Wulfgar (that was the herald's name) quickly went to Hrothgar, now old and white-haired. I will reveal my errand to the son of Healfdene, your great king, if you will take us to him." Never before have I seen such a band of strangers in such a courageous mood."īeowulf answered: "We are table-companions of Hygelac. Ī warrior asked the heroes about their lineage: "Where have you come from, with your shields, war-shirts, visored helmets, and spears. Leaning their shields against the wall, they sat down upon the benches. The men followed this path to the great hall. The boar-images glistened above the cheek-guards on their helmets. The coastguardsman pointed the way to Heorot, then returned to his post. I intend to help Hrothgar overcome this foe." We have heard that some secret destroyer causes great terror among the Scyldings on dark nights. We have come to serve the mighty lord of the Danes. I am the son of a noble prince named Ecgtheow. Who is your brave leader, and what is his lineage?"īeowulf answered: "We are of the Geatish kin, Hygelac's hearth-companions. Never have I seen a band of warriors try to land here more openly than you have done. Waving his spear he challenged them with these words: "What warriors are you, sailing your great ship along the ocean-paths? I am a member of the coastguard, charged with protecting the Danish land. This thane of Hrothgar approached them on horseback. They went ashore and secured their ship.Ī Danish guard saw them from the cliff as they came ashore with their shields and weapons. On the second day the sailors caught sight of gleaming cliffs and broad headlands. A skilled mariner pointed out the landmarks to them.ĭriven by the wind, the ship sped across the waves. He was a proven hero.īeowulf had a ship outfitted for the journey, then chose fifteen warriors to accompany him. Beowulf, a thane of Hygelac, King of the Geats, heard of Grendel's deeds and resolved to come to the Danes' rescue. Tidings of Grendel's attacks reached the country of the Geats. Many of the grief-stricken Danes, seeing no other source of help, returned to their old heathen faith. Nor was anyone safe in Heorot, where he attacked at will. Night after night Grendel haunted the misty moors, pursuing his victims. These loathsome attacks continued for twelve winters. They saw the monster's tracks leading away from Heorot, but it was too late to save his victims. At dawn the survivors discovered their great loss. Grendel seized thirty of them, then carried them back to his lair. Following an evening of mead drinking, the Danish warriors were fast asleep. This wretched being, along with monsters, elves, sea-beasts, and giants, was a descendent of Cain, whom the Lord had banished from mankind for the slaying of Abel. Not long afterward the hall's merriment was brought to an end by a grim foe named Grendel, who haunted marshes and moors, fens and heath. Here, with great ceremony, he dispensed lavish gifts to young and old, thus giving thanks for his own victories and prosperity. It was larger and grander than any such hall that anyone had ever heard of. I have heard tell how Hrothgar had a great mead-hall built. Each of these successors proved to be a venerable leader. No one on earth knows who received that ship's cargo.įollowing Scyld's death the kingship of the Danes passed to Scyld's son Beowulf, then in turn to his son Healfdene, then to his son Hrothgar. Then his kinsmen let the sea bear him away. Following his wishes, his body was placed on a well-outfitted ship, laden with treasures and weapons. With time all the neighboring tribes served him and paid him tribute. Scyld Scefing often drove enemy warriors from their mead-hall benches, although he himself had once been a destitute foundling. Listen! We have heard of the glory of the kings who ruled the Danes in olden times. Ashliman's folktexts, a library of folktales, folklore,
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