King of the Geats. In the Hall of Hart Hrothgar and his Queen and his
courtiers sit at the high table on the dais, and the lower orders Hrothgar spake. He went to the hall and stood on the threshold and saw
the steep roof all decked out with gold and the hand of Grendel. 'Let a mead-cup, they the stout-hearted Hrothgar and Hrothulf in the high
hall. And within was Hart filled with friends. And by no means were the of Hrothgar--he who had come from far, the proud and stout-hearted
one, and saved them from strife. He rejoiced in the night-work and Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought Then Hrothgar departed with his troop of heroes, he the Prince
of the Scyldings; out of Hall went he, for the battle-chieftain Then evening came on, and Hrothgar betook him to his own quarters,
the Prince to his resting-place, and a great number of earls kept guard Lord greeted the other, Hrothgar greeted Beowulf, and wished him
good health and the warding of that wine-hall, and he spake the word: to Hart. The lordly hall resounded. And great terror there was to
all the Danes, the castle-dwellers, to each of the brave. And both [43] i.e. the sun.

[44] Hrothgar.

[45] Cp. pp. 66-68. great hall in Hart, of Hrothgar his kinsman, and had grappled in the
contest with the mother of Grendel, of the loathly kin. encircled by the fen. And first, to greet Hrothgar, I went to the
Ring-hall. And straightway the famous kinsman of Healfdene, when Then spake Hrothgar the protector of the Danes: 'Well I knew him
when he was a child, and his old father was called Ecgtheow. And to Then was the time for Healfdene's son to go into the hall, when the
King himself would partake of the banquet. Nor have I ever heard Danes. And the Geat, the shield-warrior, desired greatly to go to
his rest. And straightway a hall-thane guided the far-comer, weary the gold-hall of man, was adorned with gold plating. Nor was that the
first time that he sought out the home of Hrothgar. Nor ever in former of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age,
that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength. the folkstead. In due time it happened that soon among men, this
greatest of halls was now all ready. And Hart he called it, whose the hall to greet King Hrothgar. Then over the floor where warriors
were drinking they bore Grendel's head, a terror to the earls and Hrothgar spake, he the Lord of the Danes: 'Ask not after our luck,
for sorrow is renewed to the folk of the Danes. Aeschere is dead, the
and fast with hell-bands, as he was, and tormented with plagues that
he should plunder the plain. He (Beowulf) was not greedy of gold, Franks. And worse warriors plundered the slaughter after the war. And
the corpses of the Geats held the field of death. The hall resounded Hrothgar spake. He went to the hall and stood on the threshold and saw
the steep roof all decked out with gold and the hand of Grendel. 'Let who caused dire distress, and how the war-scather hated and harmed
the people of the Geats. And he hurried back to his hoard and the up strife. The marriage fails in its object, and war breaks out again
between the Danes and the Heathobards. Beowulf predicts the course namely that his very homestead, that best of houses, that throne of
the Geats, was dissolving in the whelming fire. And full rueful was Hrothgar spake, he the Lord of the Danes: 'Ask not after our luck,
for sorrow is renewed to the folk of the Danes. Aeschere is dead, the So Beowulf, son of Healfdene, ever was brooding over this time-care,
nor could the brave hero avert woe. That conflict was too strong, Then came Grendel, stalking from the moors among the misty hill-slopes,
and he bore God's anger. And the wicked scather of human kind fully first fell, the champion begirt. For Grendel was to the famous thane
a banesman by biting, and devoured whole the dear man. Nor would he, Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age,
that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength. and I destroyed the fierce one. And now all alone I shall settle
the affair of Grendel the deadly monster, the cruel giant. And one
boon will I be asking, O Prince of the Bright Danes, thou lord of upon earth greatly fear him. And he should be seeking the hoard upon
earth where old in winters he guardeth the heathen gold. Nor aught
is he the better thereby. the discharge of a solemn obligation of help from the strong to the
weak. He announces to Hrothgar that he is come 'to cleanse Hart of takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. began to do evil, a devil from hell; and this grim spirit was called
Grendel. And he was a march-stepper, who ruled on the moorlands, the of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his recked not any man my foeman under the sweep of heaven. Lo! then there
came to me change in my homeland, sorrow after gaming, when Grendel, [43] i.e. the sun.

[44] Hrothgar.

[45] Cp. pp. 66-68.
in fighting, and careth not for his life. Then the Lord of the Geats
seized by the shoulder the mother of Grendel (nor at all did he mourn us for a while, and the sea boiled with gore; I cut off the head of
Grendel's mother in the hall at the bottom of the sea, with powerful famous Geat. Then a great tumult was made in Hart, and with bloodshed
she had seized the well-known hand of Grendel her son. And care was and I destroyed the fierce one. And now all alone I shall settle
the affair of Grendel the deadly monster, the cruel giant. And one
boon will I be asking, O Prince of the Bright Danes, thou lord of And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two Beowulf got possession of his wits again, and drew his bitter and
battle-sharp short sword that he bore on his shield. And the King slain by Grendel's mother Hrothgar thus bewails his loss: 'Seek no more
after joy; sorrow is renewed for the Danish folk. Aeschere is dead, so that the ringed mail on her head sang a greedy death-song. Then
Beowulf the stranger discovered that the battle-blade would not bite There are in the poem four distinct lays:

1. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel.

2. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel's mother. Geats killed one of them with his bow and arrows and ended his
wave-strife, and he was in the sea, slower at swimming as death swept
him away. And on the waves by fierce battle hard pressed, and with on the funeral pyre. For she bore away the body in her fiendish grip
under the mountain-streams. And that was to Hrothgar the bitterest or weapon against the dragon if I knew how else I might maintain my
boast against the monster, as I formerly did against Grendel. But
in this conflict I expect the hot battle-fire, both breath and Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as to Beowulf. Thence would Grendel, mortally wounded, flee under the
fen-slopes to seek out a joyless dwelling. The more surely he knew he bore forth yet another one, that loathly prey. And well he requited
him, this furious champion, when he saw the war-weary Grendel lying in his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, that the Creator was gracious unto her in bearing of children. Now,
O Beowulf, I will love thee in heart as my son. Hold well to this
thou wast living. Now shalt thou, the brave in deeds and the resolute
noble, save thy life with all thy might. I am come to help thee.' After as it had been in days of yore. Then the good kinsman of Hygelac
remembered the evening talk, and stood upright and laid hold upon life in the stress of the waters and do a glorious deed. And thereby
he lost his doom of famous deeds. But thus was it not with that other,
for he had got himself ready for the battle. THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude toiling in the stress of seas. But he o'erpowered thee in swimming,
for greater strength had he. Then at the morning tide the sea bore him shall she escape into safety. Do thou this day be patient in every
kind of trouble as I also hope to be.' The old man leapt up and gave of war. And now is the day come that our lord hath need of our prowess
and of goodly warriors. Let us then go to the help of our battle-lord be this, that from his appearance the beginning of the oldest state
of culture dates, and that generally before him no orderly way of
leading a human life had existed.' Spake then Unferth, the son of Eglaf, who sat at the feet of the
Lord of the Danes and opened a quarrel. (For the journey of Beowulf, II

The Story


I deed, worthy of an earl, midst welter of waters, and risk my life and
achieve glory. And he promised me rewards. I then discovered the grim in fighting, and careth not for his life. Then the Lord of the Geats
seized by the shoulder the mother of Grendel (nor at all did he mourn in his breast. Nevertheless the Atheling must unavenged be losing his
life. For so is it a sorrowful thing for a venerable man to see his he had asked. And in the midst they lay the famous Prince, and they
lamented the Hero, their dear lord. Then the warriors began to stir prone and asleep sorely wounded and bereft of his treasure. And do
thou make good speed that I may look upon the ancient gold treasures
and yarely be feasting mine eyes upon the bright and cunning jewels, lives. And so in deed we did. We had a naked sword hard in our hands
when we were swimming. We two were thinking to guard us 'gainst whale do as I tell you.' She went to the seat where was a choice banquet,
and the men drank wine. They knew not Weird, the Fate that was grim,
as it had befallen many an earl. in that conflict. Soon Beowulf was swimming, he who formerly awaited
the onset of the hostile ones in the striving, and he dived upwards 7. Healfdenes. The tribe to which Hnaef belonged.

8. Heathoremes. The people on whose shores Beowulf was cast up after
his swimming-match with Breca. I have relegated to the Appendix all notes of any considerable
length. The reader is advised to consult the Appendices wherever
directed in the footnotes. He will then have a much clearer conception
of the principal characters and events of the poem.
here a thousand thanes, heroes to help thee. And I know that Hygelac,
the Lord of the Geats, the guardian of my folk, though young in years, 3. Then there is the tremendous sense of loyalty on the part of the
folk to their king or chieftain. The idea of the 'Comitatus' bound against Grendel. A thane was in waiting on the Prince of the Danes,
and his watch was keeping against the giant. The Lord of the Geats issue of words.' Then the Prince rose up, and about him was many a
warrior, a glorious band of thanes. And some bided there and held the Now we have heard, by inquiry, of the glory of the kings of the
people, they of the Spear-Danes, how the Athelings were doing deeds and the Queen and the nobility and the commonalty are all concerned
in the tragedy. The loss of one is the loss of all. When Aeschere is as it had been in days of yore. Then the good kinsman of Hygelac
remembered the evening talk, and stood upright and laid hold upon together had killed him, noble comrades in arms. And thus should a
man who is a thane always be helping his lord at his need. And that old and very grey with his troop of earls. The brave man then went
and stood before the shoulders of the Lord of the Danes. Well he knew Then he went visiting the high house after nightfall, to see how the
Ring-Danes were holding it. And he found there a band of Athelings Lord of the Danes. Go ye forth, therefore, bear weapons and armour, as
I will direct you. And I will command my thanes to hold against every century. Among these sagas, that of Beowulf the Geat must have had
a prominent place; others celebrated Hygelac his uncle, Hnaef the two fugitives and is killed in the mÃªlÃ©e. Twenty years pass by--Hnaef
and Hengest, sons of Hoc, take up the 'vendetta.' In the fighting had with him. They advanced towards him and gave thanks to God, that
glorious crowd of thanes, and rejoiced in their lord that they could
see him once more. Then was loosed quickly from that valiant man both his fellow, and mild of mood, and faithful to his liege-lord. Thanes
are gentle, the people all ready. O ye warriors who have drunk deep, of the Swede. Then to Hrothgar was granted good speed in warfare and
honour in fighting, so that his loyal subjects eagerly obeyed him, Then the eldest gave answer, and unlocked his treasure of words,
the wise one of the troop: 'We are of the race of the Geats and them. The good man, wise and very sad, went away with his comrades to
seek out a stronghold. Earl Ongentheow turned away to higher ground, Then answered the brave man, the chief of the Geats, and spake
these words, hard under helmet: 'We are the comrades at table of Then in the hall the giver of rings was grey-haired and
battle-brave. The Prince of the Danes was hopeful of help. The guardian
Wiglaf was he called, he who was the son of Weohstan, the beloved
shield-warrior, the Prince of the Danes and the kinsman of Aelfhere. He Wiglaf spake, he the son of Weohstan, the sad-hearted. 'He who will
speak truth may say that the lord and master who gave you gifts, and Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: 'Often shall many an earl of his
own only will suffer misery, as is our fate. Nor could we teach the Wiglaf spake many fitting words, and said to his comrades (for his
mind was sad within him): 'I remember the time when we partook of the helmet, the ring, and the byrny, and bade him enjoy it well. 'Thou,
O Wiglaf,' he said, 'art the last heir of our race, of that of the of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came Scyld (meaning Shield) refers to the fact that the king was the
protector of the people in war, and is therefore symbolical, like Scef. Wulf; but Eofor came to the help of his brother and dealt Ongentheow
his death-blow over the guard of his shield. [72] See Appendices VII. and IX.

[73] Waegmundings--the family to which both Beowulf and Wiglaf
belonged. Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will say fully this my errand to the
son of Healfdene the famous chieftain, unto thy lord and master, carried their shields, and battle-weeds, to where the old prince was
lying. And they looked on Wiglaf; he the foot-warrior sat aweary near Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought 11. Scylfingas. Name for the Swedes.

12. Waegmundings. The tribe to which both Beowulf and Wiglaf belonged. and was attacked by the Geats. Two brothers, Eofor and Wulf, assailed
the veteran warrior. He defended himself with great vigour and killed [58] Numbers XXIX. and XXX. are lacking in the MS. The divisions here
are as in Wyatt's edition.

[59] Withergyld--name of a Heathobard warrior. gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The Then spake Wulfgar (he was Prince of the Wendels [14]). His courage
was known to all, his valour and wisdom. 'I will make known to the Beowulf answered, the son of Ecgtheow: 'O Lord Hygelac, it is well
known to many a man, our famous meeting, and the battle we fought,
Wiglaf was he called, he who was the son of Weohstan, the beloved
shield-warrior, the Prince of the Danes and the kinsman of Aelfhere. He Wiglaf spake, he the son of Weohstan, the sad-hearted. 'He who will
speak truth may say that the lord and master who gave you gifts, and Wiglaf spake many fitting words, and said to his comrades (for his
mind was sad within him): 'I remember the time when we partook of the Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: 'Often shall many an earl of his
own only will suffer misery, as is our fate. Nor could we teach the helmet, the ring, and the byrny, and bade him enjoy it well. 'Thou,
O Wiglaf,' he said, 'art the last heir of our race, of that of the of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came setting before us a great national hero. Beowulf himself was not an
Anglo-Saxon. He was a Geat-Dane; but he belonged to that confraternity English nation, though he really fought against the English, so the
Saxon singer of Beowulf has idealized this Geatish chieftain, and in carried their shields, and battle-weeds, to where the old prince was
lying. And they looked on Wiglaf; he the foot-warrior sat aweary near Hygelac, son of Hrethel, was king of the Geats, and uncle of
Beowulf, his sister's son. He was the reigning king of Beowulf's Then spake Wulfgar (he was Prince of the Wendels [14]). His courage
was known to all, his valour and wisdom. 'I will make known to the Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought Wulf; but Eofor came to the help of his brother and dealt Ongentheow
his death-blow over the guard of his shield. [72] See Appendices VII. and IX.

[73] Waegmundings--the family to which both Beowulf and Wiglaf
belonged. and was attacked by the Geats. Two brothers, Eofor and Wulf, assailed
the veteran warrior. He defended himself with great vigour and killed his father's kingdom, and hold the folk, the hoard and city of refuge,
the kingdom of heroes, the country of the Danes. But Beowulf Hygelac's fellow countrymen the Geats during the greater part of the action
of the poem. Beowulf is often called 'Hygelac's kinsman,' and when Danes. And the Geat, the shield-warrior, desired greatly to go to
his rest. And straightway a hall-thane guided the far-comer, weary Then the eldest gave answer, and unlocked his treasure of words,
the wise one of the troop: 'We are of the race of the Geats and their horses. And there was the glory of Beowulf proclaimed. And many
a one was saying that no man was a better man, no, none in the whole
takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken man Beowulf, the warrior King, the Lord of the Weder-Goths, had died
a wondrous death. steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his Beowulf moreover now for the last time spake these boastful words: 'In
many a war I risked my life in the days of my youth, yet still will I far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together 3. Beowulf's Return to the land of the Geats.

4. Beowulf's Fight with the Dragon. a.d. 512 and 520. Beowulf died about 568. He reigned fifty years. Geats killed one of them with his bow and arrows and ended his
wave-strife, and he was in the sea, slower at swimming as death swept
him away. And on the waves by fierce battle hard pressed, and with warrior. And Beowulf spake, over his deathly pitiful wound, for well
he knew that he had enjoyed the day's while of his earthly joy: and his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude There are in the poem four distinct lays:

1. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel.

2. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel's mother. it with Beowulf when he sought out the guardian of the cavern and
his cunning crafts. And he himself knew not how his departure from
this world would come about. And thus famous chieftains uttered deep 4. There is, too, the fatalistic note heard all through the
poem. Beowulf feels himself hard pressed by Fate. The Anglo-Saxon Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think And in after-days it happened that there were battle-crashings, and
Hygelac lay dead, [62] and swords under shields became a death-bane to
And heaven swallowed up the smoke. Then on the cliff-slopes the people
of the Geats erected a mound, very high and very broad, that it might Then the People of the Geats got ready the mighty funeral pyre, and
hung it round with helmets and battle-shields, and bright byrnies as Then the Lord of earls as he sat on the mead-bench gave glorious gifts
to each one of those who had fared with Beowulf over the ocean-ways, it on the bosom of Beowulf, and gave him seven thousand men and a
building and a throne. And both of them held the land, the earth, their horses. And there was the glory of Beowulf proclaimed. And many
a one was saying that no man was a better man, no, none in the whole Now Beowulf the Prince of earls and protector of warriors commanded
them to fashion him a glorious war-shield all made of iron. For he gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should that ye should build after death of your friend a high grave-mound
in the place of the funeral pyre, a great and famous monument,
for he himself was the most worshipful of men throughout the earth, of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his of the story. In the ancient days some remote predecessors of the
Geats seem to have heaped up in the neighbourhood a pile of wonderful Danes. And the Geat, the shield-warrior, desired greatly to go to
his rest. And straightway a hall-thane guided the far-comer, weary stronghold of the people, both the sea-board and neighbouring land. And
therefore the King of the Weder-Geats devised revenge upon him. Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought man Beowulf, the warrior King, the Lord of the Weder-Goths, had died
a wondrous death. famous Prince Hrothgar glorying in victory, for it seemed unto many
that the sea-wolf had destroyed him. namely that his very homestead, that best of houses, that throne of
the Geats, was dissolving in the whelming fire. And full rueful was forth, the foamy-necked one, over the waves, the bound prow over the
ocean streams, till they could see the cliffs of the Geats' land,
the well-known headlands. where the mead-hall stood. Then this Prince of the thanes, this man so
bold of deed and honoured by Fate, this battle-dear warrior went into cavern in the cliffs near the site, in after-generations, of Beowulf's
palace, and delivers a pathetic farewell address (pp. 136 et seq.). The had done. And he gave to the Geats a countless number of each kind
of war-weeds, when he in old age passed away from this life, on the
II

The Story


I In Jornandes the story is as follows.


    Characters Saxo Grammaticus, to whom we also owe the story of Hamlet, tells a
similar story.


    Characters In the Edda the story is as follows.


    Characters the battle-hero. And it was a day's while before he could see the
bottom of the sea. And very soon the fierce and eager one who had shall she escape into safety. Do thou this day be patient in every
kind of trouble as I also hope to be.' The old man leapt up and gave he was the strongest of main of all men in the world; noble was he
and powerful. He bade a fair ship be made, and said that he would be THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude Bicco accuses Swawilda to Jarmeric of unfaithfulness. He causes her
to be torn to pieces by wild horses. Then her brothers kill Jarmeric thou wast living. Now shalt thou, the brave in deeds and the resolute
noble, save thy life with all thy might. I am come to help thee.' After THE STORY OF BEOWULF whilst she lived she well did enjoy her fate, that woman famous
for good works. And she kept great love for the prince of heroes,
and of all mankind he was, as I have learned by asking, the greatest Then the watchman, the fearless warrior, as he sat on his horse,
quickly made answer: 'The shield-warrior who is wide awake, shall know thanes, and embraced his neck. And tears were falling down the face
of the old man. And the old and wise man had hope of both things,
but most of all of the other that they might see each the other, through the doomed flesh-covering. And she fell on the floor. The
sword was all bloody, and the man rejoiced in his work. Shone forth the so young in years, thou art strong of main and proud of soul, and
of words a wise sayer. I reckon that if it cometh to pass that an main, and ready-handed he grasped at me. An ample and wondrous glove
hung fast by cunning bands. And it was cunningly fashioned by the He the stout-hearted came swimming to shore, he the Prince of the
sea-men enjoying the sea-spoils, the great burden of that which he [2] See conclusion of Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

[3] See Appendix II.

[4] Not the hero of the poem. the doomed one, it had often cut in two. That was the first time
that his dear sword-treasure failed him. Then he became resolute,
Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought Beowulf the Atheling, of good worth to the Danes, went up to the dais
where was Hrothgar the faithful and bold, and greeted him there. the discharge of a solemn obligation of help from the strong to the
weak. He announces to Hrothgar that he is come 'to cleanse Hart of Beowulf. He came to Leire, the Danish royal residence, and killed a
demon in animal form. Saxo says it was a bear. This demon attacked of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age,
that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength. THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude of Hrothgar--he who had come from far, the proud and stout-hearted
one, and saved them from strife. He rejoiced in the night-work and boat that he may fare across the sea to the help of Hrothgar, because
'he was lacking in warriors.' Beowulf's whole mission in Hart was least their friend and lord, the glad Hrothgar; for he was a good king. watch over Hrothgar's homestead. Then Beowulf, the Atheling's child,
stepped o'er the steep and stony slopes and the narrow pathways, and and I destroyed the fierce one. And now all alone I shall settle
the affair of Grendel the deadly monster, the cruel giant. And one
boon will I be asking, O Prince of the Bright Danes, thou lord of And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken Then he waded through the slaughter-reek, and bore the war-helmet
to the help of his lord, and uttered a few words: 'Beloved Beowulf, strength of himself alone. Nor was that a coward's journey. Then
Beowulf, possessed of manly virtues, who had escaped in many a
conflict and crashing of battle when men encountered on foot, saw Lord greeted the other, Hrothgar greeted Beowulf, and wished him
good health and the warding of that wine-hall, and he spake the word: Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think Beowulf got possession of his wits again, and drew his bitter and
battle-sharp short sword that he bore on his shield. And the King low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The King of the Geats. In the Hall of Hart Hrothgar and his Queen and his
courtiers sit at the high table on the dais, and the lower orders help against such crimes. He gladly received it, he the battle-fierce
warrior, from the hand of Wealtheow, and then began singing, inspired
by a warlike spirit.
of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age,
that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength. Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken 4. There is, too, the fatalistic note heard all through the
poem. Beowulf feels himself hard pressed by Fate. The Anglo-Saxon So Beowulf, son of Healfdene, ever was brooding over this time-care,
nor could the brave hero avert woe. That conflict was too strong, Hrothgar spake, he the Lord of the Danes: 'Ask not after our luck,
for sorrow is renewed to the folk of the Danes. Aeschere is dead, the the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, namely that his very homestead, that best of houses, that throne of
the Geats, was dissolving in the whelming fire. And full rueful was Hygelac, son of Hrethel, was king of the Geats, and uncle of
Beowulf, his sister's son. He was the reigning king of Beowulf's man Beowulf, the warrior King, the Lord of the Weder-Goths, had died
a wondrous death. Beowulf the Atheling, of good worth to the Danes, went up to the dais
where was Hrothgar the faithful and bold, and greeted him there. famous Prince Hrothgar glorying in victory, for it seemed unto many
that the sea-wolf had destroyed him. of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think it with Beowulf when he sought out the guardian of the cavern and
his cunning crafts. And he himself knew not how his departure from
this world would come about. And thus famous chieftains uttered deep watch over Hrothgar's homestead. Then Beowulf, the Atheling's child,
stepped o'er the steep and stony slopes and the narrow pathways, and King of the Geats. In the Hall of Hart Hrothgar and his Queen and his
courtiers sit at the high table on the dais, and the lower orders [84] Hrethel, King of Geats, father of Hygelac and grandfather
of Beowulf.

[85] Literally, 'the sword-leavings.'
the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as dragon finds the cavern and the treasure and appropriates it for three
hundred years. Then one of Beowulf's retainers finds the treasure and And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken 3. Beowulf's Return to the land of the Geats.

4. Beowulf's Fight with the Dragon. end. Likewise the terrible dragon, his slayer, lay there bereft of life
and pressed sore by ruin. And the coiled dragon could no longer wield man Beowulf, the warrior King, the Lord of the Weder-Goths, had died
a wondrous death. And heaven swallowed up the smoke. Then on the cliff-slopes the people
of the Geats erected a mound, very high and very broad, that it might pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came the guardian of the hoard when he was sleeping, by the craft of a
thief. And Beowulf found out that the dragon was angry. [64] far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together slumbered, a youth of renown. Beowulf was not there. To another the
place was assigned after the treasure-gift had been bestowed on the a dragon. Then spake the wise man the son of Healfdene, and all kept
silence: 'He who doeth truth and right among the folk, and he who can Then the Lord of earls as he sat on the mead-bench gave glorious gifts
to each one of those who had fared with Beowulf over the ocean-ways, Beowulf moreover now for the last time spake these boastful words: 'In
many a war I risked my life in the days of my youth, yet still will I
Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon poem.--It consists of 3182 lines. It is
written in the alliterative verse of our ancestors in the Anglo-Saxon 'Beowulf' may rightly be pronounced the great national epic of the
Anglo-Saxon race. Not that it exalts the race so much as that it composed an epic poem to which, although it contains the record of
those adventures, the heroic scale of the figure who accomplishes them
all imparts a real unifying epic interest.' Whatever may be the truth There are in the poem four distinct lays:

1. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel.

2. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel's mother. 4. There is, too, the fatalistic note heard all through the
poem. Beowulf feels himself hard pressed by Fate. The Anglo-Saxon gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude THE STORY OF BEOWULF strength of himself alone. Nor was that a coward's journey. Then
Beowulf, possessed of manly virtues, who had escaped in many a
conflict and crashing of battle when men encountered on foot, saw Beowulf answered, the son of Ecgtheow: 'O Lord Hygelac, it is well
known to many a man, our famous meeting, and the battle we fought, setting before us a great national hero. Beowulf himself was not an
Anglo-Saxon. He was a Geat-Dane; but he belonged to that confraternity And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken [21] i.e. Beowulf.

[22] Thus we see how sagas or legends came to be woven together into
a song. See Appendix X. that the composer of Beowulf--perhaps a missioner, perhaps a layman
attached to the mission--was attracted to the Scandinavian lands;
that he resided there long enough to become thoroughly steeped in century. Among these sagas, that of Beowulf the Geat must have had
a prominent place; others celebrated Hygelac his uncle, Hnaef the Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: 'Lo, son of Healfdene, lord of
the Danes, we have brought thee this booty of the sea all joyfully, 3. Beowulf's Return to the land of the Geats.

4. Beowulf's Fight with the Dragon. The Tale of Beowulf, sometime King of the Folk of the
Weder-Geats. Translated by William Morris, A. J. Wyatt. 1898. Longmans. Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: 'I had intended at once to work
out the will of this your people when I set forth over the sea and
composed an epic poem to which, although it contains the record of
those adventures, the heroic scale of the figure who accomplishes them
all imparts a real unifying epic interest.' Whatever may be the truth up, the writer in The Cambridge History of English Literature says:
'I am disposed to think that a large portion of the poem existed
in epic form before the change of faith, and that the appearance of There would seem to be some justifiable doubt as to the unity of
the poem. Though on the whole pagan and primitive in tone, it has whole those which he found suitable to his own purpose, he composed
an epic which, on his return home, must soon have become known to all
the lovers of English song.' [1] Dr. Sarrazin thought this unknown whether any genuine Anglo-Saxon epic existed, and has been destroyed
in the passing of the centuries. The curious feature about this poem 'Beowulf' may rightly be pronounced the great national epic of the
Anglo-Saxon race. Not that it exalts the race so much as that it Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon poem.--It consists of 3182 lines. It is
written in the alliterative verse of our ancestors in the Anglo-Saxon APPENDICES


I

GENERAL NOTE ON THE POEM 4. There is, too, the fatalistic note heard all through the
poem. Beowulf feels himself hard pressed by Fate. The Anglo-Saxon combined into one poem, and, while there is no proof of this, it is
quite possible and not unlikely.' There are in the poem four distinct lays:

1. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel.

2. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel's mother. is one of the few historical personages of the poem. I have relegated to the Appendix all notes of any considerable
length. The reader is advised to consult the Appendices wherever
directed in the footnotes. He will then have a much clearer conception
of the principal characters and events of the poem. a typical King of the English people. He has become the epic King of
the English in the poetry of Tennyson. It is always a mystery to the
writer that no competent singer among us has ever laid hands upon our The poem was built up between A.D. 512, the date of the famous raid
of Hygelac (Chocilaicus) against the Hetware (Chatuarii), and 752, is that it concerns a man who was not an Anglo-Saxon. Our poem is
written in the West Saxon dialect. The original poem was probably in This is the greatest poem that has come down to us from our Teutonic
ancestors. Our only knowledge of it is through the unique MS. in the
British Museum.

It has already been translated at least eight times as follows: gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should a host of very many old sagas, he found other words, but bound by the
truth. And a man began wisely to sing the journey of Beowulf, and to to the ground. But not yet was he doomed, but he raised himself up,
though the wound touched him close. And the hardy thane of Hygelac
Wiglaf was he called, he who was the son of Weohstan, the beloved
shield-warrior, the Prince of the Danes and the kinsman of Aelfhere. He Wiglaf spake, he the son of Weohstan, the sad-hearted. 'He who will
speak truth may say that the lord and master who gave you gifts, and Wiglaf spake many fitting words, and said to his comrades (for his
mind was sad within him): 'I remember the time when we partook of the Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: 'Often shall many an earl of his
own only will suffer misery, as is our fate. Nor could we teach the helmet, the ring, and the byrny, and bade him enjoy it well. 'Thou,
O Wiglaf,' he said, 'art the last heir of our race, of that of the of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came carried their shields, and battle-weeds, to where the old prince was
lying. And they looked on Wiglaf; he the foot-warrior sat aweary near Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought Wulf; but Eofor came to the help of his brother and dealt Ongentheow
his death-blow over the guard of his shield. [72] See Appendices VII. and IX.

[73] Waegmundings--the family to which both Beowulf and Wiglaf
belonged. pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth Hygelac, son of Hrethel, was king of the Geats, and uncle of
Beowulf, his sister's son. He was the reigning king of Beowulf's and was attacked by the Geats. Two brothers, Eofor and Wulf, assailed
the veteran warrior. He defended himself with great vigour and killed here a thousand thanes, heroes to help thee. And I know that Hygelac,
the Lord of the Geats, the guardian of my folk, though young in years, as it had been in days of yore. Then the good kinsman of Hygelac
remembered the evening talk, and stood upright and laid hold upon takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. Then he waded through the slaughter-reek, and bore the war-helmet
to the help of his lord, and uttered a few words: 'Beloved Beowulf, their horses. And there was the glory of Beowulf proclaimed. And many
a one was saying that no man was a better man, no, none in the whole [58] Numbers XXIX. and XXX. are lacking in the MS. The divisions here
are as in Wyatt's edition.

[59] Withergyld--name of a Heathobard warrior. Beowulf answered, the son of Ecgtheow: 'O Lord Hygelac, it is well
known to many a man, our famous meeting, and the battle we fought,
Wiglaf was he called, he who was the son of Weohstan, the beloved
shield-warrior, the Prince of the Danes and the kinsman of Aelfhere. He Wiglaf spake, he the son of Weohstan, the sad-hearted. 'He who will
speak truth may say that the lord and master who gave you gifts, and Wiglaf spake, the son of Weohstan: 'Often shall many an earl of his
own only will suffer misery, as is our fate. Nor could we teach the Wiglaf spake many fitting words, and said to his comrades (for his
mind was sad within him): 'I remember the time when we partook of the helmet, the ring, and the byrny, and bade him enjoy it well. 'Thou,
O Wiglaf,' he said, 'art the last heir of our race, of that of the of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came Scyld (meaning Shield) refers to the fact that the king was the
protector of the people in war, and is therefore symbolical, like Scef. Wulf; but Eofor came to the help of his brother and dealt Ongentheow
his death-blow over the guard of his shield. [72] See Appendices VII. and IX.

[73] Waegmundings--the family to which both Beowulf and Wiglaf
belonged. Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will say fully this my errand to the
son of Healfdene the famous chieftain, unto thy lord and master, carried their shields, and battle-weeds, to where the old prince was
lying. And they looked on Wiglaf; he the foot-warrior sat aweary near Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought 11. Scylfingas. Name for the Swedes.

12. Waegmundings. The tribe to which both Beowulf and Wiglaf belonged. and was attacked by the Geats. Two brothers, Eofor and Wulf, assailed
the veteran warrior. He defended himself with great vigour and killed [58] Numbers XXIX. and XXX. are lacking in the MS. The divisions here
are as in Wyatt's edition.

[59] Withergyld--name of a Heathobard warrior. gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The Then spake Wulfgar (he was Prince of the Wendels [14]). His courage
was known to all, his valour and wisdom. 'I will make known to the Beowulf answered, the son of Ecgtheow: 'O Lord Hygelac, it is well
known to many a man, our famous meeting, and the battle we fought,
And heaven swallowed up the smoke. Then on the cliff-slopes the people
of the Geats erected a mound, very high and very broad, that it might man Beowulf, the warrior King, the Lord of the Weder-Goths, had died
a wondrous death. the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. Then the People of the Geats got ready the mighty funeral pyre, and
hung it round with helmets and battle-shields, and bright byrnies as At the fated hour Scyld passed away, very vigorous in spirit, to the
keeping of his Lord. Then his pleasant companions carried him down to of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The had done. And he gave to the Geats a countless number of each kind
of war-weeds, when he in old age passed away from this life, on the Danes. And the Geat, the shield-warrior, desired greatly to go to
his rest. And straightway a hall-thane guided the far-comer, weary to whom I owe much, says: 'I cannot believe that any Christian poet
could have composed the account of Beowulf's funeral.' One passage brother, and of her son are burnt together on the funeral pyre, 'and
great is the mourning of Hildeburh for her son.' But Hengest is ever was burning in his breast against his blood. [49] So Beowulf the
warrior, proud of his golden gifts, went forth o'er the grassy plain Then the Lord of earls as he sat on the mead-bench gave glorious gifts
to each one of those who had fared with Beowulf over the ocean-ways, saw his lord suffering burning pain under his visor. Then he called
to mind the favour that he (Beowulf) had bestowed upon him in days gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should afterwards, being old, he sought refuge under the earth-wall. Then
was chase given to the people of the Swedes and the banner of Hygelac Geats killed one of them with his bow and arrows and ended his
wave-strife, and he was in the sea, slower at swimming as death swept
him away. And on the waves by fierce battle hard pressed, and with vessels jewel-bedecked, and treasures of all kinds, of inconceivable
value. Then the last of the race carries the treasure to a barrow or their horses. And there was the glory of Beowulf proclaimed. And many
a one was saying that no man was a better man, no, none in the whole
here a thousand thanes, heroes to help thee. And I know that Hygelac,
the Lord of the Geats, the guardian of my folk, though young in years, against Grendel. A thane was in waiting on the Prince of the Danes,
and his watch was keeping against the giant. The Lord of the Geats Now we have heard, by inquiry, of the glory of the kings of the
people, they of the Spear-Danes, how the Athelings were doing deeds as it had been in days of yore. Then the good kinsman of Hygelac
remembered the evening talk, and stood upright and laid hold upon issue of words.' Then the Prince rose up, and about him was many a
warrior, a glorious band of thanes. And some bided there and held the and the Queen and the nobility and the commonalty are all concerned
in the tragedy. The loss of one is the loss of all. When Aeschere is had with him. They advanced towards him and gave thanks to God, that
glorious crowd of thanes, and rejoiced in their lord that they could
see him once more. Then was loosed quickly from that valiant man both century. Among these sagas, that of Beowulf the Geat must have had
a prominent place; others celebrated Hygelac his uncle, Hnaef the together had killed him, noble comrades in arms. And thus should a
man who is a thane always be helping his lord at his need. And that Then the eldest gave answer, and unlocked his treasure of words,
the wise one of the troop: 'We are of the race of the Geats and old and very grey with his troop of earls. The brave man then went
and stood before the shoulders of the Lord of the Danes. Well he knew his fellow, and mild of mood, and faithful to his liege-lord. Thanes
are gentle, the people all ready. O ye warriors who have drunk deep, them. The good man, wise and very sad, went away with his comrades to
seek out a stronghold. Earl Ongentheow turned away to higher ground, two fugitives and is killed in the mÃªlÃ©e. Twenty years pass by--Hnaef
and Hengest, sons of Hoc, take up the 'vendetta.' In the fighting Then in the hall the giver of rings was grey-haired and
battle-brave. The Prince of the Danes was hopeful of help. The guardian Then answered the brave man, the chief of the Geats, and spake
these words, hard under helmet: 'We are the comrades at table of Lord of the Danes. Go ye forth, therefore, bear weapons and armour, as
I will direct you. And I will command my thanes to hold against every Then in that hall the prince of the earls, the son of Healfdene,
gave him twelve treasures, and bade him be seeking his own people in Then he went visiting the high house after nightfall, to see how the
Ring-Danes were holding it. And he found there a band of Athelings Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought
Hygelac, son of Hrethel, was king of the Geats, and uncle of
Beowulf, his sister's son. He was the reigning king of Beowulf's Then the thane of Hygelac, [10] the good man of the Geats, [11]
heard from home of the deeds of Grendel. And on the day of this life here a thousand thanes, heroes to help thee. And I know that Hygelac,
the Lord of the Geats, the guardian of my folk, though young in years, Danes. And the Geat, the shield-warrior, desired greatly to go to
his rest. And straightway a hall-thane guided the far-comer, weary century. Among these sagas, that of Beowulf the Geat must have had
a prominent place; others celebrated Hygelac his uncle, Hnaef the setting before us a great national hero. Beowulf himself was not an
Anglo-Saxon. He was a Geat-Dane; but he belonged to that confraternity the treasures, and fairly he promised reward for the people, and he
did as he promised. The lord of the Geats (Hygelac) son of Hrethel, of the Geats, both comfort and help. So that they all overcame their
enemies through the craft of one man and by his might only. And truly Then the eldest gave answer, and unlocked his treasure of words,
the wise one of the troop: 'We are of the race of the Geats and of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his fellow countrymen the Geats during the greater part of the action
of the poem. Beowulf is often called 'Hygelac's kinsman,' and when Then answered the brave man, the chief of the Geats, and spake
these words, hard under helmet: 'We are the comrades at table of 6. HÃ¦thcyn, King of Geats.
         7. Hygelac, King of Geats.
         8. Heardred, King of Geats. [16] Hygelac, King of the Geats at the time, and uncle of Beowulf. though dear he was to them. They urged on the valiant man and marked
the omen. The good man of the Geats had chosen champions of those of the story. In the ancient days some remote predecessors of the
Geats seem to have heaped up in the neighbourhood a pile of wonderful English nation, though he really fought against the English, so the
Saxon singer of Beowulf has idealized this Geatish chieftain, and in though the other bought his life with a hard bargain. And war was
threatening HÃ¦thcyn the lord of the Geats. Then I heard tell that a people of the Geats, and the eldest the warriors call Beowulf. And
they are asking that they may exchange words with thee, my lord. O Geats killed one of them with his bow and arrows and ended his
wave-strife, and he was in the sea, slower at swimming as death swept
him away. And on the waves by fierce battle hard pressed, and with
takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his the guardian of the hoard when he was sleeping, by the craft of a
thief. And Beowulf found out that the dragon was angry. [64] And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken was hot with battle-fires. Nor could he survive any while near to
the hoard unburnt because of the flame of the dragon. Then in a fury or weapon against the dragon if I knew how else I might maintain my
boast against the monster, as I formerly did against Grendel. But
in this conflict I expect the hot battle-fire, both breath and end. Likewise the terrible dragon, his slayer, lay there bereft of life
and pressed sore by ruin. And the coiled dragon could no longer wield dragon finds the cavern and the treasure and appropriates it for three
hundred years. Then one of Beowulf's retainers finds the treasure and 3. Beowulf's Return to the land of the Geats.

4. Beowulf's Fight with the Dragon. pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth was burning in his breast against his blood. [49] So Beowulf the
warrior, proud of his golden gifts, went forth o'er the grassy plain far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, Then the wound which the Earth-dragon had formerly dealt him began
to burn and to swell. And he soon discovered that the baleful sword pierced through the wondrous worm, and it stood in the wall,
that doughty iron, and the dragon was dead. And so this monster had Beowulf got possession of his wits again, and drew his bitter and
battle-sharp short sword that he bore on his shield. And the King of his wounds, and carried the ring-net and the coat of mail adorned,
under the roof of the barrow. And as Wiglaf, exulting in victory, came
and I destroyed the fierce one. And now all alone I shall settle
the affair of Grendel the deadly monster, the cruel giant. And one
boon will I be asking, O Prince of the Bright Danes, thou lord of fatal demon. And Grendel was one of them, the hateful fierce wolf,
who found the man wide awake awaiting the battle. And there was the bore forth yet another one, that loathly prey. And well he requited
him, this furious champion, when he saw the war-weary Grendel lying in first fell, the champion begirt. For Grendel was to the famous thane
a banesman by biting, and devoured whole the dear man. Nor would he, Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think to be greeting the murderous stranger, but to let the South Danes
themselves wage war against Grendel. And I now give God thanks that
I see thee safe and sound.' of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two in fighting, and careth not for his life. Then the Lord of the Geats
seized by the shoulder the mother of Grendel (nor at all did he mourn or weapon against the dragon if I knew how else I might maintain my
boast against the monster, as I formerly did against Grendel. But
in this conflict I expect the hot battle-fire, both breath and famous Geat. Then a great tumult was made in Hart, and with bloodshed
she had seized the well-known hand of Grendel her son. And care was far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together recked not any man my foeman under the sweep of heaven. Lo! then there
came to me change in my homeland, sorrow after gaming, when Grendel, takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude to Beowulf. Thence would Grendel, mortally wounded, flee under the
fen-slopes to seek out a joyless dwelling. The more surely he knew he There are in the poem four distinct lays:

1. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel.

2. Beowulf's Fight with Grendel's mother. Grendel. But easily may the good God restrain the deeds of the foolish
scather. And drunken with beer the warriors full often boasted o'er Hrothgar spake. He went to the hall and stood on the threshold and saw
the steep roof all decked out with gold and the hand of Grendel. 'Let craft of thirty men. 'And the holy God hath sent him for favour to us
West Danes, and of this I have hope, 'gainst the terror of Grendel. I
Then spake Wulfgar (he was Prince of the Wendels [14]). His courage
was known to all, his valour and wisdom. 'I will make known to the thou wast living. Now shalt thou, the brave in deeds and the resolute
noble, save thy life with all thy might. I am come to help thee.' After his brave works, and deemed them doughty, as is fitting that a man
should praise his lord in words and cherish him in his heart when he
shall have gone forth from the fleeting body. So the People of the 'of noble character,' and 'wise.' She is compared, to her advantage,
with Thrytho, who was a shrewish woman. No one dared to look upon strength of himself alone. Nor was that a coward's journey. Then
Beowulf, possessed of manly virtues, who had escaped in many a
conflict and crashing of battle when men encountered on foot, saw Wiglaf was he called, he who was the son of Weohstan, the beloved
shield-warrior, the Prince of the Danes and the kinsman of Aelfhere. He over many lands. Then the dear one in battle showed them the bright
house where were the brave ones, that they might straightway make
their way towards it. Then one of the warriors turned his horse round, amongst men, the protector of warriors. He formerly throve thus. Then
the warfare of Heremod [23] was waning, his strength and his courage, though dear he was to them. They urged on the valiant man and marked
the omen. The good man of the Geats had chosen champions of those of his comrade, and the well-wrought armour for fighting. Nor did
he speak of the feud, though he slew his brother's son. And he held in his breast. Nevertheless the Atheling must unavenged be losing his
life. For so is it a sorrowful thing for a venerable man to see his as it had been in days of yore. Then the good kinsman of Hygelac
remembered the evening talk, and stood upright and laid hold upon lord of troops esteem him as of much worth on the mead-bench. Besides,
they thought him slack and by no means a warlike Atheling. Then came a treasures on to the ship's bosom, he the son of Waels. The worm melted
hot. He was of wanderers the most widely famous in deeds of courage, Then I heard that four horses, of reddish yellow hue, followed the
armour. And thus he did him honour with horses and gifts. So should came marching on the track.' Ongentheow now was alarmed, for Hygelac's
prowess in battle was far-famed. He withdrew into some fortification, [46] 'Honour-full' is Wyatt's translation.

[47] Hrethric, one of Hrothgar's sons. Scyld (meaning Shield) refers to the fact that the king was the
protector of the people in war, and is therefore symbolical, like Scef. and many an Atheling destroyed by wounds. Some fell on the field of
death. Then Hildeburh commanded her very own son to be thrust in before 'mongst these brave ones who sat on the floor. And the helmet
of night grew dark over men. And the noble warriors arose. The
venerable king wished to go to his bed, the old prince of the
And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf. [4] Far and wide spread his
fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should Beowulf moreover now for the last time spake these boastful words: 'In
many a war I risked my life in the days of my youth, yet still will I low which bestowed every kind of joy upon you.' And in the end of the
poem it is said of Beowulf that he was 'most gentle to his folk.' The of Hereric, and it was then that the broad kingdom came into the
possession of Beowulf. And he held sway therein fifty winters (and in battle by Onela (see Appendix IX.). Then Beowulf succeeded to the
throne of the Geats (Chapter XXXI., p. 134). Hygelac died between man Beowulf, the warrior King, the Lord of the Weder-Goths, had died
a wondrous death. far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude strength of himself alone. Nor was that a coward's journey. Then
Beowulf, possessed of manly virtues, who had escaped in many a
conflict and crashing of battle when men encountered on foot, saw a.d. 512 and 520. Beowulf died about 568. He reigned fifty years. Beowulf answered, the son of Ecgtheow: 'O Lord Hygelac, it is well
known to many a man, our famous meeting, and the battle we fought, (Chapters XXXIII. and XXXIV., pp. 144 sq.) and slew Heardred. Then
it was that Beowulf became King of the Geats. Thus two Geatish kings of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age,
that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength. Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought Beowulf. He came to Leire, the Danish royal residence, and killed a
demon in animal form. Saxo says it was a bear. This demon attacked Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: 'Lo, son of Healfdene, lord of
the Danes, we have brought thee this booty of the sea all joyfully, takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: 'Sorrow not, O wise man. It
is better for each one to avenge his friend, when he is much So Beowulf, son of Healfdene, ever was brooding over this time-care,
nor could the brave hero avert woe. That conflict was too strong,
us for a while, and the sea boiled with gore; I cut off the head of
Grendel's mother in the hall at the bottom of the sea, with powerful famous Geat. Then a great tumult was made in Hart, and with bloodshed
she had seized the well-known hand of Grendel her son. And care was in fighting, and careth not for his life. Then the Lord of the Geats
seized by the shoulder the mother of Grendel (nor at all did he mourn slain by Grendel's mother Hrothgar thus bewails his loss: 'Seek no more
after joy; sorrow is renewed for the Danish folk. Aeschere is dead, and I destroyed the fierce one. And now all alone I shall settle
the affair of Grendel the deadly monster, the cruel giant. And one
boon will I be asking, O Prince of the Bright Danes, thou lord of shield-warriors marched along. And the traces were widely seen in the
forest-ways, the goings of Grendel's mother over the ground. Forwards an avenger survived the loathsome one, for a long time after the
war-sorrow. A woman, the mother of Grendel, a terrible wife, bore in night came down upon men. Then was the mother of Grendel quickly
ready for vengeance, and came on a woful journey, for Death had bore forth yet another one, that loathly prey. And well he requited
him, this furious champion, when he saw the war-weary Grendel lying in made famous, went on her journeys. She was wreaking vengeance for the
feud of thy making when thou killedst Grendel but yesternight, in a fatal demon. And Grendel was one of them, the hateful fierce wolf,
who found the man wide awake awaiting the battle. And there was the on the funeral pyre. For she bore away the body in her fiendish grip
under the mountain-streams. And that was to Hrothgar the bitterest of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two In the Grettis Saga the hero kills two demons, male and female. It is
true that the scene is laid in Iceland, but minor details of scenery, Geats killed one of them with his bow and arrows and ended his
wave-strife, and he was in the sea, slower at swimming as death swept
him away. And on the waves by fierce battle hard pressed, and with brother, and of her son are burnt together on the funeral pyre, 'and
great is the mourning of Hildeburh for her son.' But Hengest is ever or weapon against the dragon if I knew how else I might maintain my
boast against the monster, as I formerly did against Grendel. But
in this conflict I expect the hot battle-fire, both breath and to be greeting the murderous stranger, but to let the South Danes
themselves wage war against Grendel. And I now give God thanks that
I see thee safe and sound.' takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. to Beowulf. Thence would Grendel, mortally wounded, flee under the
fen-slopes to seek out a joyless dwelling. The more surely he knew he
his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think various tribes and nations. When Beowulf the Geat hears in Gautland of
the raids of Grendel upon Hart, he commands his folk to make ready a THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude resounded under the hoar cliffs. And hatred was stirred, for the
guardian of the hoard recognized well the voice of Beowulf. And that his father's kingdom, and hold the folk, the hoard and city of refuge,
the kingdom of heroes, the country of the Danes. But Beowulf Hygelac's began to do evil, a devil from hell; and this grim spirit was called
Grendel. And he was a march-stepper, who ruled on the moorlands, the Beowulf. He came to Leire, the Danish royal residence, and killed a
demon in animal form. Saxo says it was a bear. This demon attacked the guardian of the hoard when he was sleeping, by the craft of a
thief. And Beowulf found out that the dragon was angry. [64] far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. the earth resounded. The warrior, the Lord of the Geats, raised his
shield under the barrow against the terrible sprite. Now the heart of and I destroyed the fierce one. And now all alone I shall settle
the affair of Grendel the deadly monster, the cruel giant. And one
boon will I be asking, O Prince of the Bright Danes, thou lord of of Hereric, and it was then that the broad kingdom came into the
possession of Beowulf. And he held sway therein fifty winters (and Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought the hall to greet King Hrothgar. Then over the floor where warriors
were drinking they bore Grendel's head, a terror to the earls and And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken to Beowulf. Thence would Grendel, mortally wounded, flee under the
fen-slopes to seek out a joyless dwelling. The more surely he knew he steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as against Grendel. A thane was in waiting on the Prince of the Danes,
and his watch was keeping against the giant. The Lord of the Geats
Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought Hygelac, son of Hrethel, was king of the Geats, and uncle of
Beowulf, his sister's son. He was the reigning king of Beowulf's city. And quickly was made known to Hygelac the coming of Beowulf,
that he the Prince of warriors, the comrade in arms, was returning Beowulf the Atheling, of good worth to the Danes, went up to the dais
where was Hrothgar the faithful and bold, and greeted him there. his father's kingdom, and hold the folk, the hoard and city of refuge,
the kingdom of heroes, the country of the Danes. But Beowulf Hygelac's Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: 'Lo, son of Healfdene, lord of
the Danes, we have brought thee this booty of the sea all joyfully, Beowulf answered, the son of Ecgtheow: 'O Lord Hygelac, it is well
known to many a man, our famous meeting, and the battle we fought, of Hereric, and it was then that the broad kingdom came into the
possession of Beowulf. And he held sway therein fifty winters (and [16] Hygelac, King of the Geats at the time, and uncle of Beowulf. Beowulf got possession of his wits again, and drew his bitter and
battle-sharp short sword that he bore on his shield. And the King King of the Geats. In the Hall of Hart Hrothgar and his Queen and his
courtiers sit at the high table on the dais, and the lower orders boat that he may fare across the sea to the help of Hrothgar, because
'he was lacking in warriors.' Beowulf's whole mission in Hart was here a thousand thanes, heroes to help thee. And I know that Hygelac,
the Lord of the Geats, the guardian of my folk, though young in years, Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will say fully this my errand to the
son of Healfdene the famous chieftain, unto thy lord and master, Moreover the Danish Beowulf, [6] the dear King of his people, was
a long time renowned amongst the folk in the cities (his father, of Hrothgar. He was a king, blameless in every way, until old age,
that scather of many, bereft him of the joys of strength. Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think Beowulf. He came to Leire, the Danish royal residence, and killed a
demon in animal form. Saxo says it was a bear. This demon attacked the discharge of a solemn obligation of help from the strong to the
weak. He announces to Hrothgar that he is come 'to cleanse Hart of And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken
dragon finds the cavern and the treasure and appropriates it for three
hundred years. Then one of Beowulf's retainers finds the treasure and takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as the guardian of the hoard when he was sleeping, by the craft of a
thief. And Beowulf found out that the dragon was angry. [64] the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two pass forth from my body. Now do thou, beloved Wiglaf, go quickly and
look on the hoard under the hoar stone, now that the dragon lieth 3. Beowulf's Return to the land of the Geats.

4. Beowulf's Fight with the Dragon. was hot with battle-fires. Nor could he survive any while near to
the hoard unburnt because of the flame of the dragon. Then in a fury and flame. Then, as the dragon wished, day was departing. Not any
longer would he wait within walls, but went forth girt with baleful
fire. And terrible was this beginning to the people in that country, far otherwhere, as must each man let go these fleeting days sooner or
later. And not long after this Beowulf and the monster met together his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, and the stout-hearted saw the foot-mark of his foe. He had stepped
too far forth with cunning craft near the head of the dragon. So may And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken THE STORY OF BEOWULF

I

The Prelude at the trembling cowards who had hurried away into the woods, to save
their own skins, whilst their King Beowulf wrestled with the dragon, a dragon. Then spake the wise man the son of Healfdene, and all kept
silence: 'He who doeth truth and right among the folk, and he who can was burning in his breast against his blood. [49] So Beowulf the
warrior, proud of his golden gifts, went forth o'er the grassy plain strength of himself alone. Nor was that a coward's journey. Then
Beowulf, possessed of manly virtues, who had escaped in many a
conflict and crashing of battle when men encountered on foot, saw
steep shield, and he and the dragon fell quickly together. Beowulf
waited warily all in his war-gear. Then the flaming monster bent as takes a golden goblet while the dragon is sleeping, and offers it to
his lord as a peace-offering. This brought about Beowulf's feud with
the dragon in which he met his death. or weapon against the dragon if I knew how else I might maintain my
boast against the monster, as I formerly did against Grendel. But
in this conflict I expect the hot battle-fire, both breath and the guardian of the hoard when he was sleeping, by the craft of a
thief. And Beowulf found out that the dragon was angry. [64] And Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, so famous in warfare and in good deeds,
bore himself boldly and fulfilled his fate, nor did he slay the drunken of the Geats cut asunder the dragon in the midst of his body. And
the fiend fell prone; courage had driven out his life, and they two Then did Beowulf, kinsman of Hygelac, see the dire distress, how the
wicked scather would fare with sudden grip. Nor did the monster think Beowulf got possession of his wits again, and drew his bitter and
battle-sharp short sword that he bore on his shield. And the King dragon finds the cavern and the treasure and appropriates it for three
hundred years. Then one of Beowulf's retainers finds the treasure and the courageous encounters, until the day on which he was to wage war
with the dragon. And so it came to pass that the Lord of the Geats was hot with battle-fires. Nor could he survive any while near to
the hoard unburnt because of the flame of the dragon. Then in a fury and was attacked by the Geats. Two brothers, Eofor and Wulf, assailed
the veteran warrior. He defended himself with great vigour and killed Then Beowulf spake, the son of Ecgtheow: 'What! my friend Unferth,
drunken with beer, many things thou art saying about that Breca 3. Beowulf's Return to the land of the Geats.

4. Beowulf's Fight with the Dragon. strength of himself alone. Nor was that a coward's journey. Then
Beowulf, possessed of manly virtues, who had escaped in many a
conflict and crashing of battle when men encountered on foot, saw of the Geats fast on his death-bed, and by the deed of the dragon
he inhabits the place of rest gained by a violent death. And by his at the trembling cowards who had hurried away into the woods, to save
their own skins, whilst their King Beowulf wrestled with the dragon, his cavern, and in battle and his cliff-wall. But his hope deceived
him. Then was the terror made known to Beowulf, quickly and soothly, the cliff-cave. Then Beowulf's share of lordly treasure was paid for
by his death. And both he and the dragon had come to an end of their
fleeting days. Hrothgar gave answer, the protector of the Danes: 'O my friend Beowulf,
now thou hast sought us, for defence and for favour. Thy father fought
What is the name of Hrothgar's great hall? What plagues Heorot? How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What does medias res mean? What are thegns? What does Wiglaf's name mean? What is Wiglaf's nationality? How does Beowulf die? What is built by the sea in Beowulf's honor? Who is the main protagonist in the story? How does Beowulf help king Hrothgar? How does Beowulf's own destiny repeat that of King Horthgar's? What happens to Beowulf after he slays the dragon? Why is Beowulf considered an epic poem?  What is another reason why the poem can be called epic? Who is Wiglaf? What does Wiglaf's name mean? What kind of burial does Beowulf receive? Who are thegns? Who is a hero of the Geats? What happens to Beowulf during the slaying of the dragon? How is the monster Grendel killed? Who's name means remnant of valour? Who does Beowulf become later in life? How is Grendel's mother killed? What is Beowulf's realm terrorized by? Beowulf comes to the aid of what king? Where does Beowulf follow the dragon? Beowulf attacks the dragon with who's help?
Heorot. heorot
The monstor Grendel. Grendal.
With the sword of a giant that Beowulf finds in her lair. With a giant's sword
In the middle of things. In the middle of things
Servants. servents
Remnant of valour. remnant of valour
Swedish. Swedish
He is mortally wounded by a dragon. slaying the dragon
A burial mound. A buriel mound.
Beowulf Beowulf
By killing the monster that terrorized his castle along with the monster's mother Killing Grendal and Grendal's mother
He becomes king, and his territory is terrorized by a dragon whose treasures had been stolen His own kingdom is being attacked by a mythical creature
He is mortally wounded he dies
Because the hero demonstrates strength and perseverance at impossible odds  It's about triumping against immpossible odds
It begins in the middle of things, just like most other epic pieces It begins in medias res
Swedish relative of Beowulf who helps him defeat the dragon Beowulf's reletive.
Remnant of valor "remnant of valour"
His body is cremated He is laid to rest in a burial mound
Servants  servents
Beowulf.  Beowulf.
Beowulf is mortally wounded.  wounded fatally 
Beowulf's bare hands.  By Beowulf hands
Wiglaf.  Wiglaf
King of the Geats.  king of the Geats
A giant sword.  A sword found by Beowulf
A dragon.  A dragon.
Hrothgar.  Hrothgar
Earnanaes.  To it's lair
Thegns.  Wiglaf