gifts by raising his mead cup. Then eight horses with gold plated bridles were brought into the house, and one had a saddle decorated with gold, which King Hrothgar would ride when he practiced sword play. He gave the horses to Beowulf. King Hrothgar’s generosity earned him the praise of honest people.


XVII. More Treasures Given & Song of Hildegard and Finn

Summary: Hrothgar gave treasures and weapons to each of Beowulf’s 13 companions from Geatland, as well as gold for the one unnamed companion who had been killed by Grendel. Then the minstrel provided song and music from the harp. He told the tragic story of Hildeburg, the wife of King Finn of the Frisians and sister of Hnaef, a leader of the Danes.

Read the story of Finn and Hildeburg



XVIII. Song of Hildeburg & Finn Continued
Queen Wealtheow's Plea

Summary: The minstrel finished the Song of Hildeburg and Finn, in which Finn was killed the following spring and Hildeburg taken back to her home in Denmark. The celebration then continued in Hearot Hall. Queen Wealtheow approached the throne where King Hrothgar sat with his nephew Hrothulf, (At that time there was peace between them.) Unferth sat at the king’s feet and all trusted Unferth’s wisdom even though he had killed his own brothers with the sword. Then Queen Wealtheow spoke, “Take this goblet, my king, and speak to the Geats with kind words now that we have peace. I have heard that you have taken their hero as your son. Be generous with gifts while you may, and leave to your own kinsmen the land and the people at the time in which you will pass in death. I know our nephew Hrothulf, here, will treat our sons kindly if you should die before he does because I am sure he will remember all that you have done for him through his childhood growing up in our house.” She then turned and looked at her sons, Hrethric and Hrothmund, sitting on a side-bench with Beowulf and other sons of heroes.


XIX. More Gifts, More Gracious Words,
and a Glimpse of the Future.

Summary: Beowulf was then given treasures from Wealtheow, including a flagon of wine, two bracelets, a corslet with rings, and a very valuable necklace (torque) unlike any ever known before. The hall erupts in applause for the beautiful gifts. Wealtheow asks Beowulf to use the gift well, and requests he remember and give counsel to her sons. (We then get a glimpse as to the outcome of some of those gifts, which Beowulf gives to his own King Hygelac, who later died on the battlefield with them and they came into the possession of the tribe of Franks.) The warriors again prepared their beds in the Mead Hall for the night, though one of them was doomed for death. As always their weapons were ready for war.


Lesson Six

XX. She-Monster Attacks

Summary: They went to sleep in the hall, and one warrior paid for that mistake with his life, just as others often had when Grendel had come to the hall. For it was soon learned that an avenger, Grendel’s mother, lived. She was the wife of Cain and had been forced to live in the bitter waters after Cain had killed his only brother. She had never forgotten her misery. After that Cain was marked as a murderer and forced to live in the wilderness away from men. From Cain and his wife sprang many evil beings. Grendel was one of them. He was a hateful monster, who finally found at Hearot Hall a hero watching and waiting for him. The monster came to grips with him, yet the warrior remembered his strength, the precious gift God had given him and he trusted Him for help. Therefore he overcame the fiend Grendel and brought down that spirit of hell. Grendel left without joy, seeking the place of his death. Then his mother chose to go on the journey to avenge her son’s death. She came to Hearot Hall while the Danes slept. Then the old fear fell on them all when she forced her way in. There was less terror as she was not as strong as an armed man. Nonetheless terror seized them and they drew their swords. Quickly she decided to save her life and depart. She seized one of the chieftains before she left for the marsh. That chieftain she killed was the dearest of heroes to King Hrothgar; he was a nobleman of much fame. Beowulf was not in the hall when she came because other quarters had been set apart for him after many treasures had been bestowed on him. There was an outcry. She had carried off the famous blood stained hand. The wise king was troubled in his heart that his dear friend was dead. At dawn Beowulf was brought to the castle. He and his companions went to the king who wondered if the All-Ruler would ever bring a change to their problems. The wooden floor echoed as Beowulf approached the king and asked if he had had a peaceful night.


XXI. Hrothgar Answers Beowulf In Sorrow

Summary: Hrothgar answered, “Do not ask about my well-being, for the sorrow of the Danes has been made anew. Aschere, my counsilor and friend, is dead, he who often fought by my side. The mother of the monster slew him in revenge of the death of Grendel whom you killed the night before. She has more than avenged him and many thanes grieve this loss. Low lies that hand that used to give generously to the desires of others. I had heard my people say there were two dwellers in the marsh: this she-monster and Grendel. They did not know who Grendel’s father was or if he had other evil off-spring. They live in an unnatural place, a flood under the earth, less than a mile from the marsh. Each night a fire can be seen in the water. No men will go there. Even a hart chased by a hound will die rather than go there to escape the hunt. It is an eerie place whose waves reach the skies. Once more our help can only come from you, Beowulf. You do not yet know the place where you will find that evil creature, if you will. If you come back alive, I will reward you as I did before, with ancient and precious treasures.”


XXII. Journey to the Water's Edge

Summary: Beowulf replied, “Do not be sad, wise warrior. It is better to avenge a friend than mourn greatly. We all must die sometime, but let those who can achieve fame before death. Rise up! Let us go quickly to find the tracks of Grendel’s mother. She will not escape whereever she goes. Have patience for today’s woes.” The old king then lept up and thanked God for Beowulf’s words. His horse was made ready and he went forth in splendor. Foot soldiers bearing shields marched forward. Her tracks were seen over the fields. Over the moors she had born the dead thane who had ruled with Hrothgar. The wise prince went over high cliffs, narrow paths, steep crags - the homes of many monsters. He went ahead with a few others until they came to the place where the mountain trees were hanging over grey rock. Beneath lay the bloody water. All the Danes were deeply troubled when they found Aschere’s head on the cliff by the mere. The people saw the waters surge with blood and gore. They sat down and beheld strange sea-dragons moving over the water and monsters lying on the rocky cliff. These were beasts that often attacked boats at dawn. The reptiles swarmed bitter and angry as the war horn sounded. The prince of Geats, Beowulf, shot one of the monsters through the heart. It swam sluggishly before it died. Speedily was that beast pierced with other darts and drug to shore. Beowulf clad himself in his armor and did not regret that this would be the end of his life. The war-corslet must go into the water because it knew how to guard his life in battle. His ancient, gleaming helmet encircled with boars guarded his head so no sword could pierce it. But that was not the least of the mighty helps that Hrothgar’s squire, Unferth, lent him; for he handed him the hilted sword named Hrunting, an ancient treasure made of iron and marked with poisonous barbs, hardened in battle. That sword had never failed and this was not its first mighty deed. To be honest, Unferth who had been drunk with wine did not remember what he said to Beowulf the other night. He himself would never risk his life on brave deeds beneath the waters. But that was not true of Beowulf when he clad himself for war.


XXIII. Beowulf Meets the She-Monster

Summary: Beowulf spoke to Hrothgar, “I am now ready for that which we spoke earlier. If I die, you will ever be in the place of a father to me. Be a guardian to my thanes. And send the treasures you have given me to King Hygelac. He will see that I have found a generous friend here and had had the joy of mighty deeds. And give the blade Hrunting back to Unferth. I shall achieve fame with Hrunting or else perish.” With those words he quickly jumped into the water without waiting for an answer. The waters closed over him. There was a long period of time before he saw the bottom. She who had held that domain for fifty years discovered right away that a man was seeking from above that dwelling place. She reached out and grabbed him with dread claws, nevertheless she could not pierce the corslet with her sharp fingers. She went to the bottom and bore the prince to her lair. He could not use his sword even though he was brave because too many monsters were on him. Many a sea-beast rent his corslet with their tusks. Then the earl noticed he was in a hostile hall and no water touched him. Because of the roof, the waves could not cover him. He saw the fire, the radiance gleaming brightly. Then he saw her. The mighty mere-woman. She rushed at him; he struck her with the sword. It sang a greedy war-chant on her head. But the sword would not pierce: it failed the prince at his need. It had endured many battles, cut through many helmets. That was the first time the costly weapon failed. But Beowulf was resolute, mindful of heroic deeds, and brave. He threw down the sword and trusted in his strength. Thus a man should do when he desires to gain praise and not worry about his own life. Then without fear he seized Grendel’s mother by the hair. In wrath he swung her and she bent to the ground. She quickly reached out, grabbed him and overthrew the strongest of fighters. He fell to the ground. She sat on him. Drew her knife, broad and bright. She would avenge her child, her only son. His corslet guarded his heart and saved his life; it opposed the point that tried to pierce it. Thus the son of Ecgtheow, the hero of the Geats, would have died under the wide waters had the corslet not protected him and had the holy God not given him a victory. Once more, he stood up with ease.


Lesson Seven

XXIV. Beowulf's Second Victory

Summary: Beowulf spied a giant sword in the monster’s lair. He grabbed it and struck right through her, killing Grendel’s mother. He rejoiced. In the light he raised the weapon and went along the wall of the dwelling determined to avenge the many death’s at Hearot Hall. He found the lifeless body of Grendel and cut off its head in wrath. Meanwhile at the top of the lake, the waiting men saw the blood-tinged water. They thought the monster had won and they would never see the Geat hero again. It was the ninth hour, and despairing to ever see their friend again the Danes and their king departed. Then that giant sword in Beowulf’s hand began to melt like ice when the Father releases the winter-freeze. He saw many treasures but took none other than the head of the giant and the sword hilt. He swam upwarded through the water and came to land. His troop of thanes rejoiced to see him and thanked God he was safe. Quickly they took off his helm and corslet. The lake lay still, stained with blood. They set out, retraced their path, and came to the streets. It took four men to carry Grendel’s head on a spear to the mead hall. Then the fourteen brave Geats came to Hearot Hall. They entered and greeted Hrothgar. The entire hall was shocked by the sight of the head.


Reunion with King Hrothgar

Summary: Beowulf declared, “Lo, son of Healfdene, we have brought you some trophies. Barely did I escape with my life. The fight had all but ended but God protected me. Though Hrunting is a worthy weapon, I could do nothing with it. But the Ruler of Men made sure that I saw a giant sword hanging on the wall, so often He has guided those without friends. I swung that weapon and slew the guardians of the house. Then the sword burned away as the blood spurted out. I have carried off the hilt and avenged the Danes. As I promised, you and your people may sleep in peace at Hearot. Then the old hilt, the ancient blade of giants, was given to the aged king. It came into the possession of the Danish king after the murderer and his mother had left this world. It came into the power of the best of kings who gave out money in Scandanavia. Hrothgar looked at the hilt. It told the story long ago when a flood slew the race of giants estranged from the Lord. In bright gold the story was told in twisted lines and snake images. The king responded, “Your renown, my friend Beowulf, is raised up among all peoples. You are steadfast and wise. You shall be granted long years as a comfort to your people and a help to heroes. Heremond did not prove so to the Danes; he did not rule as they wished but the people of the Danes were slaughtered. Savage in mood, he killed his table companions - his own counsellors. Though God had given him power and strength, it brought him no joy and he parted from the company of people. His thoughts grew blood-thirsty. He gave out no rings, he did not follow that custom, joyless was he. He reaped the reward of hostility, evil to his people. Learn from this. Lay hold of virtue. This I speak from the wisdom of many years. Mighty God bestows on mankind wisdom, land, and rank. But sometimes such men allow thoughts to turn to power and his family line. With the joy of holding lands and strongholds, he lives in plenty. He thinks nothing will ever afflict him, neither sorrow nor old age, or strife. All the world, it seems, meets his own desire.”


XXVI. Hrothgar’s Warning & A Night of Rest

Summary: Hrothgar continued, “He knows nothing worse till within him his pride grows and springs up. His conscience, the guardian of the soul sleeps. His heart is struck by that arrow of evil. Then all that he has does not seem like it is enough. He covets, he does not give gold rings generously, he neglects the destiny given him by God, and forgets the honors bestoyed on him. He fails and falls. Another replaces him who is glad to be more generous. Keep yourself from these passions, dear Beowulf, and choose better for yourself. Do not give into pride, our famous hero. Yes, the reputation of your great strength will endure for a while. But either old age or young death may separate you from that strength. Or fire, or flood, or the grip of a sword, or the flight of a spear, hateful old age, or the gleam of your eye may fail. For even death can overcome you, noble warrior. For 50 years I have guarded my Ring Danes from many tribes, from war and spears. So I thought I had no foe in the world. But look what happened: sorrow after joy. Grendel visited me and I have suffered such sorrow in the persecution. Thanks be to the eternal God that I have survived and that I see his bloody-stained head there with my own eyes. Go now to your seat, enjoy this banquet, you who have been made so famous by war. Many treasures shall be given to you in the morning.”

Beowulf was glad and sought out his seat as the king told him. A fair meal was spread again for men in that hall famous for courage. Night came. The veteran warriors got up, the aged Scylding desired to seek his bed. The idea of rest pleased the Geat warrior too. A hall thane who served the men guided him, weary as he was from that day’s journey. He took his rest in the wide-roofed, gold-plated building.

Then came the bright light gliding after shadows. The traveler was ready to seek his boat. Unferth bade Beowulf to keep Hrunting the sword. Beowulf thanked him, said he counted the sword a good friend in battle and a worthy blade (what a noble warrior Beowulf was!) The men readied themselves in their war gear. Beowulf went to the throne room and greeted Hrothgar.


XXVII. Farewell to Hrothgar

Summary: Beowulf said to Hrothgar, “It is time that us sea-farers return to King Hygelac. You have treated us as kindly as we could possibly wish. If there was anyway I could serve you better in battle, I would do it. If I ever hear that your neighbors are attacking you, I will bring a thousand thanes to your aid. I know that Hygelac, lord of Geats, protector of people, though he is still young, will help me in words and deeds to bring spears to your defense if you need it. If your son Prince Hrethric visits the Geats he will find many friends, for it is good to visit distance lands to find allies.”

Hrothgar answered, “The Lord has given such speech to you. I have never heard a young man speak wiser. You are strong in might, wise in mind, prudent in speech. I expect that if anything ever happens to King Hygelac’s prince, and you are still alive, that you will come to the throne. The Sea-Geats could have no better king, a treasure-guardian of heroes, if you would rule the kingdom of your people. As time has gone on, your mind has pleased me even more, dear Beowulf. You have brought peace between Geats and Spear-Danes; all former conflicts shall cease. Our realms will share their treasures with each other and ring-ships will bear gifts of love across the seas. I know from old traditions that people of one mind are blameless towards friends and foes.”

Then the son of Healfdene gave him twelve treasures and bid him return to their land quickly. Then that gray-haired noble king, prince of the Scyldings, kissed the great thane and tears fell. There were only two possibilities, but the king knew the most likely chance was that the two would never see each other again. Brave men talking together, and he cared very much what should happen to him.

Then Beowulf strode over the grass, proud of his gold, glorying in the treasure. The boat at anchor awaited its lord. On the voyage, Hrothgar’s last gift was often praised. For that was a great king, blameless in all his ways, until old age robbed him of the joy of strength as it has done to so many.


Lesson Eight

XXVIII. Return to Geat and Comparison of Two Queens

Summary: The Geats marched to the sea where the watchman saw them coming. He did not hail them with insults but rode towards them with welcome. The war-decked men loaded their ring-prowed ship with the horses and treasures. Beowulf gave to him a golden sword for guarding their ship which made him more esteemed afterwards in the mead-hall for possessing that treasure. He embarked his ship, left the land of the Danes, the mast in the breeze, the timbers creaking. They went on their way until they could see the cliffs of the Geats, the familiar the headlands. The boat was driven ashore, urged by the wind until it rested on the land. Quickly the watchman who had long waited for them was ready by the sea. He anchored their ship so it would not float away. He ordered the treasures to be carried up. They had not far to go to seek their king, Hygelac, son of Hrethel, giver of treasure who was with his comrades by the sea-wall. It was a splendid house with a mighty king in the high hall. The queen was named Hygd, young but wise and high-minded. She was the daughter of Hareth and had not lived long in this hall. She was not petty or stingy in the giving of gifts to the people. She was a splendid queen of the people and did not have the pride or hostility of the dreaded Queen Thyrth. (Queen Thyrth was the wife of King Offa, son of Garamond, and kinsman of Hemming.) That Queen Thyrth was one that even the brave companions of the king could not look upon, only the great prince himself dared look into her eyes. If any did dare look on her, she had them bound with hand-woven ties and quickly put to the sword. This was not a great queen for they should seek peace and not to put to death a loyal subject of the king for some imagined-wrong on her part. In truth, the kinsman of Hemming detested that and changed it. Later men in the mead-hall told another tale about her as they drank. They said she had become kinder after marrying King Offa, traveling over the yellow flood to the throne as a gold-dressed bride, and then became well-employed. They said she had become a good and famous woman. She kept a noble love towards the prince of heroes, the best as I have heard, of all mankind, of the races between the seas. King Offa was a skilled spearman, widely honored for his gifts and victories, he ruled his realm with wisdom. He became the father of Eomer, the helper of heroes, the kinsman of Hemming, grandson of Garamond, mighty in battle.


XXIX. Reunion with King Hygelac

Summary: The returning Geats marched over the meadow, beneath the bright sun. They heard that their King Hygelac, the slayer of the Swedish King Ongentheow, was giving gold rings in his court. Beowulf’s safe arrival was quickly announced to the court. Quickly a space was made in the hall for them as the king ordered. The two kinsman sat together and with solemn words Beowulf greeted his lord. The queen, Hareth’s daughter, peace-makier, gave out cups of mead. Hygelac began to question Beowulf about his exploits. “How did you do on the voyage where you sought warfare at Heorot, dear Beowulf? Surely you have healed King Hrothgar’s sorrow. I was not sure you should have traveled to fight that murderous monster, and I give thanks to God to see you safe again.” Beowulf replied, “Many have now heard of my famous battle with Grendel. I avenged the sorrow of the Danes. When I came to Hrothgar’s hall, he assigned me a seat beside his son. His men were merry. Never did I see a greater hall. At times the queen moved among the people. She is a peace-maker. She encouraged the men and gave away rings. At times it was King Hrothgar’s daughter, named Freawaru, who took the mead to the men. She is young, gold-adorned, and engaged to be married to the son of Froda. King Hrothgar himself brought about their engagement, thinking his daughter could help heal the deadly feuds between the two people. But it is a rare thing when a royal king is killed that the desire for revenge is put to rest, even when the bride is a worthy woman.”


XXX. Freawaru & Ingeld; Beowulf Continues

Summary: Beowulf continued his conversation with King Hygelac about the engagement of King Hrothgar’s daughter, Freawaru, with Ingeld, the prince of the Heathobards. “The day may come when one of the Heathobards is bothered by the fact that one of the Danish retainers attending Freawaru is noted to be wearing a sword. If it turns out that that sword was one that the Dane had won in battle against a Heathobard, one of their warriors may stir up trouble. He may say to a younger man, ‘Is that not your father’s sword that the Dane wears so boastfully.’ Then the day may come when that retainer lies dead and his murder escapes with his life, craftily escaping on roads only known to the Heathobards. Then the truce brought about by the wedding is broken. Then Ingeld’s love for his wife grows cold. No, said Beowulf, I do not think the Heathobards will be loyal friends of the Danes for long.” “But,” continued Beowulf, “let me tell you more about the struggle with Grendel. After the sun set the first night, the monster came out. A violent death befell our warrior, Handscio, the first to fall. Grendel devoured the whole body of the man we loved. Then he pitted himself against me. He had a large pouch made of dragon skins, designed by the devil, and he intended to put me in it. But when I stood upright he could not put me in it. It would take too long for me to tell how I requited every evil deed he had done. There, my prince, I did bring honor to your people by my deeds. For he escaped, and lived a bit longer, but his right arm remained in Hearot. He sat down in misery in his mere. “The next morning the king rewarded me with many treasures. There was singing and merriment. An older Scylding told tales of long ago. One played a sweet song on the harp, another a song sad and true. The king himself told a wondrous tale. An older warrior began to speak of the battles of his youth, his heart swelling inside him. “Thus we took our pleasure that day. But that night Grendel’s mother was ready for revenge. She killed a warrior, Aschere, a councilor of many years. She took the body so they could not even put his body on the pyre. That was the heaviest of sorrows to Hrothgar. He begged me to risk my life and he would reward me. A found the famous monster in the depths of surging water. We grabbled hand to hand, the water filled with blood, and I cut off her head in violence. I was not doomed for death, but the son of Healfdene, the protector of earls, gave me many a treasure.


XXXI. Beowulf Gives Hrothgar the Treasure

Summary: Beowulf continued, “King Hrothgar lives as is fitting for the king of the people. He gave me many valuable treasures which I gladly offer to you now. All favor that I have is owed to you, for I have few relatives but you, King Hygelac.”

Then Beowulf commanded them to bring the boar-image, the banner, the helmet, the corslet, and the sword. He said, “King Hrothgar gave me this war gear. He expressly said I should tell you of his good will towards you. It belonged to King Hearogard, King Hrothgar’s deceased older brother. Hrothgar has stated he will not give it to Hearogard’s son, Heroweard, even though he is loyal to him.Use it well.”

I heard that four yellowish red horses, all exactly like, came next. Beowulf gave possession of all of them to King Hygelac, which was right for a kinsman to do and not weave a net of trouble which could end in the death of a comrade when secret guile is at work. Beowulf was loyal to Hygelac, and each of them were mindful of the other.

I heard that he presented to Queen Hygd the neckband that Queen Wealtheow had presented to him as well as three steeds who were all graceful. When she wore the jewelry, her breast was very fair.

Thus Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, a man famous in battle and for brave deeds, lived honorably. He never killed his heart companions in drunkenness, was not savage, but always fearless in a fight. He guarded that strength that God had given him.

For a long time Beowulf had been despised, for the Geats had looked down on him and thought he was worthless. Nor did the leader of the troops want to honor him on the mead benches. They thought he was lazy and unfit as a young man. But now his fame made up for every slight he had suffered.

Then King Hygelac bade them bring in the sword of his father, King Hrethel. There was not a better sword treasured among the Geats and he gave it to Beowulf. He also gave him seven thousand measures of land, a house, and princely rank. Both of them had land, domains, and ancestral claims by natural right. But King Hygelac held even more land.

Transition to Book II Of Beowulf

It came to pass in later years that Hygelac fell in battle. And eventually Hygelac’s son, Heardred, also fell by the sword when attacked by the Swedes (Scylfings). Then Beowulf became king of the Geats. He ruled well for fifty years. He became himself an aged king, a guardian of the land, until a dragon which guarded a treasure in a deep burial mound began to show his might on dark nights.

An unknown pathway had led to that treasure mound. An unnamed man entered there, greedily seized treasure from the sleeping dragon, so that it was enraged when it woke.


Book Two: Part Three: Lesson Nine

XXXII. An Ancient Treasure Found

Summary: The man who crept into the cave did not intend to violate a dragon’s hoard. But he was a slave who was fleeing from a beating from his master. Pressed down by guilt, unable to find shelter, he hid in the mound. He looked in and fear of the monster fell on him. But then he saw the treasure and in his misery greed seized him.

There were in that cave many ancient treasures carefully hid there by men of a noble race long ago. One by one those men died off, but one veteran lasted the longest, a watchman weary for his departed friends. He saw his fate, and knew that he would have keep over the long-gathered treasures for a short time. The barrow was on an open ground, close to the sea, newly raised on the headland (cliff). It was strong and secure. Into that the guardian put the ancient treasures of beaten gold.

He said, “Now earth, look at what heroes cannot see: the treasure of earls. Lo! Valiant men took it from you. But war took each of my people. They gave up their life, they who had seen joy in the hall. I have no one who can wield the sword or polish the treasures. The stout helmet is missing its beaten plates. Those who would polish this treasure have followed the warriors who died getting it. Gone is the song of the harp, the timbrel, the hawk in flight through the hall, the horse in battle. Violent death has taken many generations.”

He lamented his sorrow, day after joyless day, until death took him. Then the old night foe, the flaming dragon who seeks barrows, found the treasure hoard. He holds possession of the pagan gold, even though he gets not the smallest gain from it.

For three hundred years the dragon guarded that treasure. Then his mind became vexed by that man. Then that man returned to his master with the goblet and begged him for protection. Therefore the treasure was found, some more rings were taken, and the master forgave the unhappy man. For the first time the prince beheld that ancient treasure.

Then the dragon woke, the wrath was rekindled. He followed the track of the man who had stepped near his head. Not finding him, or finding the missing treasure, the dragon took to the air. The first onslaught terrified the people. He burned their houses. He intended to kill them all. Then he returned to his barrow, thinking he would be safe there. His hope deceived him.


XXXIII. How Beowulf Became King

Summary: Beowulf learned of this terror because his own home was consumed by flames. He was troubled and thought he had broken the laws of God. He was troubled by dark thoughts which was not his usual way. The dragon had destroyed his stronghold and their countryside. He was determined to attack the dragon and had an iron shield made for him. He knew a wooden shield would not work.

The famous chieftain was fated to endure the end of fleeting days. And the dragon with him, though he had long held that treasure. Beowulf scorned to face the dragon with a troop of warriors. He did not fear the fight or worry about the valour of a dragon. Before this he had endured many battles since he fought Grendel in Hrothgar’s hall.

This was not going to be a mere hand-to-hand battle. That is what had happened to King Hygelac, his old king, who died in the rush of battle when he had attacked the Frisians long ago. His blood had been shed by the sword. The Hetware (Franks) who had pushed forward with their shields had no reason to boast about their encounter with Beowulf. Few indeed escaped. Beowulf escaped by swimming back to the land of the Geats, holding thirty suites of armor that he had won in battle. When he returned to Geatland Queen Hygd gave him rings and treasure and offered the throne because she did not trust her own young son, Heardred, would be able to protect the kingdom now that Hygelac was dead.

But Beowulf would not consent to rule over his cousin Heardred, son of the king. Instead he upheld the young king with counsel and support. He helped him rule the Weder-Geats as Heardred aged.

Swedish exiles, the sons of Othere, sought to take refuge in the land of the Geats when they had rebelled against the king of the Scylfings(Swedes) who was their uncle. That ended up costing Heardred his life when attacked by Onela, the son of Ongentheow. After Heardred’s death, Beowulf became king of the Geats. He was a good king.


XXXIV. Beowulf Reminisces

Summary: In later years Beowulf responded to the death of his prince, Heardred. He sent warriors and weapons with Eadgils, son of Ohtere, son of Ongentheow. Then King Onela of the Swedes died.

Thus Beowulf had survived many battles. So with eleven other warriors he sought the dragon. He had the now-famous goblet that had been taken by the runaway slave. So that man became the thirteenth man in their troop. Unhappily, he was forced to show them the way there. He led them to the underground cave against his will, close to the sea. Within it were the jewels and the monster, now grown old guarding his treasure. It would not be easy for any to enter.

Beowulf sat down, sad, and said good-bye to his companions. He was thinking of his death which soon would come to the aged man. He said to them, “I have come through many battles. I was seven years old when my grandfather, King Hrethel, took me from my father and fostered me. He gave me treasures and feasts, loved me no less than his own three sons. Haethcyn, the second son, killed the oldest son, Herebeald, and then the third son, Hygelac became king. That death was not intended by Haethcyn, he was hunting and missed the mark. No amount of gold could pay that debt and the death was left unavenged.

“It was like the sadness that an aged man must endure when the son of his youth swings from the gallows. He makes a sad song when his son hangs and becomes food for the ravens. He cannot help him. Every day he remembers his son’s death. He is not interested in having another son. Sorrowfully, he gazes at his dead son’s home, now quiet. All joy is gone.


XXXV. Beowulf Faces the Dragon

Summary: Beowulf continued, “Thus did King Hrethel mourn his son Herebeald all the rest of his days. He could not avenge the murder though he resented his son Haethcyn. But he left to his heirs land and cities when he died. “The old conflict between Swedes and Geats was renewed after Hrethel’s death. Ongentheow’s sons were bold in battle. They attacked my kinsmen near Hreosnaburg. The Geats attacked back but that was fatal to our prince Haethcyn. The next morning a kinsman took revenge. It was Eofor who slay Ongentheow himself, King of Scylfings. “I took revenge for King Hygelac’s and earned the gifts he gave me. He never had to hire warriors from the Danes or other tribes, for I fought hard for him. I wished to be before him on foot. And so shall I always fight. “Afterwards I slew Draeghrefn, champion of the Hugas (Franks) in the battle of two armies after he killed King Hygelac. He wanted to take Hygelac’s war-gear off his body and to the Frisian King, but I stopped him. It was not with my sword that I slew him, but with my battle grip. But now with my sword I will wage war for the treasure.” Then he greeted each of his men for the last time. “I would not use a sword or weapon if I could beat the dragon without it, as I did with Grendel. But I expect fiery blast and need shield and corlset. I will not give a foot, but Fate, the master of each man, will decide between us. You men watch from the hill. For it is my task alone to strive against the dragon and win with heroic deeds. By my might I shall gain the treasure, or death will take me.” Then he arose, stern under his helmet, toward the rocky cliffs. He trusted his strength; he was no coward. He saw a stone arch with a stream rushing out, hot from the dragon’s breath. He uttered a battle cry under the gray stone. Hate was aroused. The dragon’s breath came forth. He lifted his shield. The dragon was ready for strife. He raised his sharp sword. They both felt fear of the other. The dragon coiled. The warrior rushed forward, hastening to his fate. The shield gave less protection than he wished. He struck the monster with his sword; it did not go deep. The dragon was savage, he cast forth deadly flames. The famous sword failed at the king’s need. Quickly the fighters struck again. The dragon labored; the warrior was surrounded by flame. His comrades, all sons of chieftains, did not stand with their king. They fled into the woods and hid for their lives. Only one of them had the mind to face the sorrows with him.


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