Scyld Scefing Ship Picture Beowulf Baby in a Ship Scyld Scefing

---

Beowulf

a summary in English prose by

D. L. Ashliman
© 2010

---

Contents

• Prologue
• Part One: Beowulf and Grendel
• Role Two: Beowulf and Grendel's Mother
• Part Three: Beowulf and the Dragon

---

Return to D. L. Ashliman's folktexts , a library of folktales, folklore, fairy tales, and mythology.

---

Prologue

Listen! We take heard of the glory of the kings who ruled the Danes in olden times. Scyld Scefing frequently drove enemy warriors from their mead-hall benches, although he himself had once been a destitute foundling. In spite of this he came to prosper. With time all the neighboring tribes served him and paid him tribute. That was a good male monarch!

Scyld died at the fated time. Following his wishes, his body was placed on a well-outfitted send, laden with treasures and weapons. Then his kinsmen permit the bounding main deport him abroad. No ane on earth knows who received that ship'due south cargo.

Part I: Beowulf and Grendel

1

Following Scyld's death the kingship of the Danes passed to Scyld'southward son Beowulf [not the hero of this epic], and then in turn to his son Healfdene, then to his son Hrothgar. Each of these successors proved to be a venerable leader.

I have heard tell how Hrothgar had a great mead-hall built. It was larger and grander than any such hall that anyone had ever heard of. He named the not bad hall Heorot. Here, with neat ceremony, he dispensed lavish gifts to young and sometime, thus giving thank you for his ain victories and prosperity.

Not long later on the hall'southward merriment was brought to an finish by a grim foe named Grendel, who haunted marshes and moors, fens and heath. This wretched being, along with monsters, elves, sea-beasts, and giants, was a descendent of Cain, whom the Lord had banished from mankind for the slaying of Abel.

2

Grendel attacked during the night. Following an evening of mead drinking, the Danish warriors were fast asleep. Grendel seized thirty of them, then carried them back to his lair. At dawn the survivors discovered their peachy loss. They saw the monster'south tracks leading away from Heorot, only it was also belatedly to relieve his victims.

These loathsome attacks continued for twelve winters. Nighttime later on nighttime Grendel haunted the misty moors, pursuing his victims. Nor was anyone prophylactic in Heorot, where he attacked at will.

Many of the grief-stricken Danes, seeing no other source of assist, returned to their old infidel faith. Woe unto him who thus rejects the Lord.

3

Tidings of Grendel'south attacks reached the country of the Geats. Beowulf, a thane of Hygelac, King of the Geats, heard of Grendel'due south deeds and resolved to come to the Danes' rescue. No one faulted him for this decision. He was a proven hero.

Beowulf had a transport outfitted for the journeying, so chose fifteen warriors to accompany him. A skilled mariner pointed out the landmarks to them.

Driven past the wind, the ship sped across the waves. On the 2d day the sailors defenseless sight of gleaming cliffs and broad headlands. They went ashore and secured their ship.

A Danish guard saw them from the cliff as they came ashore with their shields and weapons. This thane of Hrothgar approached them on horseback. Waving his spear he challenged them with these words: "What warriors are you lot, sailing your swell send along the ocean-paths? I am a member of the coastguard, charged with protecting the Danish country. Never have I seen a band of warriors try to land here more openly than you have done. Who is your brave leader, and what is his lineage?"

4

Beowulf answered: "Nosotros are of the Geatish kin, Hygelac'due south hearth-companions. I am the son of a noble prince named Ecgtheow. We have come to serve the mighty lord of the Danes. We have heard that some secret destroyer causes not bad terror amongst the Scyldings on dark nights. I intend to help Hrothgar overcome this foe."

The coastguardsman pointed the mode to Heorot, and then returned to his post. Beowulf and his men hurried onward. The boar-images glistened above the cheek-guards on their helmets.

v

The street was paved with stones. The men followed this path to the great hall. Leaning their shields against the wall, they sat downwardly upon the benches [outside the hall].

A warrior asked the heroes about their lineage: "Where have y'all come up from, with your shields, war-shirts, visored helmets, and spears. I am Hrothgar'due south servant and herald. Never before accept I seen such a band of strangers in such a courageous mood."

Beowulf answered: "We are table-companions of Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will reveal my errand to the son of Healfdene, your great king, if you will take us to him."

Wulfgar (that was the herald's proper noun) quickly went to Hrothgar, now old and white-haired. Wulfgar spoke: "Geatish warriors have arrived here from across the sea. They phone call their chieftain Beowulf. They take requested to speak with you."

6

Hrothgar spoke: "I knew Beowulf when he was a child. His father was called Ecgtheow, and he has come as a loyal friend. Moreover, seafarers have reported here that Beowulf is strong in battle. The grip of his hand is said to have the force of thirty men. Bid him and his band of kinsmen welcome amid the Danish people.

Wulfgar came to the door of the hall and announced from within: "My victorious lord bids me say that he knows your noble lineage. Yous are welcome here. You may come inside to Hrothgar, wearing your armor and helmets, but leave your spears outside until after you have spoken." Beowulf approached Hrothgar, then spoke: "Hail to thee, Hrothgar! In my native land I learned of Grendel's deeds. Seafarers report that this great hall is useless for all men later nightfall. Knowing my great forcefulness, my people urged me to come to your aid. They have seen me return from battle stained with the blood of my foes. I accept destroyed a race of giants and take slain bounding main-beasts past night. Now I have come to cleanse Heorot of the evil that has come up upon it. Furthermore, I have learned that Grendel, the giant monster, has no fright of weapons, so I will fight him with my bare hands, without sword or shield. If I neglect, have no concern about my burial; Grendel will devour my corpse. Practice, even so, transport my chainmail back to Hygelac. Information technology is the best of armor, inherited from Hrethel [Beowulf's granddad], and the work of Weland [a legendary smith].

7

Hrothgar replied: "Nosotros thank you for coming to our defense. It is with sorrow that I tell what shame and grief Grendel has caused. Many of my best warriors accept fallen victim to his horrid clutch. Often my warriors have boastfully vowed while drinking their ale to have vengeance, simply the next morning time the mead-hall has been stained with their blood. Join united states at present in a feast and share with my men how yous plan to accomplish victory."

In the mead-hall a bench was made ready for the Geats. Mead was served. A bard sang with a clear voice. The assembled warriors rejoiced, Geats and Danes alike.

8

However, one of the Danes, Unferth by name, was jealous of the attending given to Beowulf, and seeking to stir upwardly a quarrel he spoke: "Are you the Beowulf who heedlessly challenged Breca to a swimming competition, risking your lives in the deep h2o? No one could turn y'all abroad from the foolhardy venture, and the ii of y'all swam out into the ocean. For seven nights the ii of you battled the waters, but he had the greater force, and he outlasted y'all. The waves drove him ashore on the declension of Norway, and he was proclaimed the winner. I expect even worse results for y'all with your contest against Grendel."

Beowulf answered: "Unferth, my friend, in your drunkenness you have said much almost my adventure with Breca. At present I will tell the truth of what happened. When we were still boys Breca and I had boasted that one 24-hour interval we would exam our forcefulness at body of water; and we did as nosotros had spoken in our youth. To defend ourselves confronting whales nosotros swam carrying naked swords in our hands. Neither of us could gain an reward over the other one, and thus we swam together for five nights, until finally the cold waves drove usa autonomously. The sea-fish grew angry, but my shirt of chainmail protected me. An evil monster dragged me to the bottom, but I was able to stab the animal with the point of my sword, and and so dispatched him with my hand."

9

Beowulf continued: "Other evil creatures attacked me, merely I killed them all with my sword. Never again would they hinder seafarers. With the morning lite the waves were stilled. Destiny had non doomed me to dice. Instead, I had slain 9 ocean monsters with my sword. I escaped from all these perils, and the current finally carried me to the state of the Finns. Unferth, I have never heard of such exploits on your part. No, neither you lot nor Breca has ever performed so goodly. If you were as fierce in battle as yous claim to exist, the heath monster Grendel would not take been so successful in his attacks against the Danish people. He kills and feasts without fear of the Danes, only I will testify him the strength and backbone of the Geats. After that whoever will may drink mead in this slap-up hall without fear."

The grey-haired king rejoiced in these words; he trusted in Beowulf for aid. Laughter and joyous words rang throughout the hall.

10

That night Beowulf and his kinsmen-in-artillery kept watch in the nifty hall. Trusting in his own strength and in the Lord's favor, he took off his chainmail and helmet, and gave his sword to a thane for safekeeping. All the watchmen save ane savage comatose. Beowulf waited and watched.

11

Grendel drew near from the moorland beneath the misty hillsides. Heorot's door, although secured with burn-hardened bands, opened at his first touch. In the hall he saw many sleeping warriors, and he laughed in his middle. Thinking to kill each one, he hoped for a bountiful feast. The mighty kinsman of Hygelac was watching to see how the foe would assail. All of a sudden the monster seized a sleeping thane, tore him to pieces, and then drank his blood and devoured his corpse. He stepped nearer to Beowulf, clutching at him with his claw, but the smashing warrior took hold of Grendel'southward arm with great strength. Never before had this principal of evil encountered such man strength. He tried to abscond into the darkness, but he could not suspension Beowulf'south powerful grip. Grendel'southward fingers finally burst and bled. The 2 opponents wrestled madly. The hall echoed with the audio of their battle. It was a wonder that the edifice did not fall to the ground. As I take heard men tell, their struggles tore many a mead-bench from its base.

12

Beowulf'south warriors drew their swords, hoping to protect the life of their lord, but when they plunged into the fight they before long discovered that their blades were useless against this foul destroyer. Past a spell Grendel had protected himself against all weapons. Merely withal, this twenty-four hour period he was doomed to die a wretched decease. A gaping wound appeared on his shoulder, and mortally wounded, he fled, full knowing that the appointed number of his days had now come.

The lord of the Geats had made good his before boast. The Danes' affliction was now at an end. Rejoicing, the warrior threw downwards a token of his victory: the whole claw and arm of Grendel.

13

Every bit I have heard, warriors from well-nigh and far assembled at Heorot to behold the foe'south tracks, which lead to the Mere of Water Demons. Its waters were seething with blood, and its waves were mingled with gore. At that place in the depths he gave upwardly his heathen soul to Hel [Loki'due south daughter, and the ruler of the realm of the dead].

With rejoicing the warrior returned to Heorot and to a great celebration. One of the king's thanes who knew old tales without number, cleverly composed a new story, a true tale, narrating Beowulf's adventure.

He also told everything that he had heard of the mighty Sigemund, the son of Wælsing [Volsung], including exploits of which the son of men knew nothing, save Fitala [Sinfiötli], his nephew and comrade. Sigemund'southward great fame carried forth across his expiry, for he had slain the dragon who kept guard over the treasure. In his daring exploits he was past far the most famed of adventurers amid the nations.

14

Hrothgar went to the hall, beheld Grendel'south arm, and spoke: "Praise God for this miracle. Through his ability a human has achieved that which nosotros ourselves were unable to do. Praise be to the adult female who gave nativity to this man. Beowulf, henceforth I shall beloved yous similar a son."

Then Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke, recounting the details of his battle with Grendel. Unferth, besides, was present, simply he fabricated no more than boastful speeches, now having seen the monster's dismembered hand with its steel-like claws.

xv

Strait away Heorot was adorned for a keen feast. A large crowd gathered at that place in celebration. There the son of Healfdene gave to Beowulf many lavish gifts, including a golden ensign, a helmet, a glaze of chainmail, a mighty sword, and viii horses with golden bridles.

16

Moreover, Hrothgar bestowed precious heirlooms upon each man who had crossed the sea with Beowulf. The commemoration continued with singing and music. The harp was struck, and the king'southward bard presented the oft-sung Lay of King Finn.

17

After the gleeman had finished singing Wealhtheow [Hrothgar'due south wife] came along. She presented her rex with a gilded loving cup, maxim: "Be gracious toward the Geats and mindful of gifts. Be generous while you may."

eighteen

Thereupon many additional precious gifts were brought to Beowulf, including two armlets, rings, armor, and the greatest collar that I have always heard tell of since Hama carried away the necklace of the Brisings.

"Receive this collar with joy, and prosper well, dear Beowulf," said Wealhtheow.

The commemoration and so continued with food and wine. When evening fell Hrothgar returned to his lodgings. The guards, every bit they had often washed before, cleared the benches and covered them with bedding and pillows. Doomed to expiry, one of the revelers laid himself down to residuum with his comrades.

Part 2: Grendel's Female parent

19

They cruel asleep, but one paid dearly for his residuum. Although the erstwhile foe was expressionless, there lived an avenger: Grendel's mother. This woman-monster brooded over her woes. A descendant of Cain, she too lived in the wilderness removed from the joys of men. She came to Heorot determined to seek revenge for the decease of her son. Hastily she clutched one of the heroes in his sleep, a favorite thane of Hrothgar. And then retrieving Grendel's arm she retreated to her lair.

Beowulf was not there, for he had been given some other lodging identify. Awakened, the warriors in the hall sounded the warning.

20

Hrothgar mourned the murder of Æschere, his thane. He sensed who had done the evil act, for he had heard from people dwelling in the countryside of ii night-stalkers of the marshes and moors, 1 like unto a woman, the other in the image of a miscreated man. They were said to dwell amongst the wolf-haunted slopes, roughshod fen-paths, and wind-swept cliffs where mountain streams fall, shrouded in the mists of the headlands. Non far from at that place is a mere. Trees hang over its waters, and at nighttime-time tin can exist seen a dreadful wonder: fire on the flood. No human being knows its depth.

He addressed Beowulf: "Once more assist rests with you alone. Seek out this savage and cheerless spot, if you dare. I will advantage you with not bad treasure, as I did before, if you succeed in getting in that location alive."

21

Beowulf replied: "Sorrow not. It is better for a human to avenge his friend than to mourn exceedingly. Each of us will ane twenty-four hours reach the end of worldly life. Therefore permit him who may, win glory before he dies. That is a warrior'south greatest boon at life'due south finish. Now let u.s. follow the tracks of Grendel's mother. I hope you, she shall not escape."

The old man jumped up, thanking God for Beowulf's words. Accompanied by a troop of warriors they followed the foe's tracks over steep and rocky slopes, over sheer cliffs, and past many a body of water-monster's haunt. Suddenly they came upon a mere, overhung with a cheerless wood. And there, to their cloy and dismay, they discovered Æschere's caput. Below, the mere'southward waters seethed with blood and gore.

The troop sat downwardly. They saw serpents and dragons swimming in the h2o and sea-monsters lying along the headland-slopes. They sounded the battle horn, and the creatures sped away, simply not before Beowulf killed one of them with his bow and arrow.

Then Beowulf, taking no thought for his ain life, put on his armor of chainmail and his helmet, fitted with boar figures so that no sword could bite it. He picked upwardly the sword, Hrunting by name, that Unferth had lent him. Ane of the greatest among ancient treasures, its iron blade was stained with toxicant and hardened with the blood of boxing.

22

Taking go out of Hrothgar, Beowulf set along into the mere. It took the better part of a twenty-four hour period earlier he sighted the bottom.

The blood-thirsty monster who had lived there for a hundred seasons [fifty years] presently discovered his presence, and she seized the warrior with her horrid claws. His ringed armor protected him, and she did him no harm, but she did drag him into her domicile. The hero saw that he was in a hall where the water could do him no damage. He attacked the mighty mere-adult female, the she-wolf of the deep, with his sword, but he found that he could not wound her with it. Throwing the famous sword to the ground, he again trusted in his forcefulness. He seized Grendel'southward female parent by the shoulder and threw her to the floor. She fought back fiercely, causing him to stumble and autumn. She sat on him and stabbed at him with her dagger, just again his glaze of chainmail protected him. Finally he regained his feet.

23

So he saw hanging on the wall an old sword from the age of giants. It was the choicest of weapons, but information technology was a sword for giants, as well heavy for any human to carry into battle. Even so, the great hero seized the hilt and savagely struck out at the monster. The blow defenseless her at the neck and sliced off her doomed head.

Suddenly calorie-free filled the place, and the victorious warrior looked about. He saw Grendel'south body. Equally a terminal human action of vengeance, Beowulf cut off his lifeless head.

On shore Hrothgar and his men were watching the mere. Seeing the troubled waves mingled with blood, they feared that the sea-wolf had torn Beowulf to pieces. At the ninth hour of the day the Danes returned to their homes, but the Geats, Beowulf'due south comrades-in-arms, remained at that place ill at centre.

Meanwhile the sword in Beowulf's hand began to waste away. Drenched in blood, it melted abroad like an icicle at winter's end. Beowulf saw keen treasures there in the hall, only all that he took away was Grendel'southward head and the hilt of the sword, its blade having wasted away.

He swam to the surface, and his valiant thanes rejoiced in seeing him safe and sound. They returned to Heorot, bearing Grendel'southward head upon a spear.

24

Beowulf spoke to King Hrothgar: "Behold this token of victory. I almost perished, for the bang-up sword Hrunting proved ineffective in my struggle against the fiend, just at last I saw an old and mighty sword hanging on the wall, and with this sword I slew the enemy. Her blood melted the groovy sword's blade, but the hilt I have carried away as a sign that henceforth your men may slumber peacefully in Heorot."

With these words Beowulf presented to King Hrothgar the hilt, the ancient work of giants, created before the flood destroyed the behemothic race. Its guard was of shining golden, graven correctly with runic letters and brightly adorned with snakes.

25

Rex Hrothgar spoke: "Dear Beowulf, best of men, keep yourself from airs and envy. You lot are now at the summit of your ability, but with age your strength volition wane, and with time decease will overcome y'all."

The adjacent forenoon Beowulf announced his desire to return to his own homeland. With kind thanks he returned the sword Hrunting to Unferth, generously praising the ancient weapon. He was a man of noble spirit!

26

Beowulf spoke to King Hrothgar: "We seafarers at present return to our Male monarch Hygelac. You lot have been good to us. If, beyond the waters, I acquire that y'all are over again in demand, I will forthwith render with a thousand warriors to help you."

Hrothgar answered: "Because of yous there will always exist peace between our people, the Geats and the Danes. Feuds and strife from the by are now behind us."

Then the anile male monarch, unable to contain his grief at Beowulf'southward parting, gave the hero additional treasures. He was a king blameless in every way until old age robbed him of his strength.

27

As the warriors approached the body of water they were kindly greeted by the coastguardsman. They loaded their horses, armor, and treasures aboard their ship, and before parting Beowulf gave the guard an heirloom sword bound with gold.

They steered the send into deep h2o, and then hoisted a material canvas. The send groaned, and the wind drove them across the waters, always on course, until at last they saw the familiar headlands and cliffs of their homeland. The harbor baby-sit, who had long looked out to sea for his beloved countrymen, moored their ship with ropes, securing it from the waves.

28-30

Rex Hygelac greeted the returning hero ceremoniously. Burning with curiosity about the latter's adventures, he asked: "How did you fare on your journey to help the Danes?"

"My battle with Grendel is already known to many," replied Beowulf. Then he recounted in detail his entire adventure: his inflow at Heorot, his hand-to-hand fight with Grendel, his slaying of the monster's mother at the bottom of the mere, and his reward of great treasures at the hand of King Hrothgar.

31

Beowulf concluded his account by praising the generosity of King Hrothgar. "He followed courtly custom," said the hero. "He withheld cipher that was my due; and I wish now to give to yous, my king, the dandy treasures that he gave me as a reward."

Beowulf and then had the arms and treasures brought along, and he told the story behind each heirloom.

Male monarch Hygelac responded by presenting to Beowulf Hrethel's sword, a famous heirloom. Furthermore, he gave him seven chiliad hides of land and a hall. Then he named him prince and successor to his own throne.

At Hygelac'due south decease Beowulf became rex. He ruled wisely for fifty winters, and so a reign of terror visited the land of the Geats.

Part Three: Beowulf and the Dragon

32

A bully treasure lay hidden in an upland barrow, simply all those who had buried it died before bequesting it to their surviving kin. Equally they are wont to do, a malicious dragon found the hoard and assumed possession of it. For iii hundred winters he jealously guarded the treasure.

And then one twenty-four hour period a thief bankrupt into the dragon'due south hoard and stole a golden loving cup. He was not a willful thief, but rather a runaway slave who had escaped a cruel master. Discovering the treasure past chance, the thief took a golden loving cup, hoping to pacify his primary with it.

Discovering his loss, the flaming dragon emerged from his lair to seek revenge.

33

The monster spewed along flames and destroyed many dwellings by burn, including Beowulf's habitation, the best of halls.

34-35

Once again facing a life-and-death conflict with a superhuman foe, Beowulf reminisced about the contests and victories of his earlier life. E'er mindful of a king's duty toward his people, he vowed: "In the days of my youth I ventured on many battles; and fifty-fifty now will I, aged guardian of my people, challenge this destroyer, if he will come along from his den to come across me."

Beowulf advanced to the dragon's lair alone, trusting in his single forcefulness. That is no coward's fashion. With a clear voice he challenged the serpent to appear. The evil animate being's jiff emerged from the rocks. The world quaked, and the serpent appeared. The lord of the Geats swung his shield against the atrocious foe, and then struck at him with his bequeathed sword, merely to no avail. The blade failed to penetrate.

This was to be no pleasant journey for Beowulf: he was now doomed to get out this world forever against his will, the fate of all men.

Earlier long the 2 fighters confronted one some other again. The snake plucked upwards his courage and renewed his set on. Beowulf's companions had all fled into the wood to save their lives. Merely one of them came to his lord'south aid.

36

The lone brave companion was a beloved warrior named Wiglaf. Seeing his threatened lord, Wiglaf remembered the many benefits that Beowulf had given him in the past. He picked upward his sword and shield and advanced through the deadly fumes to aid his lord.

"Beloved Beowulf," he said, "in your youth you swore that you would not let your fame decline as long equally yous lived. You must now defend your life with all your might. I shall help y'all!"

Hearing these words, the dragon attacked a second time. The serpent's flaming breath burned Wiglaf's shield to ashes, so the immature warrior was forced to seek refuge behind his kinsman'southward shield. Beowulf, intent on glory, drove his sword Naegling into the dragon's head. So fierce was the blow that it shattered the blade. Every bit I have heard, Beowulf'south hand was so strong, that no sword could withstand his full strength.

The peppery dragon attacked a third time, seizing Beowulf by the cervix with his sharp teeth. The hero's blood flowed along in streams.

37

I have heard how Wiglaf showed unceasing courage and skill in the male monarch'southward great need. The young hero instead of attacking the dragon's head aimed his sword blows a little lower, wounding the creature such that the fire began to wane.

Beowulf recovered somewhat, and drawing his short sword he cut the serpent in 2. Thus they struck down the foe. Together the ii noble kinsmen destroyed him, but this was the king's last hour of victory, his final worldly human action.

The wound that the dragon had given Beowulf began to burn and swell. Knowing that his appointed days on earth were now at an cease, Beowulf spoke: "Fifty winters have I ruled this people, during which time no neighboring rex has dared to attack usa. At abode I have accepted my fate. I have sought no quarrels and have sworn no false oaths. In all this I tin can take joy, although I now suffer from fatal wounds."

Beowulf farther asked Wiglaf to seek out the dragon's treasure and draw it to him, thus giving him comfort knowing about this role of the legacy he was leaving to his country.

38

I have heard how Wiglaf descended into the barrow where he saw the great hoard: jewels, gold, cups, vessels, and arm-rings. Filling his artillery with treasures, Wiglaf rushed dorsum to his king. He establish him bleeding and near death.

Seeing the treasure, Beowulf spoke: "I give thanks that I was able to gain these precious things for my people earlier I died. I have paid for this treasure hoard with my anile life. You must now fulfill the needs of the people with it. I can no longer be hither. After my body has been burned have the warriors build a memorial mound for me on a littoral promontory. Seafarers will call information technology Beowulf's Mound."

The generous king and then gave the young warrior his gilded neck-piece, his helmet, his band, and his coat of chainmail, then told him to enjoy them well.

"You are now the terminal of our kin," he said to Wiglaf. Fate has taken away all my kinsmen. I must follow them."

These were the quondam male monarch'southward terminal words. His soul departed to seek the reward of the righteous.

39

It greatly grieved the young warrior to run across his beloved one lying lifeless on the basis. His slayer lay there as well, defeated and dead. No longer would this serpent dominion over treasure hoards. No more would he whirl through the air at midnight.

Every bit I have heard, very few men in the world had e'er withstood the venomous blasts from such a foe. Beowulf had won the dragon's hoard, but he had paid for his share of this wealth with his life. Not long afterward the cowards who had fled into the woods returned. Ten in number, they shamefully came to where the one-time man lay. They looked upon Wiglaf who was trying to revive his lord with water, but to no avail.

Wiglaf addressed the traitors: "You lot stand up in that location wearing chainmail and carrying the finest artillery, all given to you past our rex, but in his hr of distress, you all abandoned him. Henceforth y'all shall all be deprived of the landowners' privileges formerly bestowed upon you lot."

xl-41

Wiglaf ordered that the battle'south effect be announced in the stronghold. A band of mourners proceeded to the place where their beloved rex had fallen. They first came upon the loathsome animal, all scorched with flames. He was 50 feet long. The creature who had at dark frolicked through the air now lay lifeless on the sand. Never again would he return to his barrow. Nearby stood golden bowls, cups, dishes, and precious swords, rusty and rust-covered every bit if they had lain in the world's bosom for a thou winters. A spell had been cast upon that vast hoard, the gold of men of old, that no one could enter the treasure-business firm unless God himself so willed it.

42

Wiglaf summoned together 7 of the king'due south all-time thanes, himself the eighth, and together they entered the dragon'south lair. They loaded gold of every sort and beyond measure upon a carriage and carried it abroad with them. They pushed the dragon's trunk over the cliff into the sea and let the waves carry it away.

The Geatish people prepared a magnificent pyre for their neat king. Mourning warriors laid their beloved lord in its midst, then kindled the funeral fire. Wood fume ascended, blackness above the flames. The roar of the fire mingled with the sound of weeping, until at concluding the body was consumed. Heaven swallowed the smoke.

A Geatish woman sang a sad lament for Beowulf, expressing fear of evil days ahead.

The Geatish people made a mound upon the cliff. Information technology was high and broad, and could exist seen from afar past seafaring men. They built a wall effectually the burn down's ashes, the famous Warrior's Beacon. Within the mound they put the rings, jewels, and adornments that the warriors had taken from the hoard. Thus they returned the treasure to the earth, where information technology still remains, as useless to men at present as it was in times of erstwhile.

Twelve warriors, sons of princes, rode most the mound, praising their hero's courage and his mighty deeds.

Thus the Geatish people mourned their fallen lord. They said that he was a mighty king, the mildest and kindest of men, most kind to his people, and well-nigh desirous of praise.

---

• Beowulf was composed by an unnamed English language poet sometime between nigh 700 A.D. and 800 A.D. These dates, based on internal contextual and linguistic evidence, are not universally accepted by scholars. The subsequently date is based on the premise that the Viking raids on England kickoff with the sacking of the monasteries at Lindisfarne and Jarrow in the 790s fabricated information technology unlikely that following these and subsequent attacks an English poet would create a work praising the virtues of Danes or other Northmen.
• As known today, this verse form survives in a unmarried manuscript, written by ii different scribes in about 1000 A.D. This manuscript is housed in the British Library.
• I have based this summary on the following translation: Beowulf, translated out of the One-time English past Chauncey Brewster Tinker. Revised edition (New York: Newson and Company, 1912).
• Link to a text of Beowulf in the original Former English: Beowulf, herausgegeben von Alfred Holder (Freiburg im Breisgau: Verlag von J. C. B. Mohr, 1899). This text was edited by a German scholar. Annotations are in German language, but the text is the original Onetime English language.
• Link to the Wikipedia article on Beowulf.
• Link to Dragon Slayers: An Alphabetize Page.
• Return to the table of contents.

---

---

Return to D. L. Ashliman's folktexts , a library of folktales, sociology, fairy tales, and mythology.

Revised October 26, 2010.

trejocourester.blogspot.com

Source: https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/beowulf.html

Share this post