ONLINE BEOWULF

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Episode 1 of a more beautiful ship, set to work on that building. filled with shields, swords, And it was built, the world's and coats of mail, gifts greatest mead-hall. PROLOGUE to him for his long trip. And that great man No doubt he had a little more called the building Early History of the Danes than he did as a child "Herot," the hart. when he was sent out, Listen: a naked orphan in an empty After it was built, You have heard of the Danish boat. Hrothgar did what he said Kings Now he had a golden banner he would: handed out gold in the old days and how high over his head, was, and treasure at huge feasts. they were great warriors. sadly by a rich people, That hall was high-towered, Shield, the son of Sheaf, given to the sea. tall and wide-gabled took many an enemy's chair, The wisest alive can't tell (though destruction awaited, terrified many a warrior, where a death ship goes. fire and swords of family after he was found an orphan. trouble; He prospered under the sky Grain ruled the Danes and outside in the night waited until people everywhere a long time after his father's a tortured spirit of hell). listened when he spoke. death, He was a good king! and to him was born The words of the poet, the great Healfdene, fierce in the sounds of the harp, Shield had a son, battle, the joy of people echoed. child for his yard, who ruled until he was old. The poet told how the world sent by God Healfdene had four children-- came to be, how God made the to comfort the people, Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga the earth to keep them from fear-- Good, and the water surrounding, Grain was his name; and a daughter who married how He set the sun and the he was famous Onela, King of the Swedes. moon throughout the North. as lights for people Young princes should do as he Hrothgar Becomes King of the and adorned the earth did-- Danes with limbs and leaves for give out treasures everyone. while they're still young After Hrothgar became king Hrothgar's people lived in joy, so that when they're old he won many battles: happy until that wanderer of the people will support them his friends and family wasteland, in time of war. willingly obeyed him; Grendel the demon, possessor of A man prospers his childhood friends the moors, by good deeds became famous soldiers. began his crimes. in any nation. So Hrothgar decided He was of a race of monsters Shield died at his fated hour, he would build a mead-hall, exiled from mankind by God-- went to God still strong. the greatest the world had He was of the race of Cain, His people carried him to the ever seen, or even imagined. that man punished for sea, There he would share out murdering his brother. which was his last request. to young and old alike From that family comes In the harbor stood all that God gave him all evil beings-- a well-built ship, (except for public lands and monsters, elves, zombies. icy but ready for the sea. men's lives). Also the giants who They laid Shield there, fought with God and got propped him against the mast I have heard that orders repaid with the flood. surrounded by gold went out far and wide; and treasure from distant lands. tribes throughout the world I've never heard

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Episode 2 such an evil thing so that the next day to actually touch the throne). its curved prow had gone so far PART ONE: GRENDEL Hrothgar was broken; that the seafarers saw land, council after council proposed shining shore cliffs Grendel Attacks what to do against the attacks. and steep mountains. They even went to heathen Their journey was already over One night, after a beer party, temples, and the Geat warriors the Danes settled in the hall worshipped idols, and called pulled their ship to the shore for sleep; they knew no sorrows. to the Devil for help. and stood on land The evil creature, grim and The Danes forgot God. in their rattling shirts, hungry, (Woe be to those who go their war-clothes. They grabbed thirty warriors to the fire's embrace, thanked God for an easy trip. and went home laughing. even in great distress-- There is no consolation there.) From his wall the sea-guard of At dawn, when the Danes the Danes, learned No counselor, no warrior protector of the cliffs, of Grendel's strength, could destroy the evil. saw bright shields there was great weeping. They wept and seethed. and ready war dress The old king sat sadly, coming over the gang plank and he wondered crying for his men. Bloody Beowulf Hears of Grendel footprints were found. who those men were. Hrothgar's warrior rode But a warrior of Hygelac's to shore on his horse. That was bad enough, heard of Grendel's doings; but the following night he was the strongest of men Shaking a mighty spear, he Grendel killed more-- alive in that day, spoke: blinded by sin, mighty and noble. "Who are you, in armor, he felt no remorse. That man called for a ship, (You can bet the survivors said he would cross the ocean who come over the sea-road started sleeping elsewhere.) and help the king who needed in that steep keel? Listen: I guard here So Grendel ruled, help. so that no forces fighting right, Wise men urged him hostile to the Danes one against many, to that adventure may raid. Never has and the greatest hall though he was dear to them. in all the earth They examined omens one so openly brought stood empty at night. and whetted him on. a ship's army, warriors, without the permission of my kinsmen. Twelve years this went on, So the good Geat chose And never have I seen Hrothgar suffering the bravest warriors, a greater man on earth, the greatest of sorrows. fourteen of them, any man in armor, and that crafty sailor than is one among you. Poets sang sad songs led them to the land's brim, Unless I'm wrong, throughout the world, to the ship. that is no hall-man, how Grendel tormented They readied the ship just wearing armor-- Hrothgar; on the waves under the cliffs his stature is peerless. how no warrior, and the warriors stood at the I wish to know your lineage now no matter how brave, prow so I know you are not spies could kill Grendel. as the water wound against the going into the land of the Danes. How Grendel wasn't sand. You far-dwellers, seafarers, about to stop, The warriors bore hear my simple thought: or pay damages. into the ship's bosom you had best hurry to tell me Grendel kept ambushing from bright weapons, where you come from." his lair, fitted armor. the moors which lay in perpetual Beowulf, leader of the host darkness. The men shoved unlatched his word-hoard: the well-braced ship "As to kin, we are of the Geat Then, the cruelest of all injuries, out on the journey nation, he moved into the hall-- they'd dreamed of. Hygelac's hearth-companions. stayed there every night The foamy-necked ship (though God would never allow went out like a bird

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My father was a leader well pulling at its rope. "We are Hygelac's table known On the gold-adorned helmets companions. among the people: Edgtheow. figures of boars shone, Beowulf is my name. He stayed many winters those guards over war-like I will declare to the great lord, before he went away, minds. Healfdene's son, my errand, aged, from the court. if your prince will greet us." Every wise man readily The men excitedly marched remembers until Wulfgar spoke--he was him throughout the earth. they saw that ornamented hall, of the Wendla tribe We have come with friendly the finest building on earth, and known to many hearts that glittered light over many for fighting and wisdom-- to see your lord, Healfdene's lands, "I will ask the lord of the Danes, son, where the mighty one waited. the giver of rings, protector of the people. if he will reward your journey Be good counsel to us: The one brave in battle pointed and speedily make his wishes we have come on a great errand toward the resplendent hall; known." to the king of the Danes. the guard of the coast turned I think it foolish his horse and said after them: Wulfgar went quickly to keep secrets. You know "It is time for me to go. to where Hrothgar sat, if it is true what we have heard, May the Father Omnipotent hold old and gray, with that a dark enemy in the nights you his most trusted men. works violence and slaughter safe and sound in kindness! He went before the face on the Danes. . . . Perhaps I will go back to the sea of the Dane's lord, in kindness I may advise to hold against hostile bands." knowing the customs of Hrothgar warriors. how he, wise and famous, Wulfgar spoke to his friendly may overcome this enemy-- Episode 3 lord: if change will ever come, "From far over the sea's expanse relief from this evil-- Beowulf Comes to Herot has come a man of the Geats, and how this seething sorrow a chief of warriors named might become cool. The paved road guided the men. Beowulf. Otherwise, he will suffer Their war-coats shone, He and his men have, my lord, tribulation the hard locks ringing asked to exchange words with as long as he lives in that high as they came toward the hall. you. place, The sea-weary ones set Do not refuse the request, the best of houses." their broad, strong shields Hrothgar! These men look against the building's wall, worthy The protector of the coast, then sat down on benches, of a warrior's esteem. Indeed, still on his horse, spoke their armor resounding. the chief among them, (a wise shield warrior, They stood their spears together, he who guides them, is strong." one who thinks well, ash wood tipped with gray, must judge two things: an iron troop. Hrothgar, guard of the Danes, works and words): spoke: "I see that you are a band Then a proud Danish warrior "I knew him when he was a boy. friendly to the lord of the Danes. asked them: His father is called Edgtheow. Go forth, bearing arms and "From where have you carried To that man Hrethel of the Geats equipment. these gold-inlaid shields, gave his only daughter. I will guide you. Also, these shirts of mail, Now his offspring has come I will order my men masked helmets, and battle in bravery seeking a loyal to protect your ship, shafts? friend. that new-tarred boat on the sand, I am Hrothgar's messenger and Seafarers who took gifts until it bears you again officer. to the Geats say that he back over the water streams Never have I seen braver has the strength of thirty men with its curved wooden neck, strangers. in his hand grip. back to the land of the Geats-- I expect you're here Holy God, out of kindness, if it be granted that you to find adventure, not asylum." has sent this man to us endure the battle." to save us from Grendel's terror. The brave one answered him, I shall give treasures They left then the well-made he of the proud Geats tribe, to that brave man ship hard under his helmet: for his impetuous courage.

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Be you in haste: go, to avenge for the Geats the son of Healfdene. call in this band of kinsmen. those who asked for misery. (He was better than I!) Say to them that they are And now I shall, alone, I paid money to settle welcome fight Grendel. I ask you, your father's feud, sent to the Danish people." lord of the Danes, treasure over the water's back protector of this people, to the Wylfings. Your father for only one favor: swore oaths to me. Wulfgar, famous warrior, that you refuse me not, It is a sorrow for me went to the door: fair friend of the people, to say to any man "My victorious lord, do not refuse those who what Grendel has done-- prince of the Danes, have come so far the chance humiliations in Herot-- bids me say he knows to cleanse Herot. hostile attacks on my hall your noble descent and I have heard that the monster warriors that brave men who in his recklessness uses no until they are diminished, come over the sea swells weapons. swept away in Grendel's horror. are welcome to him. I, therefore, to amuse Hygelac God may easily put an end Come with your war dress, my lord, to that mad ravager's deeds. under your helmets, scorn to carry sword or shield, Quite often have men boasted, to see Hrothgar, but but I shall seize my enemy over their ale-cups, let your war shields in my hand grip and fight, drunk on beer, and wooden spears await enemy against enemy, that they would meet the outcome of your talk." and let God decide Grendel's attack in the hall who shall be taken by death. with grim swords. But The mighty one arose, I expect, if he wins, that in the morning when the surrounded by warriors, he will eat fearlessly of daylight a mighty band of men. the Geat people in this hall shone, the mead hall was stained Some remained with the as he often has of yours. in gore, the hall wet with weapons, Nor will you need, the blood of battle. And I had as the brave one ordered. if death takes me, a few less loyal men. The rest hastened, worry about a burial-- Sit now and feast, as the man guided, that solitary one glory of warriors, under Herot's roof. will carry my corpse, and speak your thoughts dripping with blood, as your heart tells you." The great warrior went, to a ruthless feast. hard under his helmet, If battle takes me, So a bench was cleared for until he stood within send this best of war garments, the Geats and the brave men in his shining coat of mail, this shirt of mail, sat down proud in their strength. his armor-net sewn by smiths. to Hygelac--it is an inheritance from Hrethel A warrior did his duty, and the work of Weland. Beowulf spoke: bearing an etched cup Fate always goes as it will!" "I am Hygelac's kinsman and and pouring sweet drink. warrior. The poet sang in a clear voice, I have undertaken many Hrothgar, protector of the and in Herot there was the joy glorious deeds. I learned Danes, spoke: of brave men, Danes and Geats. of Grendel in my native land. "Because of past kindness Seafarers say this place, and deeds done, you have come, Unferth, Ecglaf's son, the best of halls, my friend Beowulf. By a killing who sat at the feet stands idle and useless your father brought about of the king of the Danes, after sundown. Hrothgar, the greatest of feuds. spoke, unloosing a battle-rune the wise men among my people He was the killer of Heatholaf (The bravery of Beowulf advised that I seek you among the Wylfings. The Geats, was a vexation to him because they know my strength- for fear of war, would not have because he envied any man - him, on this middle-earth who had they saw me come from battles so he sought us Danes more glory than himself): stained in the blood of my over the rolling waves. . . "Are you that Beowulf enemies, back when I first ruled, who struggled with Brecca when I destroyed a family of as a youth, this wide kingdom in the broad sea giants, of the Danish people, in a swimming contest? when I endured pain all night, this treasure city of heroes. killing water monsters, Heorogar was dead then, grinding them to bits, my older brother,

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The one who, out of pride, destroyed that mighty killing and feasting, risked his life in the deep water sea beast through my hand. and expects no fight though both friends and enemies And on and on evil from the Danes. told you it was too dangerous? things threatened me. But I shall offer him Are you the one who hugged I served them with my sword the battle of a Geat in the sea, gliding through the as it was right to do. strength and courage. boiling Those wicked things When I get done with him, waves of the winter's swell? had no joy of the feast, anyone who wishes may You and Brecca toiled did not sit at the sea's happily go into the mead hall seven nights in the sea, bottom eating my bones. as morning shines and he, with more strength, When the morning came on the children of men. overcame you. And my sword had put On that day the sun in the morning the waves many to sleep, and even today will be clothed in radiance bore him to the Heathrames in that fiord they don't as it shines from the South!" from whence he went home hinder seafarers. Light to the Brondings, beloved of shone from the East, The giver of treasure, Hrothgar, them, that bright beacon of God, gray-haired and brave in battle, to his people and mead hall. and the seas subsided. felt glad--the chief of the Danes Brecca fulfilled all his boast. I saw cliffs, the windy could count on help. Because of this, though you walls of the sea. That guardian of the folk have Fate often saves heard in Beowulf firm everywhere withstood the battle an undoomed man if resolution. storm, his courage holds. I don't expect much from you Anyway, with my sword The men laughed, the din if you dare await I slew nine sea monsters. resounding, and the words Grendel in the night." Nor have I heard tell turned friendly. of a harder fight Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's queen, Beowulf spoke: or a more distressed man came forth, mindful of kin, "Well, my friend Unferth, you ever to go in the sea. adorned in gold to greet the have said a good many things I survived the grasp men. about Brecca and that trip, of hostiles, and the sea First she gave the cup drunk on beer as you are. bore me, the surging water, to the country's guardian, Truth to tell, I had more strength weary, into the land of the that one dear to his people, but also more hardships in the Finns. biding joy in his beer drinking. waves. I have not heard That king famous for victories He and I were both boys anything about you happily took the feast cup. and boasted out of our youth surviving such battles, Then that woman of the that we two would risk such terrors of the sword. Helmings our lives in the sea. Neither Brecca nor you have went round to each, young and And so we did. performed such deeds in old, With naked swords in hand, war sport or with shining sharing the precious cup. to ward off whales, swords. In proper time that ring-adorned we swam. Brecca could not Yet I don't boast about it. queen excellent in mind out-swim me, nor could I But you, your own brother's brought the mead cup to out-distance him. And thus murderer, shall be damned Beowulf. we were, for five nights. and burn in Hell no matter She greeted him, thanking It was cold weather and how strong your wit is. God that her wish had the waves surged, driving us I say to you truly, been fulfilled, that finally apart, and the North wind came son of Ecglaf, that wretch a hero had come who like a battle in the night. Grendel would never have done she could count on Fierce were the waves such horrors, such humiliations to stop Grendel's crimes. and the anger of the sea fish on you chief, if you were so stirred. My coat of mail, fierce as you suppose. Beowulf, fierce in war, adorned in gold Grendel has found received the cup from and locked hard by hand, he need not fear feud, Wealhtheow helped against those foes. any sword storm, and spoke eagerly of battle: A hostile thing drew me from your people. "I resolved when I set to sea to the bottom in its grim grip, He takes his toll, in my boat with my warriors but it was granted to me showing no mercy that I, alone, will fulfill to reach it with my sword's to the Danish folk. the wish of your people. . . point. The battle storm He enjoys himself, or die in the foe's grasp.

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I shall perform the deeds before he got in bed: Grendel stalking under of a hero or I have passed "I don't claim myself the weight of God's anger. my last day in this mead hall." any lower in strength or brave That wicked ravager deeds planned to ensnare than Grendel. Therefore, I will many of the race of men The woman liked these words, not kill him with a sword, in the high hall. this brave speech of the Geat. though I easily might. The gold-adorned folk queen Though he is famous for went to sit by her lord. He strode under the clouds, strength, seeking eagerly, till he came to he knows no weapons to cut a the wine-hall, the treasure-hall Now again, as it had been shield. of men decorated in gold. in the old days, brave words If he chooses to forego a sword, Nor was it the first time he were spoken and the people if he dares seek me without had sought Hrothgar's home. were happy. weapon, But never in his life before The gladness of warriors then we two shall fight without, --or since-- continued and wise God, that king, shall did he find worse luck! until the son of Healfdene choose who shall win glory." wished to go to his evening rest. Hrothgar knew the wretch Came then to the building The battle-brave one lay down planned to attack the hall that creature bereft of joys. then, after the sun had set, When he touched it with his a pillow received the warrior's hands night over the hall, face, when the shadows came the door gave way at once and his brave men sought rest striding dark under the clouds. though its bands were forged around him in the hall. Not one in fire. Intending evil, thought he would seek home enraged, he swung the door All the company arose. again, wide, Warrior then saluted warrior, see his people or birthplace. stood at the building's mouth. Hrothgar wishing Beowulf luck Far too many Danes had already Quickly the foe moved in his fight for the hall. died there. But the Lord would across the well-made floor, Hrothgar said these words: give victory to the Geat people, in an angry mood--a horrible "Never, since I have been able helping and supporting, so that light, to lift shield, have I entrusted one man's craft overcame all. like fire, in his eyes. this hall, this mighty house (It is well known that God He saw the many warriors in the of the Danes, to any man. always rules the race of men.) building, But now I entrust it to you. that band of kinsmen asleep Have and hold this best of End of episode three together, and his spirit laughed: houses. that monster expected Keep fame in mind, watch to rip life from the body of each against the foe, and make Episode 4 one before morning came. your valor known! You shall He expected a plentiful meal. lack nothing if you Grendel Attacks Again (It was his fate survive this deed." that he eat no more Came then striding in the night of the race of men Then Hrothgar, protector the walker of darkness. after that night. . .) of the Danes, and his band In that gabled hall of warriors left the hall. the warriors slept, The mighty one, Beowulf, Hrothgar sought the queen's bed. those who guarded the hall. . . watched, all but one. waiting to see how that wicked God, as men learned, one had chosen a man It was well known among men would go about starting. who could fight Grendel. that, if God willed it not, Nor did the wretch delay, The chief of the Geats, no one could drag but set about seizing indeed, trusted his strength that demon to the shadows. a sleeping warrior unawares and God's favor. But Beowulf watched and bit into his bone locks, Beowulf took off his armor, in anger, waiting drinking the streams of blood, off his helmet, handed the battle's outcome. then swallowing huge morsels his figured sword to the of flesh. Quickly he ate that attendant. Came then from the moor man, Beowulf, that good man, then under the misty hills even to his hands and feet. spoke some brave words

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Forward Grendel came, in dreadful terror--everyone to the Danes and all stepping nearer. Then heard lamentation, a terrifying the distress they had endured, he reached for Beowulf. song, through the wall: all the trouble and sorrow, Grendel, Hell's friend, had reached an end. Beowulf grasped his arm God's enemy, sang in defeat, and sat up. The criminal bewailing his wound. The fact was plain when knew he had not met That man, mightiest Beowulf laid that arm in this middle-earth of warriors alive, held fast. and shoulder down, there another with such a grip. He would not altogether, Grendel's claw, Grendel's spirit was afraid for any reason under the vaulted roof. and his heart eager allow his murderous visitor to escape alive, to get away, to flee The Warriors Rejoice to his hiding place, flee to keep the days of his life. to the devils he kept I have heard say that Beowulf's warriors brandished for company. Never had he met on that morning warriors many a sword, inheritances a man such as this. came from near and far from the ancient days, to look at the wonder. trying to protect their chief, Beowulf then kept in mind Grendel's death made the speeches he had made but that did no good: they no warrior sad. in the evening and stood could not have known, those upright, firmly grasping brave warriors as they fought, striking from all sides, seeking They looked at the huge Grendel's hand until footprints the fingers broke. to take Grendel's soul, that no battle sword could harm him- and the path he had taken, - dragging himself wearily away The monster strove to escape. he had enchantment against after he had been overcome in Beowulf stepped closer. That the edges of weapons. battle. famous monster suddenly The fated fugitive's bloody wanted tracks to disappear into the fens. The end of Grendel's life was led into the water-monster's He realized the power of those miserable, and he would travel mere. far into the hands of fiends. hands, There bloody water boiled, Grendel, the foe of God, who the wrathful grip he was in. a horrible swirl of waves had Grendel felt sorry mingled with hot gore. long troubled the spirits of men he had made a trip to Herot. That doomed one had died, with his crimes, found that deprived of joy, his body could not stand against in his fen refuge, his heathen That hall of warriors dinned. the hand grip of that warrior. All the Danes of the city, soul taken into Hell. all the brave ones, feared Each was hateful to the other disaster. After seeing that place The building resounded. alive. The horrible monster the warriors once again It is a wonder the wine-hall endured rode their horses to Herot. a wound: the bone-locks withstood the battle, They spoke of Beowulf's of his shoulder gave way, that the beautiful building glorious deed, often saying and his sinews sprang out. did not fall to the ground. that no man under the sky's The glory of battle went to But it was made fast, expanse, North nor South within and without, Beowulf, and Grendel, between the seas, no man mortally wounded, with iron bands who bore a shield, was more sought his sad home forged with great skill. worthy of a kingdom. They, under the fen slope. I have heard say however, never found fault He knew surely that many a mead bench with the gracious Hrothgar-- adorned in gold his life had reached its end, he was a good king. went flying when the number of his days gone. those hostiles fought. The warriors let their The hope of the Danes No wise man had ever thought bay horses go, a contest had come to pass--He that splendid building could for the best horse, be damaged (unless a fire who came from far had galloping through whatever should swallow it). cleansed Hrothgar's hall path looked fair. and saved it from affliction.

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Sometimes a king's man, a He became a trouble to his have from this moment warrior people. a new kinship. Nor will there be covered in glory who knew Many a wise man any lack of earthly things the old traditions, would be bewailed the old days I have power over. reminded of an ancient song, when Heremod had taken Often I have given gifts and he would call up words the protector's position to a lesser warrior, weaker adorned to hold the treasure in fighting. You have, by in truth. The man would think of the Danish kingdom. your deeds, achieved fame of Beowulf's deeds and quickly He had loved the Geats forever. May God repay you compose a skillful tale in words. more than his own people: always as He has just now!" evil had seized him. Thus told the song. Then he sang of things he'd Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, heard spoke: about Sigemund's valorous Sometimes the warriors raced "We have done this work of deeds, their horses on the yellow road. valor untold things about Weals's son, The morning sped away. against the strength of an his struggles, his wide journeys Many a brave warrior uncanny and feuds. went to the high hall foe. I wish you might have seen The singer told things the to see the wonder. this enemy killed in his gear. children So also the king himself, I planned to bind him quickly of men did not know, except for the keeper of the rings, to his deathbed with hand grips. Fitela, Sigemund's nephew, who leaving the queen's rooms, I thought I could pin him down stood with him in battle. went with his famous company. struggling for life without With swords those two felled And the queen also his body's escape. But I could many from the race of giants. with a troop of maidens not After Sigemund's death day walked among the mead seats. keep him from going; the not a little fame sprang to him, Creator about his hardy fight and killing Episode 5 did not will it, and I could not of a dragon, keeper of a hoard. hold him firmly enough. The foe Under gray stone that prince was too powerful in his going. alone --The Speeches-- However, he left behind his engaged in that audacious deed, hand not even Fitela with him. Hrothgar, standing on the steps, to save his life, and his arm seeing the golden roof and shoulder, though that won't buy Anyway, it happened that and Grendel's hand, spoke: the wretch much comfort. Sigemund's sword went clear "For this sight I give The evil-doer, afflicted by sin, through thanks to the Almighty. I have suffered much won't live much longer; the huge dragon and pain with its strong grip that splendid iron from Grendel's scourge. has seized him in deadly bonds, stuck in the wall. God, the glorious protector, and there shall he await, The dragon died violently. works wonder after wonder. guilty of crime, the great By brave deeds the hero Only yesterday I expected these woes would never end-- judgment, won a ring hoard for himself. how the bright creator He bore into a ship's bosom this best of houses will decree. . . " those bright treasures stood shining in blood of the Weal kin, and all my wise ones said and the dragon melted we could never protect Then was the warrior silent of its own heat. the people and land in speaking of his war-like deed, from the work of demons and the nobles beheld and evil spirits. Now the hand at the high roof. Sigemund was by far the most a warrior, through God's might, On each of the foe's fingers renowned adventurer. N He had has performed a deed we, were nails like steel. first prospered under King in our wisdom, could not Everyone agreed the heathen's Heremod, contrive. claw was horrible but that man's strength The woman who bore you, and that the wretch's and victory subsided. Beowulf, if she yet lives, bloody battle hand Among the Jutes may say the Eternal Maker could not be harmed Heremod was betrayed was kind in her child bearing. by the best of iron. into enemy hands Now, Beowulf, best of warriors, and put to death. I love you as a son: Sorrow oppressed him too long.

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Entertainment in Herot in the battle storm her husband, brother, and son when the shield-warriors fight. killed Then it was ordered that Herot be decorated. Beowulf drank the cup. In the presence of the battle Many there were, He had no reason to be leader men and women, who ashamed among warriors Hrothgar's poet touched prepared that guest-hall. for taking those rich gifts. the harp and recited Gold ornaments shone, Never have I heard many songs for entertainment wondrous sights on the walls, of golden treasure given in the hall. He sang for people to look at. at the ale bench in of Finn's offspring and how That bright building a more friendly way. Hnaef of the Danes fell had been much hurt, in a Jute battlefield. though its bands The king ordered eight horses Indeed Hildeburh did not have were made of iron. with gold-plaited bridles much cause to praise Hinges had been sprung led into the hall. the good faith of her in-laws, apart. The roof alone On one sat a saddle the Jutes: though blameless, had escaped damage before inlaid with jewels-- she was deprived of dear ones that monster, wicked outlaw, it had been Hrothgar's by the shield play, both her son turned in flight when he had gone to sword play. and Hnaef, her brother, in fate despairing of his life. Never had he failed fell to spear wounds. (Fate is not easy at the front That was a sad woman. to flee from, when corpses fell. try it who will-- Hrothgar gave horses and Not without cause, after the children of men, weapons, morning came, when she could bearers of souls, telling Beowulf to enjoy them see under the sky, must go to the prepared place, well. did she bewail the decree his body rest Thus like a man of fate, the slaughter fast in the grave, that great prince, of kinsmen. At first she had sleep after the feast.) treasure giver of heroes, possessed the world's joy. repaid Beowulf for his battle, War took all but Then came the time and no man who tells the truth. a few of the Jute men that Hrothgar himself will blame him. Then that chief so they could not went to the feast. of nobles fight the Dane Hengst nor Never have I heard gave to each one on the mead protect the survivors. of a greater company bench gathered around a treasure giver. who had taken the ocean's way But Hengst offered Great ones sat at the benches with Beowulf an heirloom them a deal: that and rejoiced with the cup. and ordered that the one the Jutes would make Those brave kinsmen Grendel killed in wickedness room for the Danes drank many a mead cup should be paid for in gold. in the beer hall and in the high hall with (Grendel would have killed that with gifts Hrothgar and Hrothulf, his more of them if wise God, King Finn would honor nephew. and Beowulf's courage, Hengst's men, rings, Herot was filled with friends had not prevented it. entertainment, and treasures (treachery had not yet The Creator then ruled the race of plated gold as if come to the Danes). of men, they were his kin. as He does yet; and, therefore, Both sides agreed to the peace. understanding is best: Hrothgar gave Beowulf the forethought of mind. a gilded banner, Finn declared to Hengst Much shall he abide, decorated battle flag, honest oaths that the survivors from friends and foes, as reward for victory. would be held in honor who lives long in these Also a helmet, armor, and and that no man, days of strife as he by words nor works, a famous, precious sword makes use of this world!) were given to the hero would break the peace before that company. nor in cruelty mention Around the helmet's top The Poet Sings Of Old that they were being friendly as head-protection was Trouble, how Hildeburh, with the killer of their king, a wrap of metal bands married to stop a feud since a winter freeze had so that no sharpened swords between Jutes and Danes, saw forced it. could harm him

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If any of the Jutes When winter had passed Unferth the spokesman in daring speech mentioned it, and earth's bosom turned sat at Hrothgar's feet-- then the edge of the sword fair, the adventurer was everyone considered him would settle the matter. eager to go, the guest brave in spirit though from the dwelling, but first he had not been kind to Hengst thought more of revenge his kin at the sword's play. A funeral pyre was readied for injury than of a sea journey, and gold brought from the how he might cause hoard. Spoke then the queen of the a hostile meeting The best of the Danes Danes: with the Jutes "Receive this cup, were ready for the pyre. to repay them with iron. At the fire were blood stained my dear lord, So it was he did not complain shirts of mail, boar images giver of treasure. when the son of Hunlaf all golden and iron-hard. Be in joy, laid Battle Bright, Not a few noble ones gold friend of men, the best of swords, had been destroyed by wounds! and speak to these Geats whose edges were with kind words known to the Jutes, as men should do. Hildeburh ordered her son on his lap. Be gracious to the Geats committed to the heat So it was that Finn, and mindful of the gifts of Hneaf's pyre; his muscles bold in spirit, you have from near and far. burned in his turn met A man said to me at the shoulder of his uncle. a cruel death by sword that he would have The woman mourned, in his own home this warrior for a son. sang lamentation, after Guthlaf and Oslaf Herot, the bright ring hall, as the warrior ascended, complained of their sorrows, is purged. Give while you can waned to the clouds, blaming their woes many rewards and leave as the greatest of death fires on that sea journey. to your kin people and land roared on the barrow. A restless spirit is not when you must go Heads melted, restrained by the breast. to learn fate's decree. wounds, hostile bites I know my nephew Hrothulf to the body, opened Then was the hall reddened will keep his honor and burst; blood with the life blood of enemies. if you, king of the Danes, sprang out. Fire, King Finn was slain leave this world earlier that he. the greediest of spirits, and Hildeburh taken. I know Hruthulf will remember swallowed everything, The Danish warriors what we two wish of both peoples, there together. carried to their ships and the kindness we showed Their power had passed away. all the goods they could find when he was a child." in the house, precious jewels. The warriors departed, They took the queen Wealhtheow turned then bereft of friends, on a sea journey to the bench where her sons to seek shelter back to her people. were, Hrethric and Hrothmund, in the Jute land, children of warriors, Jute homes and stronghold. The poet's song was sung, the youth together. So Hengst spent the mirth rose, bench noise, There the good ones sat, a slaughter-stained winter as the cup bearers offered Beowulf of the Geats with Finn because wine from wondrous vessels. and the two brothers. he could not leave. To him the cup was carried He thought of home and friendship offered in words. but could not go Episode 6 Wound gold was kindly in a ring-prowed ship bestowed: against the sea storm, --The Queen Speaks-- two arm ornaments, shirts against the wind. of mail, rings, and the largest The water waves locked Then Wealhtheow came out neck ring I have heard in icy bindings until under a golden crown tell of on the earth. another year came to where the good men sat, to the gardens, nephew and uncle (at that time as they do yet, I have not heard there was peace between the glorious bright weather of any greater hoard-treasures two, to watch over the hall. under the sky since each still true to the other). Hama carried away

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to his bright fortress She went to her seat. marked by murder, the necklace of the Brosings. There was a choice feast, fleeing the joys of men He fled a treacherous quarrel men drank wine. to occupy the waste land. from the king of the East Goths They did not know There awoke many fated spirits, with the ornament and its that grim fate Grendel being one, setting, would come to many nobles that savage, hateful outcast. choosing everlasting gain. after evening fell At Herot he found a man and powerful Hrothgar awake and ready for war. went to his house to rest. The monster laid hold of him, (This is the ring Hygelac but Beowulf kept in mind his of the Geats, grandson of strength, the precious gift Swerting, Countless warriors guarded the God had granted, and God gave uncle of Beowulf, would have hall, him help and support. near as they had often done: Thus Beowulf overcame that when he guarded the battle-spoil they cleared the floor of enemy, under his banner. Fate would benches, spread out beds and cushions. subdued that hellish demon. take him Then Grendel went, when he courted trouble-- One of the beer drinkers, the enemy of mankind, out of pride--in a feud doomed and fated, deprived of joy, with the Frisians. He would lay on the couch. seeking his death place. wear They set by their heads those noble stones over their war gear and bright the cup of the waves. He would wood shields. There on the So his mother, greedy fall beneath his shield. His body, bench and gloomy as the gallows, his armor, and the ring also, over each warrior could be seen went on a sorrowful journey would a towering helmet, ringed armor, to avenge her son's death. pass into the power of the and a huge wooden spear. Franks. Their custom was that they were So she came to Herot where Bad warriors rifled the corpses always ready for war, both the Danes slept in the hall. after the battle slaughter. in the field and at home, each The fortunes of the noble ones The Geat people remained ready anytime his king needed changed when Grendel's mother in the field of corpses.) him. got inside: the terror was less Those were good people. by just so much as Music filled the hall. is the strength of a woman, Wealhtheow Part Two: Grendel's Mother the war-horror of a woman, spoke before the company: --The Attack of Grendel's is less than the horror of "Enjoy this neck-ring, Mother-- a sword forged with hammer beloved Beowulf, young hero, and stained in blood and use this armor, these They sank into sleep. shearing the strong edges treasures of the people. One paid dearly for of the boar on a helmet. Thrive well, be known his evening's rest, for valor, and give kind as had happened often Hard edges were drawn in the instruction to these two boys. since Grendel had come hall, I will remember your deeds. to the gold hall swords off the benches, You have earned forever performing his evil and many broad shields fast in the praise of men, until the end came to him, hand, from near and far, death after his sins. though they forgot about even to the home of the winds helmets and the walls of the sea. It was soon learned and broad mail shirts when Be blessed while you live, and widely known among men the terror seized them. prince! that an avenger yet lived I wish you well with the after that war-trouble: After they had seen her, treasures. Grendel's mother, a monster she was in haste Be gentle, joyful one, to my woman, she who lived in to get out of there sons. the terrible water, and save her life. In this place is each warrior the cold streams, She quickly seized true to the other, mild thought of her misery. one of the warriors in spirit, an d faithful then headed back to the fens. to his king. The warriors After Cain killed his brother, are united, the men drink his father's son, deep, and they do my biding." he went in guilt,

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The warrior she killed, to be gladly feasted on. he will give his life in his sleep, was Hrothgar's She has avenged the feud rather than protect his head most trusted man, famous for your violent killing by going there. between the two seas, with hard hand clasps That is not a good place! a glorious hero. of Grendel yesternight There water surges up, for diminishing and destroying black, to the clouds, my people for so long. and the wind stirs up (Beowulf was not there, Grendel fell in battle, hateful weather so that for after the treasure-giving forfeited his life, and the sky turns gloomy and weeps. the famous Geat had gone now another has come, . . to another house.) a mighty man-eater Again it has happened that to avenge her kin, the remedy lies with you alone. She took her son's famous as is seen by many The land, the dangerous place blood-covered hand. a warrior who mourns for me, where you might find An outcry came from Herot, treasure giver, weeping in this criminal is unexplored. care had been renewed their minds for my heavy Seek it if you dare. . . and returned to the dwelling sorrow, a hand lying lifeless For that fight I will pay place--that was not a good who gave good things to you. as I did before with bargain, that both sides paid I have heard tell wound gold and ancient with the lives of friends. among my people treasures. . .if you survive." and councilors that The wise old king, they had seen two mighty Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, the gray warrior, wanderers in the waste land spoke: was in a savage mood moors keeping guard, "Do not sorrow, wise king! when he heard his alien spirits. One was, It is better for a man chief warrior was dead. as far as they could see, to avenge a friend Beowulf was quickly the likeness of a woman. than mourn much. Each of us fetched to the chamber. The other miserable thing must await the end of this in the stature of a man, life. He who wishes will As day broke the noble though he was larger work for glory before death. champion than any other man, That is best for the warrior together with his warriors as they trod the paths of exiles. after he is gone. went to the wise ones, the hall's In the days of old Arise, guardian of the kingdom, wood floors resounding. earth dwellers called him let us go quickly The wise ones all wondered Grendel. to see Grendel's kin. if ever the Almighty would We have no knowledge of a I promise you this: remove this woeful spell. father, she will not escape to shelter-- of any forebears among evil not into the earth's bosom, spirits. Beowulf asked with words not into the mountain's wood, They occupied the secret land, if the night had been not into the sea's bottom, the wolf's retreat-- according to his desire go where she will! windy bluffs, perilous fens, and all things agreeable. For this day, have where a waterfall patience in each woe." darkens under bluffs Hrothgar, protector of the and goes down under the The veteran leapt up then, Danes, spoke: ground. thanking God, the Mighty One, "Don't ask about happiness! It is not far from here, that the man had so spoken Sorrow is renewed by measure of miles, among the Danish people. that the mere stands. Aeschere is dead, Yrmenlaf's Over it hangs a frost-covered Episode 7 elder brother, my confidant, grove, woods rooted deep- the bearer of my advice, my shadowing the water. shoulder companion when There each night troops --The Expedition to Grendel's a portent may be seen: Mere-- clash and boar helmets smashed. fire on the water. As a noble prince should be, No wise one among A horse with plaited mane such Aeschere was! the sons of men was saddled for Hrothgar: Now he has been slain knows the bottom. the wise king rode in splendor, in Herot by the hands Though the heath-stalker, a band of men marching on foot. of a restless, murderous spirit. the strong-horned hart, I do not know where harassed by hounds, seeks his carcass has gone the forest in his flight, 23

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Tracks were clearly visible in the waves with barbed Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, going over the ground spears and swords and spoke: along the forest paths dragged by force to the "Remember, Hrothgar, kin of where she had gone forth bluff, a wondrous sea roamer. Healfdene, over the murky moors Warriors examined gold friend of men, wise king, carrying the good warrior, the terrible stranger. now that I am ready to start, the best of men, lifeless, what we have spoken of-- a man who had helped Beowulf arrayed himself if I, in your service, Hrothgar guard his home. in armor, not at all lose my life, that you worrying about his life, will be in position of my father. Be a protector of my warriors, The noble Hrothgar passed putting on his mail shirt, my comrades, if war takes me. over narrows, lonely paths, large and decorated, Also, beloved Hrothgar, steep, stony slopes woven by hand so that send the treasure you gave me on that unknown way it could protect his chest to Hygelac, king of the Geats, among steep bluffs as he tried the water, so that hostile grips, that he may perceive from the and the homes of water gold, monsters. the fury's malicious grasps, might not scathe his life. beholding the treasure, that I found a virtuous ring giver He and the wise men who I enjoyed while I could. went before the rest A shiny helmet protected the head And give Unferth my old to scout the place, heirloom, that would go to the watery and suddenly, he saw my splendid wavy sword depths. a joyless woods leaning over widely known among men It was adorned with treasures, turbid and bloody water. to have a hard edge. For all the Danes encircled with splendid chains-- in the old days weapon-smiths I will do my glory work it was grievous, and with Hrunting--or formed it wondrously, setting the warriors suffered death will take me. . ." when they on the sea on it boar figures so that cliff saw Aeschere's head. no sword could bite it in battle. With these words The water boiled with blood And it was not the weakest of the chief of the Geats, and hot gore as the men waiting for no reply, helps watched. hastened with bravery. Unferth, Hrothgar's spokesman, The surging water took loaned: the hilted sword called Sometimes a horn sang out, the warrior, and it was an eager war song, but Hrunting, an ancient treasure with edges of iron and adorned a good part of a day the troop all waited, watching before he found the bottom. along the water the kin with poison strips. That sword, of snakes, strange sea dragons, hardened in blood, had never She who had fiercely guarded, swimming in the deep or failed grim and greedy, that water lying on the steep slopes-- a man who grasped it in hand for a hundred half-years water monsters, serpents, and and dared a terrible journey, quickly saw that some man wild beasts, such as the ones battles in a hostile place. This would not be the first time from above was exploring that appear on a dangerous the monsters' home. Then sea journey in the morning time. it had gone to do brave work. the enemy seized the warrior When those creatures heard Unferth, great of strength, in her horrid clutches, yet the war horn's note did not remember what he had said, drunk on wine, but loaned he was not injured--the ringed they hurried away armor protected him, and she bitter and angry. his weapon to a better sword warrior: he himself did not could not break his mail shirt dare venture his life with her hostile claws. A man from the Geat under the terrible waves tribe with his bow to perform a deed of valor. The sea wolf bore deprived of life, of There he lost his fame, the armored warrior wave battle, one his renown for valor. down to her dwelling of the monsters. An at the bottom. He could not, arrow, war hard, stuck despite his bravery, command in its heart, and it This was not so for that other his weapons--many a sea beast swam more weakly man, he who prepared himself for harassed him with battle tusks, as death took it. trying to cut his armor. Quickly it was attacked war.

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Then the chief found On his shoulder lay Fifteen Danish men that he was with someone the woven mail shirt. he devoured while they slept, in a hostile hall. It protected his life, and carried as many away, The flood's rush withstood the entrance hideous booty. The fierce could not harm him there of point and edge. champion paid him his reward: because of the hall's roof. Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, Beowulf saw Grendel in rest, champion of the Geats, worn out with fighting, would have perished then lifeless from the hard wounds He saw a firelight shine under the wide ground he had gotten in battle in a brilliant flame. had not his armor, at Herot. The corpse Then the warrior saw his hard war net, helped split when it suffered that monster of the deep, him (and Holy God, who that blow after death-- the mighty mere-woman. brought about war victory). the hard sword stroke. Beowulf cut off the head. He swung his battle sword The wise ruler of the skies quickly--he did not hold decided justice easily when back--and the ringed blade Episode 8 Beowulf stood up again: sang a greedy war song there among the weapons on her head. But the guest he saw a victory-blessed sword, --Meanwhile, Up Above-- found that the flashing an old sword made by giants sword would not bite, with strong edges, the glory The wise men with Hrothgar could not harm her life-- of warriors. It was saw the surging water mingled the edge failed him at need. the choicest of weapons, with blood. The old gray-hairs (It had endured many good and majestical, spoke together, saying combats, often slashed helmets the work of giants, but they did not expect the famous and fated war garments. . . larger than any other man prince to be victorious. This was the first time could carry to battle sport. To many it seemed the sea wolf that precious treasure had destroyed him. failed in its glory.) He who fought for the Danes, Then came noon of the day fierce and sword grim, and the valiant Danes left But Beowulf was resolute, despairing of life, the bluff. The king went by no means slow in valor, seized the chain-wound hilt, home. His guests sat down still thinking of daring deeds. drew the ringed sword, sick at heart The angry warrior threw and angrily struck-- and stared at he mere. the carved sword covered It grasped her neck hard They wished, but did not hope, in ornaments, stiff and edged and her bone rings broke. that they would see in iron, to the floor The blade entered their dear lord again. and trusted in his powerful the fated body. hand grip. (So must a man do She fell to the ground. Back in the Cave when he wishes for enduring The sword was bloody, fame at war: he cannot and the warrior rejoiced The sword, because of the The lord of the Geats in his work. blood, did not grieve at the battle began to fade--a battle icicle. but seized Grendel's mother That was some wonder: by the shoulder. Suddenly light glittered, it all melted, Now he was enraged a light brightened within, just like ice and flung his deadly foe as bright and clear as when the Father-- to the ground. the candle of the sky. He looked around the building, who has power walked around the walls. over times and seasons-- She paid him back quickly He raised the weapon loosens the bands with angry claws and hard by its hilt-- and unwinds the wave ropes. clutched him against her. Beowulf was angry and resolute. (That is the True Maker.) At that moment The edge was not useless the strongest of warriors to the warrior--he wished The leader of the Geats felt sick at heart: to requite Grendel for took no more treasures he fell. She sat the many attacks he from the dwelling, on her hall guest had made on the Danes, though he saw many, and drew a dagger, much more often except for the head wide and brown-edged-- than on one occasion, and the hilt decorated she would avenge her son, when he had slain with treasure. her only offspring. Hrothgar's guests in their sleep. 27

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The blade They carried Grendel's head The possession of it, had melted. . .the by its hair onto the floor the wondrous work of smiths, ornamented sword burned up-- where the men were drinking-- passed, after the deaths so hot was the blood, a terrible sight before of demons, to the king of the so poisonous the alien the warriors and the women Danes. spirit who died there. with them, a wondrous sight. When the grim-hearted being, The men looked at it. God's adversary, guilty of murder, Soon he was swimming; left this world, his enemy had fallen in fight. Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: and his mother also, He swam up through the water-- the hilt passed the surging waters were purged, "Behold, son of Healfdene, into the power of the best all the broad expanse, Lord of the Danes--we have of the world's kings when the alien spirit brought between the seas gave up her life days you with pleasure this sea booty, who dealt out treasure on this loaned world. as token of glory, which you see here. in the Northland. I hardly survived Beowulf Comes Up the battle under the water, Hrothgar examined the hilt, engaged in that deed the old heirloom, Came then to the land with difficulty. The battle on which was written the chief of the sailors, would have ended quickly in ancient runes boldly swimming. He rejoiced if God had not protected me. the story of the flood in the sea-booty, Nor could I accomplish anything which with rushing sea the mighty burden of things with Hrunting, that strong slew the race of giants he had with him. weapon, but the ruler of men with terrible suffering. granted me to see That was a race foreign His men rushed toward him, a beautiful old mighty sword to the Eternal Lord. thanking God they saw him hanging on the wall. The Almighty gave them safe. The helmet and armor He often guides a man a final reward through were quickly loosed from devoid of friends. the water's surging. the strong man. The lake I drew that weapon, grew calm, the water under cut in that conflict Also on the sword guard the clouds, stained with blood. the house guardians bright with gold They went from there when I saw the chance. was rightly written-- on the forest paths That ornamented sword burned in rune letters, glad in mind. up as the blood sprang. set and said-- I carried the hilt away for whom the sword The brave men measured from the enemies. had been wrought, the well-known road The deeds of crime, this choicest of iron bearing the head the slaughter of the Danes, with twisted hilt from the lake cliff has been avenged and snake ornaments. with difficulty-- as it was right to do. I promise you it took four men Hrothgar Expounds On How that you and your warriors to bear the spear shaft To Be A Good Warrior with Grendel's head may sleep in Herot to the gold hall. free from care and every warrior Then the wise one, son of Healfdene, spoke The fourteen brave of your tribe, old men and young-- (all were silent): war-like Geats marched you need not, "Lo, this he may say straight to the hall Prince of the Danes, who does truth and right with the lord of men fear for them, among the people, proud among them. death of your warriors remembers things far distant, from that side an old guardian: He crossed the meadow, as you did before." This is the best-born man! then came inside, My friend Beowulf, the prince of warriors, Then was the golden hilt, your renown is established the man of daring deeds, the ancient work of giants, beyond the wide ways, honored with glory, given to the hand yours over all the nations. a hero in battle, of the aged warrior, Hold it steady, to greet Hrothgar. the gray war leader. might with mind's wisdom.

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I shall carry out he does not know worse-- in my home--sadness after joy my friendship as but then arrogance grows; when the old adversary Grendel we two spoke before. the guardian of his soul invaded. I have continually You shall prove sleeps. That sleep is carried worry over that a long-lasting relief too heavy, bound with affliction, visitation. to your people, and the killer very near Therefore, thanks to the Creator, a help to fighters. who shoots his bow the Eternal Lord, that I have Heremod was not so with evil intent. remained in life to gaze with to the offspring of Ecgwela, Then he is hit my eyes at the blood-stained the honorable Danes. in the heart, head He waxed not to their help beneath his armor, after that old contention! but to their slaughter, with a bitter arrow-- Go now to your seat, for the destruction he cannot guard himself feast in joy, you who are of the Danish people. against the perverse commands distinguished in battle. Enraged, he cut down of his accursed spirit. We shall share his table companions, Then what he has long held a great many treasures his bosom friends, seems too little; angry-minded, before morning comes." until he went about alone, he covets, never proudly giving away from the joy of life gold rings, and he forgets The Geat was glad in mind, among men, a notorious and neglects the future quickly seeking his seat prince, although Almighty God state because God the Ruler as the wise one bade. had raised his strength, of Glory has given him Then again was the feast advanced it over all men. a great deal of honors. prepared, as before, for His spirit, his heart, In the end it comes to pass the courageous ones sitting grew blood thirsty. that the body, on loan, in the hall. He gave no rings declines, falls fated. Another, who recklessly dispenses to Danes who pursued glory. The helmet of night turned treasure, one who does not Joyless he went on, black, hold it in terror, seizes struggling on as a long-lasting dark over the warriors. the warrior's ancient affliction. Learn from this The men all arose. and understand manly virtues. possessions. The gray-haired one I, old and wise in winters, Beloved Beowulf, best of would seek his bed, warriors, tell you this the old Dane. for your sake. protect yourself against that wickedness and choose better, It is wonderful to say It pleased the Geat well, how mighty God through eternal councils. Do not heed arrogance, famous champion! the strong shield warrior, His wisdom and large heart that he should have rest. distributes land and rank Now is your strength famous. . . for awhile. Soon after A hall warrior guided to the race of men. the man who was far from He controls all. it shall happen that disease, or the sword's edge, shall home, Sometimes out of love tending to every courtesy, every He gives a man wisdom, cut off your strength. Or maybe the fire's embrace, need of the warrior. Such great among his kin, in those days could gives him a home, or the flood's welling, or the grip of the sword, a sea-fairer expect. the joy of the earth, The great-hearted one then gives him control or the arrow's flight, or dire age. . . Bright eyes rested. of a fortress of men, The hall reached high, a wide kingdom in the world, do diminish and go dark. Straightway death will vaulted and adorned in gold. so that the man The guest rested within in his un-wisdom overpower you, warrior. Thus I have ruled under the until the black raven does not think about the end. told heaven's joy He lives in plenty; clouds the prosperous Danes a hundred with a happy heart. neither disease nor age Then came the bright light, live with him; half-years, and by war have protected them hastening over the shadow. his mind is not darkened with evil worries, against many nations throughout this middle earth The warriors hurried, nor does enmity eager to go back bring about war. with spears and edges, so that under heaven's expanse to their people. All the world The bold of spirit sought his turns to his will-- I could think of no enemies. Lo, a reverse came to me-- ship.

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his lost friends, kept So that foe of the people, Episode 9 those treasures all alone. exceedingly powerful, The cave stood near the sea, guarded the cave --Beowulf Becomes King / The protected by secret spells. three hundred winters Dragon Attacks-- He bore the treasures inside, until a man a huge and worthy hoard angered his heart, Later it happened, of worked gold. He said, took a cup after Hygelac fell "Hold you now, Earth, what to his master in the storm of war, warriors could not. Lo, asking for peace. and his son, Heardred, from you first it was taken. Peace was granted: fell too under his shield, War-Death has seized my the lord examined killed by the sword people; the cup, the ancient fighting the Swedes, none of them can bear a sword, work of men. that the broad kingdom hold an ornamented cup. They So was the hoard robbed, came into Beowulf's hand. have gone elsewhere. Now shall ransacked of a treasure. the hard helmet and its golden He held it well, ruled ornaments fall. Their owners The dragon awoke, fifty winters; he was sleep in death, those who and strife came: it an old land guardian. once wore the war-mask. So sniffed along the stones, Then in the dark nights it is with the coat of mail, found an intruder's footprints. a dragon began to rule, which stood amid crashing The thief had stepped he who guarded a hoard, shields, with insidious craft a steep stone burial mound held off the bite of iron: near the dragon's head. high on the heath. it lies, falling to pieces, (Thus may an undoomed man like the warrior who owned it. survive danger Never again will that armor A path led underneath if the Almighty travel far on a war chief holds him in favor.) unknown to men. by the side of heroes. But a certain man There is no joy in the song, The hoard-keeper sought stumbled on it, no pleasure in the harp. eagerly along the ground, into the heathen hoard, No hawk sweeps over the hall. and took a cup, looked for the man No horse gallops in the who had robbed him a large, decorated treasure. courtyard. while he slept. The dragon did not hide Death has sent off many men." his opinion of that deed; Hot and fierce he moved the neighboring people about the cave. He quickly learned his anger. Thus, sad in mind, went completely around he moaned his sorrow; the wasted place but But the thief did not the lonely survivor moved no man was there. of his own accord day and night in sadness Eager for battle, he plunder the treasure: until the flood of death turned and turned again he was driven by need, surged into his heart. searching the cave, a fugitive from justice. but the golden cup was gone. Fleeing hostile blows The Dragon Attacks and in need of a roof, Anxiously he awaited he stumbled in, An old night-ravager, the fall of night; a man distressed. that one which, burning, enraged, the cave-keeper He was amazed at what seeks a burial mound, would with fire avenge he saw--a precious the smooth dragon of malice the loss of his cup. hoard, cups and weapons. who flies by night When the day was gone, There were many such encompassed in fire, as the dragon wanted, ancient treasures in found the hoard he no longer waited, that earth house, for standing open. but went in flame, in the old days a man prepared with fire. had hidden the riches Earth dwellers fear him much. of a noble, dying tribe there. He must seek a hoard The beginning was fearful He was the last; death in the earth, where, to people in the land, had taken the rest. old in winters, he as was the ending: will guard heathen death for their king. That lone survivor, knowing gold, though he gains The fiend spouted fire, death was near, mourning nothing from it. burned bright houses--

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the glow of fire stood out, Beowulf scorned a host, the son of Hygelac: a horror to the people. a large army, for entertaining those men That terrible sky-flier when he sought the dragon; he died of sword strokes. wished to leave he didn't fear Then Ongentheow's son nothing alive. the dragon's war; left for home, and Beowulf he trusted his strength held the gift seat, and courage since he had ruled over the Geats. Near and far was seen survived many battles, He was a good king. the dragon's violence, the flashings of battle gleams, He avenged Heardred's death how that destroyer since the time he'd cleared in later days, hated and humbled the Geat Hrothgar's wine-hall became to the wretched Eadgils people. The people of the land of Grendel's family, a friend, supported were enveloped in fire. that hateful race. that son of Ohthere At dawn he darted over the wide sea back into his cave. Nor was it a small battle with men and weapons. He trusted in his war On a cold expedition he and in his cavern. when the Geat king, that lord of the folk, deprived king Onela of life. Hygelac, attacked Fresland Thus had that son of Ecgtheow But trust was to play him false. and died there survived each battle, terrible Beowulf learned the terror of sword drinks, war, much courage-work, quickly, in truth: beaten down by weapons. until the day when the surging fires Yet from that place Beowulf he fought the dragon. burned his house, came, down to the sea, the mead hall of the Geats. with thirty suits of battle Beowulf Visits the Dragon That was sorrow in his arms, and in his strength to the good man, was able to swim. the greatest of sorrows: Twelve enraged men the wise king feared paid the dragon a visit. he'd enraged God, The Hetware had no cause The king had by then broken a commandment. for joy among their soldiers-- learned how the feud arose, His heart surged few of those this affliction of men: with gloomy thoughts, who carried shields to his possession had come, which was not left that battle through the hand of an informer, his usual way. to seek their homes. the precious cup. The flame-dragon had burned Beowulf swam the wide water, The thief, the cause of this the fortress of the people. wretched, solitary, strife, made thirteen, a saddened The war-king studied revenge. back to his people. captive, abjectly showing the There Hygd, Hygelac's wife, way. offered him treasure He went against his will Episode 10 and the kingdom, to that earth-hall, rings and the throne, the one he'd found --We Learn of Beowulf's because she did not near the surging sea, Reign and he Prepares to trust her son to keep them by the tossing water. Attack the Dragon-- from foreign armies. The inside was full That prince ordered But Beowulf would not of works of art. an iron shield: for any reason be The awful keeper, he knew for a fact lord over his king's son, alert fighter, that the best wood, so he protected the boy, held those gold treasures, the very best linden, gave him good council old under the earth; couldn't help till Heardred became a man. no man would buy them cheap. against flame. Banished men sought Heardred over the sea, The brave king, The good prince awaited sons of Othere, gold-friend of the Geats, the last of his days, king of the Swedes; sat down on the headland the end of this world's life, they had rebelled and talked with his companions. and the dragon with him, against their lord, He was sad, restless, no matter how long the best of sea-kings. and ready to die. he'd held the treasure. That fate was near That was Heardred's death- which the old man sentence, would greet.

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He would seek his reward, there is no harp song, to the Frisian king life from body parted; no joy in the court. but died in the fight, not for long Not as there once was. that banner guardian, would the soul of the prince Comes then from the bedstead a prince in bravery. stay wrapped in flesh. a song of sorrow. Nor was my sword his death, The house and fields but my hand grasp seem too large." broke his bone-house, Beowulf spoke: tore out his surging heart. "Often in youth Now shall the sword's edge, I survived So Beowulf spoke of his sorrow hands and hard sword, the storm of battle, fight over this hoard." the time of war. for Herebeald. I remember all that. He could not I was seven winters old for that murder Then Beowulf made his last when my father took me seek revenge, boast: to the king of the people. though the doer "I ventured many battles Hrethal gave me treasure was not dear to him. in my youth; now, old, and feasting, remembering I will seek another, kinship. "When that sorrow befell try again for glorious I wasn't more hateful Hrethal deeds, if that avenger to him than any son he gave up the joys of men will come out." in his house-- and chose God's light. than one of his children-- He left to his offspring He spoke to each Herebeald, Haethcyn, or my a land and a people. of his brave companions Hygelac. Then were accusations for the last time: The eldest was, across the water, "I would not use a sword by a kinsman's deed, severe hostility against this monster strewn on the bed of death-- from the war-like sons if I might otherwise fight, Haethcyn struck his lord of Ongentheow. They would as I did with Grendel. and brother with the arrow have nothing of friendship, But how else fight fire? from a bow: missed the mark but around Hreosnaburg a breath of poison? and killed his kinsman planned a terrible slaughter. Therefore I wear shield and with a bloody arrow. My kinsmen avenged that, mail. That was a feud that the feud and crime, I will not back couldn't be fought. as is well known, a step away Weary it is to the heart: though one paid with his life, from that hoard-guardian. That prince lost his life a hard bargain: We two shall end . . .unavenged. for Haethcyn the battle was as fate decrees. That felt just as it does fatal. I am brave in mind, for an old man to await And I've heard tell so I go against the war-flyer the swinging of his son how another kinsman in no need on the gallows. attacked his slayer of further boasting. He sings a mournful song with sword's edge; You men wait on the hill, when his son hangs When Ongentheow sought Eofor protect the war-gear a feast to ravens he found his helmet split, and see which will, and, though old and wise, fell down, battle pale. after the death rush, he cannot help. I repaid Hygelac come away unwounded. Every morning calls to mind for the favors he'd shown, This is not your duty, the journey of his son lands and a house, nor in the power of man. to elsewhere--the father with my bright sword. No one but myself cares not to wait (He needn't look can fight this monster. for the other heirs for a worse man). Your lord shall either when he has, through I went alone in the front, win the treasure an unavoidable death, and will so ever, or lose his life." experienced an evil. as long as this sword lasts Sorrow is in the home, which has served me so well. The brave in battle arose then, the wine-hall abandoned, I was the killer of Daghrefin, bore his shield and mail, bereft of joy. the Huga champion. trusting his strength The riders sleep, He brought no treasures under the stone cliffs. warriors in the grave; back from the battle (This is not the coward's way).

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bit less on the bone the son of Othere. Episode 11 than the war-king needed. (Eanmund, after a quarrel, was killed by Weohstan --Beowulf Fights the Dragon-- After that stroke with the sword's edge. He saw by the cave, the cave-guardian Weohstan became he who had many virtues, was in a savage mood. a friendless exile. he who had survived many times He threw death-fire-- To Eanmund's own kinsmen the battle flashes widely sprayed he bore the burnished helmet, when troops rush together, battle flashes. the ring-locked mail, a stream running The gold-friend of the Geats the old sword made by giants. from the stone arch-- wasn't boasting of victory. Onela had given Eanmund that, a stream of fire. His war-sword had failed, the war-equipment, not bitten home and did not mention He could not enter as it should have, the feud, though his for the dragon's flame. that iron which had brother's child was killed. Beowulf was angry, always been trustworthy. Weohstan held the treasure the lord of the Geats, This wasn't a pleasant trip: many years, he who stormed in battle. that famous king, Beowulf, the sword and mail, He yelled into the cave. would have to leave this earth, until his son could would have, against his will, do heroic deeds The hoard-keeper perceived to move elsewhere. as his father had done. a man's voice and (So must every man He gave the war-dress to Wiglaf didn't plan to ask give up and a great many treasures, for friendship. these transitory days.) then departed this earth Flames shot out old on his journey. from among the stones, It wasn't long before But this was the first time the young champion hot battle-sweat. the terrible ones had gone into the war-storm.) The ground dinned. met again-- The hoard-keeper took heart, The hero raised his shield heaved his fire anew. His spirit did not fail, against the dreadful stranger. He who once ruled a nation nor his heirloom: that Then the coiled thing was encircled by fire; the dragon discovered sought battle. no troop of friends, when they met in battle. The war king drew his sword, strong princes, an ancient heirloom stood around him: Wiglaf spoke words about duty, with edges unblunt. they ran to the woods said in sorrow to his Each of them intended to save their lives. companions: horror to the other. "I remember the times Yet in one of them we drank mead and how Stouthearted stood that war- welled a sorrowful heart. we promised our lord prince That true-minded one there in the beer-hall, with his shield upraised, didn't forget kinship. he who gave us gifts, waited in his war-gear. Wiglaf he was called, that we would repay The dragon coiled together, the son of Woehstan, all his largess, went forth burning, a beloved shield-warrior, the helmets and hard swords, gliding toward his fate. a lord of the Scylfings, if the need a kinsman of Aelthere. should ever befall. He chose his best men His shield protected He saw his lord suffering from heat for this expedition, life and body gave us honor and for a shorter time under his helmet. He remembered the gifts, these treasures because than the prince had hoped. he considered us best That was the first day a rich home among the Waegmundings, among spear fighters, he was not granted though he proposed to glory in battle. the rich inheritance, that his father had had. do the job alone because The lord of the Geats he had performed the most raised his arm, famous deeds among men. Wiglaf could not refrain, struck the horrible thing Now has the day come with his ancestral sword, but grabbed his shield, drew his ancient sword that our lord but the edge gave way: is in need of fighters, that among men was known that bright sword of good warriors. as the heirloom of Eanmund, 39

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Let us go to him, the earth-house standing help the war-chief (I've heard that Beowulf's on stone pillars. in this fire-horror. swing was too strong God knows, to me, for any sword, Wiglaf bathed him, my lord means more overstrained any blade, his lord, than my skin. anytime he carried wearied in battle, With him I will a blood-hardened sword and unfastened his helmet. embrace the fire. into battle.) It isn't proper Beowulf spoke, Then the terrible dragon that we bare shields despite his wounds. a third time rushed, back to our homes (He knew well hot and battle-grim. before we can he'd seen the last He bit Beowulf's neck defend our lord of this world's joys, and kill the enemy. with sharp tusks--Beowulf that he'd numbered He doesn't deserve was wet with life's blood; his last day.) blood gushed in waves. to suffer alone. "Now should I give my sons We two shall share my battle garments, the sword and helmet, Then, I've heard, but fate did not grant the mail and war-garment." Wiglaf showed courage, that I have sons. craft and bravery, I ruled the people Then Wiglaf advanced as was his nature--he went fifty winters. through the death-fumes, not for the thought-seat, Not one king among wore his helmet but struck a little lower, the neighboring peoples to help his lord. helped his kinsman dared greet me though his hand was burned. with a sword; He spoke these words: The sword, shining I feared no one. "Dear Beowulf, may you and ornamented, I awaited my destiny well: accomplish all well, drove in so that never did I plot a quarrel, as you did in youth, the fire abated. never did I swear as I have heard tell. an unjust oath. Don't surrender the glory Then the king controlled I take joy in this, of your life. Defend now, his senses, drew his despite a mortal wound. with all your strength, battle knife, bitter The Ruler of Mankind your brave deeds. and battle sharp, which will not charge I will help." he carried on his mail, that I murdered a kinsman and cut the dragon when my life After these words through the middle. departs this body. the dragon angrily came; The enemy fell--strength Go quickly, Wiglaf, the terrible spirit had driven out life; examine the hoard another time attacked the two kinsmen, together, under the gray stone with surging fire. had cut down the enemy. now that the dragon lies Fire waves burned So should a warrior do. sleeping of a wound, Wiglaf's shield bereft of his treasure. down to the handle, That was Beowulf's last victory; Be in haste his mail could not his last work in this world. so that I may see protect the young the ancient treasure, spear-warrior. may examine He ducked behind Episode 12 the curious gems, his kinsman's shield. so that I may -- The Death of Beowulf-- more cheerfully give up Then the war-king my life and country." remembered past deeds, The wound began struck mightily with his sword to swell and burn, Wiglaf hurried so that it stuck the venom seethed, from his wounded lord, in the dragon's head; that poison inside. obeyed the battle-sick one, Naegling, the great sword of The prince went rushed in his mail Beowulf, to sit by the wall, under the cave's roof. ancient and shining, the wise man sat down There by a seat broke, failed in battle. to look at the work the brave young man saw Fate had not granted that of giants held within many precious jewels, the iron sword would help. shining gold on the ground, 41

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and works of art my old life for As far as I have heard on the walls. the people's needs. no man ever prospered There in the dragon's den I cannot remain. rushing against that enemy; Wiglaf saw the cups Bid my warriors no man ever prospered of ancient men, raise a splendid mound who found that dragon awake. ornaments fallen. on the shore-cliffs Beowulf bought the treasures There were helmets, after my funeral fire with his life. old and rusty, that a remembrance shall Both of them found and many arm-rings tower high on Hronesness. the end of this life. twisted with skill. Sea-farers shall afterward (Treasure, gold in call it Beowulf's Mound Soon the cowards, the ground, may be easily when they pilot ships the ten warriors, seized by any man, far over the ocean's mists." returned from the woods, hide it who will.) those who did not dare He unfastened from his neck, fight with spears Wiglaf saw a standard his golden necklace, gave it when their lord all golden high to the brave young warrior, needed help. over the treasure, and a gold-trimmed helmet, They carried their shields, the greatest of hand-wonders, a ring, and mail. wore their mail, woven with the skill of hands. He bid him use them well. in shame From it a light shone, "You are the last to where Wiglaf sat, lit all the ground remnant of our kin, near his lord's shoulder so he could look of the Waegmundings. trying to wake him over all the treasures. Fate has swept with water. Then, I have heard, the rest away, He did not succeed-- he rifled the hoard and those courageous warriors. he could not, into his bosom loaded I follow them." though he much wished it, the ancient work of giants-- hold his chief in life. goblets and dishes, Those were the aged king's He could not change whatever he chose, last words, thoughts from the will of God. even the golden standard. the heart, before he tasted The sword, the iron edge, the funeral-fire, The young man had carried off that hot, hostile flame. gave a grim welcome the guardian who His heart departed, his soul, to those who had for a long while to seek glory. lost courage. Wiglaf spoke, carried surging fire glaring at the hated ones: in the middle of the sky. Wiglaf Speaks to the Cowards "Lo, this will he say who wishes to speak the truth: that lord of men Wiglaf was in haste, The young man looked gave you treasures, eager to return on his beloved lord, with these great treasures; wretchedly killed, the war-equipment he feared the great spirit lying on the ground. you stand in. At the ale-bench might be dead His killer, the terrible he often gave you. . . in the place where he lay. cave-dragon, also lay hall-sitters. . . With the treasure bereft of life, overwhelmed in his hands in destruction. helmets and armor, he found his lord The dragon no longer the most splendid he could find, bloody and weak. coiled round the hoard, far or near. He bathed Beowulf but was taken by iron, He completely until he could speak, hacked in battle wasted that armor. until words broke by the hammer's creation. from his breast-hoard. He had fallen When war came on the ground he couldn't boast of warriors. near his treasure house. The king, aged in sorrow, Still, God granted beheld the gold and spoke: No longer would he circle victory to him "I thank the Wonder-King, at midnight that he alone avenged the Ruler of All, proud in his flames; himself with sword that I could win this he had fallen before the prince's when he needed help. for my people I could do little in battle, hand-work. before my death-day. though I undertook it. I have traded 43

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It was beyond my measure. A hard quarrel was made of Hygelac's war, But I struck the foe with the Hugas did not believe and fire gushed less when Hygelac went he could not withstand strongly from his head. traveling in ships the war of the sailors. There were too few men to the land of the Frisians, The old man retreated around the prince attacked the Hetware. with his children and wife when he faced With a larger army they behind an earth-wall. his time of need. brought down that warrior; Hygelac attacked the refuge, Now shall the treasure, he fell among his troops. overran the enclosure. the sword gifts He gave no gifts There was Ongentheow, and delightful homes to his warriors. gray-haired, brought to bay given to your people, Since then the Mereovingians with the edges of swords. cease. You will lose have given us no kindness. He was forced to submit your land rights Nor do I expect to the judgement of Eofor. when men far and wide kindness from the Swedes-- Wulf hit him angrily, hear of your flight, it is widely known struck him with sword your shameful doings. that Haethcyn, son of Hrethel, so that blood sprang Death is better wounded Ongentheow out of his veins, to any man near Ravenswood out under his hair. than a life of disgrace." when the Geats But that old man arrogantly sought was not daunted-- war against the Swedes. he quickly repaid He commanded then Quickly Ongentheow, that blow with a harder, that the battle-deeds old and terrible, nor could Wulf be announced gave a counterblow, return the blow, to those in town, cut down Haethcyn for Ongentheow had up over the cliff-side and rescued his wife, sheared his helmet where the other warriors that aged woman, so that Wulf bowed the whole morning bereft of her gold, to the earth, had waited, the mother of Onela and covered with blood. sad in heart, Ohthere. (He was hurt, though not yet for their lord's return Ongentheow pursued doomed.) or news of his death. his enemies-- As his brother lay, lordless they escaped Eofor, with his broad sword, The Messenger Tells of into Ravenswood, an ancient sword Beowulf's Death and of the and those survivors, made by giants, Feud Which Will Now Be weary with wounds, broke Ongentheow's helmet. Renewed were besieged That king, shepherd of his by a huge army. people, The messenger was not silent Often through the night bowed, mortally wounded. but said truly that wretched band Wulf was bound up. They to all who heard: heard threats, controlled the slaughter-place. "Now is the joy-giver how in the morning One warrior plundered another. of the Geat people he would, They took from Ongentheow still on his death-bed, with the sword, his iron mail, his slaughter-couch, cut them open, his hard sword, through the deeds or hang them from trees, and his helmet also. of the dragon. a sport for birds. They carried Beside him lies Help came to them the old man's armor his life-enemy, sick with the early dawn to Hygelac. from a dagger wound. when Hygelac He received these weapons His sword could not sounded his trumpet, and promised treasures in any way came up the road to his people, wound the monster. with picked warriors. which he fulfilled, Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, The bloody tracks were widely paying Wulf and Eofor sits by Beowulf, one seen, the bloody feud for the storm of battle-- warrior by another, between Geats and Swedes. gave them both in the death-watch. Ongentheow was forced land and treasures. Now may the people to seek higher ground, Nor should any man expect a time of war the old man throughout this world when the Franks and Frisians with his kinsmen-- reproach those gifts-- learn of our king's fall. he quickly learned 45

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they were earned in war. below Earnaness The famous kings who had And to Eofor to view the wonder. cursed Hygelac gave Lifeless on the sand, that treasure deeply his only daughter held in his rest-bed, damned him who plundered it as a pledge was the man who had into eternal heathen shrines, of friendship. given them treasures. the solid bond of Hell. That is the feud, That was the last day But Beowulf did not the deadly hostility of the prince of the Geats; look on it in greed. for which I expect he died a wondrous death. the Swedes will attack Wiglaf spoke, Weohstan's son: when they learn our lord There too on the ground "Often must a warrior who long protected was the strange thing, suffer for another's mistake, over hoard and kingdom, the hateful dead dragon, as has happened here. is dead. the fire-thrower, Nor could we convince That most valiant of warriors in his horrible colors, our beloved prince will no longer look after scorched by flames. that he should not attack the needs of our people, He measured fifty feet, that gold-keeper will do no more he who had but let him lie heroic deeds. joyed in the sky, alone in his cave Now should we hurry flown at night, until the world's end. to see our king then hidden in his lair. He grasped and bring him back But he'd made his last his high fate-- to a funeral pyre. use of caverns-- the hoard is open, Not a little will melt death held him fast. grimly bought. with that bold man, That fate but a huge treasure, Beside him lay was too cruel countless wealth, cups and pitchers, to which our king bought with grimness dishes and swords was impelled. by that brave man. eaten through with rust I went inside, All that the flames will eat, as if the earth had embraced saw all the treasure, the fire embrace; them a thousand winters. the precious things; no warrior will carry That was a hoard I didn't enter any of it as a token, of great power, in a friendly way. no beautiful woman that gold I hastily grasped will wear a neck-ring, ancient men many things in my hands, but, bereft of gold had encircled with a spell carried out many they shall walk so that no man of the hoarded treasures in a foreign country could touch it, to my lord. now that our lord has forgotten unless God himself, He was alive still, laughter and joy. the great Truth-King, sound in mind; Now shall the spear be gave leave that aged man raised, clasped in hands, to whichever man sorrowfully said many a cold morning; seemed fit to Him. many things: now no sound of harp But it was plain He wanted you to build shall wake the warrior, that nothing had gone well on the site of his pyre but the voice for him who had, a high mound, of the dark raven, unrightly, hidden those great and glorious, eager over the doomed, works of art since he was speaking to the eagle under that roof. among warriors of how the meals are, the most magnificent, famous throughout the world. how he rifles corpses It's a mystery where We should now hasten beside the wolf." a good man goes Thus the valiant warrior when he reaches his end, to see the curious gems, spoke grievous words. when he can no longer the wonders under the earth. I will show you the way. And he was not much wrong. live in the houses of men. Make the pyre ready So it was with Beowulf so that we may bring our lord The Funeral after he'd sought to the place the keeper of the cave. he will abide The sad troops rose, He himself couldn't know how he would leave the world. in the keeping went in tears of the All-Powerful."

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Wiglaf ordered Then his bone-house broke, the brave warriors the heart burned. to carry wood from far and wide Beowulf's queen uttered to the funeral pyre a mournful song, spoke for the great leader her heart's care with her hair of the people. bound tight. She told earnestly how she feared evil days, "Now shall fire eat, a great slaughter of warriors, the flourishing dark flames, humiliation and captivity. the ruler of warriors, Heaven swallowed the smoke. he who often braved the rain of iron, The Geats built a mound then, the storming of arrows in ten days, high and broad hard from bows, on the hill, a beacon the sturdy shaft for the warrior swift on feathered wings." widely seen by sailors. They surrounded the ashes Wiglaf called seven warriors, by a wall, as splendid the very best, as the cleverest and made the eighth himself, men could make. to go under In the mound they placed that evil roof. rings and bracelets One carried a torch. and all such things as No man needed forcing they'd found in the hoard. when he saw that great treasure They left that treasure rusting without guardian. in the hands of the earth, None mourned as it lies still, carrying that off, as useless to men and they shoved the dragon as it had been before. over the cliff-- the waves embraced Then twelve warriors that treasure guardian. rode round the grave speaking their sorrow, Then the twisted gold, reciting praises treasure uncountable, for their lord's was lain in a wagon; courageous deeds. they carried the gray warrior (A warrior should do so to Hronesness. when his lord dies.) For him then they prepared Thus the Geats a huge funeral pyre mourned their great lord, on the earth, saying he was, hung with helmets, among this world's kings, war-shields, the mildest, the gentlest, and bright coats of mail, the kindest to his people, as Beowulf had asked. and the most eager

for eternal fame. There they laid the famous prince and lamented that beloved lord. Warriors then built the greatest of fires. Wood-smoke ascended, dark black over the flames. That roar wrapped around sorrowful weeping. The wind stood still.

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Setting – Scandinavia (Herot)

BBeeoowwuullff CChhaarraacctteerr MMaapp Danes – People of Denmark Sheaf Hrethric & Hrothmund Geats – People of Geatland

Composed – 8th Century

Shield Written – 11th Century Wealhtheow

Aeschere

Hrothgar

Hrothulf Grain Grendel’s Mother Unferth Healfdene

Heorogar Halga the Good Beowulf

a Daughter (married Onela, the King of the Swedes)

Hygelac

Edgtheow Grendel

Wiglaf

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