Introduction   

1. Listen! We have heard of the glory of the kings of the Spear-Danes in days of yore, and how the princes performed courageous deeds. 

4. Often Scyld Scefing deprived many an enemy band of their mead benches, terrifying warriors, long after when at first he was found destitute. He was awaited as their consolation, and thrived under the skies, prospering in honor until each one of the neighboring people over the whale-road had to obey him and pay tribute. That was a good king! 

12. Afterwards a son was given to him, young in his court, whom God sent to comfort his people. He saw the great distress which they had suffered, without a lord, for a long while. 

16. Because of this, the Lord of life, ruler of glory, gave him honor. Beow was renowned; the glory of Scyld's son spread wide in the Daneland. 

20. So should a young man bring about good works through splendid rich gifts in his father's protection, so that in old age afterwards he may remain with his dear companions; so that, when war comes, his people will give support. Through praiseworthy deeds a man shall prosper in each nation! 

26. Then Scyld departed to God at the destined time on a vigorous journey to the Lord's protection. His dear companions then bore him on the sea's current, as he had commanded himself while the friend of the Danes, the dear lord who had long possessed the land, had rule of his words. 

32. There at the harbor stood a ship with a curved prow, icy and ready to set out, a prince's vessel; there they laid down the dear king, bestower of rings, renowned the most, on the ship's bosom. 

36. There were many treasures from distant parts, and precious things brought. I have not heard of a ship more beautifully adorned with war-weapons and battle-attire, swords and mail-coats; on his breast lay a multitude of treasures, which would go far with him on the water's power. 

43. Not at all did they provide him with lesser gifts, the treasure of a people, than they did who at the beginning sent him forth alone over the waves as a child. 

47. Furthermore, they set for him a golden standard high overhead; they allowed the sea to bear him, given to the ocean. They were sad in spirit, mourning in mood. 

51. Men were not able to say truthfully- hall-counselors, warriors under heaven - how that cargo was received.   

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52. Then Beow the Scylding was in the stronghold, beloved king of the people for a long time, renowned by the folk– the father went to another place, lord of the land– until tall Healfdene was born to him; he ruled the Scyldings graciously while he lived, old and fierce in battle. 

59. To him four children were born in succession into the world, leaders of armies– Heoragar and Hrothgar, and Halga the good– I heard that the fourth became Onela's queen, consort to the Swedes. 

64. Then Hrothgar was given success in war, glory in war, so that his friends and kinsmen willingly obeyed him, until they grew to become young warriors, a mighty band of young retainers. 

67. It came to his mind that he would command men to build a hall, a great mead-hall, that men's children should forever hear of; and there inside share with all, young and old, whatever God gave him, except for the common land and the lives of men. 

74. Then I have widely heard that work orders were given to many nations throughout this world, to adorn the people's place. It happened to him in due time, swiftly to men, that it became fully ready, the greatest hall. He shaped Heorot as a name, him whose word had wide power. 

80. He did not leave unfulfilled his vow, and shared out rings, the treasures at the feast. The hall's tower was high and wide-gabled. A hostile surge awaited, a loathful fire; nor was it long yet before the violent hatred of son-in-law and father-in-law, after deadly enmity, should arise. 

86. Then the fierce creature suffered with difficulty through time, the one which had dwelt in darkness, that he each day should hear loud joy in the hall; there was the sound of the harp, the clear song of the poets. 

90. Say he in reckoning who knew the creation of men from long ago, say how the Almighty made the earth, the beautiful plain, so surrounded by water, set triumphantly the son and moon's light for illumination for the land-dweller, and adorned the earth's regions with branches and leaves. He also shaped life into each people which moved about. 

99. So the retainers lived joyfully in gladness, until the hellish fiend began to perform wicked deeds. The grim creature was called Grendel, famed wanderer of the borderland, he who occupied the mere, his fen and stronghold. 

104. The unblessed creature resided for a while with the race of monsters, since the Creator had proscribed him as Cain's kin, the eternal Lord being avenged for that killing, because he slew Abel. Nor did he gain any joy for the hostile act, for God the Creator banished him far for that crime from mankind. 

111. From him all evil progeny arose, giants and elves and evil spirits, also giants, who rebelled against God for a long time; he repaid them for that reward.   

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115. Then he went to seek out, after it had become night, the high house, how the Hring-Danes had settled in after beer-drinking. Then he found inside a company of noblemen, asleep after the feast; grief not known to them, men's misery. 

120. The unholy creature, grim and greedy, soon was ready, savage and fierce, and in the resting-place seized thirty thanes; from there again it left, exulting in its booty, going to its home with the feast of slaughter there, to seek out its dwelling-place. 

125. Then there was, just before daybreak, with the first light of day, Grendel's strength in war revealed to men; then there was after the feasting lamentation raised up, a great morning cry. 

129. The renowned prince, nobleman of proven excellence, sat joylessly, suffering mightily in grief for his thanes, after they had examined the hateful track of the accursed creature; the strife was too strong, grievous and prolonged. 

134. It took not a longer time, but after one night, he performed more slaughter; and felt no remorse for it – he was too fixed on hostile act and wicked deed. Then it was easy to find one who sought rest elsewhere, further away– a bed among the outbuildings. 

140. Then to him was shown, said truly to him, a clear sign of the hate of the hall-thanes, since he who had escaped the fiend kept himself further off and more securely. 

144. So Grendel ruled and with the right contended one with all, until the best house stood empty. It was a great while– a twelve years period– the friend of the Scyldings endured affliction, every misery and great grief. 

149. It came forth to be known to men's children in the sad song, that Grendel had contended for a while with Hrothgar, bore fierce hatred, wicked deeds and hostile acts for many half-years of conflict, and would not have peace with anyone of the host of Danish men– and would not remove his deadly evil or settle for money. 

157. There were no counselors who expected or required splendid compensation from the killer's hand, but the fierce assailant continued to persecute, dark shadow of death, lying in wait to ambush tried warriors and young warriors. He ruled endless nights and the misty meres. 

162. Men do not know to what place the demons wandered. The fiend of mankind, the terrible one who went alone, perpetrated so many wicked deeds and humiliations; he inhabited Heorot, richly decorated hall in black nights; but he was not was permitted to approach the throne, treasure of the Creator. He did not feel his love. 

170. That was a great misery to the friend of the Scyldings, his mind's grief. Many often sat, of high rank in council, to consider what was advisable, what was best for the strong-minded to do against the terror of sudden attack. 

175. Sometimes they vowed at heathen temples to honor idols, prayed words that the destroyer of souls might bring help against this calamity of a nation. Such was the heathen custom, the hope of heathens; they thought of hell in mind; they did not know the Creator, the deeds of the Judge. 

181. They did not know the Lord God; they did not know how to praise, indeed, heaven's protector, the Ruler of glory. Woe shall be with him that shall through terrible hostility thrust his soul in fire's embrace, comfort not hoped for, change in any way. 

186. Well shall it be for him who is permitted after his death's day to go to the Lord and to ask for protection in the embrace of the Father.   

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189. Such then was the sorrow of the time which Healfdene's son constantly brooded on. Nor might the wise warrior turn aside the misery; the strife was too strong, grievous and prolonged, which had come on the people, cruel and dire distress, greatest night-evils. 

194. From his home, Hygelac's thane, a good man among the Geats, learned of Grendel's deeds; of mankind he was the strongest of the day of this life, noble and mighty. He ordered himself a good sea-vessel to be made ready, saying that he would seek the war-king over the swan's road, since he was in need of men. 

202. Wise men found no fault with the expedition, though he was dear to them; they examined omens and encouraged high actions. He had chosen warriors from the Geatish people, the keenest that he might find; the fifteen of them sought out their sea-wood- a man skilled in seacraft guided them to the coast. 

210. The time came; the ship was on the wave, the boat under the cliff. The eager warriors climbed on to the prow; the streams eddied, the sea against the sand. Men bore into the vessel's hold gleaming trappings, splendid war-gear. Men pushed out the well-braced ship, warriors on the desired journey. 

217. Then the foamy-necked ship went over the sea, driven on by the wind like a bird, until after due time on the second day the ship with the curved prow had come to where the voyagers saw land, gleaming sea-cliffs, broad headland. 

223. Then the sea was crossed, the water-streaming at an end. Then the Geatish men quickly stood up on level ground and tied up the sea-vessel; mail-coats rang out, garments for war. God was thanked for the fact that the sea-path had been easy for them. 

229. There from the wall, the watchman of the Scyldings who should guard the sea-cliffs saw bright shields over the gangway, carried by ready arms; curiosity pressed his thoughts as to who the men were. 

234. He went there to the shore; the thane of Hrothgar rode on a horse, forcefully brandished a mighty spear in his hand, and asked in a formal speech: 

237. "Who are you warriors, protected by mail-coats, that you thus have a tall ship, over the sea-road, brought here over the waves? For a long while I have been a coast guard, and have kept the sea-watch, so that on land no hostile naval force might inflict harm on the land of the Danes." 

244. "Never more openly have shield bearers come here; you war-makers fully did not have permission, the consent of kinsmen. Never have I seen a greater warrior on earth than a certain one of you, man in arms. That's no mere hall-retainer made worthy by weapons– unless his face belies him, his matchless appearance!" 

251. "Now I should know of your origin, before you go further from here to spy on Danish land. Now you foreigners, seafarers, hear my plain thought: haste is best to reveal from where you are coming."   

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258. He was answered by the chief, the company's leader, who unleashed his word-hoard; "We are the race of the Geatish people, and Hygelac's hearth-companions. My father was well-known by people, the nobles' leader at the battle-front, called Ecgtheow; he lived to see many a winter before going on his way, old in his dwelling." 

265. "Every wise man far and wide throughout the earth readily remembers him. We through well-disposed heart have come to seek the protector of your people, Healfdane's son; be a good advisor to us. We have for that renowned Danish lord a great errand, nor shall there be anything concealed, that I can think of." 

272. "You know, if it is such as we truly heard it said, that among the Scyldings a ravager, I do not know what kind of, a mysterious persecutor- shows in dark nights through terror and unknown hostility, humiliation and slaughter." 

278. "I may through generous heart advise Hrothgar with good counsel in this, how he, wise and good, can overcome this enemy– if for him a change, relief from his distress of afflictions, should ever again come – and that his surging of grief become less oppressive." 

283. "Or else always he will suffer in dire distress, times of tribulation, as long as there remains in high stead the best house." 

286. The watchman made a speech, sitting there on his horse, fearless officer: "A sharp warrior must know the meaning both of words and works, who thinks rightly. I hear that this is a company loyal to the lord of the Scyldings. Go forth bearing weapons and armor; I will guide you." 

293. "Moreover, I will command my young retainers to guard your ship honorably against every enemy, newly-tarred on the sand, until it again bears over sea-currents dear men, ship with curved prow, to Wederish land. To such a one who acts nobly, be it granted by fate to survive the storm of battle whole." 

301. Then they departed; the ship remained still- resting on rope, wide-bottomed ship, fixed at anchor. A boar-figure shone over cheek-guards adorned with gold, gleaming and fire-hardened; it kept guard over life, grimly with warlike spirit. 

306. Men hastened, and advanced together so they might see the timbered hall, splendid and adorned with gold. That building under the sky was the foremost among earth-dwellers; in that the mighty king dwelt; its light shone over many lands. 

312. He who was brave in battle pointed out the resplendent dwelling of the courageous, so that they might directly go to it; as one of the warriors he turned his horse, after speaking a word: "It is time for me to go; may the omnipotent Father keep you in favor, your venture sound! I will go back to the sea, to keep watch for hostile bands of men."   

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320. The way was paved, the path led the men together. War-corsets shone, hard and linked by hand; bright chain-mail rang out in armor when they first came in the hall in their fearsome equipment. 

325. The sea-weary men set the broad shields, wondrously strong shield-bosses, against the building's wall. They then sat on the bench- mail-coats rang, the war-shirts of men. 

328. Spears stood, seamen's arms all together; an ash-wood grey from above; the armed troop was made noble by their weapons. Then a proud hero asked about the warriors' lineage: "From where have you brought gold-plated shields, grey mail-shirts and helmets with masks, heaps of spears? I am Hrothgar's herald and officer." 

336. "Never have I seen so many foreign men braver in appearance. I think that you for daring, not in any way out of exile, but for greatness of heart, have sought Hrothgar." 

340. He who was famed for courage answered, proud man of the Weders, hard under helmet, spoke a word: "We are Hygelac's table-companions; Beowulf is my name. I would like to declare to the son of Healfdene's - renowned prince - my errand, your lord, if he will grant us that we may be permitted to address the good man." 

348. Wulfgar made a speech– he was a man of the Vendels; his character was known to many, his prowess in war and wisdom – "I will ask the friend of the Danes, lord of the Scyldings, bestower of rings, renowned prince, as you petition concerning your venture, and then swiftly make known the answer as he thinks fit to give me." 

356. He then turned quickly to where Hrothgar sat, old and very grey, among his warriors' retinue; he, famed for courage, went and stood at the shoulder of the lord of the Danes; he knew the custom of the noble retainers. 

360. Wulfgar made a speech to his friend and lord: "Geatish people have come from far off over the expanse of the sea Geatish people; they call their chief warrior Beowulf. They are petitioning that they, my prince, be permitted a conversation with you." 

366. "Let not refusal be your answer to them, gracious Hrothgar. They appear worthy from their war-equipment, the esteem of warriors; indeed the leader is mighty- their leader has led them here."   

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371. Hrothgar made a speech, the protector of the Scyldings: "I knew him as a boy! His late father was called Ecgtheow; Hrethel of the Geats' only daughter was given to him. His son has now come here as a strong man and has sought a well-disposed friend." 

377. "Moreover, the seafarers have said that the gift for the Geats was carried to that place in thanks, that he has thirty men's strength in his battle-famed handgrip. Holy God in his grace has sent him to us, to the West-Danes– of this I have hope– against Grendel's terror." 

384. "I shall offer treasures for his daring and goodness. Be in haste, call in the band of kinsmen all together; tell him also words that they are welcome to the Danish people." 

390. He bid them with words to come in: "I am ordered to say by my victorious lord, chief of the East-Danes, that he knows of your noble descent, and you, brave-minded men over the surging of the sea, are here welcome to him here." 

395. "Now you may go in your war-equipment and helmets to see Hrothgar; leave your battle-shields here to await you, deadly shafts and wood, for the outcome of his words." 

399. Then the mighty one arose with many warriors around him, mighty band of thanes, some waiting there to guard the war-equipment as he ordered. Then, hastening them together, he guided them under Heorot's roof, hard under helmet, so that he stood there on the hearth. 

405. Beowulf made a speech- on him his corselet shone, a mail-coat linked by smith's skill– "May you be well, Hrothgar! I am Hygelac's kinsman and young retainer; I have undertaken many a glorious deed in youth." 

409. "The matter of Grendel has become revealed and known to me on my native soil; seafarers say that this hall, best of buildings, stands with every warrior empty and useless after evening-light under heaven's vault becomes hidden." 

415. "Then my people advised me that I should seek prince Hrothgar, the best, the wisest of men, for they know of my strength and craft; they themselves saw that I came blood-stained from battle with the enemy, where I bound and destroyed five of the giant's kin, and in the waves slew the night's water-monsters, and suffered dire distress." 

423. "I avenged the Weders' persecution and sought out trouble; I crushed the hostile; and now against Grendel I shall- against the fierce assailant- hold one meeting against the giant. Now, lord of the Bright-Danes, I will request of you, protector of the Scyldings, one favor, that you not refuse me- now that I have come so far- that I may be permitted alone with my warriors band, this hard troop of men, to cleanse Heorot." 

433. "I have also learned that the fierce assailant in his recklessness does not care for weapons. I scorn them– as Hygelac is my liege lord, joyful in my mind– that I will bear sword or broad shield, yellow shield, to battle, but with my grasp I shall grapple with the enemy and with my life contend with the hostile foe." 

440. "He whom death takes will trust in the Lord's judgment there! I expect that he will, if he is allowed to prevail, fearlessly eat Geatish people in the battle-hall, as he often did, the flower of men." 

445. "My head need not at all be hidden, but he will have me blood stained, if death takes me; he will bear off my bloody corpse, my taste I think fit for one who goes alone unmourningly, to its stained moor-retreat. No need for you to worry any longer about the care of my body!" 

452. "Send to Hygelac, if battle takes me, my best battle-apparel that defended my breast, best garment; that is Hrethel's heirloom and Weland's work. Fate must always go as it shall!"   

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456. Hrothgar, protector of the Scyldings, made a speech: "For your deeds done in the past, my friend Beowulf, and for kindness you have sought us. Your father's feud was mostly caused by fighting; he came to slay Heatholaf with his own hand among the Wylfings; then he did not have the might to keep his Wederish kin from war-terror." 

463. "From there he sought the South-Danish folk over the rolling waves, Honor-Scyldings. Then I first ruled the Danish folk and in youth held a spacious kingdom, a warrior's rich stronghold; then Heregar was dead, my elder kinsman lifeless, Healfdane's son; he was better than me." 

470. "Then afterwards I settled the feud with money; I sent the Wylfings old treasures over the water's crest; he swore me oaths. It grieves me in my heart to tell any man what humiliations Grendel has brought about to me with his thoughts of hate and sudden attacks on Heorot." 

476. "My hall-troop, band of warriors, has waned; fate has swept them off in Grendel's horror. God may easily hinder the wild ravager. Warriors very often boasted over ale-cups, drunk with beer, that they would await Grendel's onslaught in the banquet-hall with the terror of the sword." 

484. "Then here was this mead-hall in the morning– the noble hall blood-stained as the day shone forth- all bench-planks drenched with blood, the blood of battle in the hall; I had all the fewer dear tried loyal warriors, who were carried off by death." 

489. "Sit now at the feast, and in due time think of man's glory in victory, so that your heart may be urged on." 

491. Then benches were cleared for the Geatish men together; there the stout-hearted went to sit, proud in their strength. A thane attended to duties, who bore in hand the adorned ale-cups and poured the bright, sweet drink; a poet sang clearly for a while about Heorot. There was the warriors' joy, no small body of Danish and Wederish retainers.   

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499. Unferth, Ecglaf's son, who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings, made a speech exposing his secret hostility– Beowulf, the courageous seafarer, was for him the cause of much displeasure, because he would not allow that any other man on earth ever cared more about glorious deeds than himself under the heavens. 

504. "So you are the Beowulf who contended with Breca, competing with him across the broad sea! There you two tackled the waters for pride, and for foolish boasts ventured your lives in the deep waters; no man might for love or hostility dissuade either of you from the perilous venture when you two entered on the sea." 

513. "There you two covered the sea-current with your arms, traversing the sea-way, moving your hands quickly, gliding over the ocean. The sea waves welled, the winter's surge; you two toiled in the water's possession for seven nights. He who overcame the sea would have more might." 

518. "Then in the morning the sea carried him up to the Heatho-Raems; from there he sought his beloved homeland and his dear people, the land of the Brondings, the beautiful stronghold whose folk he possessed with stronghold and rings. 

523. "All of the boast of Beanstan's son was truthfully fulfilled. I expect from you all the worse an outcome, even though you have prevailed everywhere in the storm of battle- a grim war, if you dare bide nearby a nightlong space of time for Grendel." 

529. Beowulf, Ecgtheow's son, made a speech: "What, my friend Unferth, you speak a great deal about Breca when drunk with beer, telling about his venture! I say the truth, that I possessed more strength in the sea, hardships in the waves, than any other man." 

535. "We two agreed as youths and vowed– when we were both still in youth– that we two would venture life out on the ocean, and so we carried that out. With naked sword there we entered on the sea, hard in hand; we intended to protect ourselves against whales." 

541. "He did not float far at all from me on the sea-waves, more quickly on the sea; I had no intent of going away from him. Then we two were together on the sea for five nights' space of time until the waters drove us apart, the sea's surging, coldest weather, darkening night, and I turned battle-fiercely against the northwind." 

548. "The waves were fierce. The anger of the sea-fishes was aroused; there my mail-shirt of mine, hard linked by hand, furnished help against hostility, the interlocked battle-garment laying on my breast, adorned with gold. The hostile and fiendish attacker dragged me to the ground of the sea, having a firm and grim grip." 

555. "However, it was granted to me by fate that I hit the fierce assailant with the point of my battle-sword; through my hand I destroyed the mighty sea-beast in the storm of battle."   

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559. Thus the loathsome persecutor often severely harassed me. I served him excellently with my sword, as it was fitting. By no means did those evil-doers have a joyful feast there, that they consumed me sitting round a feast on the sea-bed; but in the morning, sword-wounded, it lay above along the shore, killed by my sword." 

567. "After then it hindered no passage to seafarers across the high sea at all. Light came from the east, the bright beacon of God's; the water grew calm, that I might see the headlands and windy walls. Fate often saves a man not marked to die when his courage is good!" 

574. "Yet it happened to me that I should slay nine water-monsters with my sword. I have not heard of more wretched a man under heaven's vault who fought hard on the sea-stream in the night. Nevertheless, I grasped foes, surviving in life, weary in my venture." 

579. "Then I was borne off over the sea, on the flood's current, the surging of waters, to Finnish land. I have not heard anything said here about such skilful contests, the sword's terror. Breca has never yet accomplished such bold deeds in sport of battle, nor you two either, with shining swords." 

586. "I do not boast this much, though you would expose your brother to slaying, close kinsmen. For that you shall suffer damnation in Hell, however good your wit might be!" 

590. "I tell you truly, son of Ecglaf's, that Grendel could never accomplish so many horrors- terrible and fierce assailant of your lord- such humiliations in Heorot, if you had heart, such spirit so fierce in battle that you would maintain yourself." 

595. "But he has found out that he need not find hostility, greatly fear a terrible storm of sword from your people– victorious Scyldings! He takes his enforced toll and shows no mercy to Danish people, but takes pleasure in killing and dispatching with no conflict expected from Spear-Danes!" 

601. "But I soon now shall show him Geatish strength and courage in battle. You may go after to mead high-spirited, as in morning-light over men's children in other days, the sun clothed in radiance, shining from the south!" 

607. Then the bestower of treasure was in happiness, grey-haired and famed in battle; the prince of the Bright-Danes counted on help, having heard from Beowulf's people of his resolute purpose. There was the warriors' laughter, the resound of noise. Words were joyful. 

612. Wealtheow went forth– Hrothgar's queen, mindful of courtesy – to greet the gold-adorned man in the hall, and there the noble wife gave a goblet first to the East-Dane, guardian of the native land, and bid him, the people's love, to be joyful in beer-drinking. 

618. The king, famed for victory, shared in pleasure in the feast and the hall-cup. Then the lady of the Helmings went round to the tried and young warriors, to each section, and offered costly vessels, until the time came that the ring-adorned queen, excellent in mind, bore the mead-cup to Beowulf. 

625. She greeted the Geatish man, and thanked God with wise words for the fact that her wish would be fulfilled, that she in one warrior could trust for relief from the wicked deeds. He, a warrior fierce in battle, received the cup from Wealtheow, and spoke of his eagerness for battle. 

631. Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow's, made a speech: "I resolved when I set out on the sea, sat on the sea-vessel, with my company of men, that I would fulfill your people's wish completely, or fall slain, held fast in the enemy's grasp. I shall accomplish the heroic deed of courage, or experience my ending day in this mead-hall!" 

639. At this word the lady was well pleased with the vaunting speech of the Geat's; the noble queen of the folk, adorned with gold, went to sit with her lord. There were after, as before, brave words spoken in the hall and happiness in the people, the sound of victorious people, until soon the son of Healfdane's wished to seek his night's rest. 

646. He knew that the fierce assailant planned battle to the lofty hall, since they had seen the sun's light until it grew dark, the night over all. A shape concealed in shadows had come stalking, dark under clouds. 

651. The company all rose. The men then greeted each other, and Hrothgar Beowulf, and he bid him success and control of the banquet-hall, and uttered a word: "Never have I before entrusted any men, since I might raise hand and shield, with the Danes' mighty hall, except until now." 

657. "Now keep and hold this best house; think of fame; show mighty courage; be watchful against wrath! You will not lack anything you wish if you survive life in this courageous work."   

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662. Then Hrothgar, protector of the Scyldings, went with his band of warriors out of the hall; the war-leader went to seek Wealtheow and take his queen to bed. 

666. The King of Glory, so men had learned, had set a hall-guard against Grendel. A special service was held for the Lord of the Danes, the guard against a giant. Indeed the Geatish people firmly trusted in the favor of the Creator for their brave strength. 

671. Then Beowulf took his iron mail-coat off himself, helmet off head, and gave his decorated sword, best iron, to his attendant thane, and ordered him to guard his war-equipment. He then spoke, for their good, some vaunting words before he mounted the bed. 

677. "I do not consider myself poorer in warlike vigor, in warlike deeds, than Grendel himself; for I do not wish to slay him with a sword, depriving him of life, although I entirely may. He does not know of my skills, though he may strike against me, hewing through my shield, however much famed he is for malicious works." 

683. "But we two in the night shall forgo swords, if he dares seek war without weapons, and afterward wise God, the holy Lord, will deem glory in whichever hand it seems fitting to Him." He then lay himself down, brave in battle, and the warrior's face received a pillow; around him many brave seamen lay down on their beds in the hall. 

691. None of them thought that he would ever reach his beloved homeland again, the folk, or the noble stronghold where he was brought up. For they had learned that before them far too many of the Danish people in the banquet-hall had been carried off in deadly slaughter. 

696. But the Lord Himself had granted success and fortune in war, and comfort and aid to the Wederish people, that they, through one's craft and his own might, would entirely overcome their deadly fiend. The truth is well-known that mighty God rules over mankind for ever. 

702. In the darkening night the walker in shadows came stalking. The warriors who should have been guarding that gabled hall slept– all but one. It was known to men that they were not permitted, for God did not wish it, to be dragged under shadows by the demonic ravager. 

708. But he watched, in anger and hostility, awaiting in rage the battle's outcome.   

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710. Then Grendel came advancing from the mere under misty slopes, bearing God's ire; the wicked ravager meant to ensnare one of man's kind in that high hall. 

714. He advanced under clouds to the banquet-hall; he clearly discerned the gold-hall of men, its gleaming gold plating. It was not the first time he had sought Hrothgar's home; he never in the days of his life, neither before nor after, found such hard fortune with the hall-thanes. 

720. The creature, deprived of joy, made his way to the hall. The door soon sprang open, the firm forged bars, after he touched them with his hand. Then he pulled open the hall's door, intending destruction, as he was enraged. 

724. Quickly after that the fiend tread on the decorated floor, angry at heart; his eyes gleamed like the flame of an ugly light. He saw in the hall many warriors, a band of kinsmen all together and asleep, a troop of young warriors. 

730. Then his heart exulted; the terrible and fierce assailant meant to sever each one's life from body before day had come; to him came the expectation of a lavish feast. It was no longer fated that he would be permitted to take more of man's kind after that night. 

736. Hygelac's mighty kinsman watched how the wicked ravager would proceed with his sudden attack. The fierce assailant did not think of delay, but at the first opportunity he quickly seized a sleeping warrior and tore unrestrainedly, bit muscles, drank blood from the veins, and swallowed the sinful morsels. 

743. He soon had the lifeless man entirely consumed, feet and hands. He stepped closer forward, and grasped the strong-hearted warrior from his rest with his hand, and reached out towards his prey with his hand. 

748. Beowulf quickly seized him with hostile purpose and sat up, leaning on his arm. Soon the master of wicked deeds found out that he had not met in the world, earth's region, another man with a stronger hand-grip; in his heart he became fearful in spirit; he could none the sooner get away. 

755. He was eager in mind to get away, and would flee into the darkness, seeking the devils' company; his experience there was not such as he had encountered before in the days of his life. 

758. Then, remembering his kinsman Hygelac's brave evening speech, he stood upright and grasped him firmly; fingers cracked. The giant was striving to escape; the warrior stepped further. He meant all the more, if he might do so, to escape further off and on the way from there flee to the fen-retreat. He knew the power of Beowulf's fingers in the grim grasp. 

765. That was a bitter journey to Heorot which the grievous ravager undertook! The noble hall dinned; the Danish warriors all became terrified at the fortress-dwellers, each keen. Both were furious, fierce guardians of the hall; the banquet-hall resounded. 

771. There was much wonder that the banquet-hall withstood, brave in battle; that the beautiful building did not fall to the ground. But inside and out it was so firmly and skillfully forged with iron bands. 

775. As I have heard, there were many mead-benches, arrayed with gold, wrenched from the floor in the hostile fight. It was not thought before by wise Scylding men, that any man might shatter it, excellent and adorned with bone; could ever destroy it with cunning, unless the fire's embrace should swallow it in flames. 

782. New sounds often rose up; the North-Danes came upon horrible fear, each one who heard wailing from the walls, a chant of terror uttered from God's adversary, who sang a song of defeat, the captive of hell bewailing his wounds. The man who had the strongest might in the days of this life held him fast.   

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791. Nor would the protectors of the warrior let the deadly visitor go alive by any means, nor did any of his people consider his life's days of any use. There Beowulf's warriors often brandished ancient heirlooms, and would protect their lord's life, the renowned prince, if they might do so. 

798. They that did not know that they were engaged in conflict, warriors resolute in mind, on each side thought to strike out, to seek out life. The evil ravager could not be touched by any sword on earth, the best war-sword; but Beowulf had renounced weapons of victory, every blade. 

805. His severing from life on that day of this life would be miserable, and the alien guest would journey far in the fiend's power. 

809. Then it was found by him who was formerly the affliction of the hearts of mankind, who carried out wicked deeds, him at feud with God, that his body would not be of service to him, but the courageous kinsmen of Hygelac's had him by the hand; each's life was hateful to the other. 

815. The fierce assailant suffered terrible bodily pain; on his shoulder an incurable wound became visible, sinews sprung apart, and muscles burst. Beowulf was granted triumph in battle by fate; Grendel would flee from there, mortally wounded, to fenland slopes, seeking his joyless dwelling. 

821. He knew the more surely that his life's end was reached, the life-span of his days. The Danes' desire after the deadly onslaught were all fulfilled. 

825. Then he who had come before from afar, wise and resolute, had cleansed Hrothgar's hall, saved it from affliction; he rejoiced in the night's work, his heroic deeds. The man of the Geatish people had fulfilled his pledge to the East-Danes, their grief made all good as well: the sorrow that they endured before and in dire necessity should suffer, no small affliction. 

833. A clear sign of the battle-brave hand was laid there, arm and shoulder. Grendel's grasp was there all together under the broad roof.   

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837. There were in the morning, as I have heard, many warriors around the gift-hall; leaders of folk from afar and near came through distant regions to look at the wonder, the foe's track. 

838. His severing from life seemed painful to no man who looked at the inglorious foot-print there, how he, weary at heart and overcome in battle, put to flight and doomed to the water-monster's mere, bore a trail of blood on the way there. 

847. There in the water blood surged, terrible waves swirled, all mingled with hot blood, welling battle-gore; the death-fated creature hid since he, joy-deprived, had laid down his life in the fen-refuge, heathen soul. There hell received it. 

853. The old retainers, also many young, went away from there on the joyous journey, riding high-spirited mares from the mere, warriors on horses. 

856. Beowulf's glory was related there; many often said that neither south nor north between the seas over the spacious earth, nor under the sky's expanse, was there a better shield-bearer or more worthy kingdoms– not that they at all, indeed, found fault with their gracious friend and lord Hrothgar, who was a good king. 

864. For a while those famed in battle went galloping, riding bright horses in contest on paths seeming fair to him, those known for excellence. For a while the king's thane, a man filled with eloquent speech and mindful of stories, who recalled a great multitude of traditional tales, devised a new poem, correctly metered. 

871. The man then proceeded to wisely recount Beowulf's exploits and recite the tale skillfully, varying his words. 

874. He recounted everything that he heard told of Sigemund's brave deeds, not known by many, of the son of Waels' conflict, his wide journeys, where men's children did not fully know of the feuds and wicked deeds- except Fitela with him- than he would say of such a matter, uncle to his nephew, as they were always with every comrade in need at battle. 

883. A great many of the giant's kin had been laid low by sword. Sigemund spread forth no little fame after his death's day, since in hard warfare he had killed the serpent, the hoard's guardian; he, son of the prince, ventured alone on the daring deed under grey stone. Nor was Fitela with him. 

890. Yet it befell him that the sword went through the wondrous serpent as it stood fast on the wall, the lordly iron; the dragon died from the slaying. The warrior's valor had brought it about that he was able to enjoy his own choice of the hoard of rings; the sea-vessel was loaded as Waels' son bore in the ship's hold bright adornments; the hot serpent melted away. 

898. That was the exile of the warrior's protector, most famous over wide nations for brave deeds– he prospered from that after– after Heremod's prowess in war, strength, and valor, were diminished. Among the Jutes he became lured away in the fiend's power and was quickly put to death. 

904. Surging sorrows oppressed him too long; to his people he became a nobleman entirely given to life's care; in earlier times he often mourned the strong-minded way of life of many a wise man, who relied in him for relief from miseries, that the prince's son should prosper and receive his father's nobility, guard the folk, hoard, and stronghold, warrior kingdom, native land of the Scyldings. 

913. There he entirely became Hygelac's kinsman, dearer to his friends and to mankind; Heremod waded into sin. 

916. For a while Beowulf competed, crossing tawny roads on horses. Then morning-light advanced and hastened. 

918. Many retainers advanced, resolute in mind, to the high hall to see the curious wonder; the king himself from his bed-chamber, guardian of the ring-hoard, renowned for virtue, also stepped toward the glorious great troop, and his queen with him crossed the path to the mead-hall with her maiden troop.   

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925. Hrothgar made a speech– he went to the hall, stood on the steps, and saw the steep roof gleaming with gold, and Grendel's hand. "For this sight may thanks be given to the Ruler of All at once! I have endured many hateful afflictions from Grendel; may God always work wonder after wonder, the shepherd of glory!" 

932. "It was not long ago that I never expected to live to see any remedy for my miseries, when the best house stood blood-stained and sword-gory, the woe far-reaching for each counselor. They never expected that the people's stronghold would ever be defended from hostile demons and evil spirits." 

939. "Now this warrior has through the Lord's might carried out the deed that we all could not accomplish before through skill. What, who may say, to whoever was the woman who gave birth to such a son among men, if she still lives, that her God of old was gracious to her in childbearing." 

946. "Now, Beowulf, best of men, I will love you in my heart as a son; henceforth keep our new kinship well. You will not lack any desirable things in the world that I have power over. Full often I have assigned for reward and honored with gifts more lowly men, weaker in battle." 

953. "You yourself have brought about deeds so that your fame will live forever and ever. May the Ruler of all reward you with goodness, such as he even now did!" 

957. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow, made a speech: "We have carried out the fight, the courageous work, with much good will, and have daringly risked unknown strengths. I wish very much that you could have seen him yourself, the fiend in his trappings exhausted to the point of death!" 

963. "I swiftly gripped him tight, and thought to bind him in his deathbed, so that he would lie struggling in my handgrip unless his body should escape. I would not, the Creator would not allow it, permit his going; I grasped him firmly enough, the deadly foe. It was too powerful for the enemy's going." 

970. "Nevertheless, he left his hand to remain behind in protection of his life, arm and shoulder; as such there was not any comfort gained by the wretched being. The hateful sin-afflicted attacker will live none the longer, but pain had him tightly seized in a unyielding grip, deadly fetter." 

977. "There the crime-stained creature shall await great judgment, however the resplendent Creator will decree to him." 

980. Then the son of Ecglaf's, Unferth, was more silent in vaunting speeches of his warlike deeds after the nobleman saw the warrior-strength of the hand over the high roof, the fiend's fingers. At each tip there was a firm nail, everywhere exactly like steel, the claw of the heathen warrior horrible and dreadful. 

987. Each said that of hardy men none could strike with a sword of proven worth, that none would injure this fierce assailant's bloody battle-hand.   

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991. Then it was quickly ordered that Heorot within be adorned by hand; there were many, men and women of the banquet-hall, who prepared the guest-hall. Gold-adorned tapestries shone along the wall, many a wondrous sight for each man who gazed there on such. 

997. The bright dwelling was greatly damaged; within the iron bands were all fixed, hinges broken; the roof alone survived entirely sound from when the fierce assailant, stained from wicked deeds, went in flight, despairing of life. 

1002. Death is not that easy to flee from– let him try who will!– but, compelled by necessity, he shall seek out one who bears a soul, the earth-dweller's place readied for the sons of men. There his body is held fast in its grave, the sleep after the feast. 

1008. Then it was the due and proper time for Healfdane's son to go to the hall, who wished to take part in the feast himself. I have not heard of a greater company of people better behaved around their treasure-giver. 

1013. Those possessing glory sat down on the bench and rejoiced in the feast; their resolute kinsmen, Hrothgar and Hrothulf, courteously received many cups of mead in that high hall. Heorot was filled with friends inside; no wicked acts between the Scyldings were performed then. 

1020. Hrothgar then gave Healfdane's sword to Beowulf, a golden standard to reward victory, a decorated battle-banner, and a helmet and mailcoat; many had seen the warrior bear the renowned and precious sword before. 

1024. Beowulf received a cup in the hall; the warrior need not have been ashamed for any costly gift there. I have not elsewhere heard of four treasures adorned in gold given by so many men on ale-benches in friendliness. 

1030. Around the helmet's crown wires were wound round a crest for head-protection from outside, so that the sword's filed blade might not severely injure him in hard battle if the shield-warrior should advance against him in hostility. 

1035. The warrior then ordered eight mares with gold-plated bridles to be led onto the hall-floor for the protector, in under the precincts; one stood there with a saddle decorated with artistry, adorned with rich ornaments; that was the war-saddle of a high king's, when the son of Healfdane would engage in swordplay. 

1041. Never had the horse failed in renowned war-prowess on the front when the slain fell. And then the protector of the Ingwine, Hrothgar, conferred possession of both horse and weapons on Beowulf, and enjoined him to enjoy them well. 

1046. Such was the way the manly and renowned prince, the treasure-keeper, repaid the warrior for the storms of battle with horses and treasures, in a manner that he who wishes to speak the truth rightly will never find fault with.   

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1050. Furthermore, to each warrior there on the mead-benches who took the sea-passage with Beowulf, Hrothgar gave treasures and heirlooms, and the one man ordered gold to be paid in recompense for he whom Grendel had killed in wickedness, as he would have killed more of them if wise God had not prevented that fate for them, and this man's courage. 

1057. The Creator ruled over all mankind, just as he now still does. For understanding is everywhere best, forethought in mind; many who inhabit the world for long here will experience dearness and hatefulness in these days of strife. 

1063. There was song and music together before Healfdane's leader in battle, a harp plucked, tales often recited, when Hrothgar's poet was to recite a tale about Finn's sons for the entertainment of those along the mead-bench in the hall. 

1068. When they came upon sudden attack, the hero of the Half-Danes, Hnaef the Scylding, was to fall on the Frisian battle-field. Nor indeed did Hildeburgh have cause to praise Jutish loyalty; she was guiltlessly deprived of her dear sons and brothers at the shield-play; in fate they fell dead, wounded by spear; that was a mournful woman. 

1076. Not at all without cause did Hoc's daughter mourn the decree of fate after morning had come, when she might see the slaughter of her kinsmen under the sky. 

1079. Where he had earlier held the greatest worldly joy, war had carried off all of Finn's thanes except only a few, so that he was not able to pursue the battle with Hengest to the end, the prince's thane, in the meeting-place, nor dislodge the disaster's survivors by fighting. 

1085. But Hengest offered him terms, that they should clear for them another hall entirely, hall and high-seat, that they be should be allowed to control half, possessing it with the Jutes' sons. And in giving of treasure each day the Danes would honor the son of Folcwalda's. 

1091. Hengest's company would present rings and plated gold just as greatly treasured as he would embolden his Frisian kin to give in the banquet hall. 

1095. Then they pledged on both halves a firm peace-treaty. Finn declared oaths to Hengest with ill-fated courage that he would honorably hold the counselors' judgment of the survivors of the war, that no man would break it by words or deeds, nor through malicious craft ever complain. 

1102. Though they would serve the slayer of their ring-giver without a prince, as it was so imposed on him by necessity, if any of the Frisians were to bring to mind the deadly feud in audacious speeches, then it should be settled by the sword's edge. 

1107. The oath was performed, and immense gold brought from the hoard. The best warriors of the Scyldings were readied on the pyre; at the funeral pyre the blood-stained mail-shirt was easily visible, the boar-image all golden, the boar as hard as iron. Many a nobleman was destroyed by wounds– some had fallen on the slain. 

1114. Hildeburgh then ordered at Hnaef's funeral pyre her own son to be committed to the blaze, the body burned, and at his uncle's shoulder in the pyre's place. The woman mourned, lamenting in dirges; the warrior was held aloft. The great funeral-fire curled to the clouds, roaring from the burial-mound. 

1120. His head melted, and wound-gashes burst when blood sprang out, the body's grievous wounds. The fire swallowed all, greediest of spirits, who carried off both folk there because of war; their glory had passed away.   

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1125. Then his warriors departed for the dwelling, deprived of friends, to see Frisian land, homes, and strongholds. Hengest still remained there the slaughter-stained winter with Finn in ill-fated courage. 

1129. The homeland was thought of, although he could not drive a ship with a curved prow on the mere. Sea storms surged, and contended with the wind; winter waves were locked into icy bonds until another year came to the dwellings, as it still does now, gloriously bright weather that always observes its proper seasons. 

1136. Then the winter was shaken off the fair earth's bosom; the exile was eager to go, the stranger in the dwelling. He thought more of revenge for his injuries than the sea-journey, if he could bring about a hostile encounter so that he might remember the sons of the Jutes in his heart. 

1142. So he did not refuse the law of the world when Hunlafing placed the battle-light on his lap, the best sword– that was a blade known to the Jutes. 

1146. Likewise after, bold in spirit, death by the cruel sword befell Finn at his own home after the grim attack that Guthlaf and Oslaf spoke of in sorrow after the sea-journey, blaming him for their share of woes; nor might a restless spirit restrain itself in heart. 

1151. Then the hall was made red with the enemy's lives, with Finn also slain, the king in his troop, and the queen taken. Scylding warriors ferried to the ships all of the property belonging to the house of the king of a land, whatever jewels and finely worked gems they might find at Finn's home. They carried the noble lady to Denmark on the sea-journey, led to the people. 

1159. A lays was sung, and tales told by entertainers. Revelry rose up after, glittering noise along the benches; cup-bearers gave wine in wondrous vessels. 

1162. Then Wealtheow came forth, and went with golden circlets to where the two good men sat, uncle and nephew, Hrothgar and Hrothulf; they were then still at peace together, each true to the other. Unferth, as spokesman, also sat there at the foot of the lord of the Scyldings. Each trusted his spirit; he had much courage, though he was never merciful to his kinsmen at sword play. 

1168. The lady of the Scyldings spoke: "Take this cup, my noble lord, bestower of treasures! May you be in happiness, gold-giving friend of men, and speak mild words to the Geats, as a man should do." 

1173. "Be glad with the Geats, and mindful of gifts that you now have from near and far. Men said to me that you would have a warrior for a son. Heorot is cleansed, gleaming ring-hall; use while you may many rewards, and to your kinsmen leave folk and kingdom when you must pass on to see the decree of fate." 

1180. "I know myself of gracious Hrothulf, that he will treat the youths honorably if you, friend of the Scyldings, should leave the world sooner than he; I believe that he will repay our two sons liberally, if he recalls all the favors that we two, to delight and to honor, bestowed before to him as a child." 

1188. Then she turned past the bench, where her sons, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the sons of the warriors sat, a band of young warriors together. There the good men sat, Beowulf the Geat with the two brothers.   

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1192. The cup was carried to him, and words of cordial invitation were offered, and wound gold was bestowed with good will, two arm-bands, garments and rings, the greatest neck-rings that I have heard of on earth. 

1197. I have not heard of any finer treasures of the heroes under the sky, since Hama carried off to the magnificent burg the necklace of the Brosings, jewel and precious setting– who fled the cunning enmity of Eormenric and chose eternal gain. 

1202. Hygelac the Geat, Swerting's nephew, had that ring with him on his last expedition, after he defended the treasure under the standard, and protected the spoil from the slain; fate carried him off, since he had sought trouble for pride, bringing the feud to Frisia. 

1207. To there he wore that adornment, precious stone, over the waves' cup, mighty prince; he fell dead under his shield. 

1210. The king's body then passed into the Franks' grasp, his mail-coat and the circlet as well; less worthy warriors plundered the slain after the carnage of battle; Geatish people occupied the place of corpses. 

1214. The hall filled with sound. Wealtheow made a speech, speaking before the company: "Enjoy this circlet, beloved Beowulf, young warrior, with luck, and use this mail-coat, the people's treasure, and prosper well." 

1218. "Display yourself with strength, and be kind with advice to these boys. I will remember you for that reward. You have brought it about that men will praise you far and near for ever, just as widely as the sea encompasses the cliffs, the home of the wind." 

1224. "May you be blessed while you live, prince. I wish you well with rich treasures. Be now a son of mine kind in deeds, and joyful. Here every warrior is true to each other, mild at heart, loyal to lord. The thanes are united; the people are fully prepared. The retainers, having drunk, do as I bid." 

1232. She then went to her seat. There was the best of feasts, and men drank wine. Fate did not know the grim destiny as it would come about to many warriors after evening had come and Hrothgar went to his dwelling, the powerful to rest. 

1237. The hall was guarded by countless number of warriors, as they often did before. Bench-boards were cleared and bedding and pillows were spread over them. One beer-drinker, fated to die, laid down on a couch in the hall. 

1242. Battle-shields were set at their heads, bright shields; there on the bench over each nobleman, easily visible, was a helmet towering in battle, linked mailcoat, and mighty spear. It was their custom that they were always ready for war, both at home and in army, and in either case at whatever time need befell their lord; the people were that good.   

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1251. They then sank into sleep. One man paid grievously for his evening's rest, as it had very often happened since Grendel occupied the gold-adorned hall, wrongs carried out until his end came, death after sins. 

1255. It became manifest, widely known to men, that an avenger still lived then after the foe a long time after the grievous strife. 

1258.Grendel's mother, a female warrior mindful of her misery, had to inhabit the fearsome waters, cold streams, since Cain had become a slayer by the sword of his only brother, kinsman by the same father. Outlawed, he then went and occupied the wilderness; marked for murder, he fled from human joy. 

1265. Then many sent by fate were born; there was one, Grendel, hateful and savage outcast, who at Heorot found a watchful man waiting for battle. 

1269. There the fierce assailant took hold of him; however, he bore in mind strong might, ample gifts given to him by God, and he trusted in the Ruler's favor for comfort and support. Because of that he overcame the foe, laying low the creature to Hell. 

1274. Then he left humiliated and deprived of joy, mankind's enemy, to find his place of death; and then his mother, still ravenous and gloomy in mind, would enter on a sorrowful journey to avenge her son's death. 

1279. She came then to Heorot, where Hring-Danes throughout the hall were sleeping. Then there soon became a reverse to the warriors after Grendel's mother entered inside. 

1282. The terror was less by just so much as the woman's strength was, the war-terror of the woman like an armed man, when the ornamented sword, forged with the hammer, blood-stained sword with strong edge, cuts across the boar-image over an opposing helmet. 

1288. Then in the hall hard-edged sword was drawn over seat; many raised a broad shield, firm in hand; helmet was not thought of, nor broad mail-coat, by he who was seized by the horror. When she was discovered she was in haste to get out of there to save her life; quickly she had firmly grasped one of the noblemen, and then she went to the fen. 

1296. He was Hrothgar's dearest warrior in companion rank between the seas, a powerful shield-warrior, renowned warrior, that she had killed in his place of rest. Beowulf was not there, but had been assigned to another lodging-place earlier after treasure-giving, renowned Geat. 

1302. Heorot was in uproar; she had taken away the well-known hand in blood; sorrow was renewed and come about in the dwelling place. Nor was that exchange good, that they on both sides should pay with friends' lives. 

1306. Then the old king, grey-haired warrior, was troubled in heart when he knew that his chief thane was lifeless, his dearest one dead. Beowulf was quickly fetched to the chamber, man blessed with victory. 

1311. At day-break the one warrior went, the noble warrior himself with companions, to await the wise man, to see whether the Ruler of all would ever, after tidings of woe, bring about change for him. 

1316. Then the man distinguished in war walked across the floor with his troop of retainers– the hall-timbers resounded– to address with a wise word the lord of the Ingwine and asked him if, after his pleasure, his night was agreeable.   

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1321. Hrothgar made a speech, protector of the Scyldings: "Ask not about joy! Sorrow is renewed for the Danish people. Aschere is dead, Ermenlaf's older brother, my confidant and my advisor, close comrade when we defended our heads in battle, when bands on foot clashed and boar-figures struck." 

1328. "So should a warrior be, a nobleman of proven excellence, as was Aschere. He was taken by the hand-slayer in Heorot, the wandering, deadly creature; I do not know whether it undertook the journey back, glorying in its terrible carrion, to make a glad feast." 

1333. "She avenged the hostile deed, in which Grendel was killed yesterday night in a violent manner with hard grip, because he for too long reduced and injured my people." 

1337. "He fell in battle, having forfeited his life, and now the mighty and wicked ravager has come over and would avenge her kinsman, and has gone far in avenging that hostile deed, as it may seem to many thane that weeps in heart for the treasure-giver, hard distress." 

1343. "Now the hand lies dead which would have proved good each of your desires. I have heard my people, my hall-counselors, say of the dwellers in the land, that they saw two such great prowlers in the borderland, occupying the meres, alien beings." 

1349. "There was one- as they most certainly might discover- with a woman's likeness; another wretched creature trod a path of exile in man's form, except he was larger than any other man. In former times the dwellers in the land were called Grendel; they knew of no father, whether any such mysterious being was born before him." 

1357. "They occupy secret lands, wolf-inhabited slopes, windy headlands, perilous fen-paths, where the mountain-stream goes downward under headland mists, water under the earth." 

1358. "It is not far from here, measured in miles, that the mere stands; over it hangs groves of wood with fixed roots, covered with frost, overshadowing the water. There you may see each night a fearful wonder, fire on the water. None so wise of men's children lives who knows the bottom." 

1368. "There the stag, chased by hounds, the strong-horned hart, will seek the forest, pursued from far off. He would rather give up his life on the bank than conceal his head in the water. It is not a pleasant place!" 

1373. "From there surging waves rise up darkly to the clouds, when wind stirs up violent storms, until the air becomes gloomy and the sky weeps. Now help is dependant again on you alone. The region is not yet known, perilous place; there you might find the sinful creature." 

1380. "Seek if you dare! I will reward you for the feud with wealth, twisted gold, ancient treasure, as I did before, if you go on the way."   

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1383. Beowulf made a speech, the son of Ecgtheow: "Sorrow not, wise man! It is better for each man that he avenge his friend rather than mourning greatly. We each shall experience the end of this world's life; let him who may achieve glory before death; that is best for man after he is lifeless." 

1390. "Arise, guardian of the kingdom, let us quickly go out and look for the trail of Grendel's kinswoman. I promise you, she will not escape my cover, not in the earth's bosom, nor in mountain wood, nor in the sea's bottom, go where she will. Have patience this day in each of your miseries, as I expect you to."   

1397. Then the old man leapt up and thanked God, the mighty Lord, for what the man spoke. Then a horse was bridled for Hrothgar, a steed with braided mane. 

1400. The wise king rode in fine array; the band of shield-bearers stepped on foot. Footprints along the forest-track were widely seen, the track on the earth, as she went straight to the murky mere bearing the best thane, lifeless, that watched over home with Hrothgar. 

1408. The son of noblemen went across steep and rocky slopes, the narrow path in single file, the unknown way, precipitous headlands, the home of many water-monsters. 

1412. He went before with a few wise men to examine the place, until he suddenly found mountain trees leaning over grey stone, joyless wood; the water underneath stood blood-stained and turbid. 

1417. It was painful in heart to suffer for all the Danes, friends of the Scyldings, many a thane, grief for each warrior, when they came upon Aschere's head on the cliff by the water-side. The waters welled with blood– the people looked– hot blood. 

1423. The horn at times sang an urgent war-song. The troops on foot all sat. Then many kinds of serpents were seen within the water, strange sea-dragons exploring the water. On the slopes of headlands water-monsters also lay, who in morning-time often undertook journeys on the sail-road, bringing sorrow, and serpents and wild beasts. 

1430. They rushed on their way fierce and enraged; sound was heard, the war-horn resounded. One Geatish man with an arrow-bow severed a life in a battle against the waves– a hard war-arrow stood in its vital organs. It was swimming in the sea all the slower as death carried it off. 

1437. It was quickly and severely assailed with savagely barbed boar-spears on the waves, fiercely attacked, and dragged onto the headland, wondrous traverser of the waves. Men looked at the terrible stranger. 

1441. Beowulf geared himself in warrior's garb, not at all feeling anxiety for his life; should his hand-woven war-corselet, broad and skillfully decorated, explore the water, it was able to protect his bone-chamber, so that she might not have his breast in her hostile grip, the furious one's malicious grasp harm his life. 

1448. But the shining helmet guarded his head from the one who would stir up the mere's ground, to enter the surging water embellished with rich ornaments, encircled with lordly bands, as smiths of weapons had made in days of old, wonderfully formed, set round with a boar-figure, so that afterward no sword nor battle-blade might bite him. 

1455. It was not the least powerful help which Hrothgar's spokesman, Unferth, lent him in need; it was the hilted sword named Hrunting. It was one in the fore rank of ancient treasure. Its edge was of iron, gleaming with twigs of venom, hardened with battle-blood. 

1460. Never had it failed any man in battle who had grasped it in his hand, he who dared enter upon a perilous expedition, a meeting-place of foes. It was not the first time that it should perform a courageous work. 

1465. Indeed, the son of Ecglaf, powerful in strength, did not bear in mind what he had spoken before while drunk with wine, when he lent the weapon to the better swordsman. He himself did not dare to venture his life under the turmoil of the waves. 

1470. He lost some glory for that, fame for courage. It was not so for the other- Beowulf- when he had geared himself for battle.  

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1473. Beowulf made a speech, son of Ecgtheow: "Think now, renowned son of Healfdane's, wise ruler, now that I am ready for the venture, gold-giving friend, of what we two formerly spoke of: if I should lose my life from your need, that you were always in my dead father's place to me." 

1480. "Be the protector of my young thanes, my close comrades, if battle takes me. As for the treasures which you gave me, dear Hrothgar, send them to Hygelac. May the lord of the Geats perceive in the gold, the son of Hraedel see, when he gazes on the treasure, that I found a good ring bestower and enjoyed his benevolence while I could." 

1488. "And you, Unferth, who lent this old heirloom, beautiful wave-patterned sword, widely known to men for having a hard edge- I will with Hrunting achieve glory, or death will take me!" 

1492. After these words the Weder-Geatish man hastened with courage– and would not at all wait for an answer. The surging water received the warrior. Then a good part of the day passed before he could discern the bottom. 

1497. It was soon discovered by Grendel's mother, who had occupied the water's expanse for half a hundred years, fiercely ravenous, grim and greedy, that a man from above was exploring the alien being's dwelling. 

1501. She then grasped towards the warrior and seized him in her terrible clasp; yet his body was unharmed and not injured; ring-mail protected him around from outside, so that she could not get through the war-coat and linked mail-shirt with her hateful fingers. 

1506. Then the she-wolf of the water went to the bottom with the ring-clad thane to her dwelling, so that he might not- he was not glad about that- wield weapon, but he was pressed hard by many weird creatures in the water. Many sea-beasts with warlike tusks broke through his war-shirt, pursued by fierce assailants. 

1512. Then the warrior perceived that he was in some hostile hall, where no water at all would harm him. Nor might he reach the roofed hall for the sudden pull of the flood. He saw a fire's light, a gleaming light shining brightly. 

1518. Then the good man saw the accursed female of the deep, the mighty mere-woman; he gave her a mighty blow with his battle-sword. His hand stroke was not held back, so that on her head the ring-patterned sword sang a greedy war-song. 

1522. Then the stranger found that the flashing sword would not bite her or harm her life, but the edge had failed the prince in his need; it had endured many hand-to-hand battles before, often cleaving the helmet, the war-garment of those fated to die. 

1527. That was the first time for the precious treasure that its glory had failed. He was resolute after, and his courage did not at all let up; the kinsman of Hygelac was intent on glorious deeds. The angry warrior then threw the sword with curved markings, inlaid with ornaments, so that it lay on the earth, hard and steel-edged; he trusted in his strength, in his mighty handgrip. 

1534. So shall a man do when, in battle, he thinks he may gain lasting fame, and does not care about his life. He then seized her by the hair – the man of the Geats not at all regretting the hostile act against Grendel's mother. 

1539. He was then so enraged against the deadly foe that the battle-hardy man flung her so that she fell on the floor. She quickly after paid him back, moving towards him to seize him in her fierce grasp; the weary-hearted warrior stumbled, strongest foot-warrior, so that he fell down. 

1545. She then sat on the hall-guest and drew her dagger, broad and bright edged; she would avenge her son, her only offspring. On his shoulder lay his woven mail-coat; that protected his life. Against point and against edge it prevented entry. 

1550. The son of Ecgtheow would then have perished under the wide ground, the warrior of the Geats, if his war-corselet had not provided help, his hard mail-coat– and holy God, who controls victory in war. The wise Lord, Heaven's ruler, rightly decided it easily when he stood up again.   

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1557. Then he saw among the arms a sword blessed by victory, an old sword made by giants, with strong edge, the warrior's glory; that was the best weapon, except that it was greater than any other man might carry into the play of battle, good and splendid, the work of giants. 

1563. He seized the ornamented hilt, the Scylding warrior, fierce and deadly grim, and drew the ring-patterned sword without hope of life. He angrily struck, so that it caught hard against her neck and broke the ring of bone. 

1567. The sword entirely passed through the flesh fated to die; she fell on the floor. The sword was bloody; the man rejoiced in his work. A gleam shone, and a light appeared inside, just as from heaven the sky's candle brightly shines. 

1572. He looked around the hall and then turned by the wall. Hygelac's thane raised his weapon hard by the hilt, angry and resolute. The edge was not useless to the warrior. 

1576. But it had quickly repaid Grendel for the many attacks that he had carried out against the West-Danes on much more than one occasion, when he had slain Hrothgar's companions at the hearth in their sleep, devouring in their sleep fifteen men of the Danish folk, and as many others carried off outside, loathsome booty. 

1584. He repaid him his reward for that, the fierce warrior, so that he saw Grendel lying lifeless in his resting-place, worn out by battle, so injured had he been in battle at Heorot. His body had burst wide open since he had suffered death's blow, hard sword-stroke, and he then cut off his head. 

1591. Soon it was seen by the wise men who gazed with Hrothgar on the mere that the surging waves were all stirred up, the water stained with blood. Old and grey-haired, the good men spoke together, that they did not expect the prince back, that he would come to seek the renowned king with the glory of victory. 

1598. Many concluded that the she-wolf of the water had destroyed him. Then the ninth hour of the day came. The bold Scyldings left the headland; the gold-giving friend went home from there. 

1602. The strangers sat, sick at heart, and stared at the mere; they wished but did not expect to see their friend and lord themselves. Then the sword, because of the blood shed in battle, the war-blade, began to waste away into icicles of battle. 

1607. That was some wonder, that it melted entirely away like ice when the frost's bond is released by the Father, the fetter upon water unwound; that is the true Creator, who has power over seasons and time. 

1612. Nor did the Weder-Geatish man take any more precious objects from the dwelling-place, although he saw many there, except the head and the hilt also of the adorned treasure. The sword had melted away, the burned up ornamented sword; the blood was so hot of the poisonous alien being who died inside there. 

1618. He who had lived through the fight earlier and had fallen down in the hostile battle was soon swimming, and dove up through the water; the surging waves were all cleansed, vast regions, now that the alien being had left her life-days and this transitory created world. 

1623. Then the protector of the seamen came to land, swimming resolute in mind; he rejoiced in his sea-booty, the mighty burden of those things he had with him. 

1626. Then they went towards him and thanked God, the mighty band of thanes, and rejoiced over the prince that they were able to see him sound of body. Then the sturdy helmet and mail-coat were quickly loosened. The sea grew calm, the water under the clouds stained with the blood of the slain. 

1632. They went forth from there on the foot-track glad in heart, traversing the path of the well-known road. Men brave as a king bore the head from the cliff by the water with difficulty, each of them very brave. 

1637. Four were needed on the pole for the slain, and with difficulty they carried Grendel's head to the gold-hall, until presently fourteen Geats came striding to the hall, bold and valiant in war. The lord of the men with them, proud in the throng, trod the ground by the mead-hall. 

1644. Then the leader of the thanes came in, the man valiant in deeds and exalted in renown, the warrior brave in battle, to greet Hrothgar. Then Grendel's head was borne by the hair on the hall-floor, where men drank; it was fearsome for the warriors and the ladies with them, a wondrous sight. The men looked on.   

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1651. Beowulf made a speech, son of Ecgtheow's: "Indeed, son of Healfdane's, man of the Scyldings, we have gladly brought the sea-booty which you are looking at here as a sign of glory. With difficulty I survived with my life in battle under water, a work ventured on with adversity." 

1657. "The battle would have immediately ended if God had not protected me. Nor was I able to achieve anything with Hrunting in the battle, though that weapon may be good." 

1661. "But it was granted to me by the Ruler of men that I saw hanging in the hall a handsome, mighty old sword– He has often guided the friendless– so that I drew the weapon. Then, when the opportunity was permitted to me, I slew the guardian of the house, killed in the conflict." 

1666. "Then that battle-sword burned away, the damascened sword, so that blood sprang out, the hottest blood of combat. I carried the hilt away from the fiend there; the wicked deed was avenged, Danish slaughter, as it was fitting." 

1671. "I have promised you that you might sleep free from care in Heorot with your company of men, and each thane with your people, tried warriors and young warriors, that you need not fear deadly evil for your warriors from that half, prince of the Scyldings, as you did before." 

1677. Then the golden hilt was given into the old warrior's hand, the grey-haired war-leader, the ancient work of giants; the work of a wondrous smith, it passed in possession after the devil's fall to the lord of the Danes. 

1681. And then the world gave up the hostile-hearted creature, God's adversary, guilty of murder, and his mother also; power passed to the earthly king, the best between the seas who shared out treasures in the Danish realm. 

1687. Hrothgar made a speech, looking at the hilt, the old heirloom, on which was engraved the origin of the ancient strife, when the flood, the rush of ocean, killed the giants' kin, who fared terribly. Those were people estranged from the eternal Lord; the Ruler gave them the final retribution for that through the water's surging. 

1694.Thus on the plate of metal, shining through the gold, were runic letters rightly marked, which set down and stated for whom the sword was worked, when the best sword was first made with twisted hilt and serpentine patterning. 

1698. Then the wise man spoke, the son of Healfdane, calling for all to be silent: "One who upholds the truth and the right among his folk, who remembers all far back, an old guardian of the homeland, may indeed say that this warrior was born a better man!" 

1703. "Your renown is exalted through distant regions, my friend Beowulf, over each people. You hold it all in patience, strength with wisdom in mind. I will fulfill my friendship to you, as we two spoke earlier." 

1707. "You will entirely be a long-lasting comfort to my people, a help to warriors. It was not so of Heremod, son of Ecgwelan, of the Honor-Scyldings; he did not grow up to be a joy to him, but to slaughter and to the death of Danish people." 

1713. "Enraged, he killed table-companions- his comrades- until he turned alone, a renowned prince, from human joys. Though he joyed in the strength given him by mighty God, who exalted his power and advanced him forth over all men, nevertheless, bloodthirsty and secret thoughts grew in his heart." 

1719. "Nonetheless he gave rings to the Danes in pursuit of renown; he lived joyless, suffering the misery of that struggle, a prolonged affliction to his people. May you be taught by that and see manly virtue!" 

1723. "I tell this tale for you, wise in my years. It is a wonder to say how mighty God, through His deep spirit, distributes wisdom to mankind, land and nobility; he holds all power. Sometimes he lets the mind of a man of renowned kin follow its desire." 

1730. "Sometimes God gives him in his native land the earthly joy to possess the stronghold of men, and makes him so subject to the regions of the world, a broad kingdom, that he himself does not, in his folly, conceive an end of it." 

1735. "He dwells in prosperity; neither sickness nor age hinder him, nor does evil anxiety grow dark in his mind, nor does enmity anywhere show deadly hostility, but all the world goes as he desires."   

Fitt 25   

1740. "He knows no worse, until inside, by measures, his arrogance grows and flourishes; then the guardian sleeps, the soul's keeper. The sleep is too sound, bound by care, with the slayer very near who shoots wickedly from his bow." 

1745. "When his heart, under protection, is struck with bitter arrows, he is not able to protect it from the perverse and strange commands of evil spirits." 

1748."He thinks it too little that he long held, coveting angry-minded; in pride he gives no gold-plated rings at all, and then he forgets and neglects his future destiny, because earlier God, the Ruler of glory, gave him his share of honor." 

1753. "In the end it happens that after the transitory body declines, the fated to die falls; another takes over, who ungrudgingly deals out treasures, the ancient wealth of noblemen, heedless of terror. Guard against evil hostility, dear Beowulf, best of men, and choose the better: eternal gain." 

1760. "Be not intent on pride, renowned warrior! Now is your power's fame for a while; soon after it will be that disease or the sword will deprive you of your strength, or the fire's grasp, or surging waters, or attack by swords, or the flight of spears, or terrible old age; or the brightness in your eyes will fail and become dim." 

1767. "Presently it will be that death will overpower you, warrior." 

1769. "I have ruled the Ring-Danes for fifty years under the sky, and protected them against war from many nations throughout this earth, with spears and swords, so that I did not consider that I had any adversary under the sky's expanse." 

1774. "Listen, to me came a reversal in my native land, grief after joy, after Grendel, ancient adversary, became my invader; I bore continuously the persecution with great sorrow of mind." 

1778. "For that thanks be to the Creator, eternal Lord, that I could experience in my life gazing upon this head, blood-stained from battle after old struggles, with my eyes! Go now to your seat, enjoying the pleasure of feasting, exalted by battle; we shall share a great many treasure when it is morning." 

1785. The Geat was glad at heart, and soon went to go to his seat, as the wise man had asked. Then there was after, again as before, a finely prepared feast for the one sitting in the hall famed for courage. 

1789. The cover of night grew dark and murky over the warriors. The body of retainers all rose, as the grey-haired old Scylding wished to go to bed. 

1792. The Geat, famous shield-warrior, greatly desired rest. Soon his chamberlain guided him forth, weary from his exploits, from a far country, and in all courtesy looked after the thane's needs, such as seafaring warriors should have in those days. 

1799. The great-hearted man then rested; the building towered, spacious and adorned with gold; the guest slept inside until the black raven, blithe in heart, announced heaven's joy. Then bright light came passing over the shadows. 

1803. The warriors hastened, as the noblemen were eager to go back to their people; the visitor, brave in heart, wished to go on his ships far from there. Then the brave son of Ecglaf's, Unferth, ordered that hard Hrunting should be brought, and that Beowulf take his sword, the precious blade. 

1809. Beowulf expressed thanks for the reward; he considered his war-friend good, and strong in battle. He did not at all in words find fault with the sword's edge; that was a noble-minded man. 

1813. And then the warriors' arms were ready and they were eager to depart; the honored Danish prince went forward to the high-seat, where the other was. The warrior, brave in battle, greeted Hrothgar.   

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1817. Beowulf made a speech, son of Ecgtheow's: "Now we seafarers, who have come from afar, wish to say that we are eager to seek Hygelac. You have treated us well and entertained us as we might wish." 

1822. "If I might, while on earth, do anything more to earn your heart's affection, lord of men, than I did yet by war-like deeds, I am soon ready. If I learn over the expanse of the waters that these neighboring peoples are threatened by terrors, as your enemies did for a while, I will bring you a thousand thanes, warriors to help." 

1830. "I know of Hygelac, lord of the Geats, that though he may be young, guardian of the folk, he will support me in words and deeds so that I will honor you well; and to help I will bear a forest of spears, the support of strength, where you need men." 

1836. "If Hrethric decides to go to the court of the Geats, a prince's son, he will find many friends there; it is better that a far country should be visited by one who is of worth." 

1840. Hrothgar made a speech to answer him: "You have the words of the wise Lord sent into your mind; I have not heard a man of such young age speak more wisely. You are strong in might and sharp in mind, wise in words." 

1845. "I consider it something to be expected, if it happens that the spear takes Hrethel's son in sword-fierce battle, or sickness or sword takes your lord, guardian of the folk, and you have your life, that the Sea-Geats will not have any better choice of a king, warrior and guardian of treasure, if you will hold the kingdom of your kinsmen." 

1853. "Your spirit pleases me longer as well, dear Beowulf. You have brought it about that the folk, Geatish people and Gar-Danes, shall share peace and cease from the strife and enmity which they endured before. While I rule the wide kingdoms treasures will be shared; many will greet his other with gifts over the gannot's bath." 

1862. "The ring-prowed ship will bring gifts and tokens of love over the seas. I know your people have disposed firmly both with the enemy and with friends and are in every respect blameless, according to the old ways." 

1866. Furthermore, the protector of the warriors, son of Healfdane, gave him twelve treasures inside and enjoined him to go to his dear people with the gifts in safety, and to come back soon. Then the king, of good and noble descent, kissed the prince of the Scyldings, the best of thanes, and clasped him by the neck. 

1872. Tears fell from the grey-haired man. He, being old and very wise, had two things in expectation, and one more especially, that they would never be able to see each other again, courageous in council. 

1876. The man was so dear to him that could not restrain his surging emotion, but he held the heart-strings of his heart firm for the dear man and hid the longing which burned in his blood. Beowulf, proud gold-adorned warrior, walked away from him and tread the grassy earth, exulting in his treasure. 

1882. The ship, which rode at anchor, waited for its owner and lord. On the way Hrothgar's gift was often praised; that was one king blameless in every respect, until age, which has harmed many, deprived him of his strength's joys.   

Fitt 27  

1888. Then a young and very brave band came to the shore, bearing mail-coats and interlocked mail-shirts. The coastguard observed the return of the warrior, as he before did; he did not greet the guests near the cliff's nose with an insult, but he rode towards him to say that these warriors in bright armor going to the ship would be welcome to the Weder people. 

1896. Then the spacious vessel was on the sand, the ring-prowed ship, laden with armor, horses and treasures; the mast towered over Hrothgar's hoard of treasure. Beowulf gave the boat-keeper a sword with bound gold, so that afterwards he was all the more honored on the mead-bench for the treasure and heirloom. 

1903. He then went on the ship, driving the ship through deep water, leaving Danish land. Then there was some sea-garment by the mast; a sail rope was fixed. The sea-wood creaked. The wind over the waves did not hinder the wave-floater's journey. 

1908. The ship went on and floated, foamy-necked, forth over the waves, the ship with bound prow over sea-currents, so that they might see the Geatish cliffs, familiar headlands. The ship pressed forward and stood on land, wind-battered. 

1914. The ready harbor-guard was swiftly at the water, who had before for a long time eagerly looked out far for the dear men. From moor to sand the anchor-rope of the roomy ship was fixed, lest the force of the waves drive away the handsome wooden craft. 

1920. Then the noblemen commanded the treasure to be borne up, adornments and plated gold; it was not far from there for him to go to the bestower of treasures, Hygelac, son of Hrethling, who dwelt there at home with his companions near the seawall. 

1925. The building was magnificent, with a king of princely fame exalted in the hall, and Hygd very young, wisely accomplished, though the years lived within the enclosed stronghold had been few for Hareth's daughter. 

1929. She was not so niggardly, though; she was not too sparing with gifts and treasures for the Geatish people. Modthrytho, the noble folk's queen, committed terrible sins; none of the dear companions dared to bravely venture, except her husband, to look her in the eye by day. 

1936. But he who did could expect deadly bonds ordained and twisted by hand; quickly after being gripped by hand the mace's use would be determined; so that the sword with branching patterns would settle the matter, make known its deadly evil. 

1940. Such was not a queenly custom for a woman to practice, peerless as she might be, that the peace-weaver should dear men of life after an imagined insult. However, that was stopped by a kinsman of the Hemmings. 

1945. The ale-drinkers said otherwise, that she performed fewer afflictions to the people, malicious acts, as soon as she was given, gold-adorned, to a young warrior of noble and excellent descent, since by her father's counsel she went in voyage to Offa's hall over the pale water. 

1951. Thereafter she was well on the throne, renowned for goodness, and made use of her destined life-span. She maintained a deep love for the prince of warriors, and was to all mankind, as I have heard, the best between the seas. For this, Offa, brave man, was widely honored in gifts and war, and ruled his native land with wisdom. 

1960. From him Eomer was born, a warrior to help, kinsman of the Hemmings, grandson of Garmund's, powerful in battle.   

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1963. Then the hardy man himself went amid his band of companions, treading along the sandy plain by the sea, wide shores. The world-candle shone, the sun hastening south. He eagerly made his way to where he had heard the protector of noblemen, the slayer of Ongentheow, good young war-king, shared out rings inside his stronghold. 

1970. Beowulf's journey was quickly announced to Hygelac, that there in the precinct of the protector of warriors his comrade in battle had come back alive, unharmed by battle, to go to the court. A way was swiftly cleared, as the ruler commanded, for the guest on foot within the hall. 

1977. He who had survived the conflict then sat with the king himself, kinsman with kinsman, after he loyally greeted his liege lord with ceremonious speech, solemn words. Mead-vessels moved around throughout the hall. 

1981. Hareth's daughter, Hygd, beloved by the people, bore cups with drink in her hand to the warriors. Hygelac began to courteously question his companion in the high hall– his curiously pressed as to what the Sea-Geat's adventures were. 

1987. "What happened to you on your voyage, dear Beowulf, that you suddenly resolved to seek conflict far off over salt water, battle at Heorot? Have you remedied Hrothgar's widely known miseries in any way, renowned prince?" 

1992. "My anxiety of mind was agitated by surging sorrow, not trusting this venture of my dear man; I long asked you to not attack the murderous creature at all, to allow the South-Danes themselves to settle the fight with Grendel. To God I say thanks that I have been able to see you sound." 

1999. Beowulf made a speech, son of Ecgtheow's: "My great meeting is unconcealed to many men, lord Hygelac, what time of battle there was between Grendel and me in that place, where he brought about sorrows for a great many Victory-Scyldings, miseries for ever." 

2005. "I avenged all that, so that anyone of Grendel's kinfolk over the earth need not boast of that uproar at night, he who lives longest of that hateful race, encompassed in crime." 

2009. "I first came there to the ring-hall to greet Hrothgar. Soon the renowned kinsman of Healfdane's, after he knew my mind, allotted me a seat with his own sons. The company was in joy. I have never seen under heaven's vault one sitting in the hall with greater joy over mead." 

2016. "After a while the renowned queen, the pledge of peace of the folk, went throughout all the hall and urged on the young men; she often gave men circlets before she went to her seat. After a while, for the body of retainers, Hrothgar's daughter bore an ale-cup to the warriors in turn; then I heard those sitting in the hall name her Freawaru." 

2023. "There she gave a warrior a studded precious vessel. Young and gold-adorned, she is promised to the gracious son of Frodan; it has been settled by the friend of the Scyldings, the guardian of the kingdom, and with that wise policy he expects that he will settle conflicts, a great number of deadly feuds, with the woman." 

2029. "After the fall of a man, seldom anywhere does the deadly spear rest, even for a little while, though the bride may be good. It may displease the prince of the Heathobards and each thane of those people- nobly entertained- when he goes with that woman on the hall-floor, the Danish wedding-attendant." 

2036. "On him shines an old heirloom, hard and ring-patterned, a Heathobard treasure, while they were able to wield the weapon until being led to destruction, dear companions and her own life, in the shield-play."   

Fitt 29-30   

2041. "Then he who sees the precious object will speak during the beer-drinking, an old spear-warrior, who remembers all, the death of men by the spear; he is grim in heart." 

2044. "Sad of mind, he begins to test the spirit of a young warrior through the thoughts of his heart, arousing the evil of war, and utters the word: ‘Might you, my friend, recognize the sword that your father bore to the fight, the precious iron, under helmet, on his last expedition?'" 

2050. "'There the Danes slew him, and controlled the battle-field after Withergild lay dead, after the fall of the warriors, valiant Scyldings! Now here some son of the slayers, exulting in the adornments, goes on the floor, boasting in his murders, bearing the treasure which you should by rights possess.'" 

2057. "He is urged so and reminded each time with bitter words, until the time comes that the woman's thane, because of his father's deeds, sleeps blood-stained after the bite of the sword, having forfeited life. The other escapes from there with his life; he knows the land well."

2063. "Then the oath-swearing on both halves of the warriors will be broken; afterward deadly hate wells up in Ingeld, and after the surging of sorrow his love for his wife will become cooler." 

2067. "Therefore I do not consider the Heathobards to have loyalty, or their share in the peace made by marriage to be made without deceit, their friendship firm. I will speak forth further about Grendel, so that you know well, bestower of treasures, about what becomes afterward the hand-to-hand struggle of warriors." 

2072. "After heaven's jewel glided over the ground, the enraged creature came, dreadful and hostile in the evening, to seek us out. There, unharmed, we guarded the hall." 

2076. "There Hondscio was in a fatal battle, fated to die by deadly evil; he lay dead first, girded warrior. Grendel came to him, the renowned young thane to the mouth-slayer. The dear man's body was entirely swallowed up." 

2081. "Yet none the quicker the empty-handed bloody-toothed slayer, intent on evil, then wished to go out from the gold-hall; but he tested my renowned strength, my grasp with ready hand. His glove hung broad and strange, secured with cunning clasp." 

2087. "It was contrived with all ingenuity, the devil's craft and a dragon's skill. He wished to put me inside, guiltless, the fierce perpetrator of deeds, as he would many a one. It was not so, after I stood upright in anger." 

2093. "It is too long to tell how I paid back requital to the ravager of those people for every evil, where I, my prince, brought honor to your people with deeds. He escaped on the way, and enjoyed life for a little while." 

2098. "Nevertheless, his right hand remained as his trail in Heorot, and he went abject from there, sad at heart, and fell to the bottom of the mere. The friend of the Scyldings rewarded me greatly for the mortal conflict with plated gold, many treasures, after morning came and we had sat down to the feast." 

2105. "There was song and music; an old Scylding, having learned of many things, related tales from long ago. For a while there was the harp's joy for the brave in battle, and the delightful wood was struck. For a while true and sorrowful tales were told." 

2109. "For a while strange stories were narrated fittingly by the great-hearted king. After a while an old warrior, bound by age, proceeded to lament his youth, his strength in battle. My heart welled inside when he recalled many things from old years." 

2115. "So we took our pleasure inside for the entire day, until the second night came to the men. After then revenge for injury was quickly made ready by Grendel's mother, who made a journey full of sorrow; death had taken her son through a Weder's warlike enmity." 

2120. "The monstrous woman avenged her child; she boldly killed a warrior. There was Aschere, wise old counselor, who departed from life. Nor were the Danish people able, after morning came, to burn up the dead man in fire, nor lay the dear man on the pyre." 

2127. "She bore off the body in a fiend's embrace under the mountain-stream. That was Hrothgar's most grievous sorrow of those which had long befallen the leader of a people. Then the prince, troubled in mind, implored me for your sake that I carry out a heroic deed in the water's tumult, to venture life, perform a marvelous deed." 

2134. "He promised me reward. Then, as is widely known, I found in the surging waters the grim and terrible guardian of the deep. There we two fought hand to hand for a while; the water welled with blood, and I cut off his head in the battle-hall of Grendel's mother with a mighty sword-edge." 

2140. "With difficulty I bore away from there with my life. I was not then fated to die yet, but afterward the protector of warriors, son of Healfdane's, gave me a multitude of treasures."   

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2144. "So the people's king lived according to custom. I have not lost any of the rewards, the reward for my strength, but the son of Healfdane's gave me treasures, of my own choice. These I wish to bring to you, warrior-king, bestowing them with good will. All favors are still dependent on you; I have few close kinsmen except you, Hygelac." 

2152. Then he commanded the head-sign of a boar to be borne in, a helmet towering in battle, a grey mail-coat, a splendid war-sword, and uttered a speech after this: "Hrothgar gave me this battle-dress, wise king." 

2156. "He ordered with one speech that I should tell you first of the gift; to say that it was first owned by King Heorogar, man of the Scyldings for a long while. Yet he would not give the corselet to his son, bold Heoroward, though he is loyal to him. Enjoy all of it well!" 

2163. I heard that four apple-bay horses, swift and alike, occupied the track of the adornments. He bestowed the gift on him of horses and treasures. So shall a kinsman do, not at all to weave a net of malice for the other in secret cunning, preparing the death of a close companion. 

2169. To Hygelac, hardy in battle, his nephew was very loyal, and each was mindful of the other's benefit. I heard that he gave Hygd the neck-ring, splendid and wondrous jewel, which Wealtheow gave him, the prince's daughter, as well as three horses, graceful with bright saddles. 

2175. Afterward her breast was honored with the receiving of a ring. So the son of Ecgtheow's showed himself brave, a man renowned for battle and good deeds, who acted in pursuit of glory. He did not at all drunkenly slay hearth-companions. 

2180. He was not savage at heart, but, brave in battle, he kept the liberal gift which God had given him, the greatest strength of mankind. He was long of low esteem, as he was a Geatish son who was considered no good. 

2185. Nor would the lord of the Weders make him worthy of much on the mead-bench; it was very much thought that he was slack, a feeble prince. Change came gloriously to the man in every affliction. 

2190. Then the protector of the warriors, the king famous in battle, ordered brought in Hrethel's heirloom, adorned with gold; there was not then among the Geats a finer treasure in the form of a sword. This he laid on Beowulf's lap, and gave him seven thousand hides of land, and a hall and princely throne. 

2196. Both of them together possessed land in that country by natural right, the ancestral domain, but the broad kingdom was rather his who was of higher rank. 

2200. Afterwards it happened, in later days, in the crash of battle, after Hygelac lay dead and battle-maces had slain Heardred under the sword-shields, when hard warriors sought him out, the victorious people, when Heatho-Scylfings attacked the nephew of Hereric's with hostile assaults, that the broad kingdom passed into Beowulf's hand. 

2208. He ruled well for fifty years, and was then an old king, old guardian of the native land, until a certain dark night began where the dragon held sway, who watched over a hoard on a high heath, a steep stone barrow; underneath lay a path unknown to men. 

2214. There went some man on inside, who grasped near the heathen hoard with his hand, the shining treasure. Though he intended to trick the sleeping dragon, with a thief's craft, the people found out, the men dwelling there, that he was enraged.   

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2221. He did not at all deliberately break into the serpent's hoard, desiring it for himself, to grievously harm him, but in dire distress some slave fled the hostile blows of a man's son, and the guilty man, needing a dwelling, made his way inside. 

2226. As soon it he looked the intruder rose in horror; nevertheless, the wretched creature escaped when sudden attack befell him. There were many such precious vessels in the earth-house, ancient treasures, which some man in former days, deep in thought, hid there, the immense legacy of a noble kin, precious treasures. 

2236. Death carried off all of them in former times, and the only one still left of the tried warriors of the people, who lived the longest there, a guardian mourning for friends, expected the same, that he would be able to enjoy the ancient treasure for only a little time. 

2241. The barrow was fully ready, and stood on open ground with the seawalls near, newly made by the headlands, and securely made inaccessible. There the keeper of the rings bore inside the noblemen's treasure, plated gold, a quantity worthy of hoarding. 

2246. He spoke a few words: "Hold now, earth, now that warriors were not able to, the property of warriors! Indeed, worthy men obtained it from you before. Death in battle, terrible mortal harm, carried off each of the men of my people who have left this life, who saw the joy of the hall." 

2252. "I have none who will carry a sword or bear forth a plated cup, dear drinking-vessel; the tried warriors have passed elsewhere. The hard, gold-adorned helmet is bereft of its gold plates; the burnishers sleep in death, they who should polish the battle-mask." 

2258. "And the mail-coat also, which in battle endured the bite of swords over broken shields, decays after the warrior; the ring of the mail-coat may not journey far with the war-leader, by the side of the warrior." 

2262. "There is no joy in the harp, delight in musical instruments, no good hawk flying through the hall, nor swift mare to stamp through the courtyard. The destruction of death has sent away many a living race." 

2267. Thus, sad at heart, he expressed his sorrow; alone of all he moved about joylessly for days and nights, until the surging of death touched at his heart. The delightful hoard was found by the old night-ravager standing open, the burner who seeks the barrow- a naked, malicious dragon, who flies at night enveloped in fire. 

2274. The dwellers in the land greatly fear him. He will seek out a hoard in the earth, where he guards years-old heathen gold; nor is he at all the better for it. 

2278. So the mighty ravager of the people held a treasure-house in the earth for three hundred years, until one man enraged him at heart; he bore a gold-plated cup to his lord, and begged for a peace-agreement from his lord for his sin. 

2283. The hoard was thus ransacked, diminished of rings, as the grant was made to the wretched man. The lord looked upon the ancient work of men for the first time. 

2287. Then the serpent awoke and strife was renewed; fiercehearted, it moved quickly along the stones and found its enemy's track; he had stepped forth with stealthy skill near the dragon's head. So may one not fated to die easily survive misery and exile, who holds the favor of the Ruler. 

2293. The guardian of the hoard searched eagerly along the ground, wishing to find the man who had dealt with him grievously in his sleep. Hot and fierce-hearted, he often went all round the barrow outside. There was not any man there in that deserted place. Nevertheless, he rejoiced in warfare, in the deeds of battle. 

2298. For a while he turned back into the barrow, and sought for the precious vessel; he soon found that some man had tampered with the gold, the rich treasure. The guardian of the hoard waited with difficulty until evening had come. 

2302. The guardian of the barrow was then enraged, and would pay back for that drinking-vessel with loathful flames. Then the day was gone by, as the serpent desired; no longer would he wait on the sea-wall, but would go forth with flames, ready with fire. 

2309. The beginning was terrible for the people in the land, as it would swiftly and sorely bring an end to their treasure-giver.   

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2312. Then the stranger began to spew flames, and to burn bright dwellings; the glow of fire rose, to the terror of men. The loathful flying creature would not leave anything alive there. The serpent's onslaught, his cruelly hostile malice, was widely visible from near and far, how the warlike ravager hated and humiliated the Geatish people. 

2319. He hastened again to his hoard, his secret and splendid hall, before daytime. The people of the land had been encircled in flame, fire and burning; he trusted in his burrow, its fighting power and its walls; his hope deceived him. 

2324. Then the terror was made known to Beowulf, quickly in its truth, that his own home, the best of buildings, had melted in the surge of fire, the Geatish throne. The good man had sorrow in his heart, the greatest of grief. 

2329. The wise man thought that he had acted contrary to the old law, and had severely offended the Ruler, the eternal Lord. His breast inside welled up with dark thoughts, as was not customary for him. 

2333. The fire-dragon had destroyed in flames the people's stronghold, along the coastal land, the earth-guard. The war-king, the Weder prince, planned vengeance for him. He ordered made for himself a wondrous shield, all of iron, a warrior's protector for the lord of noblemen. He knew well that forest-wood would not help him, a linden shield against the fire. 

2341. The prince of proven excellence would experience the end of his transitory days, this world's life, and the serpent also, though he long held the hoarded wealth. 

2345. The prince of rings then disdained that he should attack the far-flier with a host of men, a large army; he did not dread battle for himself, nor did he think anything of the serpent's fighting power, his strength and courage. 

2349. For he had before risked many harsh straits, and survived combat and the crash of battle, since he had cleansed the hall of Hrothgar, man blessed with victory, and in combat had gripped in death Grendel's kindred, his loathful race. 

2354. Not the least was the hand-to-hand encounter where a man slew Hygelac, when the Geatish king, Hrethel's son, lord and friend of the folk, died in sword-drink in Frisian land in the onslaught of battle, the strike of the edge. 

2359. From there Beowulf came by his own craft, and performed a feat of swimming; he had on his arm battle-gear from thirty warriors when he went to the sea. The Hetware did not at all have reason to be exultant in their foot-battle when they bore shields against him; few came back from the warrior to go to their homes. 

2367. The son of Ecgtheow's swam across the expanse of the sea, a wretched and solitary one, back to his people, where Hygd offered him hoard and kingdom, rings and royal throne. She did not trust her son, that he would be able to hold the ancestral throne against foreign people now that Hygelac was dead. 

2373. Yet no sooner might the destitute people prevail upon the prince, in any way, to be Heardred's lord, or to accept the royal power; yet he supported him in friendly counsel among the folk, with good will and honor, until he became older and could rule the Weder-Geats. 

2379. Exiles from over the sea, Othere's sons, sought Heardred; they had rebelled against the protector of the Scylfings, renowned prince, the best sea-king who distributed treasure in Sweden. For him that became his life's end; the son of Hygelac's received a mortal wound for his hospitality, the sword's stroke. 

2387. And the son of Ongentheow's went back to seek his home after Heardred lay dead, and allowed Beowulf to occupy the royal throne and to rule the Geats. That was a good king.   

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2391. In later days he was mindful of retribution for that; he became a friend to the destitute Eadgils, and with his folk he supported the son of Othere's over the wide sea, with warriors and weapons. He took vengeance after the bitter expedition, depriving the king of life. 

2397. So he, the son of Ecgtheow's, had survived each combat, fierce battles, with courageous deeds, until the one day on which he should wage battle with the serpent. He went, one of twelve, enraged with anger, the lord of the Geats, to look upon the dragon. 

2403. He had then learned from where the feud had arose, a man's dire affliction; it had come to his possession, the famous and precious vessel, through the hand of an informer. He was the thirteenth man in the company, who had brought about the beginning of the strife. 

2408. The captive, sad in mind, was to be their abject guide from there to the place. He went against his will to where he alone knew of the earth-hall, the barrow under ground near the surging sea, tossing waves, which inside was full of ornate, gold-carved objects. 

2413. The keeper was monstrous, a ready warrior who held the golden treasures, old under earth; it was not an easy purchase for any man to obtain. 

2417. The king, hardy in conflict, then sat on the headland while his hearth-companions offered him good luck, to their gold-giving friend of the Geats. He was sat at heart, restless and ready for death, with fate immeasurably near, which was to greet the old man and seek the soul's hoard, dividing life from body. 

2423. Not for long after was the prince's life enclosed in flesh. Beowulf made a speech, son of Ecgtheow's: "I have survived many battle-rushes in youth, times of war; I remember all that. I was seven years old when the lord of treasure, lord and friend of the folk, received me from my father." 

2430. "King Hrethel took charge of me and kept me, gave me treasure and feasting, and was mindful of kinship; I was not in his lifetime at all more hateful to him than a warrior in his stronghold, or any of his sons, Herebeald and Hathcyn, or my own Hygelac." 

2435. "The eldest was unfittingly spread on a violent death-bed by a kinsman's deed, after Hathcyn, his lord and friend, struck him down with an arrow from a horn-bow. It missed its mark and he shot his kinsman dead, one brother the other with a bloody shaft." 

2441. "That was an assault without compensation, a crime wrongly done, wearing to the heart's spirit; yet it was so that the prince had to lose his life unavenged. So it is sad for an old man to endure his young son swinging on the gallows." 

2446. "Then he utters a dirge, a mournful song, when his son hangs, a joy to the ravens, and he, old and wise, may not help him or accomplish anything. He is always reminded each morning of his son's passing away; he does not care to wait inside his stronghold for another heir, when the one, through death's necessity, has experienced his last deeds." 

2455. "He looks sorrowfully on his son's dwelling, the deserted banquet hall, the windy resting-place, bereft of joy; the horsemen sleep, the warriors in the grave. There is no sound of harp there, no men in the yard, as there were formerly."   

Fitt 35   

2460. "Then he goes to his bed, chanting one song of grief after another; to him, all seems too spacious, the fields and his dwelling-place. So the protector of the Weders bore a welling grief in his heart for Herebeald." 

2464. "Nothing at all might put right the violent deed of the slayer; yet none the sooner might he show hatred for the warrior for the hostile deed, though he was not dear to him. Then, amid the grief which had too bitterly befallen him, he gave up human joy and chose God's light." 

2470. "He left to his sons, as the prosperous man does, land and towns when he left his life." 

2472. "Then there was enmity and strife between Swedes and Geats over wide water, mutual feud, hard and warlike enmity, after Hrethel had died, and against him Ongentheow's sons were bold and war-keen. They would not hold friendship over the seas, but around Whale's Hill often carried out malicious killings." 

2479. "My dear kinsmen avenged that, hostile deeds and crimes, as it was well known, though the other paid with his life, hard bargain; Hathcyn, lord of the Geats, became a fatality of war." 

2484. "I have heard that in the morning one kinsman- Hygelac- avenged the other on the slayer with the edge of his sword, where he encountered Ongentheow's sons. His war-helmet split; the old Scylfing fell, pale from battle." 

2489. "His hand remembered enough hostile deeds, and did not hold back the deadly blow. I repaid in war the treasures which he gave me, as it was granted by fate to me, with a gleaming sword. He granted me land, the joy of a hereditary estate." 

2493. "Nor was there any need for him to look to the Gifthas, or to the Spear-Danes, or in Sweden, that he need seek worse warriors, bought at a price; I would always be before him in a band on foot, alone at the point." 

2498. "And so I will throughout my life do battle while this sword endures, which has often been of service before and now, since I became the slayer of Dagrefne with my own hand, the champion of the Franks, for the host of warriors." 

2503. "He was not able to bring adornments to the king of the Frisians, the breast-ornament, but the keeper of the standard fell in battle, a prince in valor; nor was my sword-blade his slayer, but my hostile grasp crushed his bone-house, his pulsing heart." 

2508. "Now the sword's edge, the hand and hard blade, shall do battle for the hoard." Beowulf made a speech, speaking the words of a vow for the last time: "I have ventured upon many battles in my youth; yet I will, the old guardian of the people, seek out conflict, and accomplish a glorious deed, if the wicked ravager of the earthen hall seeks me out." 

2516. He then greeted each man, bold warriors in helmets, for the last time, dear companions: "I would not bear a sword as a weapon to the serpent, if I knew how else I might grapple with the fierce assailant, as I pledged, as I did with Grendel long ago." 

2522. "But I expect hot and deadly fire there, breath and venom; therefore I will have on me a shield and mail-coat. I will not flee from the barrow's guardian one footstep, but we two shall be further along the wall as the Creator of each man allots us our fate." 

2527. "I am firm in heart that I forebear from making a vow against the flying enemy. Wait in the barrow, protected by your mail-coats, men in arms, to see which of us two may better survive our wounds after the deadly onslaught." 

2532. "This is not your exploit, nor what is fitting for men except me alone, that he share out his strength against the fierce assailant to perform a heroic deed. With valor I shall win gold, or your lord will be taken by battle, terrible destroyer of life!" 

2538. The renowned warrior then arose by his shield, hard under helmet, and bore his mail-coat under the rocky cliffs. He trusted in one man's strength; such is not the course of the cowardly! 

2542. Then he who had survived a great many wars, good in manly virtue, the crash of battle when bands on foot clashed, saw a stone arch standing by the wall, with a stream out from there, bursting out of the barrow. 

2546. There was the burning surging of hot and deadly fire; nor might he survive any while unburned in the depths near the hoard for the dragon's flames. Then the Weder-Geatish man, who was enraged, allowed a word to go out from his breast, a fierce-hearted shout. 

2552. His voice came in and reverberated clear in battle under the grey stone. Hatred was aroused; the hoard-guardian recognized man's speech; there was no more time to ask for friendship. First the fierce assailant's breath came out from the stone, the hot vapor of battle; the ground resounded. 

2559. The warrior under the barrow, lord of the Geats, swung the rim of his shield against the dreadful stranger; then the coiled creature's heart was incited to seek battle. The good war-king had drawn his sword earlier, ancient heirloom, sharp edge. Each of them, intent upon destruction, was horrified by the other. 

2566. It stood firm against the towering shield of the dear people's lord, and then the serpent swiftly coiled itself together; he waited in arms. Then, burning and coiled, it went gliding out, hastening to its fate. 

2570. His shield protected the renowned prince, his life and body, for a shorter while than his purpose required. For the first time, he would have to hold the day there without fate having decreed for him triumph in battle. 

2575. The hand of the lord of the Geats swung up the mighty heirloom and struck it, terrible in its varied colors, so that the edge failed, gleaming on bone. Its bite was less strong than the people's king had needed it to be, oppressed by affliction. 

2580. Then the barrow's guard, after the battle-stroke, was fierce in spirit, and threw deadly fire; the battle-light leapt wide. The gold-giving friend of the Geats did not boast of glorious victory. Unsheathed in battle, the war-shield failed as it should not have, the hitherto excellent sword. 

2586. Nor was it an easy journey when the renowned son of Ecgtheow's had to give up the ground, when he should, against his will, inhabit a dwelling-place elsewhere, just as each man shall leave these transitory days. 

2591. It was not long until the warriors met each other again. The hoard's guardian took heart- its breast heaved with breathing once again; he who had ruled the folk before suffered harsh straits, enveloped in fire. 

2596. Not at all did his band of comrades, the sons of noblemen, stand around him in martial virtue, but they fled into the woods and saved their lives. In one of them a heart surged with sorrow; nothing may ever turn away the kinship of him who thinks rightly.   

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2602. He was called Wiglaf, son of Weoxstone, a beloved warrior, a man of the Scylfings, kinsman of Alfhere. He saw his liege lord suffer heat under his helmet. He was reminded then of the property which Beowulf had given him before, the rich dwelling place of the Wagmundings, each in common right as his father had possessed. 

2609. He was not then able to restrain himself; his hand grasped the yellow shield, and drew an ancient sword; that was Eanmund's heirloom among men, son of Othere's. It happened in battle that Weohstan was the slayer of that friendless exile with the sword's edge, and bore away to his kinsmen the shining helmet, a ringed mail-coat, an old sword made by giants. 

2616. Onela gave him that, his kinsmen's war-garments, ready war-gear; he spoke nothing about the feud, even though Weohstan had killed his brother's son. He kept the adornments for many seasons, sword and mail-coat, until his son might perform heroic deeds just as his late father. 

2623. Then, amid the Geats, he gave him a countless number of every type of war-garment when he departed from life, old and on his way forth. That was the first time for the young warrior that he should participate in the onslaught of battle with his noble lord. 

2628. Nor did his spirit weaken, nor did his kinsman's heirloom fail in conflict; the serpent found that out when they had come together. 

2631. Wiglaf made a speech, and said many a true word to his companions- he was sad at heart: "I remember that time, where we drank mead, when we promised our lord in the beer-hall, he who gave us rings, that we would repay him for the war equipment if such need would befall him, with helmets and hard swords." 

2638. "For this he chose us in his army, willed ourselves to be at this expedition, considered us worthy, and gave me these treasures, because he considered us good spear-fighters, valiant helmet-bearers! Though our lord, the folk's guardian, intended to accomplish this courageous deed alone, because he among men accomplished the most glorious feats, audacious deeds." 

2646. "Now the day is come that our liege lord needs the strength of good warriors. Let us go to help our leader in battle while he is in the heat of grim fire-terror. God knows of me that it is dearer to me that fire should enfold me with my gold-giving lord." 

2653. "Nor does it seem fitting to me that we should bear shields back to home unless we first may kill the foe, and defend the life of our Weder prince's. I know well that it has not been merited by past deeds that he alone of the Geatish host must suffer affliction, and fall in battle." 

2659. "We shall both share sword and helmet, mail-coat and battle-garment." He then waded through the deadly smoke, bore a helmet to help his lord, and spoke a few words: "Dear Beowulf, perform everything well, as you said long ago in youth that you would not allow, while you are alive, your glory to decline." 

2666. "You shall now defend your life with all strength, deed-famed, resolute prince. I will help you!" After these words the serpent became angry; the terrible, malicious alien attacked its enemy a second time with glowing, surging fire, loathful flames. 

2672. The wave of flames advanced, and burned the shield up to its boss; it might not burn the young warrior providing help, but the young man went on valiantly under his kinsman's shield when his own was destroyed by flames. 

2678. Then again the war-king set his mind on glory, and struck with his battle-sword with great strength, so that it stuck in the head, impelled with hostility. Naegling broke; Beowulf's sword, ancient and grey-colored, failed in battle. 

2682. It was not granted by fate to him that the sword's edge might help him in battle. The hand was too strong, I have heard, whose stroke overtaxed every sword, when he bore to battle the wondrously hard weapon. He was not at all the better for it. 

2698. Then the ravager of the people, for the third time, terrible fire-dragon, was intent on hostile deeds; he rushed on the renowned man when the opportunity permitted him, hot and battle-fierce. His neck was entirely clasped by sharp tusks; he became bloodied with his life-fluid. Blood surged in streams.

Fitt 37   

2694. Then, I have heard, at the need of the people's king, the warrior at his side displayed courage, strength and boldness, as was natural for him. 

2697. Nor did he heed that dragon's head, but the brave man's hand was burned as he helped his kinsman, as he struck at the malicious alien a little lower down, the man in arms, so that the sword sank in, gleaming and gold plated; the fire began to subside after. 

2702. Then again the king himself held his senses, and drew the deadly knife, cruel and sharp in battle, that he carried in his mail-coat. The protector of the Weders cut through the serpent in the middle. The foe was felled- valor drove his life out- and they had both then destroyed him, noble kinsmen. 

2708. So should a man be to his prince in need. For the prince that was the last time of victory for his own deeds, of his actions in the world. Then the wound which the earth-dragon inflicted on him earlier began to burn and swell. 

2713. He soon found out that deadly evil was welling up in his breast, venom inside. Then the prince, wise in thought, went to where he might sit on a seat by the wall; he saw the work of the giants, how the stone arches, secure pillars, held an age-old earth-dwelling inside. 

2720. Then with his hand, blood-stained from battle, the thane, good without limit, bathed his friend and lord with water, the renowned prince wearied from battle, and unfastened his helmet. 

2724. Beowulf made a speech- he spoke despite his injury, mortal wound; he knew well that he had passed through his days, joy on earth. His number of days were all passed away, with death exceedingly near. 

2729. "Now I would give my war-garments to my son, if it had been granted so to me by fate that any heir was of my body. I ruled this people for fifty years; there was no king of a folk, any neighboring peoples there, who dared greet me with swords, threaten with terror." 

2736. "I awaited my destiny in the homeland, held my own well, and sought no contrived hostility, nor swore many oaths wrongfully. In all of this, sick with mortal wounds, I may have joy; for the Ruler of men has no cause to accuse me of murderous killing when my life passes from my body." 

2743. "Now go swiftly to look upon the hoard under the grey stone, dear Wiglaf, now that the serpent lies dead, sleeping from sore wounds, bereft of its treasure." 

2747. "Be now in haste so that I may see the ancient riches, the store of gold, and look at the bright, finely-worked jewels clearly, so that because of the wealth of treasure I may more peacefully leave the life and nation which I long held."   

Fitt 38   

2752. Then I have heard that the son of Wihstan, after the spoken words of his wounded lord, swiftly obeyed the battle-wounded man, and carried a mail-coat, woven battle-shirt, under the barrow's roof. 

2756. The brave young thane, triumphant in victory, saw after he went by the seat many precious jewels, glittering gold lying on the ground, wondrous objects on the wall, and the serpent's lair- the old creature that flew before dawn- cups standing, and vessels of men of old, lacking a burnisher, bereft of adornment. 

2762. There was many a helmet, old and rusted, and many an arm-wring, skillfully twisted. Treasure, gold in the ground, may easily overpower each one of mankind, hide it who will. He also saw a standard all of gold, hanging high over the hoard, a great marvel made by hand, woven with the skill of hand. 

2769. From these things a light shone out, so that he might see the surface of the floor, and look at every part of the ornate objects. There was no sign of the serpent, for the sword had carried him off. 

2773. Then I have heard that one man plundered the hoard in the barrow, the old work of giants; he loaded his lap with drinking-vessels and dishes of his own choice; the standard was also taken, brightest of banners. 

2778. The aged lord's sword- its edge was iron- had already injured the dragon, who was the guardian of the treasure for a long while, who brought hot, terrifying fire because of the hoard, fiercely welling in the middle of the night, until he died a violent death. 

2783. The messenger was in haste, eager to journey back, urged on by precious things; anxiety oppressed him to find whether the prince of the Weders, deprived of strength, was alive and bold in spirit in that place where he left him before. 

2788. Then, with the treasures, he found his lord bleeding, renowned prince, his life at an end; he began again to sprinkle him with water, until words began to break through his heart. The warrior-king spoke, old in sorrow- he looked at the gold. 

2794. "To the Lord of all, the King of glory, eternal Lord, I say words of thanks for the precious things which I gaze upon here, for the fact that I have been permitted to gain such treasure for my people before my day of death." 

2799. "Now for a hoard of treasures I have sold my old life. Attend still to my people's needs; I may not be here longer. Order the battle-famed to build a splendid burial mound, after the pyre, at the sea's promontory." 

2804. "It is to be a memorial to my people, a high tower on Whale's Hill, that afterwards seafarers may call Beowulf's barrow when they drive ships over the sea's mist from afar." 

2809. The brave-hearted prince took from his neck a golden ring, and gave it to the thane, the young warrior, and a gold-adorned helmet, and commanded him to use it well: "You are the last remaining of our kin, the Wagmundings." 

2814. "Fate swept away all of my kinsmen to their destiny's decree, warriors in valor; I shall follow them." That was the last word thought from the heart of the old man, before he chose the pyre, hot and hostile flames. His soul departed from his breast to seek the judgment of his righteousness.   

Fitt 39   

2821. Then it was a painful happening for the young man, that he saw the dearest man suffer pitiably on the ground, at the end of his life. The slayer also lay, terrible earth-dragon, bereft of life, overwhelmed by ruin. 

2826. The coiled serpent was no longer able to rule over the hoard of rings, but the sword's edge destroyed him, the hard, battle-sharp hammer-remnant, so that the wide-flyer fell on the ground, unmoving from his wounds, near the hoard-house. 

2832. There was not at all the show of a sign of it flying through the air, moving about in the middle of the night, glorying in rich possessions, but he fell on the earth through the handiwork of the war-leader. 

2836. Indeed, there were in the land few mighty men who succeeded, as I have heard, though they were daring in every deed, that they made a rush against the breath of the venomous ravager, or disturbed the hall of rings with their hand, if he found the guardian who dwells in the barrow awake. 

2842. Beowulf paid for the share of noble treasures with his death; both had reached the end of this transitory life. It was not long after that the laggards in battle left the wood, cowardly traitors, the ten together, who did not dare before fight with spears in their liege lord's great need. 

2850. But they carried their shields in shame, their war-garments, to where the old man lay, and gazed on Wiglaf. He sat, exhausted, the foot-warrior near the shoulder of his lord; he tried to revive him with water- he did not at all succeed. 

2855. Nor might he, though he wished strongly, keep the chieftain's life on earth, nor change anything ordained by the Ruler. The decree of God's would rule the deeds of each man, as He now still does. 

2860. Then it was easy for the young man to obtain a grim answer for those who lost their courage earlier. Wiglaf made a speech, Weohstan's son, a man sad at heart, as he looked on the unloved. 

2864. "It indeed may be said, by he who will speak the truth, that the liege lord who gave you these treasures, the war-equipment in which you now stand there- when he on the mead-bench often gave to the hall-sitters a helmet and mail-coat, a prince to his thanes, as most splendid as he might find anywhere far or near- that he had completely and grievously thrown away the war-garments when war came upon him." 

2873. "Not at all did the people's king have cause to boast about his comrades in arms. Yet God granted him, the victorious Ruler, that he himself avenged, alone with his sword-blade, when he was in need of courage." 

2877. "I might give him little life-protection in combat, and yet I began to help my kinsman, despite my power. It always was the weaker when I struck the deadly foe with my sword; the fire less strongly welled out from its head." 

2882. "The defenders were too few thronged around the prince when the time of hardship came to him. Now the receiving of treasures and giving of swords, all joy in the native land of your kin, in your beloved homeland, shall cease." 

2886. "Every man of your kindred must wander, deprived of his land-right, after noblemen from afar learn of your flight, inglorious deed. Death is better for each warrior than a life of disgrace!" 

Fitt 40   

2892. Then he ordered that the warlike deed be announced to the encampment, up over the sea-cliff, where the band of warriors, shield-bearers, sat sad at heart all morning long. Their expectation was of two things: the last day and the return of the beloved man. 

2897. He who rode up to the headland was hardly silent with the new message, but he truly said in the hearing of all: "Now the lord of the Geats, the benefactor of the Weder people, is still in his deathbed, and occupies a bed of slaughter through the serpent's deeds." 

2903. "The deadly foe lies beside him, stricken with dagger-wounds; he could not inflict a wound in any way on the fierce assailant with a sword. Wiglaf sits over Beowulf, son of Wihstan's, one warrior by the lifeless other." 

2909. "In weariness of mind he keeps a head-watch over the loved and the loathed. Now the people's expectation is of a time of war, after the king's death becomes widely known to the Franks and Frisians." 

2913. "The hostility was made hard against the Franks after Hygelac came from afar with a ship-bound force to Frisian land, where the Hetware attacked him in battle. He displayed valor amid superior force, so that the mail-clad warrior should succumb, and fell in the foot-band." 

2919. "That lord gave no precious things at all to his retainers. For ever, since then, the Merovingian king has denied us favors." 

2922. "Nor do I at all expect peace or good faith from the Swedish, but it was widely known that Ongentheow deprived Hathcyn, Hrethel's son, of his life near Ravenswood, when in arrogance the Geatish people first attacked the War-Scylfings." 

2928. "Soon the aged father of Othere's, Ongentheow, old and terrible, gave a counter-stroke, cut down the sea-king, and rescued his bride, an old woman of former days deprived of gold, mother of Onela and Othere." 

2933. "And then he pursued the deadly foes until they escaped with difficulty in Ravenswood, without a lord. The standing army beset the survivors of the swords, wearied from wounds; miseries were often vowed to the wretched company the entire night." 

2939. "He said that in the morning he would destroy them with the mace's edge, and would have some on the gallows trees as sport for birds. Comfort came back for the sad at heart with the first light of day, after they heard the sound of Hygelac's horn and trumpet, when the good man came following their track with a host of men."   

Fitt 41   

2946. "The trail of blood of the Swedes and Geats, the deadly onslaught of men, was widely visible- how the people stirred up the feud among them. Then the good man went with his kinsmen, wise and very sad, to seek his stronghold." 

2951. "The nobleman Ongentheow turned to higher ground; he had learned of Hygelac's fighting power, the proud one's war-craft. He did not trust resistance, that he might withstand the seamen, defend his hoard, his children and wife, against the seafaring warriors." 

2956. "He turned back from there, the old man under his earthen rampart. Then pursuit was given to the Swedish people; Hygelac's standard overran that place of refuge, after Hrethel's descendants pressed forward to the encampment." 

2961. "There the grey-haired Ongentheow was driven to a halt by the edges of swords, so that the people's king had to submit to Eafor's judgment alone. There his brother Wulf, son of Wonred, struck him furiously with his weapon, so that from the stroke blood sprung forth in streams from beneath his hair." 

2967. "He was nevertheless not afraid, the old Scylfing, but paid him back quickly for the deadly blow with a worse exchange, after the people's king turned in that direction." 

2971. "Nor might the brave son of Wonred's give a counter-stroke to the old man, but he had already cut through the helmet on his head, so that he should bow down, bloodstained, and fell on the earth. Yet he was not fated to die yet, but he recovered himself, though the wound had struck him deeply." 

2977. "This caused the hardy thane of Hygelac, when his brother lay, to break through the protecting shield with a broad mace, an old sword and helmet made by giants. Then the king bowed down; the people's guardian was life-stricken." 

2982. "Then there were many who bound the wounds of his kinsman, swiftly raised up; then a way was cleared for them so that they were able to take control of the place of slaughter. Then one warrior plundered the other, and took from Ongentheow his iron mail-coat, his hard hilted sword, and his helmet also. He bore to Hygelac the grey-haired man's equipment." 

2989. "He received the adornments and treated him courteously amid his people, and so fulfilled his promises. The Geatish lord repaid Hrethel's sons for the onslaught in battle when they came home, Eafor and Wulf with very great treasures." 

2994. "He gave each of them a hundred thousand silver coins' worth of land and interlinked rings- no man on earth had need to reproach him for the reward, after they had achieved the glory by fighting. And then he gave Eafor his only daughter, an honor to a home, as a pledge of favor." 

2999. "That is the feud and the enmity, the deadly hostility of men, for which I have the expectation that the Swedish people will attack us after they learn that our lord is lifeless, who previously protected the hoard and kingdom against enemies after the fall of heroes, the bold shield-warriors." 

3005. "He performed benefits for the people until he carried out still more heroic deeds. Now haste is best, that we may look at the people's king there, and bring him who gave us rings on the way to the funeral pyre." 

3010. "Nor shall one part melt with the courageous, but the hoard of treasures, countless gold, purchased at a grim cost, and now the rings were bought in the end of his own life. These the fire shall consume, the flame enfold." 

3015. "Not at all will the warrior wear treasure at the memorial, nor the beautiful woman have a ring-adornment on her neck, but all will be sad at heart, deprived of gold, often- not at all once- treading foreign land, now that our army-leader has laid aside laughter, joy, and merriment." 

3021. "For the spear shall be grasped by hands on many cold mornings, raised in hand. The harp's sound will not awaken the warriors, but the black raven, who will be eager to speak much of those fated to die, to say to the eagle how he fared at eating while he plundered the slain with the wolf." 

3028. So the valiant man told the loathful tidings; he did not say much that was false of the future or the past. The band of men all rose and went sorrowfully to the promontory Earnanes to see the wonder with welling tears. 

3033. They then found on the sand the lifeless man, occupying his bed of rest, he who gave them rings in former times; then the last day of the hero had been reached, that the war-king, the Wederish prince, had died a wondrous death. 

3038. They first saw a more strange creature there, the serpent in the opposite place, lying hatefully; the fire-dragon was fierce and terrible in its varied colors, scorched by flames. It was fifty feet long as it lay. 

3043. It possessed joy in the sky for a night's while, going back down to visit its lair; it was then held fast in death. Its use of the cavern in the earth had ended. 

3047. Beside him stood drinking-vessels and cups; dishes lay and a precious sword, rusty and eaten through, as they had remained there in the earth's bosom for a thousand winters. 

3051. Back then the mighty heritage, the gold of ancient men, was encircled by spells, so that the ring-filled hall would not be permitted to be reached by any man, unless God Himself, the true King of victories, granted that he could- He is man's protection- open the hoard, to whatever man seemed fitting to Him.   

Fitt 42   

3058. Then it was seen that the venture had not succeeded for he who had wrongfully hidden the ornate objects inside under the walls. The guardian had previously slain one man alone; then the feud had been avenged grievously. 

3062. It was a wonder where the courage-famed warrior may reach the end of his allotted life, when a man may no longer dwell in the mead-hall with his kinsmen. So it was for Beowulf, when he sought out the barrow's guardian and his cunning enmity. 

3067. He did not know himself through what means his parting from the world should come about, just as until judgment day it had been solemnly declared by the renowned princes who placed it there, that the man who should plunder that place would be guilty of sin, confined to an idol's shrine, and held fast in the bonds of hell, tormented by evils. 

3074. He had not at all previously fully perceived the gold-bestowing favor of the Lord. Wiglaf made a speech, Wiglaf's son: "Often many a warrior will desire to endure misery alone, as has happened with us." 

3079. "Nor might we persuade the beloved prince, the kingdom's guardian, with any counsel that he not attack the gold-guardian, to let him lie where he long was, to remain in his dwelling-place until the world's end- to keep his exalted destiny." 

3084. "The hoard is shown, bitterly won; the fate was too harsh which impelled the people's king to that place. I was inside there and looked over all of it, the building's precious objects, when a way was cleared for me; not at all in a friendly way was passage granted inside under the earthen walls." 

3090. "In haste I grasped much with my hand from the mighty burden of hoarded treasure, and bore away my king out to here. He was then still alive, wise and conscious; he spoke a great many things, old in grief." 

3095. "He ordered me to greet you, and directed that in the place of the pyre you should build, in honor of the deeds of your friendly lord, a barrow just as high- great and renowned- as he was a man, the most worthy warrior throughout the earth, while he was able to enjoy the stronghold's wealth." 

3101. "Let us now hasten a second time, to see and seek out the pile of finely-worked jewels, the wonder under walls. I will guide you so that you will see from near at hand abundant rings and broad gold." 

3105. "Let the bier be ready, swiftly prepared, when we come out, and then let us carry our lord, the beloved man, to where he shall long remain in the protection of the Ruler. The son of Wihstan's, battle-bold warrior, then commanded and gave orders to many warriors who owned a hall, leaders of people, that they bring wood for the fire from far off for the good man. 

3114. "Now flames shall consume- the fire growing dark- the ruler of warriors, who often endured the rain of iron during a storm of arrows, impelled by bow-strings, and passed over shield-wall, with the shaft fulfilling its duty, hastening with feather fittings as it aided the arrow-head." 

3120. Indeed, the wise son of Wihstan's summoned from the band of king's thanes seven together, the best, and went with the seven others in under the evil roof of the warrior; one bore in hand a blazing torch, he who went in front. 

3126. No lots were drawn then to see who would plunder the hoard, once men saw any part unguarded in the chamber, laying wasting away. Little did any man mourn that they hastily carried out the precious treasures. 

3131. The dragon was also shoved over the cliff, the serpent, allowing the waves to take him, the sea to enfold the keeper of precious things. Then the twisted gold was laden on a wagon, everything in countless number. The prince was borne, the grey-haired warrior, to Whale's Hill.   

Fitt 43   

3137. Then the Geatish people made him ready, with a splendid funeral pyre on the earth. His helmet was hung round, his battle-shield, and his bright mail-coat, as he had requested. The renowned prince was laid in the midst; warriors lamented their beloved lord. 

3143. A funeral fire then proceeded on the cliff, kindled by warriors; wood-smoke rose up, black over the fire, roaring flames mingled with weeping- the swirling wind subsided- until it had destroyed his bone-house, hot on his breast. 

3148. Sad hearts lamented in grief for the death of their liege lord. A Geatish woman with her hair bound up also repeatedly said a song of mourning, that she sorely dreaded their invasion, the abundance of slaughter, the terror of the company of men, humiliation and captivity. 

3155. Heaven received the smoke. The Geatish people then built a burial-mound on the headland, which was high and broad, widely visible to seafarers, and constructed in ten days a monument to the battle-bold man, with walls built around the remnants of the fire, as it might be most worthily devised by wise men. 

3163. They placed on the barrow ring and jewels, all such adornments from the hoard as hostile-minded men had taken before. The warriors left wealth for the earth to hold, gold in the ground, where it now still exists, as useless to men as it previously was. 

3169. Then the battle-brave rode around the burial-mound, the sons of noblemen, twelve in all, who wished to lament their sorrow and mourn for their king, utter a dirge, and speak about the man. 

3173. His heroism was praised and his courageous deed judged highly, as it is fitting that a man praise his lord with words, loved in heart, when he must be led forth from his body. The Geatish people lamented their lord's fall so, their hearth-companion. 

3180. They said that of earthly kings he was the mildest and most gracious man, kindest to his people, and most eager for fame.