"Beowulf" stands as the great national epic of the Anglo-Saxon race, offering a

window into the spirit, ideals, aims, manners, and customs of their ancestors.
Though the hero Beowulf himself was a Geat-Dane, not an Anglo-Saxon, he
belonged to the broader Teutonic people who lived in an heroic age where
wandering singers celebrated great deeds. The poem, consisting of 3182 lines, is
written in the alliterative verse of the Anglo-Saxon tongue, a language more
challenging for an Englishman to read than Latin or Greek. Originally likely
composed in Northumbrian, it was later translated into the West Saxon dialect
during a period of literary flourishing at the West Saxon Court.
One theory, proposed by Arnold, suggests a missionary origin for the poem. It
posits that English Church missionaries, while extending Christianity in places like
Friesland, were drawn to Scandinavian folklore and traditions. There, they
encountered the prominent figure of Beowulf the Geat and wove suitable elements
into an epic poem upon their return, which soon became known to "lovers of English
song". Regardless of its precise origin, the unique manuscript of "Beowulf"
preserved in the British Museum testifies to the genius of the Anglo-Saxon race.
The poem reveals several outstanding characteristics and values of the Anglo-
Saxon people:
 The Co-operative Principle: Unlike modern society, which is often divided
by clashing interests, the poem portrays a community—from King to churl—
united by a common interest. King, chieftain, thane, and churl intermingle,
eat, drink, and sleep under a common roof, highlighting strong social
interaction and mutual interdependence. When one suffers, all are
concerned; the loss of one is the loss of all, as seen in Hrothgar's lament for
Aeschere. The King's chief concern was the physical and moral well-being of
his people, being "king only 'for his folk'".
 Comradeship and Mutual Responsibility: This extended beyond national
or tribal lines. Beowulf, a Geat, sails across the sea to aid Hrothgar, a Dane,
because Hrothgar was "lacking in warriors". Beowulf perceives his mission as
a solemn obligation of the strong to help the weak, feeling, "Woe is me if I
help not the weak and cleanse not the demon-infested palace of my
kinsman!".
 Loyalty: An immense sense of loyalty bound the people to their king or
chieftain, a concept known as the "Comitatus". Desertion of a leader was
considered the most disgraceful act, and loyalty was the greatest virtue, with
disloyalty and cowardice being the greatest vices. Society functioned as an
organic whole, held together by loyalty and devotion to the common good.
 Fatalism ("Weird"): A pervasive fatalistic note runs through the poem.
"Weird," the Anglo-Saxon name for Fate or Destiny, is depicted as an
inscrutable and irresistible power that controls all things. This belief in an
unyielding fate is seen as accounting for the "dare-devil courage" of Anglo-
Saxons in battle or at sea. Beowulf himself declares, "Weird goes as he
willeth," accepting fate must be submitted to.
  Sombre View of Life: Closely linked to destiny, the poem reflects a sombre
outlook characteristic of Teutonic peoples, lacking the passionate joy found in
Celtic literature. Life in "Beowulf" is serious, set against a massive,
threatening, and mist-encircled landscape of angry seas, precipitous cliffs,
gloomy moorlands, treacherous bogs, and dense forests inhabited by
malignant spirits. Such an environment leaves little time for love-making; life
revolves around eating, drinking, sleeping, and fighting.

The Story of Beowulf

The narrative of Beowulf unfolds across three major conflicts, each shaping the
hero's journey and demonstrating the values held by his people.
I. The Prelude: The Legacy of Scyld Scefing The story begins not with Beowulf,
but with the venerable Scyld Scefing, an ancient king of the Spear-Danes. He was
a foundling, discovered as a miserable child, but rose to become a powerful and
good king, terrifying tribes and exacting tribute. God sent him a son, also named
Beowulf (distinct from the hero of the poem), to be a savior of the people. When
Scyld passed away, he was given a grand ship funeral, laid on a vessel filled with
treasures and weapons, and sent out to sea alone, a somber and mysterious
departure. This powerful opening establishes a sense of noble lineage, divine favor,
and the cyclical nature of life and death.
II. Hrothgar's Great Hall and the Terror of Grendel Generations later,
Hrothgar, a descendant of Scyld through his father Healfdene, became a
successful Danish king. His prosperity and honor in battle led him to build the
greatest mead-hall ever heard of: Hart. This magnificent hall, adorned with stags'
horns and treasures, became a place of daily joy, feasting, and the "clear song of
the bard" recounting the creation of the world by the Almighty.
However, this joyful noise awakened Grendel, a monstrous, grim spirit from hell,
who was a "march-stepper" dwelling on the moorlands and fens. Grendel was a
descendant of Cain, proscribed by the Creator for Cain's slaying of Abel, making
him a foe of mankind and an embodiment of evil and hatred. Grendel, unable to
tolerate the happiness of men, began his nightly raids, seizing and devouring thirty
sleeping thanes. Hart, once a symbol of joy, stood idle for twelve long winters,
stained with blood and misery, as Grendel, a "dark death-shadow," relentlessly
pursued Hrothgar's warriors. He could not, however, approach the "throne the
treasure of God," indicating a limit to his evil. The Danes, in their distress, resorted
to heathen sacrifices, ignorant of the true God.
III. Beowulf's Arrival and the Battle with Grendel Hearing of Hrothgar's plight
in his homeland of Gautland (southern Sweden), Beowulf, a thane of King Hygelac
of the Geats, decided to offer his aid. He was renowned as the "strongest of main of
all men in the world". Beowulf, with a chosen band of warriors, sailed to the land of
the Danes. Upon arrival, the Danish coast-guard questioned them, and Beowulf,
introducing himself as the son of Ecgtheow, explained his mission to cleanse Hart of
its evil. Hrothgar, remembering Beowulf's father and an ancient feud he had helped
settle, welcomed the Geatish hero, placing his hope in Beowulf against the terror of
Grendel.
Beowulf, in the mead-hall, recounted his past heroic deeds, including binding five
foes, destroying giants, and slaying sea-monsters. He boldly proclaimed his
intention to fight Grendel alone and without weapons, trusting his immense
hand-grip against the monster, who he heard "recks not of weapons". He declared,
"he whom Death taketh shall believe in the doom of the Lord," demonstrating the
Anglo-Saxon belief in fatalism.
This declaration prompted Unferth, Hrothgar's spokesman, to challenge Beowulf's
boasts, recalling a swimming contest with Breca where Unferth claimed Beowulf was
outmatched. Beowulf, however, corrected the account, detailing how he killed nine
sea-monsters during that ordeal, and sharply retorted by accusing Unferth of being
the slayer of his own brother, suggesting Unferth's own cowardice was why Grendel
had no fear of the Danes. Queen Wealtheow, Hrothgar's wife, then graciously
welcomed Beowulf, expressing her trust in his ability to bring help.
As night fell, Hrothgar entrusted Beowulf with the great hall. Beowulf removed his
armor and lay down, while his men slept around him, none expecting to see their
homes again due to Grendel's history. Grendel soon arrived, burst into the hall, and
quickly devoured a sleeping Geat warrior. Beowulf, awake and vigilant, seized the
monster's hand. The ensuing struggle was fierce, tearing through the hall, and
Grendel, terrified by Beowulf's grip—the greatest he had ever encountered—sought
to flee. As Grendel had "forsworn all victorious weapons and swords," Beowulf's
hand-to-hand combat was effective. Beowulf tore off Grendel's entire arm,
shoulder, and sinews, inflicting a mortal wound. Grendel, mortally wounded and
"bereft of joy," fled to his lair beneath the fen-slopes, where he finally succumbed to
his injuries in the blood-stained lake. Beowulf placed the monster's arm as a
"manifest token" of victory under Hart's roof.
IV. Celebration and the Vengeance of Grendel's Mother The Danes celebrated
wildly, proclaiming Beowulf's glory. A scop (singer) entertained them with tales of
heroes like Sigmund the Waelsing, who slew a dragon, and contrasted Beowulf's
deeds with the downfall of Heremod, a "bad king" whose pride and malice brought
sorrow to his people. Hrothgar showered Beowulf with rich rewards, including a
golden banner, a helm, a byrny, and eight horses, embracing him "in heart as my
son". He praised Beowulf's enduring fame and warned him against the dangers of
pride, encouraging "eternal wisdom" over fleeting strength, drawing a parallel to the
downfall of Heremod. Wealtheow presented Beowulf with a magnificent neck-ring
and urged him to be a kind guardian to her sons, Hrothric and Hrothmund, ensuring
the stability of the kingdom.
The peace, however, was short-lived. That very night, Grendel's mother,
described as a "terrible wife" and "grim spirit," arrived at Hart to avenge her son's
death. She, too, was a descendant of Cain and shared Grendel's monstrous lineage.
Though her "war-terror" was considered less than that of men, she swiftly seized
and killed Aeschere, Hrothgar's "wise counsellor and ... comrade in arms" and his
dearest hero. She then fled, taking Grendel's arm back with her, renewing the
sorrow in Hart.
Hrothgar, heartbroken, described the terrifying lair of Grendel's mother: a hidden
land of "wolf-slopes, the windy nesses, the terrible fen-path" leading to a lake with
frozen trees and fire on the flood. He implored Beowulf to seek out this "sinful man"
(referring to the female monster ambiguously) and promised further rewards.
V. Beowulf's Quest and the Battle with Grendel's Mother Beowulf, steadfast
in his resolve, urged Hrothgar not to sorrow, but to avenge his friend. He vowed that
Grendel's kinswoman would not escape, "neither in the bosom of the earth, nor in
forests of the mountains, nor by the ways of the sea". The warriors, including
Hrothgar, followed the monstrous tracks to the desolate, blood-stained water where
Aeschere's head was discovered on the cliffs. In the water, they saw serpents,
dragons, and sea-monsters. Beowulf, after killing one such creature with an arrow,
donned his battle-armor. He was even lent Hrunting, Unferth's "hilted sword,"
famed for its keen, poison-tipped edge that had never failed in battle. Before diving,
Beowulf made his final arrangements with Hrothgar, asking him to care for his
kinsmen as a father would and to send his treasures to Hygelac if he died.
Beowulf plunged into the water, encountering Grendel's mother, who immediately
attacked him and dragged him to her underwater lair. His mail shirt protected him
from her initial attacks, and he found himself in a "roof-hall" where no water could
scathe him and a "bright pale flame" shone. He attacked her with Hrunting, but to
his dismay, the famed sword failed to bite or scathe her life. Undeterred, Beowulf
threw aside Hrunting, trusting only in his immense strength. He grappled with her,
but she quickly retaliated, throwing him down and attacking him with a broad,
brown-edged axe. His woven mail shirt saved his life from the axe's blow, and with
divine intervention, he rose again.
Then, Beowulf spotted a magnificent, ancient sword—a "giant's work," too great for
any other man to carry. He seized its hilt and struck Grendel's mother with all his
might, breaking her "bone-rings" and piercing her flesh, bringing her down.
Rejoicing, he then located Grendel's dead body and, in a furious act of vengeance,
cut off his head, for Grendel had wrought "many a war-rush" and devoured many
Danes. The sword then began to melt, consumed by the poisonous blood of the
alien sprite, like ice thawing. Beowulf ascended through the now-cleansed waters,
carrying Grendel's head and the hilt of the melted sword, leaving the water stained
with blood.
Upon his return, Beowulf presented Grendel's head and the sword's hilt to Hrothgar,
recounting his harrowing victory and giving thanks to God for his deliverance.
Hrothgar examined the hilt, noting the ancient feud depicted on it, dating back to
the flood that destroyed the giant race. He praised Beowulf's virtues and renewed
his warnings against pride and the fleeting nature of earthly joys, advising "eternal
wisdom".
VI. Beowulf's Return to Geatland and Kingship Beowulf and his Geatish
warriors then prepared for their return journey, promising continued aid to Hrothgar
if needed. Hrothgar, with tears, embraced Beowulf, bestowing upon him twelve
more treasures. Beowulf and his men sailed home, where he recounted his
adventures to his king, Hygelac, and queen, Hygd. He described the ongoing
tensions between the Danes and Heathobards, particularly concerning Freawaru,
Hrothgar's daughter, and Ingeld, whose marriage Hrothgar hoped would settle old
feuds but which Beowulf predicted would fail.
Beowulf presented all the treasures to Hygelac and Hygd, including the neck-ring
given by Wealtheow. Though previously "despised" by some Geats as "slack" and
"not a warlike Atheling," Beowulf's glorious deeds now brought a change to his
reputation. Hygelac rewarded him handsomely, giving him Hrethel's heirloom
sword, seven thousand men, a building, and a throne, recognizing his worth and
prowess.
After Hygelac was killed in a raid on the Hetware in the Netherlands, his son
Heardred briefly reigned but was slain by Onela, King of the Swedes. Beowulf then
ascended to the throne of the Geats, ruling wisely for fifty winters.
VII. The Dragon's Fury and Beowulf's Last Battle Beowulf's peaceful reign was
shattered when a dragon began to make raids. This dragon guarded an ancient
hoard of treasure in a "lofty cavern". The hoard had been hidden by the last survivor
of a noble race, who lamented the loss of his kin and the futility of the treasures.
The dragon found and appropriated this treasure for three hundred years. Its fury
was ignited when a slave, seeking a "peace offering" for his lord, stole a "plated
drinking-flagon" from the hoard while the dragon slept. The dragon, enraged by the
theft, began to belch fire, burning Beowulf's own homestead and devastating the
Geatish land.
Beowulf, "rueful" and contemplating whether he had "bitterly angered the Wielder
of all things," prepared for his final conflict. Knowing a wooden shield would be
useless against the dragon's flames, he commanded an iron shield be made. He
scorned to fight with a troop, trusting in his own might from past victories, including
his escape from the Frisian raid where Hygelac was slain, swimming through the sea
with thirty battle-trappings on his arm. Beowulf, along with twelve others, including
the slave who instigated the conflict, set out to spy on the dragon's lair.
Sitting on the cliff near the dragon's cave, Beowulf's heart was "sad, wavering, and
ready for death," for "Weird came very near to him". He reflected on his youth, his
foster father Hrethel, and the tragic accidental death of his kinsman Herebald. He
also recalled his past prowess in avenging Geatish feuds against the Swedes and
killing Day Raven. He boldly declared his intention to face the dragon alone, despite
the expected "hot battle-fire, both breath and poison," stating, "I will gain
possession of the gold by my courage, or battle and deadly evil shall take away your
lord".
He confronted the dragon, and their struggle began amidst fire and earth-shaking
roars. Beowulf struck with his ancient sword, Naegling, but his blow was less
effective than needed, and the sword failed him. The dragon retaliated, covering
Beowulf in flames and blood. At this critical moment, Beowulf's companions,
"cowardly treaty-breakers," fled into the woods to save their lives.
Only Wiglaf, son of Weohstan and a kinsman, remained. Remembering Beowulf's
generosity, Wiglaf bitterly reproached the fleeing warriors, reminding them of their
oaths of loyalty and declaring his intent to stand by his lord, even if it meant sharing
his fate. He waded through the flames to Beowulf's side. Beowulf struck again with
Naegling, but his immense strength caused the sword to break completely. The
dragon, seizing its chance, bit Beowulf's neck, injecting venom.
Despite his own burning hand, Wiglaf courageously struck the dragon in a
vulnerable spot, causing the fire to abate. Beowulf, regaining his wits, drew his
"battle-sharp short sword" and, with Wiglaf's assistance, cut the dragon in half,
killing the fiend. This was Beowulf's "very last victory".
VIII. Beowulf's Death and Legacy Beowulf's wound from the dragon's bite began
to burn and swell, the venom taking hold. Knowing his end was near, he sat by the
cliff, expressing gratitude to God for the treasures he had won for his people and for
his fifty-year reign without reproach or "murder of kinsmen". He asked Wiglaf to
retrieve some of the ancient gold from the hoard so he could gaze upon it, believing
it would make his passing easier.
Wiglaf entered the cavern, beheld the immense hoard of shining gems, gleaming
gold, ancient helmets, and the golden banner. He gathered cups and the banner
and returned to Beowulf, who was at his "last gasp". Beowulf gave thanks to God for
obtaining the treasure for his people. He then instructed them to build a high
burial-mound at "Whale's Ness" (a headland overlooking the sea), to serve as a
memorial for his people and a beacon for seafarers, to be called "the Kill of
Beowulf". He bequeathed his golden neck-ring, helm, and byrny to Wiglaf,
acknowledging him as the last heir of the Waegmundings, for "Weird has swept
away all my kinsmen... and I shall follow after them". With these final words,
Beowulf's soul departed to seek "the doom of the truth-fast ones".
IX. The Funeral and the Future Wiglaf, sorrowful, stood over his dead lord and
delivered a scathing rebuke to the cowardly warriors who had fled. He condemned
their disloyalty, stating that their "lord and master... wholly wrongly bestowed upon
you war-trappings" and prophesying an end to their "joy of home and hope". He
declared that "Death would be better for earls than a life of reproach".
Wiglaf announced Beowulf's death and warned of impending wars, particularly from
the Swedes, now that their great protector was gone. He commanded that the
dragon's hoard, "bought at a grim cost," should be melted with Beowulf on the
funeral pyre, rather than being distributed to a people who proved disloyal. He
lamented that no maiden would wear ring adornments, and that the sounds of
harping and joy would cease, replaced by the raven's calls over the slain.
The Geats prepared a mighty funeral pyre on the cliff-side, hanging it with helmets,
shields, and byrnies. They laid Beowulf's body in the center and lit the "greatest of
bale-fires," the smoke rising "swart" into the sky amidst weeping. After ten days,
they erected a very high and broad burial-mound at Whale's Ness, visible to
seafarers, enclosing the remaining treasures within its walls. Twelve Athelings rode
around the mound, reciting a dirge, lamenting their king, and praising his "earlship"
and "brave works"—the "mildest, the gentlest of men, and most tender to his
people, and most eager for their praise". The poem concludes with this solemn
tribute to a hero who lived and died for his people.

Yes, I can provide a detailed account of the events described in the provided
sources, which are excerpts from "The Story of Beowulf".
The story begins with an introduction to Beowulf as the great national epic of
the Anglo-Saxon race, presenting their spirit, ideals, aims, manners, and
customs. Beowulf himself was a Geat-Dane, belonging to the Teutonic people, and
lived in an heroic age. The poem consists of 3182 lines, written in the alliterative
verse of the Anglo-Saxon tongue. It was likely translated into West Saxon from an
original Northumbrian text, and there's a "missionary theory" suggesting its origin is
connected to efforts to spread Christianity in Scandinavia, where the composer was
steeped in local folklore and traditions. The poem is preserved in a unique
manuscript in the British Museum.
The narrative then establishes the lineage of the Danish kings, starting with Scyld,
son of Scef, who arrived as a child in a miserable state but grew to be a good king,
receiving obedience and tribute from neighboring tribes. God sent him a son, also
named Beowulf (not the hero of the poem), who became famous as an heir of Scyld.
Upon Scyld's death, his body was laid on a ship adorned with treasures and armor
and sent out to sea, a custom mirroring the "Passing of Arthur".
After this, the story focuses on Hrothgar, a Danish king, son of Healfdene. Hrothgar
achieved success in warfare, leading his loyal subjects to obey him. He decided to
build a grand mead-hall, larger than any other, to distribute his wealth, naming it
Hart (Heorot).
The joy in Hart was short-lived as Grendel, a powerful sprite dwelling in darkness,
could not endure the loud joy and the bard's songs of creation. Grendel was a
descendant of Cain, proscribed by the Creator after Cain slew Abel, and belonged to
a race of monsters, giants, and elves. Grendel began visiting Hart after nightfall,
seizing and devouring thirty sleeping thanes. This "grim spirit" waged a hateful
enmity against Hrothgar for twelve winters, causing great distress and preventing
the Danes from finding solace. The monster took up dwelling in the treasure-decked
hall but could not approach the throne of God. The Danes, being heathen, often
made vows at their shrines and offered sacrifices to devils, not knowing the Creator
or Lord God.
News of Grendel's deeds reached Beowulf, the good man of the Geats, a thane
of Hygelac and the strongest man in the world at the time. Beowulf commanded a
ship to be made, intending to seek out Hrothgar to cleanse Hart of its evil, viewing it
as a solemn obligation. He departed with a chosen band of champions, and after a
day's journey over the swan-path, they reached the land of the Danes.
The Danish coast guard initially questioned Beowulf and his men, but Beowulf
introduced himself as the kinsman and comrade of Hygelac, explaining their
purpose to help Hrothgar against an unknown evil-doer. The watchman, recognizing
Beowulf's noble bearing and purpose, directed them to Hart.
Upon arrival at Hart, Beowulf and his warriors were met by Wulfgar, Hrothgar's
messenger. Beowulf reiterated his intention to speak with Hrothgar about Grendel's
terror. Hrothgar, upon hearing of Beowulf's arrival, remembered him from childhood,
knowing his father Ecgtheow and his immense strength, and hoped he was sent by
God to fight Grendel. Hrothgar welcomed them, asking them to leave their swords
behind before entering his presence.
Beowulf then addressed Hrothgar, recounting his past feats: binding five fiends,
destroying giant's kin, slaying sea-monsters, and wreaking vengeance for the Geats.
He declared his intention to fight Grendel alone, without a sword, as he heard
Grendel recks not of weapons, and would trust in his hand-grip, leaving his fate to
the Lord. He asked Hrothgar to send his coat of mail, an heirloom of Hrethel and
work of Weland, to Hygelac if he fell.
Hrothgar expressed his sorrow about Grendel's devastation, including the loss of his
hall-troop and thanes. He recounted how many warriors had boasted to fight
Grendel but were found slain in the morning.
During the feast, Unferth, son of Eglaf and Hrothgar's spokesman, challenged
Beowulf, questioning his swimming contest with Breca and suggesting he would fare
worse against Grendel. Beowulf responded, explaining that he had greater strength
and endurance, fighting nine sea-monsters during the five-night contest, and
criticized Unferth for slaying his own brother and for Grendel's unpunished terror in
Hart.
Queen Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's wife, then greeted Beowulf, offering him a goblet
and expressing her joy and trust in him to help against Grendel. Beowulf renewed
his boast, vowing to acquit himself as an earl or die in the mead-hall. Hrothgar
entrusted Beowulf with the care of Hart, promising him joy if he succeeded.
That evening, Beowulf removed his armor, instructing a thane to keep it ready. He
again stated his intention to fight Grendel without a sword, trusting God to adjudge
the glory. While the Danes slept, Grendel stalked from the moors, intending to
ensnare men in the hall. He burst into the hall, seeing sleeping warriors and
intending to devour them. He seized a sleeping Geat and "tore him to pieces". Then
he stepped up to Beowulf. Beowulf, remembering his promise, grappled with
Grendel, his grip making the monster fearful. Grendel's fingers burst, and he was
held fast. The hall resounded with their struggle, and Grendel, mortally wounded,
fled to the fen-slopes. Beowulf had achieved a great victory, displaying Grendel's
severed hand, arm, and shoulder as a token.
The next morning, warriors gathered to marvel at Grendel's arm and followed his
bloody track to the lake of sea-monsters where he died. Beowulf's glory was
proclaimed, and a scop sang of his deeds, weaving in tales of Sigmund and
contrasting Beowulf with the bad king Heremod. Hrothgar thanked God, embracing
Beowulf as a son, and showered him with gifts: a golden banner, a helm, a byrny, a
jeweled sword, and eight gold-plated horses.
The celebration was interrupted when Grendel's mother, "a terrible wife" and
avenger, came to Hart that same night to avenge her son. She seized Aeschere,
Hrothgar's dearest counselor, and fled, taking Grendel's arm back with her.
Hrothgar was deeply grieved by Aeschere's death. He described the "dread
wonders" and "fire on the flood" at the mere where Grendel's mother dwelt.
Beowulf, sorrowful but resolute, vowed to pursue her. He and the Danes tracked her
to a "joyless" forest with bloodstained water and saw Aeschere's head on the cliffs.
Beowulf shot one of the many sea-monsters they saw in the water. Beowulf donned
his special armor, including a helmet with boar-images, and took Hrunting,
Unferth's ancient, poison-tipped sword, which Unferth lent him despite his earlier
challenge.
Beowulf then addressed Hrothgar, asking him to care for his kinsmen and send his
gifts to Hygelac if he died, and to let Unferth keep Hrunting. He plunged into the
mere, where Grendel's mother, a "sea-wolf," seized him, but his armor protected
him from her attacks and the many sea-beasts. He found himself in her roof-hall,
where firelight shone. He attacked her with Hrunting, but the sword failed him.
Throwing Hrunting aside, Beowulf relied on his strength, seizing Grendel's mother
by the shoulder and throwing her to the floor. She retaliated, pulling out her axe, but
his mail-coat saved him. He then found a "sword, rich in victories, an old weapon of
the giants," and struck her neck, breaking her bone-rings and killing her. Beowulf
then saw Grendel's body, struck it with the giant's sword, and cut off his head. The
sword, exposed to Grendel's poisonous blood, began to melt like ice. Beowulf took
Grendel's head and the hilt of the melted sword and swam back to the surface.
The Geats rejoiced, and with difficulty, four of them carried Grendel's head to Hart.
Beowulf presented the head and the sword hilt to Hrothgar, describing his perilous
battle and thanking God for his escape. Hrothgar examined the hilt, which bore
carvings telling of the flood and the destruction of the giant race. Hrothgar praised
Beowulf, calling him "well born" and wise, and warned him against pride, using the
example of Heremod who became a source of sorrow to his people despite God's
favor. He advised Beowulf to choose "eternal wisdom" over pride, acknowledging
that death comes to all. Hrothgar offered more treasures and established lasting
peace between the Geats and Danes. Beowulf departed, and Hrothgar, fond of him,
wept.
Beowulf and his men sailed back to Geatland, where Hygelac, King of the Geats,
and his Queen Hygd (daughter of Haereth) welcomed them. Hygelac questioned
Beowulf about his journey, expressing his earlier concern. Beowulf recounted his
adventures, including the fights with Grendel and his mother. He also described the
betrothal of Hrothgar's daughter, Freawaru, to Ingeld of the Heathobards, predicting
that this attempt at peace would fail due to ancient feuds.
Beowulf presented Hygelac with the treasures Hrothgar had given him, including the
gold-plated helmet, hoary byrny, and splendid sword, and presented Hygd with the
neck-ring given to him by Wealhtheow. Beowulf was initially despised by the Geats
as "slack and by no means a warlike Atheling". However, his reputation changed,
and Hygelac bestowed upon him the heirloom of Hrethel, seven thousand men, a
building, and a throne.
Later, Hygelac was killed during a historical raid on the Hetware in Friesland. His
son Heardred succeeded him but was also killed in battle by Onela, King of the
Swedes. Beowulf then became King of the Geats and ruled wisely for fifty
winters. Beowulf also avenged Heardred's death by helping Eadgils, son of Ohthere
(Onela's brother), against Onela.
His final conflict arose when a dragon, guarding an ancient hoard in a steep rocky
cave, was angered by a slave who stole a decorated hall-bowl to offer his lord as a
peace-offering. The dragon, awakening, began to belch fire and burn the glorious
palace, encompassing the land with fire. Beowulf, "full rueful" and thinking he might
have angered God, resolved to fight the dragon. He commanded an iron war-shield
to be made, knowing a wooden one would be useless against the flames. He
scorned to use a troop, trusting his own might.
Beowulf, with twelve others, including the informer who showed the way, went to
spy out the dragon's barrow. His heart was sad and ready for death, knowing Weird
(Fate) was near. He recounted his youth, raised by King Hrethel, and his sorrow over
the accidental death of Hrethel's son Herebald by his brother Haethcyn. He then
boasted for the last time of his past wars and resolved to face the dragon. He
ordered his men to wait on the barrow while he went to fight the monster alone.
He stormed into the barrow, his war-clear voice resounding, stirring the dragon to
conflict. The dragon breathed fire, and Beowulf's shield protected him for only a
short while. He struck the dragon with his sword, but the edge failed him. The
dragon counter-attacked with slaughter-fire, embracing Beowulf with flames. At this
point, all his hand-comrades fled into the woods, except for Wiglaf, son of
Weohstan. Wiglaf, remembering Beowulf's generosity, chastised the other warriors
for their cowardice and went to his lord's aid.
Wiglaf declared his loyalty and advanced under Beowulf's shield. Beowulf, mindful
of glory, struck again, but his sword, Naegling, broke. The dragon then rushed at
Beowulf for the third time, enclosing his neck with "bitter bones" and covering him
in life-blood. Wiglaf, in "unfailing courage," struck the dragon lower in its body with
his shining sword, causing the fire to abate. Beowulf, regaining his wits, drew his
short sword and cut the dragon in two, and the fiend fell. It was Beowulf's last
victory.
Beowulf, mortally wounded by the venom, realized his life was ending. He looked at
the dragon's hoard within the cavern and, with Wiglaf's help to loosen his helmet
and refresh him with water, expressed thanks to God for the treasures he had won
for his people. He commanded Wiglaf to build a high burial-mound at Whale's Ness
as a memorial. He gave Wiglaf his golden ring, helmet, and byrny, naming him the
last heir of the Waegmundings. Beowulf's soul then departed to seek the "doom of
the truth-fast ones".
Wiglaf found his lord dead and the dragon slain. He then sternly rebuked the
cowardly retainers who had fled, telling them that their inglorious deed would mean
the end of treasure-giving and land-rights for their kin, concluding that "Death
would be better for earls than a life of reproach".
The news of Beowulf's death was announced, and the people feared future wars
with the Franks, Frisians, and Swedes, recalling past feuds. Wiglaf further declared
that the immense hoard, bought at such a grim cost, should be melted with their
proud king, as no one else deserved it, and that mourning would replace joy.
The Geats prepared a mighty funeral pyre at Whale's Ness, hanging it with helmets,
shields, and byrnies, and laid Beowulf in the midst. The greatest of bale-fires was
stirred, its smoke rising with lamentation. After ten days, they erected a very high
and broad mound, surrounding the fire's leavings with a wall, and placed rings and
necklaces in the barrow. Twelve Athelings rode around the mound, lamenting their
king and praising his earlship and brave works, saying he was "the mildest, the
gentlest of men, and most tender to his people, and most eager for their praise".
The treasures from the cavern were left in the earth, "as useless to men as it always
was".