Listen!

We --of the Spear-Danes in the days of

Hwæt! Wé Gárdena in géardagum
yore,

þéodcyninga þrym gefrúnon· of those clan-kings-- heard of their glory.

hú ðá æþelingas ellen fremedon. how those nobles performed courageous deeds.

Oft Scyld Scéfing sceaþena þréatum Often Scyld, Scef's son, from enemy hosts

monegum maégþum meodosetla

5 from many peoples seized mead-benches;
oftéah·

and terrorised the fearsome Heruli after first he

egsode Eorle syððan aérest wearð
was

féasceaft funden hé þæs frófre found helpless and destitute, he then knew
gebád· recompense for that:-

wéox under
he waxed under the clouds, throve in honours,
wolcnum· weorðmyndum þáh

oð þæt him aéghwylc þára

until to him each of the bordering tribes
ymbsittendra

1
ofer hronráde hýran scolde, beyond the whale-road had to submit,
0

gomban gyldan· þæt wæs gód

and yield tribute:- that was a good king!
cyning.

Ðaém eafera wæs æfter cenned To him a heir was born then

geong in geardum þone god sende young in the yards, God sent him

to comfort the people; He had seen the dire

folce tó frófre· fyrenðearfe ongeat·
distress

1
þæt híe aér drugon aldorléase that they suffered before, leader-less
5

lange hwíle· him þæs líffréä a long while; them for that the Life-Lord,

wuldres wealdend woroldáre

Ruler of Glory, granted honour on earth:
forgeaf:

Béowulf wæs bréme --blaéd wíde Beowulf (Beaw) was famed --his renown spread
sprang-- wide--

Scyldes eafera Scedelandum in. Scyld's heir, in Northern lands.

Swá sceal geong guma góde 2

So ought a young man by good deeds deserve,
gewyrcean 0

fromum feohgiftum on fæder (and) by fine treasure-gifts, while in his father's

bearme keeping,

þæt hine on ylde eft gewunigen that him in old age shall again stand by,
wilgesíþas þonne wíg cume· willing companions, when war comes,

léode gelaésten: lofdaédum sceal people serve him: by glorious deeds must,

2
in maégþa gehwaére man geþéön. amongst his people, everywhere, one prosper.
5

Then Scyld departed at the destined **26-

Him ðá Scyld gewát tó gescæphwíle
time, 52**

still in his full-strength, to fare in the protection

felahrór féran on fréan waére·
of the Lord Frea;

hí hyne þá ætbaéron tó brimes

he they carried to the sea's surf,
faroðe

swaése gesíþas swá hé selfa bæd his dear comrades, as he himself had bid,

þenden wordum wéold wine 3 when he yet wielded words, that friend of the
Scyldinga 0 Scyldings,

beloved ruler of the land, had ruled for a long

léof landfruma lange áhte·
time;

þaér æt hýðe stód hringedstefna there at the harbour stood with a ringed-prow,

ísig ond útfús æþelinges fær· icy and keen to sail, a hero's vessel;

álédon þá léofne þéoden they then laid down the beloved prince,

3 the giver of rings and treasure, in the bosom of

béaga bryttan on bearm scipes
5 the boat,

maérne be mæste· þaér wæs

the mighty by the mast; many riches were there,
mádma fela

from far-off lands ornate armour and baubles

of feorwegum frætwa gelaéded·
were brought;

ne hýrde ic cýmlícor céol gegyrwan I have not heard of a comelier keel adorned

hildewaépnum ond heaðowaédum with weapons of battle and war-dress,

billum ond byrnum· him on bearme 4

bill-blades and byrnies; there lay on his breast
læg 0

mádma mænigo þá him mid scoldon many treasures, which with him must,

on flódes aéht feor gewítan· in the power of the waves, drift far off;

in no way had they upon him fewer gifts

nalæs hí hine laéssan lácum téodan
bestowed

þéodgestréonum þonne þá dydon with the wealth of a nation, than those did

þe hine æt frumsceafte forð 4

who him in the beginning had sent forth
onsendon 5
aénne ofer ýðe umborwesende· alone upon the waves being but a child;

þá gýt híe him ásetton segen

yet then they set up the standard of gold,
gyldenne

héah ofer héafod· léton holm beran· high over head; they let the sea bear,

géafon on gársecg· him wæs geómor gave to the ocean, in them were troubled
sefa hearts,

5
murnende mód· men ne cunnon mourning minds; men cannot
0

secgan tó sóðe seleraédenne say for certain, (neither) court-counsellors

hæleð under heofenum hwá þaém (nor) heroes under heaven, who received that
hlæste onféng. cargo.

Ðá wæs on Then was in boroughs, Beowulf the Scylding

burgum Béowulf Scyldinga (Beaw),

léof léodcyning longe þráge beloved king of the people a long age

folcum gefraége --fæder famed among the folk --his father having gone
55
ellor hwearf elsewhere,

aldor of earde-- oþ þæt him

elder on earth-- until unto him in turn was born
eft onwóc

héah Healfdene héold

high Half-Dane, he ruled so long as he lived
þenden lifde

gamol ond gúðréouw glæde

old and battle-fierce, the glad Scyldings;
Scyldingas·

ðaém féower
to him four sons in succession
bearn forðgerímed

in worold wócun weoroda

60 woke in the world, the leader of the legions:
raéswan:

Heorogár ond Hróðgár ond

Heorogar and Hrothgar and good Halga;
Hálga til·

hýrde ic þæt Ýrse wæs

I heard that Yrse was Onela's queen,
Onelan cwén

Heaðo-
the War-Scylfing's belovèd embraced in bed.
Scilfingas healsgebedda.

Þá wæs Hróðgáre herespéd

Then was to Hrothgar success in warcraft given,
gyfen
wíges weorðmynd þæt him
65 honour in war, so that his retainers
his winemágas

georne hýrdon oðð þæt séo eagerly served him until the young war-band
geogoð gewéox grew

magodriht micel· him on

into a mighty battalion; it came into his mind
mód bearn

þæt healreced hátan wolde that a hall-house, he wished to command,

medoærn micel men

a grand mead-hall, be built by men
gewyrcean

þone yldo bearn aéfre

70 which the sons of men should hear of forever,
gefrúnon

ond þaér on innan eall

and there within share out all
gedaélan

geongum ond ealdum swylc

to young and old, such as God gave him,
him god sealde

búton folcscare ond feorum

except the common land and the lives of men;
gumena·

ða ic wíde gefrægn weorc Then, I heard, widely was the work

gebannan commissioned

manigre maégþe geond from many peoples throughout this middle-

75
þisne middangeard· earth,

folcstede frætwan. Him on to furnish this hall of the folk. For him in time it
fyrste gelomp came to pass,

aédre mid yldum þæt hit

early, through the men, that it was fully finished,
wearð ealgearo

healærna maést· scóp him

the best of royal halls; he named it Heorot,
Heort naman

sé þe his wordes
he whose words weight had everywhere;
geweald wíde hæfde·

hé béot ne áléh· béagas he did not lie when he boasted; rings he dealt
80
daélde out,

sinc æt symle. Sele hlífade riches at his feasts. The hall towered,

héah ond
high and horn-gabled; it awaited the cruel surges
horngéap· heaðowylma bád

láðan líges· ne wæs hit

of hateful flames; nor was the time yet nigh
lenge þá gén
þæt se that the furious edge-malice of son-in-law and
ecghete áþumswéoran father-in-law,

æfter wælníðe wæcnan arising from deadly enmity would inevitably

85
scolde. awaken.

Ðá se ellengaést earfoðlíce Then the bold spirit, impatiently

þráge geþolode sé þe in
endured dreary time, he who dwelt in darkness,
þýstrum bád

þæt hé dógora
he that every day heard noise of revelry
gehwám dréam gehýrde

hlúdne in healle· þaér wæs loud in the hall; there was the harmony of the
hearpan swég harp,

swutol sang scopes· sægde the sweet song of the poet; he spoke who knew **90
90
sé þe cúþe how ff.**

frumsceaft fíra feorran

the origin of men to narrate from afar;
reccan·

cwæð þæt se
said he that the almighty one wrought the earth,
ælmihtiga eorðan worhte

wlitebeorhtne wang swá

(that) fair, sublime field bounded by water;
wæter bebúgeð·

gesette sigehréþig sunnan

set up triumphant the sun and moon,
ond mónan

léoman tó léohte land-

95 luminaries as lamps for the land-dwellers
búendum

ond gefrætwade foldan

and adorned the corners of the earth
scéatas

leomum ond léafum· líf éac

with limbs and leaves; life too He formed
gesceóp

cynna gehwylcum þára ðe

for each of the species which lives and moves.
cwice hwyrfaþ·

Swá ðá
drihtguman dréamum So the lord's men lived in joys,
lifdon

éadiglice oð ðæt án ongan 100 happily, until one began

fyrene fremman féond on

to execute atrocities, a fiend in hell;
helle·

wæs se grimma
this ghastly demon was named Grendel,
gaést Grendel háten
maére mearcstapa sé þe infamous stalker in the marches, he who held the
móras héold moors,

fen ond fæsten· fífelcynnes fen and desolate strong-hold; the land of marsh-
eard monsters,

wonsaélí wer weardode

105 the wretched creature ruled for a time
hwíle

siþðan him
since him the Creator had condemned
scyppend forscrifen hæfde

in Caines cynne þone

with the kin of Cain; that killing avenged
cwealm gewræc

éce drihten þæs þe hé Ábel

the eternal Lord, in which he slew Abel;
slóg·

ne gefeah hé þaére
this feud he did not enjoy, for He drove him far
faéhðe ac hé hine feor
away,
forwræc

metod for þý
110 the Ruler, for this crime, from mankind;
máne mancynne fram·

þanon untýdras ealle

thence unspeakable offspring all awoke:
onwócon

eotenas ond ylfe ond

ogres and elves and spirits from the underworld;
orcnéäs

swylce gígantas þá wið

also giants, who strove with God
gode wunnon

lange þráge· hé him ðæs for an interminable season; He gave them their
léan forgeald. reward for that.

II

Gewát ðá 1
He then went to visit and see --when
néosian syþðan niht 1
night came--
becóm 5

héän húses· hú hit

the high house how it, the Ring-Danes
Hring-Dene

æfter
béorþege gebún after the beer-feast, had occupied;
hæfdon·

fand þá ðaér he found then therein the nobles'

inne æþelinga gedriht company
swefan æfter
slumbering after the feast; they did not
symble· sorge ne
know sorrow,
cúðon

1
wonsceaft wera· wiht
2 misery of men; that damned creature,
unhaélo
0

grim ond
graédig gearo sóna grim and greedy, soon was ready,
wæs

réoc ond réþe ond on savage and cruel and from their rest
ræste genam seized

þrítig þegna· þanon

thirty thanes; thence back he went
eft gewát

húðe hrémig tó hám

proud in plunder to his home, faring
faran

1
mid þaére with the banquet of bodies to seek his
2
wælfylle wíca néosan. shelter.
5

Ðá wæs on úhtan mid Then was in the dark of dawn before

aérdæge the day

Grendles
Grendle's war-might revealed to the
gúðcræft gumum
men;
undyrne·

þá wæs æfter then it was after their feasting they

wiste wóp up áhafen raised up lament

micel
in a great morning-cry. The mighty
morgenswég. Maére
chieftain,
þéoden

1
æþeling
3 the prince, old and good, sat in sorrow,
aérgod unblíðe sæt·
0

þolode
The great mighty one suffered, anguish
ðrýðswýð þegnsorge
of thane-loss oppressed him
dréah

syðþan híe þæs

when they the foe's tracks beheld,
láðan lást scéawedon,

wergan gástes· wæs of the wicked ghoul; that strife was too
þæt gewin tó strang strong,
láð ond longsum. Næs loathsome and lingering. Nor was it a
hit lengra fyrst longer time

1
ac ymb áne niht eft but after a single night again he
3
gefremede perpetuated
5

morðbeala máre ond more brutal slaughter, and it grieved

nó mearn fore, him not,

faéhðe ond
violence and viciousness, he was too
fyrene· wæs tó fæst
entrenched in these.
on þám.

Þá wæs éaðfynde þé Then was it easily found, one who

him elles hwaér would somewhere else,

gerúmlícor ræste
further away, seek rest:
sóhte

1
bed æfter búrum ðá a bed among the bowers, when it was
4
him gebéacnod wæs made clear to him,
0

gesægd
sóðlíce sweotolan truly told, by an unmistakable token
tácne

healðegnes
the enmity of the hall's occupier; he
hete· héold hyne
held himself then
syðþan

fyr ond fæstor sé further and safer, he who shunned that

þaém féonde ætwand. fiend.

Swá ríxode ond wið

Thus he ruled and challenged justice,
rihte wan

1
ána wið eallum oð
4 one against all, until empty stood
þæt ídel stód
5

húsa sélest· wæs séo

that finest of houses; the time was long
hwíl micel,

twelf wintra tíd torn --the space of twelve winters-- that

geþolode bitter anguish endured

wine
Scyldenda, wéana the friend, the shielder, --every woe,
gehwelcne

sídra sorga· forðám immense miseries; therefore to men

secgum wearð became
ylda 1
bearnum undyrne 5 to sons of men, clearly known
cúð, 0

gyddum
in mournful ballads, that Grendle had
geómore þætte
contended
Grendel wan

hwíle wið
long against Hrothgar, sustained fierce
Hróþgár· heteníðas
enmity,
wæg

fyrene ond
felony and feud, for many seasons
faéhðe fela misséra,

singále sæce· sibbe

continual strife; he did not want peace
ne wolde

wið manna 1
hwone mægenes 5 with any man of the Danish contingent,
Deniga, 5

feorhbealo to desist in life-destruction, to settle it

feorran, féa þingian with payment,

né þaér naénig none of the counsellors had any need

witena wénan þorfte to hope for

beorhtre bóte tó noble recompense from the slayer's

banan folmum hands,

ac se
aéglaéca éhtende but the wretch was persecuting
wæs

deorc 1
--the dark death-shade-- warriors old
déaþscua duguþe ond 6
and young;
geogoþe 0

seomade ond he lay in wait and set snares, in the

syrede· sinnihte héold endless night he held

mistige móras· men

the misty moors; men do not know
ne cunnon

hwyder
where such hellish enigmas slink in
helrúnan hwyrftum
their haunts.
scríþað.

Swá fela fyrena féond Thus many offences that foe of

mancynnes mankind,
 1
atol ángengea oft that terrible lone traveller, often
6
gefremede, committed,
5

heardra
hýnða· Heorot hard humiliations; he dwelt in Heorot,
eardode

sincfáge sel sweartum the richly-adorned hall, in the black

nihtum nights

--nó hé þone --by no means he the gift-throne was

gifstól grétan móste, compelled to approach respectfully,

máþðum for
the treasure, by the Maker, nor did he
metode, né his myne
feel love for it--
wisse--

1
Þæt wæs wraéc That was great misery for the Friend of
7
micel wine Scyldinga, the Scyldings,
0

módes brecða. Monig

a breaking of his spirit. Many often sat
oft gesæt

ríce tó rúne· raéd

the mighty at counsel; pondered a plan,
eahtedon·

hwæt
what by strong-minded men would be
swíðferhðum sélest
best,
waére

wið faérgryrum tó
against the sudden horror, to do;
gefremmanne·

hwílum híe 1
sometimes they pledged at holy
gehéton æt 7
temples
hærgtrafum 5

wígweorþunga· word
sacred honouring, in words bid
um baédon

þæt him
that them the demon-slayer would
gástbona géoce
offer succour
gefremede

wið
from the plight of the people; such was
þéodþréaum· swylc
their habit:
wæs þéaw hyra·

haéþenra hyht· helle the hope of heathens; on hell they

**179-189**
gemundon pondered
 1
in módsefan· metod in the depths of their hearts; the
8
híe ne cúþon Creator they did not know,
0

daéda démend· ne the Judge of deeds, they were not

wiston híe drihten god aware of the Lord God,

né híe húru heofena nor yet they the Helm of the

helm herian ne cúþon Heavens were able to honour,

wuldres waldend. Wá Glory's Wielder. Woe be to him who

bið þaém ðe sceal must,

þurh slíðne níð sáwle

through dire terror, thrust his soul
bescúfan

1
in fýres fæþm, frófre
8 into fire's embrace; hope not for relief,
ne wénan,
5

wihte gewendan· wél

or to change at all; well be he who may
bið þaém þe mót

æfter
déaðdæge drihten after death-day seek the Lord
sécean

ond tó fæder
and in his Father's arms yearn towards
fæþmum freoðo
Nirvana.
wilnian.

III

So then over the sorrow of the time the son of

Swá ðá maélceare maga Healfdenes
Half-Dane

19
singála séað· ne mihte snotor hæleð continually brooded; the wise hero could not
0

wéan onwendan· wæs þæt gewin tó

turn away woe; that strife was too strong,
swýð

láþ ond longsum þe on ðá léode

hateful and enduring, that on the people came
becóm,

nýdwracu níþgrim nihtbealwa fearfully cruel, violent trouble, the greatest

maést. night-evil.

Þæt fram hám

gefrægn Higeláces þegn That from home heard Hygelac's thane,

19
gód mid Géatum, Grendles daéda· a good man of the Geats, of Grendel's deeds;
5
sé wæs moncynnes mægenes
he was of mankind of the greatest strength,
strengest

on þaém dæge þysses lífes on that day in this life,

noble and mighty; he ordered them a wave-

æþele ond éacen· hét him ýðlidan
crosser

gódne gegyrwan· cwæð: hé

--a good one-- prepare; he said: the war-king
gúðcyning

20
ofer swanráde sécean wolde over swan-road he wished to seek,
0

maérne þéoden þá him wæs manna that mighty clan-chief, since he was in need of
þearf· men;

ðone síðfæt him snotere ceorlas that adventure him, the clear-headed chaps,

lýt hwón lógon þéah hé him léof very little begrudged though he was dear to
waére them,

hwetton higerófne· haél they urged on the valiant-hearted one, and

scéawedon. observed the omens.

20
Hæfde se góda Géata léoda The worthy one had, from the Geatish peoples,
5

cempan gecorone þára þe hé chosen champions, those who were the boldest
cénoste he

findan mihte· fíftýna sum could find; fifteen together,

sundwudu sóhte· secg wísade they sought the sea-wood, he led the warriors,

that sea-skilled man, to the boundary of the

lagucræftig mon landgemyrcu.
shore.

Fyrst forð gewát· flota wæs on 21

Time passed by; the ship was on the waves,
ýðum 0

bát under beorge· beornas gearwe the boat under the cliffs; the ready warriors

stepped up into the prow --the currents curled

on stefn stigon --stréamas wundon,
round,

sund wið sande-- secgas baéron sea against sand-- the men bore

on bearm nacan beorhte frætwe into the bosom of boat bright arms and armour,

21
gúðsearo geatolíc· guman út scufon noble war-gear; the fellows shoved off,
5

men on a welcome voyage, in a well-braced

weras on wilsíð wudu bundenne.
ship.
Gewát þá ofer waégholm winde Then they went over the water-waves urged by
gefýsed the wind,

flota fámíheals fugle gelícost the foamy-necked floater, remarkably bird-like

oð þæt ymb ántid óþres dógores until in due time, on the second day,

22
wundenstefna gewaden hæfde the curved-prow had made the journey,
0

þæt ða líðende land gesáwon, so that the sailors sighted land,

brimclifu blícan, beorgas stéape bright sea-cliffs, towering shores,

side saénæssas· þá wæs sund liden wide headlands; then was the sea traversed,

éoletes æt ende. Þanon up hraðe their sea-voyage at an end. Thence up quickly

22
Wedera léode on wang stigon· the Wederas-warriors stepped onto land;
5

saéwudu saéldon· syrcan hrysedon moored their vessel; their mail-shirts clanked

gúðgewaédo· gode þancedon those war-garments; they thanked God

þæs þe him ýþláde éaðe wurdon. that for them the wave-paths had been smooth.

Then from the wall saw the ward of the

Þá of wealle geseah weard Scildinga
Scyldings,

23
sé þe holmclifu healdan scolde· he who the sea-cliffs had the duty to guard,
0

borne over the gang-plank, bright bossed-

beran ofer bolcan beorhte randas
shields,

fyrdsearu fúslicu· hine fyrwyt bræc eager war-devices; in him curiosity broke

módgehygdum hwæt þá men the thoughts of his heart: what these men
waéron· were;

gewát him þá tó waroðe wicge rídan then he went to the shore riding his horse,

23
þegn Hróðgáres· þrymmum cwehte the thane of Hrothgar; he forcefully shook
5

mægenwudu his mighty wooden shaft, and with formal

mundum· meþelwordum frægn: words asked:

'Hwæt syndon gé searohæbbendra 'What are you armour-wearers

byrnum werede þe þus brontne céol bound in byrnies, who thus your tall keel

ofer lagustraéte laédan cwómon over the sea-street leading came,

24
hider ofer holmas?' hither over the waters?'
0
Hé wæs endesaéta· aégwearde He was the coast-guardian, he held the sea-
héold watch,

þé on land Dena láðra naénig so that on Danish land no enemies at all

mid scipherge sceðþan ne meahte· with a navy would not be able to ravage.

'Nó hér cúðlícor cuman ongunnon 'Not here more openly began to come

24 lindenwood shield-bearers, nor you the leave-

lindhæbbende né gé léafnesword
5 word

gúðfremmendra gearwe ne wisson of our war-makers certainly don't know

mága gemédu· naéfre ic máran our kinsmen's consent; never have I seen
geseah greater

eorla ofer eorþan ðonne is éower

noble on earth than the one that you are,
sum,

secg on searwum· nis þæt seldguma warrior in armour; this is no a mere retainer

waépnum geweorðad· næfne him 25 made worthy by weapons; unless he is belied by

his wlite léoge, 0 his looks,

aénlic ansýn! Nú ic éower sceal a unique appearance! Now I must your

frumcyn witan aér gé fyr heonan lineage learn, ere you far hence,

léasscéaweras on land Dena deceiving spies in the land of the Danes

furþur féran· Nú gé feorbúend further fare; now you far-dwellers

25
merelíðende mínne gehýrað you sea-sailors, hear my
5

ánfealdne geþóht: ofost is sélest one-fold thought: speed is best

tó gecýðanne hwanan éowre cyme

for reporting, whence your comings are.'
syndon.'

IIII

Him se yldesta andswarode· He the eldest answered,

werodes wísa wordhord onléac: the crew's captain, he unlocked his word-hoard:

'Wé synt gumcynnes Géata 26

'We are of the tribe of the Geat people
léode 0

ond Higeláces heorðgenéatas· and Hygelac's hearth-companions;

wæs mín fæder folcum gecýþed my father was known to the folk,

æþele ordfruma Ecgþéow háten· a noble vanguard-warrior, called Edgetheow,

gebád wintra worn aér hé on

who saw many winters ere he passed away,
weg hwurfe
gamol of geardum· hine gearwe 26
old, from our courtyards; he is readily recalled
geman 5

witena wélhwylc wíde geond by each one of the wise widely throughout the
eorþan. world.

Wé þurh holdne hige hláford

We, by resolute resolve, your lord,
þínne

sunu Healfdenes sécean

the son of Half-Dane have come to seek,
cwómon

léodgebyrgean· wes þú ús lárena that protector of the people; be you a good guide
gód· to us;

habbað wé tó þaém 27
we have, to that grand one, a great errand
maéran micel aérende 0

Deniga fréän· ne sceal þaér

to the Danish lord; there shouldn't some secret
dyrne sum

wesan þæs ic wéne. Þú wást gif

be of this, I think. You know if it is
hit is

swá wé sóþlíce secgan hýrdon as we truly have heard said,

þæt mid Scyldingum sceaðona ic that amongst the Scyldings, some enemy, I know
nát hwylc not what,

déogol daédhata deorcum 27

a furtive despoiler, in dark nights,
nihtum 5

éaweð þurh egsan uncúðne níð sickeningly reveals unknown enmity,

hýnðu ond hráfyl. Ic þæs suffering and slaughter. I can on this matter, to
Hróðgár mæg Hrothgar,

þurh rúmne sefan raéd gelaéran· from a spacious spirit, give counsel,

hú hé fród ond gód, féond

how he, wise and good, overcome the fiend--
oferswýðeþ--

28
gyf him edwendan aéfre scolde if for him a change ever should,
0

from this suffering of miseries to remedy, come

bealuwa bisigu bót eft cuman--
after--

ond þá cearwylmas cólran and his hot wellings of melancholic care grow
wurðaþ cooler;

oððe á syþðan earfoðþráge or else ever after, a time of torment,

þréanýd þolað þenden þaér horrible hardship he will endure, so long as there
wunað remains,
 28
on héahstede húsa sélest.' in its high place, that best of houses.
5

Weard maþelode ðaér on wicge The guard made a speech, sitting there on his
sæt horse,

ombeht unforht: 'AÉghwæþres

--the unhesistating officer: 'He will --every
sceal

scearp scyldwiga gescád witan sharp shield-warrior-- know the distinction

worda ond worca sé þe wél

between words and works, he who reasons rightly.
þenceð.

Ic þæt gehýre· þæt þis is hold 29

I hear it, that this is a legion loyal
weorod 0

fréan Scyldinga· gewítaþ forð

to the lord of the Scyldings; go forth bearing
beran

waépen ond gewaédu· ic éow

weapons and armour; I shall guide you;
wísige·

swylce ic maguþegnas míne háte likewise, I the kin-thanes of mine will order,

wið féonda gehwone flotan

against any foes your vessel,
éowerne

29
níwtyrwydne nacan on sande --newly tarred, ship on the sand--
5

árum healdan oþ ðæt eft byreð to guard in honour, until it bears back,

ofer lagustréamas léofne

over the sea-streams, the dear man,
mannan

wudu wundenhals tó
--the swoop-necked wood -- to Wedermark;
Wedermearce·

gódfremmendra swylcum gifeþe those who perform noble deeds-- to such as these
bið it shall be granted

30
þæt þone hilderaés hál gedígeð.' that the battle-rush he survive in one piece.'
0

Gewiton him þá féran --flota

Then they went faring --the boat at rest awaited,
stille bád·

seomode on sole sidfaéþmed

it rode on the sand the broad-bosomed ship,
scip

on ancre fæst-- eoforlíc scionon on anchor fast-- boar-figures shone

ofer hléorberan gehroden golde· atop cheekguards adorned with gold;

fáh ond fýrheard ferhwearde 30
glittering and fire-hard; life-guard they held;
héold· 5

gúþmód grummon· guman

war-spirits raised; the men hastened,
ónetton·

sigon ætsomne oþ þæt hý marched forward together, until they the timbered
sæltimbred hall,

geatolíc ond goldfáh ongyton

glorious and gold-trimmed, were able to glimpse;
mihton·

þæt wæs
that was the foremost --for earth-dwellers--
foremaérost foldbúendum

receda under roderum on þaém 31

of halls under the heavens, in it the ruler dwelt;
se ríca bád· 0

líxte se léoma ofer landa fela. its light glimmered over many lands.

Then to them the fierce fellow --to that court of

Him þá hildedéor hof módigra
great men

torht getaéhte þæt híe him tó

glorious-- he lead, that they to it could
mihton

gegnum gangan· gúðbeorna sum go directly; the worthy warrior

wicg gewende· word æfter 31

turned his horse, thereupon spoke words:
cwæð: 5

'Maél is mé tó féran. Fæder

'Time it is for me to go. The Father all-ruling,
alwalda

mid árstafum éowic gehealde with grace may He hold you

síða gesunde! Ic tó saé wille sound on your sojourns! I will to the sea,

wið wráð werod wearde

against brutal dacoits keep watch.'
healdan.'

32 The street was paved with stones, the path

Straét wæs stánfáh· stíg wísode
0 guided

gumum ætgædere· gúðbyrne scán the men together; war-byrnie shone

heard hondlocen hringíren scír harsh, linked by hand, ring-iron glittering,

song in searwum· þá híe tó sele they sang in their arms, as they to the hall
furðum straight

in hyra gryregeatwum gangan

in their grim gear came marching;
cwómon·
 32
setton saéméþe síde scyldas they set down, sea-weary, their wide shields,
5

rondas regnhearde wið þæs the rims wondrous-hard against the wall of the
recedes weal· hall,

bugon þá tó bence· byrnan

and bent down then to a bench; corslets rang--
hringdon

gúðsearo gumena· gáras stódon the war-clothes of warriors; spears stood,

saémanna searo samod ætgædere seamen's weapons, all together,

æscholt ufan graég· wæs se 33 silvery above a grove of ash; the iron-clad troop
írenþréat 0 was

waépnum gewurþad· þá ðaér

honoured in weapons; then a proud noble
wlonc hæleð

óretmecgas æfter hæleþum frægn: the elite soldiers asked about the heroes:

'Hwanon ferigeað gé faétte scyldas 'Whence ferry you plated shields,

graége syrcan ond grímhelmas steel-hued shirts of mail and masked-helms,

heresceafta héap? Ic eom 33

this host of army-shafts? I am Hrothgar's
Hróðgáres 5

ár ond ombiht· ne seah ic herald and officer; I have not seen from a foreign
elþéodige land

þus manige men módiglícran· this many men looking braver in spirit;

wén' ic þæt gé for wlenco nalles

I expect that you from valour, not from exile,
for wraécsíðum

ac for higeþrymmum Hróðgár but from greatness of heart have sought out
sóhton.' Hrothgar.'

34
Him þá ellenróf andswarode Then him the renowned one answered
0

wlanc Wedera léod word æfter --that proud prince of the Wedera nation-- spoke
spræc thereafter words,

heard under helme: 'Wé synt

severe beneath his helmet: 'We are Hygelac's
Higeláces

béodgenéatas· Béowulf is mín

companions at table; Beowulf is my name;
nama·

wille ic ásecgan sunu Healfdenes I wish to proclaim to the son of Half-Dane,

34
maérum þéodne min aérende --that famed sovereign-- my errand
5

aldre þínum gif hé ús geunnan wile to your lord, if he wishes to grant us

þæt wé hine swá gódne grétan
that we him, the virtuous one, might greet.'
móton.'

Wulfgár maþelode --þæt wæs Wulfgar began to speak --he was

Wendla léod· the Wendels' leader,

wæs his módsefa manegum

his courage was well-known to many,
gecýðed

wíg ond wísdóm--: 'Ic þæs wine 35 war-skill and wisdom--: 'I this from friend of the
Deniga 0 Danes,

fréan Scildinga frínan wille lord of the Scyldings, will inquire,

béaga bryttan· swá þú béna eart· from the giver of rings, --as you are petitioners--

þéoden maérne ymb þínne síð from that famed sovereign about your quest,

ond þé þá andsware aédre

and to you the answer promptly make known
gecýðan

35
ðe mé se góda ágifan þenceð.' which to me the virtuous one sees fit to give.'
5

Hwearf þá hrædlíce þaér Hróðgár

He turned then quickly to where Hrothgar sat,
sæt

eald ond anhár mid his eorla

old and very grey, amid his company of earls;
gedriht·

éode ellenróf þæt hé for eaxlum he strode grandly so that he stood by the
gestód shoulders

Deniga fréän: cúþe hé duguðe of the Danes' lord: he knew the custom of
þéaw· veteran-warriors;

Wulfgár maðelode tó his 36

Wulfgar made this speech to his friend and lord:
winedrihtne: 0

'Hér syndon geferede feorran

'Here have ventured, come from far away,
cumene

ofer geofenes begang Géata léode· over the expanse of the sea, men of the Geats;

þone yldestan óretmecgas the eldest one of these elite warriors

Béowulf nemnað· hý bénan synt is called Beowulf; they are asking

þæt híe, þéoden min, wið þé 36

that they, my lord, with you might
móton 5

wordum wrixlan· nó ðú him

exchange words; give them not refusal
wearne getéoh

ðínra gegncwida, glædman

from your answers, gracious Hrothgar;
Hróðgár·
hý on wíggetáwum wyrðe þinceað they by their war-gear seem worthy

of the esteem of nobles; indeed, the prince is

eorla geæhtlan· húru se aldor déah
powerful,

sé þaém heaðorincum hider 37

who the warriors led hither.'
wísade.' 0

VI

Hróðgár maþelode helm

Hrothgar spoke, --the Helm of the Scyldings--:
Scyldinga:

'Ic hine cúðe cnihtwesende· 'I knew him when he was a youth;

wæs his ealdfæder Ecgþéo háten his old father was called Ecgtheow,

ðaém tó hám forgeaf Hréþel

to whom gave into his home Hrethel of the Geats
Géata

37
ángan dohtor· is his eaforan nú his only daughter; now his heir is
5

heard hér cumen· sóhte holdne

come here bravely, seeking a steadfast friend.
wine.

Ðonne sægdon þæt saélíþende Further, it has been said by sea-farers,

þá ðe gifsceattas Géata fyredon they who our gifts of coins ferried for the Geats

þyder tó þance· þæt hé þrítiges thither in thanks, that he thirty

manna mægencræft on his 3

men's strength in the grip of his hand,
mundgripe 80

heaþoróf hæbbe· hine hálig god renowned in war, has; him holy God,

for árstafum ús onsende in benevolence, has sent to us,

tó West-Denum· þæs ic wén

to the West-Danes, of this I have hope,
hæbbe·

wið Grendles gryre· ic þaém

against Grendel's terror; I the good man must
gódan sceal

for his módþræce mádmas 3

for his great daring offer precious treasures.
béodan. 85

Béo ðú on ofeste· hát in gáän Be you in haste, order to come in

séon sibbegedriht samod

to see me the noble band of kinsmen all together;
ætgædere·

gesaga him éac wordum þæt híe

Say to them also in words, that they are welcome
sint wilcuman

Deniga léodum.' to the Danish land.'

 Word inne ábéad: A word from within announced:

3 'To you I am commanded to say by my valorous

'Éow hét secgan sigedrihten mín
91 lord,

aldor Éast-Dena þæt hé éower the leader of the East Danes, that he knows your
æþelu can noble history,

ond gé him syndon ofer

and you are to him, over sea-swells,
saéwylmas

heardhicgende hider wilcuman· --bold in thought-- welcome hither;

nú gé móton gangan in éowrum

now you may enter in your war-gear,
gúðgeatáwum

under heregríman Hróðgár 3

under visored-helmets, to see Hrothgar;
geseon· 96

laétað hildebord hér onbidan, let battle-boards here await,

wuduwælsceaftas, worda
and wooden slaughter-shafts, the result of words.'
geþinges.'

Árás þá se ríca, ymb hine rinc Then the mighty one arose, about him many
manig warriors,

þrýðlíc þegna héap· sume þaér

the glorious troop of thanes; some waited there,
bidon·

heaðoréaf héoldon swá him se 4

guarding the gear of war as the hardy leader bade;
hearda bebéad· 01

snyredon ætsomne· þá secg they hurried together; the hero led the way for
wísode them

under Heorotes hróf· under Heorot's roof,

heard under helme þæt hé on

severe under his helmet, until he stood in the hall.
héoðe gestód.

Béowulf maðelode --on him

Beowulf spoke --on him a mail-coat gleamed,
byrne scán

searonet seowed smiþes 4

a net of armour woven by smith's skilful art--:
orþancum--: 06

'Wæs þú, Hróðgár, hál. Ic eom

'Be you, Hrothgar, whole. I am Hygelace's
Higeláces

maég ond magoðegn· hæbbe ic

kinsman and retainer; I have many great labours
maérða fela

ongunnen on geogoþe· mé undertaken in my youth; Grendel's enterprises

wearð Grendles þing have to me become,
on mínre éþeltyrf undyrne cúð: on my native soil, clearly known:

secgað saélíðend þæt þæs sele 4

it is said by sea-farers that in this hall stands,
stande 11

reced sélesta rinca gehwylcum --the best of buildings-- for each and every man,

ídel ond unnyt siððan aéfenléoht idle and useless, after evening-light

under heofenes hádor beholen

under the firmament of heaven goes to hide.
weorþeð.

Þá mé þæt gelaérdon léode

Then I was advised that, by my people,
míne

4
þá sélestan snotere ceorlas, the best ones, the clever chaps,
16

þéoden Hróðgár, þæt ic þé sóhte sovereign Hrothgar, that it were thee I should seek,

for þan híe mægenes cræft míne for that they the force of the strength of mine
cúþon· knew;

selfe ofersáwon ðá ic of themselves had looked on, when I returned from

searwum cwóm battle,

fáh from féondum þaér ic fífe

stained with the blood of foes, where I bound five,
geband·

ýðde eotena cyn ond on ýðum 4

destroyed ogrish kin, and amid the waves slew
slóg 21

niceras nihtes· nearoþearfe nicors by night; I weathered distress in many a

dréah· tight corner,

wræc Wedera níð --wéan avenged injury done the Wederas --they sought
áhsodon-- woe--

forgrand gramum ond nú wið the foes I crushed, and now against Grendel I am
Grendel sceal bound,

wið þám áglaécan ána gehégan with that terrible creature, alone, to settle

4
ðing wið þyrse. Ic þé nú ðá, the affair with the troll. I now then you,
26

brego Beorht-Dena, biddan wille, prince of the Bright-Danes, want to request,

eodor Scyldinga, ánre béne: O protector of the Scyldings, one boon:

þæt ðú mé ne
that you not refuse me, O shield of warriors,
forwyrne, wígendra hléo

fréowine folca, nú ic þus feorran liege and comrade of the folk, now that I have
cóm· come thus far;
þæt ic móte ána, mínra eorla 4
that I might alone, with my company of nobles
gedryht 31

ond þes hearda héap, Heorot

and this hardy horde of warriors, clense Heorot;
faélsian·

hæbbe ic éac ge-áhsod þæt sé

I have also heard that the evil creature
aéglaéca

for his wonhýdum waépna ne

in his recklessness heeds not weapons;
recceð·

ic þæt þonne forhicge --swá mé

then I it scorn --so that for me Hygelac may be
Higelác síe

4
mín mondrihten módes blíðe-- my liege-lord blithe in his heart--
36

þæt ic sweord bere oþðe sídne

that I bear a sword or broad shield,
scyld

geolorand tó gúþe ac ic mid

yellow-rim to war, but I with my grip shall
grápe sceal

fón wið féonde ond ymb feorh

fight with this fiend and over life strive,
sacan,

láð wið láþum· ðaér gelýfan

enemy against enemy; there must trust in
sceal

dryhtnes dóme sé þe hine déað 4 the judgement of the Lord, whichever one that
nimeð· 41 Death takes;

wén' ic þæt hé wille gif hé

I expect that he will wish, if he can compass it,
wealdan mót

in þaém gúðsele Géotena léode in the war-hall, the Geatish people

etan unforhte swá hé oft dyde, to devour fearlessly, as he often did,

mægenhréð manna. Ná þú the force of glorious warriors. You will have no

mínne þearft need for my

hafalan hýdan ac hé mé habban 4

head to shroud, but rather he will have me
wile 46

déore fahne gif mec déað nimeð fiercely stained with gore, if me Death takes,

byreð blódig wæl· byrgean

he will bear my bloody corpse; he aims to bite,
þenceð·

eteð ángenga unmurnlíce· the lone prowler eats unmournfully,

mearcað mórhopu· nó ðú ymb marking the limits of his moor enclosures; nor will
mínes ne þearft you for the needs of my
 4 body's funeral-provisions have any further
líces feorme leng sorgian.
51 concern.

Onsend Higeláce gif mec hild

Send to Hygelac, if I am taken by battle,
nime

beaduscrúda betst þæt míne the best of battle-shrouds, the one that protects
bréost wereð, my breast,

hrægla sélest· þæt is Hraédlan

choicest of garments; that is Hrethel's relic,
láf

Wélandes geweorc. Gaéð á wyrd

Wayland's work. Fate goes always as She must.'
swá hío scel.'

VII

45
Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga: Hrothgar spoke, the helm of the Scyldings:
6

'Fére fyhtum, þú, wine mín

'Fit to fight, you, my friend Beowulf,
Béowulf,

ond for árstafum úsic sóhtest. and for honour us have sought.

Geslóh þín fæder faéhðe maéste: Your father by striking began the greatest feud:

wearþ hé Heaþoláfe tó handbonan he was Heatholaf's slayer by his own hand

46
mid Wilfingum· ðá hine gára cyn of the Wylfings; then him his spear-kin
1

for herebrógan habban ne mihte· for dread of troops could not shelter;

þanon hé gesóhte Súð-Dena folc thence he sought the South-Danes' folk

over the welling of the waves, the Honour-

ofer ýða gewealc, Ár-Scyldinga·
Scyldings;

at that time I had just begun to rule the Danish

ðá ic furþum wéold folce Deninga
folk

46
ond on geogoðe héold gimmeríce and in my youth held the precious kingdom,
6

hordburh hæleþa· ðá wæs Heregár the treasure-keep of heroes; then was Heregar
déad dead,

mín yldra maég unlifigende my elder brother unliving,

bearn Healfdenes· sé wæs betera

the son of Half-Dane; he was better than I.
ðonne ic.

Siððan þá faéhðe féo þingode· Then the feud I settled with fees;

sende ic Wylfingum ofer wæteres 47

I sent the Wylfings across the water's ridge
hrycg 1
ealde mádmas· hé mé áþas swór. ancient treasures; he swore oaths to me.

Sorh is mé tó secganne on sefan

It sorrows me to say in my heart
mínum

gumena aéngum hwæt mé

to any man Grendel has caused me what
Grendel hafað

hýnðo on Heorote mid his humiliations in Heorot with his thoughts of

heteþancum hatred,

faérníða gefremed· is mín 47 carried out lightning-quick attacks; my hall-troop

fletwerod 6 is

wíghéap gewanod· híe wyrd waned, that war-band; they have been swept
forswéop aside by Fate

on Grendles gryre· god éaþe mæg in Grendel's horrid violence; God can easily

þone dolsceaðan daéda

the rash ravager's deeds put an end to.
getwaéfan.

Ful oft gebéotedon béore druncne Full oft have vowed, having drunk beer,

48
ofer ealowaége óretmecgas over ale-flagons, battle-men,
1

þæt híe in béorsele bídan woldon that they in the beer-hall would await

Grendles gúþe mid gryrum ecga. Grendel's onslaught with vicious edges.

Ðonne wæs þéos medoheal on

Then, this mead-hall was in the morning
morgentíd

drihtsele dréorfáh þonne dæg this noble hall stained with gore when the day
lixte, lightened,

48
eal bencþelu blóde bestýmed all of the benches smeared with blood
6

heall heoru-dréore· áhte ic holdra

the hall battle-gory; I had friends the fewer,
þý laés,

cherished old battle-retinue, for these Death

déorre duguðe þé þá déað fornam.
took them away.

Site nú tó symle ond onsaél meoto Sit now to feast and untie your thoughts

sigehréð secgum swá þín sefa of your glorious victories to the soldiers, as your
hwette.' heart urges.'

Þá wæs Géatmæcgum geador 49

Then the Geatish men were gathered together
ætsomne 1

on béorsele benc gerýmed in the beer-hall, room was made on a bench,

þaér swíðferhþe sittan éodon there the strong-souled went to sit down,
þrýðum dealle þegn nytte behéold proud in prowess a thane performed his office,

sé þe on handa bær hroden

he who in his hands bore an ornate ale-cup,
ealowaége

scencte scír wered· scop hwílum 49 decanted pure sweet mead; a bard sang from
sang 6 time to time

hádor on Heorote· þaér wæs

clear in Heorot; there was joy of heroes,
hæleða dréam,

duguð unlýtel Dena ond Wedera. no small host of Danes and Wederas.

VIII

Hunferð maþelode Ecgláfes bearn Unferth spoke, the son of Edgelaf, **499-606**

þe æt fótum sæt fréan Scyldinga· who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings;

onband beadurúne --wæs him 50 he unbound battle-runes --for him was the venture
Béowulfes síð 1 of Beowulf,

módges merefaran micel æfþunca brave seafarer's, a source of great displeasure,

forþon þe hé ne úþe þæt aénig

because he did not grant that any other man
óðer man

aéfre maérða þon

ever glorious deeds the more on middle-earth
má middangeardes

gehédde under heofenum þonne

heeded under the heavens than he himself--:
hé sylfa--:

'Eart þú sé Béowulf sé þe wið 50 'Are you the Beowulf, who contested **506-
Brecan wunne 6 against Breca 81**

on the broad sea, contended around the ocean-

on sídne saé ymb sund flite?
sound?

Ðaér git for wlence wada

Where you for bravado tempted the waters
cunnedon

ond for dolgilpe on déop wæter and for a foolish boast in deep sea

aldrum néþdon né inc aénig mon risked your lives, you no man

51
né léof né láð beléan mihte --neither friend nor foe-- could dissuade
1

from that sorrowful jaunt, when you rowed into the

sorhfullne síð þa git on sund réön·
strait;

þaér git éagorstréam earmum

there you sea-currents in your arms embraced,
þehton·

maéton merestraéta mundum

traversed the ocean-roads, with hands wove,
brugdon·
glidon ofer gársecg· geofon ýþum gliding over the sea; the ocean in waves

wéol wintrys wylm· git on 51

welled, in winter's swells; you in the water's grasp
wæteres aéht 6

seofon niht swuncon· hé þé æt toiled for seven nights; he got the better of you on
sunde oferflát· the sea,

hæfde máre mægen. Þá hine on

he had more might. Then he in the morning
morgentíd

on Heaþo-Raémes holm up
on Heatho-Reams' shore was cast up by the sea;
ætbær·

ðonon hé gesóhte swaésne éðel, thence he sought his own homeland,

52
léof his léodum, lond Brondinga dear to his people, the land of the Brondings,
1

freoðoburh fægere þaér hé folc

the fair citadel, he had folk there,
áhte

burh ond béagas· béot eal wið þé boroughs and rings; the entire boast with you

sunu Béanstánes sóðe gelaéste. the son of Beanstan truly fulfilled.

Ðonne wéne ic tó þé wyrsan

I expect then for you worse results,
geþingea

ðéah þú heaðoraésa gehwaér 52

though you in war-assaults everywhere prevailed,
dohte 6

grimre gúðe gif þú Grendles dearst grim combat, if you for Grendel dare

nihtlongne fyrst néän bídan.' the space of a night nearby wait.'

Béowulf maþelode bearn

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgþéowes:

'Hwæt, þú worn fela, wine mín

'Listen, you a great deal --Unferth, my friend,
Hunferð,

béore druncen ymb Brecan 53

drunk on beer-- have spoken about Breca,
spraéce· 1

sægdest from his síðe. Sóð ic

told of his journey. Truth I claim
talige

þæt ic merestrengo máran áhte that I sea-strength greater had,

earfeþo on ýþum ðonne aénig

hardship on the waves, than any other man;
óþer man·

wit þæt gecwaédon cnihtwesende we had it agreed, being lads,

ond gebéotedon --waéron bégen 53

and vowed --being both then still
þá git 6
on geogoðféore-- þæt wit on
in the years of youth-- that we out on the ocean
gársecg út

aldrum néðdon ond þæt

our lives would risk, and thus that we did.
geæfndon swá.

Hæfdon swurd nacod þá wit on We had naked swords when we rowed on the
sund réön ocean-sound,

heard on handa: wit unc wið

hard in our hands: we ourselves against whales
hronfixas

werian þóhton· nó hé wiht fram 54

planned to defend; not a whit from me was he
mé 1

flódýþum feor fléotan meahte on the sea-waves far able to float,

hraþor on holme· nó ic fram him

swifter on water, nor did I wish to part from him;
wolde·

ðá wit ætsomne on saé waéron then we together were on the sea,

fíf nihta fyrst oþ þæt unc flód for the space of five nights, until the sea-waves
tódráf drove us apart,

54
wado weallende wedera cealdost the water welling, the coldest of weathers,
6

nípende niht ond norþanwind the darkening night and the north wind

heaðogrim ondhwearf· hréo

fierce turned against us; wild were the waves;
waéron ýþa·

wæs merefixa mód onhréred· then was the sea-fishes' wrath roused;

þaér mé wið láðum lícsyrce mín there me against foes my body-shirt

heard hondlocen helpe 55

strong and hand-linked, did me help,
gefremede· 1

beadohrægl bróden on bréostum

my battle-garment braided lay on my breast,
læg

golde gegyrwed· mé tó grunde adorned with gold; to the bottom of the sea I was
téah drawn

fáh féondscaða· fæste hæfde by the hostile foe-scather, it held me fast,

grim on grápe· hwæþre mé gyfeþe

cruel in grip; however, to it was granted
wearð

55
þæt ic áglaécan orde geraéhte that I the monster reached with my point,
6

hildebille· heaþoraés fornam with battle-bill; in the battle-rush I destroyed

mihtig meredéor þurh míne hand. the mighty sea-beast with my hand.
VIIII

Swá mec gelóme láðgetéonan Thus me often hateful attackers

þréatedon þearle· ic him þénode pressed sorely; I served them

déoran sweorde swá hit gedéfe 5

with my dear sword, as it was fitting;
wæs· 61

næs híe ðaére fylle geféan hæfdon they the feast did not have rejoicing,

those perpetrators of crime, that they partook of

mánfordaédlan þæt híe mé þégon·
me,

symbel ymbsaéton saégrunde néah sitting round a banquet near the sea-bed

ac on mergenne mécum wunde but in the morning by maiche-swords wounded,

5
be ýðláfe uppe laégon along what is left by the waves up they lay
66

sweordum áswefede þæt syðþan

put to sleep by swords, so that never since
ná

ymb brontne ford brimlíðende on the high waterway sea-travellers

láde ne letton. Léoht éastan cóm way did not hinder. Light came from the east,

beorht béacen godes· brimu

bright beacon of God, the sea became still,
swaþredon

5
þæt ic saénæssas geséon mihte so that I the headlands was able to see,
71

windige weallas. Wyrd oft nereð windswept walls. Fate often spares

unfaégne eorl þonne his ellen the hero not fated to die when his courage
déah. endures.

Hwæþere mé gesaélde þæt ic mid However it was my good fortune that I with my
sweorde ofslóh sword slew

niceras nigene· nó ic on niht

nine of the nicors; I have not heard by night
gefrægn

under heofones hwealf heardran 5

under heaven's vault of a more grievous fight,
feohtan 76

né on égstréamum earmran nor on the water-streams of a more wretched

mannon· man;

hwaþere ic fára feng féore gedígde yet I the foes' grasp survived with my life,

siþes wérig· ðá mec saé oþbær weary from my venture; then the sea bore me off

flód æfter faroðe on Finna land flood following current onto the land of the Lapps,
wudu weallendu. Nó ic wiht fram 5
the tossing boat. Not a whit of thee
þé 81

swylcra searoníða secgan hýrde in such strife of conflict have I heard told,

billa brógan· Breca naéfre gít of bill-blade terror; Breca never yet

æt heaðoláce né gehwæþer incer at battle-play, nor either of you,

swá déorlíce daéd gefremede so boldly performed a deed

fágum sweordum --nó ic þæs gylpe- 5

with bright swords --I do not boast of this--
- 86

þéah ðú þínum bróðrum tó banan

nevertheless, you your brothers' killer were,
wurde

héafodmaégum· þæs þú in helle

near relatives; for that you must with Hel
scealt

werhðo dreogan þéah þín wit duge· suffer torment, though your mind is strong;

secge ic þé to sóðe, sunu Ecgláfes, I say to you in truth, son of Edgelaf,

þæt naéfre Grendel swá fela gryra 5 that Grendel would have never so many atrocities
gefremede 91 committed,

atol aéglaéca ealdre þínum, --that terrible demon-- to your leader,

hýnðo on Heorote gif þín hige

humiliation on Heorot, if your heart were,
waére

sefa swá searogrim swá þú self

and your spirit so battle-fierce as you yourself tell
talast

ac hé hafað onfunden þæt hé þá

but he has found that the fight he needs not,
faéhðe ne þearf

5
atole ecgþræce éower léode that terrible storm of sword-edges of your nation,
96

swíðe onsittan Sige-Scyldinga· greatly to dread, of the Victory-Scyldings;

nymeð nýdbáde· naénegum árað he takes a forced toll, spares none

léode Deniga ac hé lust wigeð· of the Danish people, but he carries on his delight,

swefeð ond sendeþ· secce ne slaying and despatching, he does not expect
wéneþ contest

tó Gár-Denum. Ac ic him Géata 6

from the Spear-Danes. But I shall him the Geats'
sceal 01

eafoð ond ellen ungeára nú might and courage, before long now,

gúþe gebéodan· gaéþ eft, sé þe

offer in war; a man will be able to go back,
mót
tó medo módig siþþan
to mead bravely, when the morning-light
morgenléoht

ofer ylda bearn óþres dógores over the sons of men of another day,

6
sunne sweglwered súþan scíneð.' the sun clad in radiance, shines from the south.'
06

Þá wæs on sálum sinces brytta Then was joyful the dispenser of treasures,

gamolfeax ond gúðróf géoce with wizened hair and brave in battle for support
gelýfde he trusted

brego Beorht-Dena gehýrde on

the lord of the Bright-Danes heard in Beowulf
Béowulfe

folces hyrde fæstraédne geþóht· the guardian of the folk, firmly-resolved intent;

ðaér wæs hæleþa hleahtor· hlyn 6 There was the laughter of heroes, the noise made
swynsode· 11 melody,

word waéron wynsume. Éode

words were joyful. Wealhtheow came forth,
Wealhþéow forð

cwén Hróðgáres cynna gemyndig Hrothgar's queen, mindful of etiquette,

grétte goldhroden guman on healle greeted, gold-adorned, the men in the hall

ond þá fréolíc wíf ful gesealde and then the noble lady gave out full cups,

6
aérest Éast-Dena éþelwearde· first to the East-Danes homeland-guardian,
16

bæd hine blíðne æt þaére

bade him be blithe at the partaking of beer,
béorþege

léodum léofne· hé on lust geþeah beloved by the people; he took in delight

symbel ond seleful sigeróf kyning· feast-food and hall-cup, the victorious king;

then she went among them, the lady of

ymb-éode þá ides Helminga
the Helmings,

duguþe ond geogoþe daél 6

to veteran and youth a portion to each,
aéghwylcne· 21

sincfato sealde oþ þæt saél álamp gave rich cups, until the time came

þæt hío Béowulfe, béaghroden

that she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen,
cwén

móde geþungen medoful ætbær· blossoming in spirit, carried a mead-cup;

grétte Géata léod· gode þancode she greeted the Geatish prince, thanked God,

wísfæst wordum þæs ðe hire se 6 wise in her words, for that her wish was to be
willa gelamp 26 fulfilled,
þæt héo on aénigne eorl gelýfde that she in any noble man could count on

fyrena frófre. Hé þæt ful geþeah relief from wickedness. He took that full-cup,

wælréow wiga æt Wealhþéön the slaughter-fierce warrior from Wealhtheow,

ond þá gyddode gúþe gefýsed· and then spoke solemnly, made eager for war;

Béowulf maþelode bearn 6

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgþéowes: 31

'Ic þæt hogode· þá ic on holm

'I resolved that, when I mounted the water,
gestáh·

saébát gesæt mid mínra secga sat down in the sea-boat amid my company of
gedriht· warriors,

þaét ic ánunga éowra léoda that I forthwith your people's

willan geworhte oþðe on wæl

will would work, or fall in slaughter,
crunge

féondgrápum fæst· ic gefremman 6

fast in the fiend's grasp; I must perform
sceal 36

eorlíc ellen oþðe endedæg this daring act of courage or the last day

on þisse meoduhealle mínne

in this mead-hall of mine await.'
gebídan.'

Ðám wífe þá word wél lícodon The woman these words liked well,

gilpcwide Géates· éode goldhroden the vow-speech of the Geat; went gold-adorned,

fréolicu folccwén tó hire fréan 6

the noble queen of the folk, to sit by her lord.
sittan. 41

Þá wæs eft swá aér inne on healle Then were again, as before, in the hall,

þrýðword sprecen, ðéod on

bold words spoken, the people full of joy,
saélum,

sigefolca swég oþ þæt semninga --victory-folk's clamour-- until presently

sunu Healfdenes sécean wolde the son of Half-Dane wished to seek

6
aéfenræste· wiste þaém áhlaécan evening-rest; he knew that the ogre
46

tó þaém héahsele hilde geþinged for the high hall had plotted an attack,

siððan híe sunnan léoht geséon

ever since when they the sun's light could see;
meahton

oþðe nípende niht ofer ealle and darkening night all over,
scaduhelma gesceapu scríðan
shadow-helm's shapes came slithering,
cwóman

wan under wolcnum. Werod eall 6

black beneath the skies. The troop all arose;
árás· 51

gegrétte þá guma guman óþerne greeted then the man the other man,

Hróðgár Béowulf ond him haél

Hrothgar Beowulf, and bid him health,
ábéad

wínærnes geweald ond þæt word

the wine-hall's ruler, and spoke these words:
ácwæð:

'Naéfre ic aénegum men aér álýfde· 'I never to any man before entrusted,

siþðan ic hond ond rond hebban 6

since I hand and shield was able to raise,
mihte· 56

ðrýþærn Dena búton þé nú ðá· this strong-hall of the Danes, save to thee now;

hafa nú ond geheald húsa sélest· have now and hold this best of houses,

gemyne maérþo· mægenellen cýð· focus on glory, show great valour,

waca wið wráþum· ne bið þé wilna keep watch against the enemy; there shall be no
gád dearth of your desires

gif þú þæt ellenweorc aldre 6

if this courage-work you survive with your life.'
gedígest.' 61

Ðá him Hróþgár gewát mid his

Then Hrothgar went with his band of heroes,
hæleþa gedryht

eodur Scyldinga út of healle· the protector of the Scyldings, out of the hall;

wolde wígfruma Wealhþéo sécan he wished to seek Wealhtheow,

cwén tó gebeddan· hæfde the queen as companion in bed; the glory of

kyningwuldor kings had,

Grendle tógéanes· swá guman 6

against Grendel, --so men heard--
gefrungon· 66

seleweard áseted: sundornytte

the hall-guard posted: special duty he held
behéold

ymb aldor Dena· eotonweard'

for the chief of the Danes, ogre-watch he kept.
ábéad.

Húru Géata léod georne trúwode Indeed the prince of the Geats keenly trusted

módgan mægnes, metodes hyldo in his prodigious power, his Maker's favour,
 6
ðá hé him of dyde ísernbyrnan then he from himself took iron-byrnie,
71

helm of hafelan· sealde his hyrsted

helm from head, gave his adorned sword,
sweord

írena cyst ombihtþegne the choicest of irons, to his retainer,

ond gehealdan hét hildegeatwe· and commanded him ward his battle-gear;

gespræc þá se góda gylpworda sum the good man spoke then some promise-words,

6
Béowulf Géata aér hé on bed stige: Beowulf of the Geats, before he stepped into bed:
76

'Nó ic mé an herewæsmun hnágran

'I myself in martial-stature do not tally poorer
talige

gúþgeweorca þonne Grendel hine· in works of war then Grendel himself;

forþan ic hine sweorde swebban

therefore him with my sword I shall not slay,
nelle,

aldre benéotan þéah ic eal mæge· deprive of life, though I fully am able;

nát hé þára góda þæt hé mé 6 he knows not the finer skills that he may strike me
ongéan sléä· 81 back,

rand gehéawe þéah ðe hé róf síe hew my rimmed-shield, although he is renowned

níþgeweorca ac wit on niht sculon for malicious works but we at night must

secge ofersittan gif hé gesécean

relinquish short sword if he dares to seek
dear

wíg ofer waépen ond siþðan wítig

war without weapons, and then wise God,
god

on swá hwæþere hond hálig 6

on whichever hand, the holy Lord
dryhten 86

maérðo déme swá him gemet

will allot glory, as seems fitting to Him.'
þince.'

Hylde hine þá heaþodéor -- The war-bold one then bent himself down --
hléorbolster onféng the cheek-bolster received

eorles andwlitan-- ond hine ymb

the earl's face-- and round him many
monig

snellíc saérinc selereste gebéah· brave seaman sank down in hall-slumber;

naénig heora þóhte þæt hé þanon 6

none of them thought that he thence would
scolde 91

eft eardlufan aéfre gesécean his dear home again ever visit,
folc oþðe fréoburh þaér hé áféded
his folk or his noble citadel, where he was nurtured
wæs

ac híe hæfdon gefrúnen þæt híe for they had heard that far too many of them
aér tó fela micles already

in þaém wínsele wældéað fornam in that wine-hall slaughtering Death had carried off

Denigea léode. Ac him dryhten 6 of the Danish people. But to them the Lord
forgeaf 96 granted

the woven-destiny of war-luck to the Wederas'

wígspéda gewiofu Wedera léodum
men,

frófor ond fultum þæt híe féond

solace and support, that they their foe,
heora

ðurh ánes cræft ealle ofercómon through the strength of one, all overcame,

selfes mihtum· sóð is gecýþed, by his own might; truth is known

7
þæt mihtig god manna cynnes that mighty God mankind
01

weold wídeferhð. Cóm on wanre

has ruled forever. In the colourless night came
niht

scríðan sceadugenga· scéotend slinking the shadow- **703-

swaéfon wanderer; the shooters slept, 60**

þá þæt hornreced healdan scoldon they that the horned-house were obliged to guard,

ealle búton ánum --þæt wæs yldum

all but one --it was known to men
cúþ

7 that they could not, when the Maker did not wish
þæt híe ne móste· þá metod nolde·
06 it,

se synscaþa under sceadu bregdan-

by the malefactor be drawn under the shadows--
-

ac hé wæccende wráþum on andan but he watching in angry indignation

bád bolgenmód beadwa geþinges. bided in rising rage for the result of battle.

XI

Ðá cóm of móre under

Then came from the moor under the misty cliffs
misthleoþum

7
Grendel gongan· godes yrre bær· Grendel walking, God's wrath he bore;
11

mynte se mánscaða manna

the vile ravager meant from mankind
cynnes
sumne besyrwan in sele þám
a sample to snare in the high hall;
héan·

wód under wolcnum tó þæs þe

he waded under the clouds until he the wine-hall,
hé wínreced

goldsele gumena gearwost wisse --the gold-hall of men-- mostly-certainly saw,

faéttum fáhne· ne wæs þæt 71

shining gold; it was not the first time
forma síð 6

þæt hé Hróþgáres hám gesóhte· that he Hrothgar's home had sought;

naéfre hé on aldordagum aér ne

he never in the days of his life, ere nor after,
siþðan

heardran haéle healðegnas fand. harder luck or hall-thanes found.

Cóm þá to recede rinc síðian He came then to the hall the fighter journeying,

dréamum bedaéled· duru sóna 7

cut-off from merriment; the door soon rushed open,
onarn 21

fýrbendum fæst syþðan hé hire firm with fire-forged bands, when he tapped it with
folmum æthrán his hands

onbraéd þá bealohýdig ðá hé plotting evil then he tore open, now that he was
gebolgen wæs, enraged,

recedes múþan· raþe æfter þon the mouth of the building; straight after that

on fágne flór féond treddode· on the tessellated floor the fiend treaded,

éode yrremód· him of éagum 7

advanced angrily; from his eyes issued,
stód 26

ligge gelícost léoht unfaéger· most like a flame, a distorted light;

geseah hé in recede rinca manige he saw in the hall many warriors

swefan sibbegedriht samod

a sleeping company of kinsmen gathered together
ætgædere

magorinca héap. Þá his mód

a great host of warriors. Then his heart laughed:
áhlóg:

mynte þæt hé gedaélde aér þon 7

he intended to deprive, ere the day came,
dæg cwóme 31

atol áglaéca ánra gehwylces the cruel beast, from each one

líf wið líce þá him álumpen wæs life from body, now had befallen him

wistfylle wén. Ne wæs þæt wyrd

a hope of a full feast. It was not his fate again
þá gén

þæt hé má móste manna cynnes that he might more of mankind

ðicgean ofer þá niht· þrýðswýð 7
partake of after that night; the mighty man beheld,
behéold 36

maég Higeláces hú se mánscaða the kinsman of Hygelac, how the cruel killer

under faérgripum gefaran wolde. by means of a sudden attack wished to proceed.

Né þæt se áglaéca yldan þóhte That the monster did not think to delay,

ac hé geféng hraðe forman síðe but he quickly grasped, at the first occasion,

7
slaépendne rinc slát unwearnum· a sleeping warrior, rended without restraint,
41

bát bánlocan· blód édrum dranc· bit into the bone-locks, from the veins drank blood,

synsnaédum swealh· sóna hæfde swallowed great chunks; soon he had

unlyfigendes ealgefeormod the unliving one all devoured,

fét ond folma· forð néar ætstóp· feet and hands; nearer he stepped forth,

7
nam þá mid handa higeþíhtigne taking then with his hands a stout-hearted
46

rinc on ræste· raéhte ongéan warrior from his rest, reached towards him

féond mid folme· hé onféng

the foe with his palm; quickly he grasped
hraþe

inwitþancum ond wið earm

the malice thoughts and clamped down on the arm.
gesæt.

Sóna þæt onfunde fyrena hyrde· At once he found, the shepherd of atrocities,

7
þæt hé ne métte middangeardes that he had not met in middle-earth,
51

eorþan scéatta on elran men in the expanse of the world, in another man

mundgripe máran· hé on móde

a greater hand-grip; he in his heart grew
wearð

forht on ferhðe· nó þý aér fram

fearing for life; none the sooner could he away;
meahte·

hyge wæs him hinfús· wolde on eager-to-go-hence was the thought in him, he
heolster fléon, wanted to flee into the darkness,

sécan déofla gedræg· ne wæs his 7 to seek the devils' concourse; his situation there was
drohtoð þaér 56 not

swylce hé on ealderdagum aér

like he in the days of his life ever had met.
gemétte.

Gemunde þá se góda maég

The good man then recalled, the kinsman of Hygelac,
Higeláces
aéfenspraéce· uplang ástód his evening-speech; upright he stood

ond him fæste wiðféng· fingras

and laid hold of him tight; fingers burst;
burston·

eoten wæs útweard· eorl furþur 7 the troll was striving to move outward, the earl
stóp. 61 stepped forward.

Mynte se maéra hwaér hé

The infamous one meant, anywhere he so was able,
meahte swá

wídre gewindan ond on weg

farther escape and away thence
þanon

fléon on fenhopu· wiste his fingra flee to his secret places in the fen; he knew his
geweald fingers' control

on grames grápum· þæt he wæs

in his enemy's grip, that was a bitter journey he
géocorsíð

þæt sé hearmscaþa to Heorute 7

that the harm-warrior had taken to Heorot.
átéah. 66

Dryhtsele dynede· Denum eallum

The noble hall broke into a din; the Danes all were,
wearð

ceasterbúendum cénra
--the citadel-dwellers-- each of the bold,
gehwylcum

eorlum ealuscerwen· yrre waéron

earls in the flood of bitter drink; enraged were both
bégen

réþe renweardas· reced

fierce hall-wards; the hall resounded.
hlynsode.

Þá wæs wundor micel þæt se 7

Then it was a great wonder that the wine-hall
wínsele 71

wiðhæfde heaþodéorum· þæt hé withstood the war-fighters, that it did not fall to the
on hrúsan ne féol ground,

faéger foldbold ac hé þæs fæste

the fair mansion but it so firm was
wæs

innan ond útan írenbendum inside and out with iron-bands

searoþoncum besmiþod· þaér

skilfully smithed; there from the floor broke away
fram sylle ábéag

7
medubenc monig míne gefraége many mead-benches, I heard,
76

golde geregnad þaér þá graman

adorned with gold, where the enemies struggled;
wunnon·
þæs ne wéndon aér witan it was not thought before, by the sages of the
Scyldinga· Scyldings,

þæt hit á mid gemete manna

that it ever by means any men
aénig

betlíc ond bánfág tóbrecan

splendid and bone-adorned, could break it up,
meahte,

7
listum tólúcan nymþe líges fæþm cleverly cleave asunder, not unless fire's embrace
81

swulge on swaþule. Swég up

swallowed it in inferno. Sound ascended up,
ástág

níwe geneahhe· Norð-Denum

new, nearby: the North-Danes stood
stód

atelíc egesa ánra gehwylcum in ghastly horror, in each one of

þára þe of wealle wóp gehýrdon, them who from the wall weeping heard,

7
gryreléoð galan godes andsacan terrible screaming, God's adversary,
86

sigeléasne sang, sár wánigean a victoryless song, bewailing his wound,

helle hæfton· héold hine fæste Hel's prisoner; he held him fast,

sé þe manna wæs mægene

he who was of men in might strongest
strengest

on þaém dæge þysses lífes. on that day in this life.

XII

Nolde eorla hléo aénige 79 The protector of earls had no wish for any
þinga 1 reason

þone cwealmcuman cwicne

the murderous guest to release alive,
forlaétan

né his lífdagas léoda aénigum nor his life-days to any people

nytte tealde. Þær genehost brægd counted as advantage. There many brandished

eorl Béowulfes ealde láfe· warriors of Beowulf, old heirlooms,

79
wolde fréadrihtnes feorh ealgian they wished prince-lord's life defend,
6

maéres þéodnes ðaér híe meahton

the legendary leader's, if they could do so;
swá·

híe þæt ne wiston þá híe gewin they did not know that, when they joined the
drugon fray,
heardhicgende hildemecgas the bold-minded battle-men,

ond on healfa gehwone héawan

and on each side thought to heaw,
þóhton,

80
sáwle sécan: þone synscaðan to seek the soul: that the sin-scather
1

aénig ofer eorþan írenna cyst any on earth, of the choicest of irons,

gúðbilla nán grétan nolde of war-bills, none, could not at all greet him

ac hé sigewaépnum forsworen
but he victory-weapons had forsworn,
hæfde

ecga gehwylcre. Scolde his

every blade-edge. His life-severing was bound to
aldorgedál

80
on ðaém dæge þysses lífes on that day in this life
6

earmlíc wurðan ond se ellorgást be wretched, and the alien-spirit

into the administration of fiends would journey

on féonda geweald feor síðian·
far away;

ðá þæt onfunde sé þe fela aéror then he found, he who before many,

módes myrðe manna cynne miseries in his mind, on mankind

fyrene gefremede --he, fág wið 81 atrocities committed --he, who fought with God-
god-- 1 -

þæt him se líchoma laéstan nolde that him his body-shell would not obey,

ac hine se módega maég Hygeláces but him the daring kinsman of Hygelac

hæfde be honda· wæs gehwæþer

had by the hand; each was by the other
óðrum

lifigende láð· lícsár gebád loathed while living; body-pain he felt,

81
atol aéglaéca· him on eaxle wearð the awful ogre; on his shoulder was
6

syndolh sweotol· seonowe

a great wound apparent, sinows sprang asunder,
onsprungon·

burston bánlocan· Béowulfe wearð bone-locks burst; to Beowulf was

gúðhréð gyfeþe· scolde Grendel

war-glory given; thence Grendel had to
þonan

feorhséoc fléön under fenhleoðu, flee sick unto death under the hills of the fen,

sécean wynléas wíc· wiste þé 82 to seek his joyless abode; he knew it more
geornor 1 surely
þæt his aldres wæs ende gegongen that was his life's end arrived,

dógera dægrím. Denum eallum the day-count of his days. For the Danes were
wearð all,

æfter þám wælraése willa

after that slaughter-storm, wishes come to pass:
gelumpen:

hæfde þá gefaélsod sé þe aér he had then cleansed, he who had before come
feorran cóm from afar,

snotor ond swýðferhð sele 82

shrewd and strong-minded, the hall of Hrothgar,
Hróðgáres, 6

genered wið níðe· nihtweorce rescued from ruin; in his night's work he
gefeh rejoiced,

in valour from great deeds; to the East-Danes

ellenmaérþum· hæfde Éast-Denum
had

Géatmecga léod gilp gelæsted· the Geatmen's leader, his oath fulfilled;

swylce oncýþðe ealle gebétte so too anguish all remedied,

83
inwidsorge þé híe aér drugon grievous sorrow, that they had ere endured,
1

ond for þréanýdum þolian scoldon and in hard distress had to suffer,

torn unlýtel· þæt wæs tácen

no small misery; that was a clear sign,
sweotol

syþðan hildedéor hond álegde when the battle-bold one the hand placed,

earm ond eaxle --þaér wæs eal

arm and shoulder --there was all together
geador

Grendles grápe-- under géapne 83

the grip of Grendel-- under the gaping roof.
hróf. 6

XIII

Ðá wæs on morgen míne gefraége Then was in the morning, as I heard tell,

ymb þá gifhealle gúðrinc monig about the gift-hall many warriors,

férdon folctogan feorran ond néän folk-chiefs arrived from far and near

geond wídwegas wundor scéawian across wide regions to behold the wonder,

84 the foe's foot-prints; his parting from life did

láþes lástas· nó his lífgedál
1 not

sárlíc þúhte secga aénegum seem mournful to any man

þára þe tírléases trode scéawode· of those who the gloryless foe's track observed,
hú hé wérigmód on weg þanon how he weary away thence,

níða ofercumen on nicera mere vanquished by violence, to the nicors' mere

faége ond geflýmed feorhlástas 84

doomed and driven back left behind life-trails.
bær. 6

Ðaér wæs on blóde brim weallende, There with blood was the water seething,

atol ýða geswing eal gemenged terrible swirling of swells all mingled

háton heolfre heorodréore wéol· with boiling gore, with sword-blood it welled,

doomed to die he hid himself, then, bereft of

déaðfaége déog siððan dréama léas
pleasure,

85
in fenfreoðo feorh álegde in his fen-refuge he laid down his life,
1

haéþene sáwle· þaér him hel

his heathen soul; there Hel embraced him.
onféng.

Þanon eft gewiton ealdgesíðas Thence returned old companions,

swylce geong manig of gomenwáþe also many young, from the sport-chase,

fram mere módge méarum rídan from the mere full-spirited, riding horses,

beornas on blancum· ðaér wæs 85

warriors on fair steeds, there was Beowulf's
Béowulfes 6

maérðo maéned· monig oft

glory proclaimed; many often said
gecwæð

þætte súð né norð be saém

that neither south nor north between the seas
twéonum

ofer eormengrund óþer naénig over the whole vast earth, no other

under swegles begong sélra naére under the sky's expanse was ne're better

86
rondhæbbendra, ríces wyrðra· shield-bearer, of a worthier kingdom;
1

né híe húru winedrihten wiht ne nor, however, the friend and lord, did they
lógon blame at all,

glædne Hróðgár ac þæt wæs gód

gracious Hrothgar, for he was a good king.
cyning.

Hwílum heaþorófe hléapan léton At times the brave warriors let leap,

on geflit faran fealwe méaras in a contest raced fallow horses,

86 where to them the earth-roads seemed

ðaér him foldwegas fægere þúhton
6 suitable,
 and known to be the best. At times the king's
cystum cúðe. Hwílum cyninges þegn
thane,

a man laden with fine speech, remembering

guma gilphlæden gidda gemyndig
songs,

sé ðe ealfela ealdgesegena he who very many of ancient traditions

worn gemunde word óþer fand recalled scores, found new words

87
sóðe gebunden· secg eft ongan bound in truth; the man then began
1

síð Béowulfes snyttrum styrian Beowulf's exploit skilfully to recite,

ond on spéd wrecan spel geráde, and artfully utter an adept tale,

varying his words; he spoke of almost

wordum wrixlan· wélhwylc gecwæð
everything

þæt hé fram Sigemunde secgan

that he of Sigmund had heard said,**875-900**
hyrde

87
ellendaédum: uncúþes fela of his deeds of glory: many uncanny things,
6

Wælsinges gewin wíde síðas the striving of Wael's son, his great journeys;

þára þe gumena bearn gearwe ne those things of which the childen of men by no
wiston means knew,

faéhðe ond fyrena búton Fitela mid

feuds and feats of arms, only Fitela with him,
hine,

þonne hé swulces hwæt secgan

then he of such matters was wont to speak of,
wolde

88
éäm his nefan swá híe á waéron uncle to his nephew, as they always were
1

æt níða gehwám nýdgesteallan· in every conflict comrades in need;

hæfdon ealfela eotena cynnes they had a great many of the giantkind

sweordum gesaéged· Sigemunde

laid low with swords; for Sigmund arose,
gesprong

æfter déaðdæge dóm unlýtel after the day of his death, no little fame,

88 since the fierce warrior had quelled the great

syþðan wíges heard wyrm ácwealde
6 serpent,

the keeper of a hoard; beneath the hoary grey

hordes hyrde· hé under hárne stán
stone he,

æþelinges bearn ána genéðde the prince's son, alone ventured

frécne daéde ne waés him Fitela
a dangerous deed, Fitela was not with him;
mid·

hwæþre him gesaélde ðæt þæt however it was granted him that the sword
swurd þurhwód pierced

wraétlícne wyrm þæt hit on wealle 89 the wondrous wyrm, so that it stood fixed in
ætstód 1 the wall,

the noble iron; the dragon perished in the

dryhtlíc íren· draca morðre swealt·
slaughter;

hæfde áglaéca elne gegongen the fearsome one had ensured by courage

þæt hé béahhordes brúcan móste that he the ring-hoard might possess

selfes dóme· saébát gehléod· at his own chosing; he loaded the sea-boat,

bær on bearm scipes beorhte 89 bore in the bosom of his ship the gleaming
frætwa 6 treasures,

Wælses eafera --wyrm hát gemealt-

Wael's son --the wyrm in its heat melted--
-

sé wæs wreccena wíde maérost he was of adventurers the most widely famed

ofer werþéode wígendra hléo among nations, the warriors' protector,

ellendaédum --hé þæs aér onðáh-- for deeds of valour --he had prospered by this--

90
siððan Heremódes hild sweðrode, since Heremod's skirmishing had abated,
1

earfoð ond ellen· he mid eotenum

affliction and spirit; he among the Etins was
wearð

on féonda geweald forð forlácen into enemy hands given up,

snúde forsended· hine sorhwylmas quickly despatched; the surgings of sorrow him

lemede tó lange· hé his léodum

hindered too long; he to his people became,
wearð

90
eallum æþellingum tó aldorceare· to all of the nobels, a great mortal sorrow;
6

moreover they often mourned, for in earlier

swylce oft bemearn aérran maélum
times,

the departure of the stouted-hearted

swíðferhþes síð snotor ceorl monig
king, many learnèd sages

who to him for miseries' remedy had trusted

sé þe him bealwa tó bóte gelýfde
and believed

þæt þæt ðéodnes bearn geþéon

that that prince's son must prosper,
scolde,
fæderæþelum onfón, folc 91
take up his father's rank, rule the folk,
gehealdan 1

hord ond hléoburh hæleþa ríce their treasury and citadel, the heroes' kingdom,

éðel Scyldinga· hé þaér eallum

homeland of the Scyldings; he by all became,
wearð

maég Higeláces manna cynne the kinsman of Hygelac, by mankind,

fréondum gefægra· hine fyren

more esteemed; wickedness undid him.
onwód.

91
Hwílum flítende fealwe straéte Now and then racing, dusky streets
6

méarum maéton. Ðá waés on their mounts they traversed. Then was the
morgenléoht morning light

scofen ond scynded· éode scealc

hurried and hastened; many retainers went
monig

swíðhicgende tó sele þám héan determined to the high hall

searowundor séon· swylce self

to see the strange wonder; the king himself too
cyning

92 from his wife's bower, the ward of the ring-

of brýdbúre béahhorda weard
1 hoard,

tryddode tírfæst getrume micle stepped out splendid with his great troop,

cystum gecýþed ond his cwén mid famed for his excellence, and his queen with
him him,

passed down the meadhall-path, accompanied

medostigge mæt mægþa hóse.
by maidens.

XIIII

Hróðgár maþelode --hé to héalle

Hrothgar spoke --he went to the hall,
géong·

92
stód on stapole· geseah stéapne hróf stood on the steps, observed the steep roof
6

golde fáhne ond Grendles hond--: adorned with gold and Grendel's hand--:

'Ðisse ansýne alwealdan þanc 'For this sight Thanks to the All-Ruler

be swiftly forthcoming! I have suffered many

lungre gelimpe! Fela ic láþes gebád,
injuries,

grynna æt Grendle· á mæg god wyrcan griefs from Grendel; God can always work

93
wunder æfter wundre, wuldres hyrde. wonder after wonder, glory's Keeper.
1
Ðaét wæs ungeára þæt ic aénigra mé It was not long past that I for me any

wéana ne wénde tó wídan feore for woes not hoped for the bredth of my life,

to experience remedy when adorned with

bóte gebídan þonne blóde fáh
blood

húsa sélest heorodréorig stód: the most splendid house stood battle-gory:

93
wéa wídscofen witena gehwylcne woe widespread for each of the sages
6

those who did not hope that in the span of

ðára þe ne wéndon þæt híe wídeferhð
their lives

the nation's fortress from foes they could

léoda landgeweorc láþum beweredon
protect,

scuccum ond scinnum· ná scealc hafað from shucks and shines; now a warrior has,

þurh drihtnes miht daéd gefremede through the Lord's power, performed a deed

94
ðe wé ealle aér ne meahton which we all before could not
1

snyttrum besyrwan· hwæt, þæt

with schemes contrive; listen, that may say
secgan mæg

efne swá hwylc mægþa swá ðone even so whichever woman as that begot this
magan cende man,

æfter gumcynnum gyf héo gýt lyfað among mankind, if she yet lives,

that to her the Old Measurer of Fate was

þæt hyre ealdmetod éste waére
gracious

94
bearngebyrdo. Nú ic, Béowulf, þec, in child-bearing. Now, I, Beowulf, you,
6

secg betosta, mé for sunu wylle the best of men, for me like a son would

fréogan on ferhþe· heald forð tela love in life; keep well henceforth

níwe sibbe· ne bið þé aénigre gád this new kinship; there will not be any want

worolde wilna þé ic geweald hæbbe· of worldly wishes while I have power;

95
ful oft ic for laéssan léan teohhode full oft I for less rewards have bestowed,
1

hordweorþunge hnáhran rince honouring with treasure a humbler man,

saémran æt sæcce· þú þé self hafast lesser at fighting; you for yourself have

daédum gefremed þæt þín dóm lyfað by deeds ensured, that your fame lives

áwa tó aldre· alwalda þec for ever and ever; may the All-Ruler you
 95
góde forgylde swá hé nú gýt dyde!' reward with good, as He has now yet done!'
6

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes: Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Wé þæt ellenweorc éstum miclum 'We the courage-works with great pleasure,

feohtan fremedon· frécne genéðdon endeavoured to fight, boldly risked

the strength of an unknown foe. I would

eafoð uncúþes. Úþe ic swíþor
rather

96
þæt ðú hine selfne geséon móste that you him himself might have seen,
1

féond on frætewum fylwérigne· the fiend in his full gear wearied by death;

ic him hrædlíce heardan clammum I him quickly in hard clasp

on wælbedde wríþan þóhte on the bed of slaughter thought to fetter,

that he because of the hand-grip of mine

þæt hé for handgripe mínum scolde
must

96
licgean lífbysig bútan his líc swice· lie struggling for life, lest his body slip away;
6

I him could not, when the Measurer of Fate

ic hine ne mihte þá metod nolde
did not wish it,

ganges getwaéman· nó ic him þæs hinder departing; nor I so readily kept him
georne ætfealh close,

feorhgeníðlan· wæs tó foremihtig that mortal foe; he was too overpowering,

féond on féþe· hwæþere, hé his folme the fiend in departing; however, he left his
forlét hand

97
tó lífwraþe lást weardian, to save his life, remaining behind,
1

earm ond eaxle· nó þaér aénige swá

arm and shoulder; not with it though any
þéah

féasceaft guma frófre gebohte· the worthless creature, relief purchased;

not the longer does he live, the hateful

nó þý leng leofað láðgetéona
spoiler,

synnum geswenced ac hyne sár hafað struck down by sins but him the wound has

97
in níðgripe nearwe befongen with violent grip narrowly enclosed
6

balwon bendum ðaér ábídan sceal in baleful bonds, there he must await,
 the creature stained with crimes, the great
maga máne fáh miclan dómes·
judgement,

how him the glorious Measure of Fate wishes

hú him scír metod scrífan wille.'
to decree.'

Then the man was more silent, the son of

Ðá wæs swígra secg sunu Ecgláfes
Edgelaf,

98
on gylpspraéce gúðgeweorca in boast-speech of war-works
1

when the noble men, by the strength of the

siþðan æþelingas eorles cræfte
prince

ofer héanne hróf hand scéawedon over the high roof saw the hand,

feondes fingras· foran aéghwylc wæs the fiend's fingers; on the front of each was,

steda nægla gehwylc stýle gelícost in the place of each nail very much like steel

98
haéþenes handsporu hilderinces heathenish hand-spurs, the war-creature's
6

egl unhéoru· aéghwylc gecwæð ungentle talon; everyone said

þæt him heardra nán hrínan wolde that him no hard weapon would strike,

pre-eminent iron, that of them (none) the

íren aérgód, þæt ðæs áhlaécan
demon's

blódge beadufolme onberan wolde. bloody battle-hand would injure.

XV

Ðá wæs háten hreþe Heort 99 Then the order was promptly given the interior of
innanweard 1 Heorot

folmum gefrætwod· fela þaéra

to furnish by hands; many there were,
wæs

wera ond wífa þe þæt wínreced of men and women, who the wine-hall,

gestsele gyredon· goldfág

the guest-hall prepared; gold-glittering shone
scinon

web æfter wágum wundorsíona woven tapestries along the walls, many wondrous
fela sights

secga gehwylcum þára þe on 99

for each of the men, who on such stared;
swylc starað· 6

wæs þæt beorhte

that bright building was badly broken up
bold tóbrocen swíðe

eal inneweard írenbendum

all inside secure with iron-bands,
fæst,
heorras tóhlidene· hróf ána
hinges sprung open; the roof alone remained
genæs

ealles ansund þé se áglaéca entirely sound, when the ogre,

fyrendaédum fág on fléam 10

guilty of wicked deeds turned in flight,
gewand 01

aldres orwéna. Nó þæt ýðe byð despairing of life. That is not easy

to befléönne --fremme sé þe
to flee from --try he who will--
wille--

ac gesacan sceal sáwlberendra but he must gain by strife, those who have souls,

nýde genýdde, niþða bearna compelled by necessity, the mens' sons',

10
grundbúendra gearwe stówe the ground-dwellers' ready place,
06

þaér his líchoma legerbedde

there his body, fast in his death-bed,
fæst

swefeþ æfter symle. Þá wæs sleeps after feasting. Then it was the time and
saél ond maél occasion

þæt tó healle gang Healfdenes

that to the hall went Half-Dane's son;
sunu·

wolde self cyning symbel

the king himself wished to partake of the feast;
þicgan·

ne gefrægen ic þá 10
I have not heard when a tribe in a greater force
maégþe máran weorode 11

ymb hyra sincgyfan sél around their treasure-giver comported themselves

gebaéran· better;

they then sank down on the bench, the fame-

bugon þá tó bence blaédágande
bearers,

fylle gefaégon· fægere

rejoicing at the feast; they graciously received
geþaégon

medoful manig mágas þára many full goblets of mead, their kinsmen,

10
swíðhicgende on sele þám héan stout-hearted, in the high hall
16

Hróðgár ond Hróþulf· Heorot

Hrothgar and Hrothulf· the interior of Heorot was
innan wæs

fréondum áfylled· nalles

filled with friends; no treacherous-strokes
fácenstafas
Þéod-Scyldingas þenden
the Folk-Scyldings made as yet.
fremedon.

Forgeaf þá Béowulfe brand

Then Beowulf was given the brand of Half-Dane,
Healfdenes

10
segen gyldenne sigores tó léane the golden banner in reward of victory,
21

hroden hiltecumbor, helm ond

the adorned standard, helm and byrnie;
byrnan·

maére máðþumsweord manige

the renowned treasure-sword many saw
gesáwon

beforan beorn beran· Béowulf

brought before the hero; Beowulf took
geþah

ful on flette· nó hé þaére the full flagon from the floor; of the reward-gift he
feohgyfte did not,

10
for scótenum scamigan ðorfte· as payment, need to be ashamed;
26

ne gefrægn ic I have not heard that more graciously four

fréondlícor féower mádmas treasures,

golde gegyrede gummanna fela adorned with gold, many men

in ealobence óðrum gesellan· on ale-bench have given to others;

ymb þæs helmes

around the helmet's roof --the head-guard--
hróf héafodbeorge

wírum bewunden walan útan 10 was wound with wires the re-inforced crest
héold 31 guarded from without,

þæt him féla láf frécne ne

that him what the files have left could not savagely,
meahton

scúrheard sceþðan þonne (could not) harm the wondrously-

scyldfreca tempered (helm), when the shield-fighter

ongéan gramum gangan scolde. against enemies had to go.

Heht ðá eorla hléo eahta

The defender of earls then ordered eight horses,
méaras

10
faétedhléore on flet téön with decorated head-gear, led onto the hall-floor
36

in under eoderas· þára ánum

in under the ramparts; one of them stood,
stód

sadol searwum fáh since

saddle skilfully adorned, ennobled with jewels;
gewurþad·
þæt wæs
that was the battle-seat of the high king,
hildesetl héahcyninges

ðonne sweorda gelác sunu

when in sword-play the son of Half-Dane
Healfdenes

10
efnan wolde· naéfre on óre læg wished to engage; in the vanguard it never failed
41

wídcúþes wíg ðonne walu his warskill well-known, when the slain were
féollon· falling;

ond ðá Béowulfe béga

and then to Beowulf both of the treasures
gehwæþres

the protector of the Friends of Ing bestowed

eodor Ingwina onweald getéah
possession,

wicga ond waépna· hét hine wél horses and weapons; he ordered him to make good
brúcan· use of (them);

10
swá manlíce maére þéoden so in a manly manner the famed chieftain,
46

hordweard
the hoard-ward of heroes, paid for war-clashes
hæleþa heaþoraésas geald

méarum ond mádmum swá hý in horses and treasures; thus, one can never find
naéfre man lyhð fault in them

sé þe secgan wile sóð æfter he who wishes to tell the truth according to what is
rihte. right.

XVI

Ðá gýt aéghwylcum eorla Then, furthermore, to each one of the earl's

drihten company

þára þe mid Béowulfe brimléade 10

those with Beowulf travelled the sea-path,
teah 51

on þære medubence máþðum

on the mead-bench he gave treasures,
gesealde

yrfeláfe ond þone aénne heht inherited relics, and the one man decreed

golde forgyldan þone ðe Grendel

to requite in gold whom Grendel first
aér

máne ácwealde swá hé hyra má in wickedness quelled, as he would have more of

wolde them

nefne him wítig god wyrd 10 except for them wise God that fate had
forstóde 56 prevented,
ond ðæs mannes mód. Metod and this man's courage. The Measure of Fate
eallum wéold controlled all

gumena cynnes, swá hé nú gít

for mankind, as he now still does;
déëð·

forþan bið andgit aéghwaér

therefore understanding is best everywhere,
sélest

ferhðes foreþanc· fela sceal

the forethought of mind; he must abide much
gebídan

10
léofes ond láþes sé þe longe hér love and much hate he who long here
61

on ðyssum windagum worolde

in these days of strife would enjoy the world.
brúceð.

Þaér wæs sang ond swég samod There was song and sound at the same time all
ætgædere together

fore Healfdenes hildewísan, before Half-Dane's battle-plotter,

gomenwudu gréted, gid oft

the glee-wood plucked, a lay often recited
wrecen

ðonne healgamen Hróþgáres 10 when a hall-performance Hrothgar's **1066-

scop 66 bard 1162**

æfter medobence maénan

before the mead-bench was obliged to utter:
scolde:

Finnes eaferum ðá híe se faér concerning Finn's heirs, with whom, when disaster
begeat struck them,

hæleð Healfdena· Hnæf

the hero of Half-Danes, Hnaef the Scylding,
Scyldinga

in Fréswæle feallan scolde. on the Frisian battle-field was fated to fall.

10
Né húru Hildeburh herian þorfte Truly, Hildeburh did not have need to praise
71

eotena tréowe· unsynnum

the good faith of the Eotens; she was guiltless,
wearð

beloren léofum æt þám

bereft of her dear ones: --in the war-play--
hildplegan

bearnum ond bróðrum· híe on her son and brother; they fell, in accorance with
gebyrd hruron Fate,

gáre wunde· þæt wæs geómuru

wounded by spear; that was a mournful woman.
ides.
 10
Nalles hólinga Hóces dohtor Not without reason did Hoc's daughter
76

meotodsceaft bemearn syþðan grieve over Fate's decree, when the morning
morgen cóm came,

ðá héo under swegle geséon

then she under the sky could see
meahte

morþorbealo mága þaér hé aér the baleful slaughter of kinsmen, where before he
maéste héold had held the most

worolde wynne· wíg ealle

joy in the world, war took all
fornam

Finnes þegnas nemne féaum 10

of Finn's thanes, except a few alone,
ánum 81

þæt hé ne mehte on þaém

so that he could not in that meeting-place
meðelstede

wíg Hengeste wiht gefeohtan the clash with Hengest conclude at all,

nor the woeful remnant by battle dislodge from

né þá wéaláfe wíge forþringan
their position,

þéodnes ðegne ac hig him the prince's thane, so they offered them
geþingo budon: settlement:

þæt híe him óðer flet eal 10 that they for them the other dwelling would
gerýmdon 86 completely clear,

healle ond héahsetl þæt híe hall and high seat, that they would half of it
healfre geweald control

wið eotena bearn ágan móston with the Eotens' sons might have,

ond æt feohgyftum Folcwaldan

and at the giving of treasure Folcwalden's son
sunu

dógra gehwylce Dene weorþode· each day the Danes would honour,

Hengestes héap hringum 10

Hengest's company would revere with rings,
wenede 91

efne swá swíðe sincgestréonum with even as much precious possesions

faéttan goldes swá hé Frésena

of ornate gold exactly as he the Frisian kind
cyn

on béorsele byldan wolde. in the beer-hall would wish to embolden.

Ðá híe getruwedon on twá

Then they pledged on both sides
healfa
 10
fæste frioðuwaére· Fin Hengeste firm compact of peace; Finn to Hengest
96

with incontestable earnestness proclaimed an

elne unflitme áðum benemde
oath

þæt hé þá wéaláfe weotena

that he the woeful remnant, by sages' judgement,
dóme

árum héolde þæt ðaér aénig

would hold in honour, that there any man
mon

wordum né worcum waére ne

by word nor by deed would not break the treaty,
braéce

né þurh inwitsearo aéfre 11

nor in malicious artifice ever complain,
gemaénden 01

ðéah híe hira béaggyfan banan

though they their ring-giver's killer followed,
folgedon

ðéodenléase, þá him swá

leaderless, and were thus forced by necessity;
geþearfod wæs·

gyf þonne Frýsna hwylc frécnen

if then any Frisian by audacious speech
spraéce

ðæs morþorhétes myndgiend

the murderous feud were to remind (them),
waére

þonne hit sweordes ecg syððan 11

then it by sword's edge must be thereafter.
scolde. 06

Ád wæs geæfned ond incge gold The funeral fire was prepared, and Ingui's gold,

áhæfen of horde· Here-Scyldinga raised from the hoard; the War-Scyldings'

betst beadorinca wæs on baél

best battle-man was ready on the bier;
gearu·

æt þaém áde wæs éþgesýne at the funeral-pyre was easily seen

11
swátfáh syrce swýn ealgylden the blood-stained mail-shirt, the swine all-golden,
11

eofer írenheard æþeling manig the boar hard as iron, the prince had many

wundum áwyrded· sume on destroyed by wounds; great men had fallen in

wæle crungon· slaughter;

hét ðá Hildeburh æt Hnæfes áde then Hildeburh ordered at Hnaef's pier

hire selfre sunu sweoloðe

her own sun committed to the fire,
befæstan,
bánfatu bærnan ond on baél 11
the body-vessel burned, and put on the bier,
dóön 16

the wretched woman at his shoulder, the lady

earme on eaxle· ides gnornode·
lamented,

geómrode giddum· gúðrinc

sorrowed with songs; the warrior was laid out,
ástáh·

wand tó wolcnum wælfýra spiralled into the clouds the greatest fire of the
maést slain

hlynode for hláwe· hafelan

roared before the mound; heads melted,
multon·

bengeato burston ðonne blód 11 the wound-gates burst open, then blood sprang
ætspranc, 21 out,

from the hate-bites of the body; the blaze

láðbite líces· líg ealle forswealg,
swallowed all up,

gaésta gífrost, þára ðe þaér gúð --the greediest guest-- those who there were
fornam taken by battle

béga folces· wæs hira blaéd

from both peoples; their vigour was dispersed.
scacen.

XVII

The warriors returned then to seek their

Gewiton him ðá wígend wíca néosian
houses,

11
fréondum befeallen, Frýsland geséon, bereft of friends, to see Frisia,
26

hámas ond héaburh· Hengest ðá gýt their homes and high fort; yet Hengest

wælfágne winter wunode mid Finn the death-stained winter spent with Finn,

in a place with no fellowship at all; he

eal unhlitine· eard gemunde
remembered his land,

þéah þe ne meahte on mere drífan though he could not drive on the sea

11 the ring-prowed ship: the sea welled in

hringedstefnan: holm storme wéol·
31 storm,

fought against the wind; the winter locked

won wið winde· winter ýþe beléac
the waves

ísgebinde oþ ðæt óþer cóm in icy bonds, until came another

géar in geardas swá nú gýt déëð· year to the courtyards, as it still does now,

those which continuously carry out their

þá ðe syngáles séle bewitiað
seasons,
wuldortorhtan weder. Ðá wæs winter 11 gloriously bright weathers. Then winter
scacen, 36 was gone,

fair was the Earth's breast; the exile was

fæger foldan bearm· fundode wrecca
anxious to go,

the guest of the dwellings; he of vengeance

gist of geardum· hé tó gyrnwræce
for grief

swíðor þóhte þonne tó saéláde· sooner thought than of sea-path,

and whether he a bitter encounter could

gif hé torngemót þurhtéon mihte
bring about,

11 for that he of the Eotens' sons inwardly

þæt hé eotena bearn inne gemunde·
41 remembered;

swá hé ne forwyrnde woroldraédenne so he did not refuse the worldly practice,

þonne him Húnláfing, hildeléoman when to him Hunlafing the battle-light,

billa sélest on bearm dyde· the finest blade he placed on (Hnaef's) lap;

þæs waéron mid eotenum ecge cúðe. among the Eotens its edges were known.

11 So too his mortal enemy's --Finn in turn

Swylce ferhðfrecan Fin eft begeat
46 received--

sweordbealo slíðen æt his selfes hám dire sword-onslaught in his own home,

when concerning the fierce attack Guthlaf

siþðan grimne gripe Gúðláf ond Ósláf
and Oslaf,

following their sea-journey, declared their

æfter saésíðe sorge maéndon·
grief,

ætwiton wéana daél· ne meahte waéfre blamed for their share of woes; he could
mód not his restless spirit

forhabban in hreþre· ðá wæs heal 11 contain in his breast; then the hall were
hroden 51 decorated

féonda féorum· swilce Fin slægen with the foes' lives, so too Finn was slain,

the king amid his troop, and the queen was

cyning on corþre ond séo cwén numen·
seized;

scéotend Scyldinga tó scypon feredon Scylding shooters ferried to the ships

eal ingesteald eorðcyninges· all of the house-goods of the nation's king,

swylce híe æt Finnes hám findan 11

which they at Finn's estate could find:
meahton 56

shining jewels and well-cut gems; they on

sigla searogimma· híe on saéláde
the sea-path
drihtlíce wíf tó Denum feredon· the noble lady ferried to the Danes,

laéddon tó léodum. Léoð wæs ásungen led to the people. The lay was sung,

gléomannes gyd· gamen eft ástáh· the gleeman's tale; joy again sprang up,

11 music rang out from the bench, cup-

beorhtode bencswég· byrelas sealdon
61 bearers served

wín of wunderfatum. Þá cwóm wine from wondrous vessels. Then

Wealhþéo forð Wealhtheow came forth,

gán under gyldnum béage þaér þá walking in a golden neck-ring to where the
gódan twégen good pair

sæton suhtergefæderan þá gýt wæs sat, uncle and nephew; then their kinship
hiera sib ætgædere, was still together,

aéghwylc óðrum trýwe· swylce þaér each to the other true; Unferth
Hunferþ þyle the þyle was also there

æt fótum sæt fréan Scyldinga· gehwylc 11 sitting at the feet of the Scylding lord; each
hiora his ferhþe tréowde 66 of them trusted his spirit,

þæt hé hæfde mód micel þéah þe hé his and that he had great courage, though he
mágum naére to his kin was not

árfæst æt ecga gelácum· spræc ðá ides honourable in clash of blades; the Scylding
Scyldinga: lady then spoke:

'Onfóh þissum fulle, fréodrihten mín, 'Receive this full cup, my noble lord,

sinces brytta· þú on saélum wes, dispenser of treasure; you--be joyful,

goldwine gumena, ond tó Géatum

gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak
spræc

mildum wordum swá sceal man dóön· with gentle words so ought a man to do;

béo wið Géatas glæd, geofena 11

be gracious with the Geats, mindful of gifts
gemyndig 73

néan ond feorran þú nú hafast· which from near and far you now have;

mé man sægde þæt þú ðé for sunu it has been said to me that you wish for a
wolde son,

to have this leader of armies; Heorot is

hereric habban· Heorot is gefaélsod
cleansed,

béahsele beorhta· brúc þenden þú the bright ring-hall; enjoy, while ** 1177-
móte you may, 87**

11
manigra médo ond þínum mágum laéf many rewards, and leave to your kinsmen
78

folc ond ríce þonne ðú forð scyle folk and kingdom when you must go forth
metodsceaft séön· ic mínne can to meet what is fated; I know my

glædne Hróþulf· þæt hé þá geogoðe gracious Hrothulf, that he the youths

wile wishes

árum healdan gyf þú aér þonne hé, to hold in honour, if you earlier than he,

11 friend of the Scyldings, leave behind the

wine Scildinga, worold oflaétest
83 world,

wéne ic þæt hé mid góde gyldan wille I think that he with good will repay

uncran eaferan gif hé þæt eal gemon· our children, if he that at all remembers,

hwæt wit tó willan ond tó what we for his sake and for his worldly
worðmyndum renown,

umborwesendum aér árna

before, in his youth, bestowed our favours.'
gefremedon.'

Hwearf þá bí bence þaér hyre byre 11 She turned then by the bench, where her
waéron 88 boys were,

Hréðríc ond Hróðmund ond hæleþa

Hrethric and Hrothmund, and heroes' sons,
bearn

the young company all together; there sat

giogoð æt gædere· þaér se góda sæt
the good

Béowulf Géata be þaém gebróðrum

Beowulf of the Geats by the two brothers.
twaém.

XVIII

The full cup was brought to him, and a friendly

Him wæs ful boren ond fréondlaþu
invitation

wordum bewægned ond 11

proffered in words, and twisted gold
wundengold 93

éstum geéawed: earmréade twá kindly offered: two arm-ornaments,

hrægl ond hringas, healsbéaga

robe and rings, the largest necklace
maést

þára þe ic on foldan gefrægen

of those which I on earth have heard of;
hæbbe·

naénigne ic under swegle sélran

none under the sky I have heard of better
hýrde

hordmádmum hæleþa syþðan Háma 11 from hoard-treasures of

ætwæg 98 heroes, since Hama carried off

to the battle-bright stronghold the Brosings'

tó herebyrhtan byrig Brósinga mene
necklet,
 jewel and precious setting; he fled the cunning
sigle ond sincfæt· searoníðas fealh
enmity

Eormenríces· gecéas écne raéd· of Eormenric, chose eternal benefit;

That ring had Hygelac of the **1202-

þone hring hæfde Higelác Géata
Geats, 14**

12
nefa Swertinges nýhstan síðe grandson of Swerting, on his last adventure,
03

siðþan hé under segne sinc ealgode· when under the banner he defended riches,

wælréaf werede· hyne wyrd fornam warded slaughter-spoils; him Fate took away,

syþðan hé for wlenco wéan áhsode after he from pride sought misery,

faéhðe tó Frýsum· hé þá frætwe feud with the Frisians; he then wore

wæg the ornament,

12
eorclanstánas ofer ýða ful the mysterious stone over the waves' cup,
08

ríce þéoden· hé under rande the mighty prince; he fell under the rimmed-
gecranc. shield.

Gehwearf þá in Francna fæþm feorh Passed then into the Franks' grasp the body of
cyninges the king,

bréostgewaédu ond se béah somod· mail-coat and the ring together;

wyrsan wígfrecan wæl réafeden lesser warrior rifled the corpses

12 after the slaughter of battle; the people of the

æfter gúðsceare· Géata léode
13 Geats

hréawíc héoldon. Heal swége filled the field of corpses. The hall resounded
onféng· with noise;

Wealhðéo maþelode· héo fore þaém Wealhtheow spoke; she spoke before the
werede spræc: retinue:

'Brúc ðisses béages, Béowulf léofa 'Make use of this ring, belovèd Beowulf,

hyse, mid haéle ond þisses hrægles young man, with good fortune, and take
néot benefit from this corslet,

12
þéod gestreona ond geþéoh tela· the wealth of a nation, and prosper well,
18

cen þec mid cræfte ond þyssum prove yourself with strength, and to these lads
cnyhtum wes be

gentle in teaching; I shall remember you for

lára líðe· ic þé þæs léan geman·
this requital;
hafast þú geféred þæt ðé feor ond you have brought it about that you far and
néah near

ealne wídeferhþ weras ehtigað always and forever men will praise,

12
efne swá síde swá saé bebúgeð, even as widely as the sea surrounds
23

windgeard, weallas· wes þenden þú

the home of the wind, walls; be while you live,
lifige,

æþeling, éadig· ic þé an tela prince, happy; I wish thee well,

sincgestréona· béo þú suna mínum and rich in treasure; be you to my sons

daédum gedéfe, dréamhealdende· indulgent in deeds, possessing joy;

12
hér is aéghwylc eorl óþrum getrýwe here is each of the men true to the others
28

generous in mind, in the protetion of their

módes milde mandrihtne hléo·
liege-lord;

þegnas syndon geþwaére þéod

the thanes are united, the people alert,
ealgearo

druncne dryhtguman dóð swá ic the warrior-retinue cheered by drink do as I

bidde.' bid.'

Éode þá tó setle· þaér wæs symbla She went then to her seat; there was the
cyst· finest feast,

12 the men drank wine; they did not know their

druncon wín weras· wyrd ne cúþon
33 fate,

geósceaft grimme swá hit ágangen

horrific destiny, as it had happened
wearð

eorla manegum syþðan aéfen cwóm to many heroes, after evening came,

ond him Hróþgár gewát tó hofe

and Hrothgar went to his quarters,
sínum

ríce tó ræste reced weardode the ruler to rest, the hall guarded

12 countless earls, as they often had done

unrím eorla swá híe oft aér dydon
38 before,

bencþelu beredon· hit they cleared away the benches from the
geondbraéded wearð floor; over it was spread

beddum ond bolstrum· béorscealca bedding and bolsters; one of the beer-
sum drinkers,

fús ond faége fletræste gebéag· eager and doomed, lay down in his hall-couch;

setton him tó héafdon hilderandas they set at their heads battle-bossed shields,
bordwudu beorhtan· þaér on bence 12
bright linden-wood; there on the bench was
wæs 43

ofer æþelinge ýþgeséne over each nobleman easily seen

heaþostéapa helm hringed byrne a battle-steep helm, ringed byrnie,

þrecwudu þrymlíc· wæs þéaw hyra (and) glorious mighty shaft; their custom was

þæt híe oft waéron an wíg gearwe that they were often ready for a battle

gé æt hám gé on herge gé 12 both at home and out harrying, and either of

gehwæþer þára 48 these,

efne swylce maéla swylce hira

for just such times as for their liege-lord
mandryhtne

þearf gesaélde· wæs séo þéod tilu. the need arose; they were a good platoon.

XVIIII

Sigon þá tó slaépe· sum sáre

They sank then into sleep; one paid sorely
angeald

for his evening rest, as had quite often

æfenræste swá him ful oft gelamp
happened,

12
siþðan goldsele Grendel warode· when the gold-hall Grendel warded,
53

unriht æfnde oþ þæt ende becwóm, inflict wrong until the end came,

swylt æfter synnum. Þæt gesýne

death for crimes. That became manifest,
wearþ

wídcúþ werum þætte wrecend þá

widely known by men, that an avenger still
gýt

lifde æfter láþum lange þráge lived after the misfortunes, for a long time

12
æfter gúðceare Grendles módor after the war-trouble, Grendel's mother,
58

ides áglaécwíf yrmþe gemunde lady troll-wife, remembered misery,

sé þe wæteregesan wunian scolde she who the dreadful water had to inhabit,

cealde stréamas siþðan camp him the cold currents, after strife arose through
wearð him,

tó ecgbanan ángan bréþer a sword-slayer to an only brother,

12
fæderenmaége· hé þá fág gewát father's kin; he went then stained,
63

morþre gemearcod mandréam

marked by the murder, fled human pleasures,
fléön·
wésten warode. Þanon wóc fela lived in the wilds. Then awoke many

geósceaftgásta· wæs þaéra Grendel

fated spirits; Grendel was one of these,
sum,

heorowearh hetelíc· sé æt Heorote the hateful sword-outlaw, who found at

fand Heorot

12
wæccendne wer wíges bidan· a watching man biding for battle;
68

þaér him áglaéca ætgráepe wearð· there with him the troll came at close grips;

hwæþre hé gemunde mægenes

yet he remembered the great strength,
strenge

gimfæste gife ðe him god sealde generous gift, which God gave him,

ond him tó anwaldan áre gelýfde and he on the One-Ruler's favour relied,

frófre ond fultum· ðý hé þone féond 12 comfort and support; by this he overcame the
ofercwóm· 73 fiend,

gehnaégde helle gást· þá hé héan subdued the spirit of hell; then

gewát wretched he went,

dréame bedaéled déaþwíc séön, deprived of joy, to see his place of death,

mancynnes féond. Ond his módor that foe of mankind. And his mother even
þá gýt now,

greedy and gloomy-hearted wished to go

gífre ond galgmód gegán wolde
forth,

12 a sorrowful journey, to avenge her son's

sorhfulne síð, sunu déoð wrecan·
78 death;

she came then to Heorot, where the Ring-

cóm þá to Heorote ðaér Hring-Dene
Danes

geond þæt sæld swaéfun· þá ðaér slept throught the hall; then there at once
sóna wearð came about

the earl's reversal of fortune, when inside

edhwyrft eorlum siþðan inne fealh
passed

Grendles módor· wæs se gryre

Grendel's mother; the horror was less
laéssa

efne swá micle swá bið mægþa 12

by even so much, as is maid's strength,
cræft 83

--the war-violence of woman-- from an armed

wíggryre wífes bewaépned men
man,
þonne heoru bunden hamere
when adorned blade, by hammer forged,
geþuren

sweord swáte fáh swín ofer helme --sword stained with blood-- the boar-crest

by edges firm, the opposing (helmet) is

ecgum dyhttig andweard scireð.
sheared.

12
Þá wæs on healle heardecg togen Then in the hall was drawn a hard-edged
88

sword above the seats, many a broad bossed-

sweord ofer setlum, sídrand manig
shield

hafen handa fæst· helm ne

held fast in hand; helmet was not heeded,
gemunde

(nor) broad byrnie, when the horror perceived

byrnan síde þá hine se bróga angeat·
him;

héo wæs on ofste· wolde út þanon, she was in haste, wanted out of there,

féore beorgan þá héo onfunden 12

to protect her life, when she was discovered;
wæs· 93

hraðe héo æþelinga ánne hæfde quickly she a noble one had

fæste befangen· þá héo tó fenne

seized tightly, then she went to the fen;
gang·

sé wæs Hróþgáre hæleþa léofost he was to Hrothgar the best-loved hero

on gesíðes hád be saém twéonum in the retinue's rank between the two seas

ríce randwiga þone ðe héo on ræste 12 mighty shield-warrior, whom she ripped from
ábréat 98 his rest,

blaédfæstne beorn --næs Béowulf

the glorious man --Beowulf was not there,
ðaér

ac wæs óþer in aér geteohhod but was in the other lodging assigned earlier

æfter máþðumgife maérum Géate-- after the treasure-giving to the mighty Geat--

hréam wearð in Heorote· héo under

a cry was in Heorot; she took from its gore
heolfre genam

13
cúþe folme· cearu wæs geníwod, a well-known arm; sorrow was renewed,
03

geworden in wícun· ne wæs þæt it returned to their dwellings; that exchange

gewrixle til was not good,

which they on both sides were obliged to pay

þæt híe on bá healfa bicgan scoldon
for
 with the lives of friends; then was the wise
fréonda féorum· þá wæs fród cyning
king,

hár hilderinc on hréonmóde the grey battle-man, in a troubled spirit,

13
syðþan hé aldorþegn unlyfigendne when he the lordly thane unliving,
08

þone déorestan déadne wisse. the dearest one, knew was dead.

Hraþe wæs tó búre Béowulf fetod Quickly to the bower was Beowulf fetched

sigoréadig secg· samod aérdæge the victorious warrior; at day-break

éode eorla sum æþele cempa the notable earl went --noble champion--

self mid gesíðum þaér se snotera 13 himself with his companions where the wise
bád 13 one awaited

whether for him the Ruler of Elves ever would

hwæþre him Alfwalda aéfre wille
wish,

after the news of woe, to bring about a

æfter wéaspelle wyrpe gefremman·
change for the better;

gang ðá æfter flóre fyrdwyrðe man then over the floor went the war-worthy man

mid his handscale --healwudu with his crowd of companions --the wood of
dynede-- the hall resounded--

13
þæt hé þone wísan wordum hnægde he the wise (king) humbled with words:
18

--the lord of the Ingwins-- asked if it had been

fréan Ingwina· frægn gif him waére
for him,

æfter néodlaðu niht getaése. according to his hopes, a pleasing night.

XX

Hróðgár maþelode helm

Hrothgar spoke, the Helm of the Scyldings:
Scyldinga:

'Ne frín þú æfter saélum· sorh is 'Do not you ask after pleasures; sorrow is
geníwod renewed

Denigea léodum· déad is 13

for the Danish nation; Æschere is dead,
Æschere 23

Yrmenláfes yldra bróþor Yrmenlaf's elder brother,

mín rúnwita ond mín raédbora my confident and my chief counsellor,

eaxlgestealla ðonne wé on
shoulder-companion, when we in war
orlege
hafelan weredon þonne hniton protected the head, when clashed with foot-
féþan soldiers,

eoferas cnysedan· swylc eorl 13

dashed boars (atop helmets); so ought a man
scolde 28

wesan aérgód swylc Æschere

be experienced and noble, as Æschere was.
wæs.

Wearð him on Heorote tó

In Heorot for him was a hand-slayer,
handbanan

wælgaést waéfre· ic ne wát

restless death-spirit; I know not whether,
hwæþer

glorying in the carcass, she undertook a return

atol aése wlanc eftsíðas téah
journey,

fylle gefraégnod· héo þá faéhðe 13

contented by her feast; she avenged the feud
wræc 33

þe þú gystran niht Grendel

in which you yester-night Grendel quelled
cwealdest

þurh haéstne hád heardum

through violent means in harsh embrace,
clammum

forþan hé tó lange léode míne because he for too long my people

wanode ond wyrde hé æt wíge

diminished and destroyed, he fell in the fight,
gecrang

ealdres scyldig ond nú óþer 13 having forfeited his life, and now the other has
cwóm 38 come,

mihtig mánscaða· wolde hyre the mighty crime-wreaker, she wants to avenge
maég wrecan· her kinsman,

gé feor hafað faéhðe gestaéled and has very far carried her feud,

þæs þe þincean mæg þegne

as it must seem to many a thane,
monegum

sé þe æfter sincgyfan on sefan

who for the treasure-giver weeps in his heart:
gréoteþ:

hreþerbealo hearde· nú séo 13

hard mind-grief! now the hand has fallen away,
hand ligeð 43

sé þe éow wélhwylcra wilna

which in all of you had sustained wishes.
dohte.

Ic þæt londbúend léode míne I it, land-dwellers, my people,

seleraédende secgan hýrde hall-counsellors have heard tell

þæt híe gesáwon swylce twégen that they saw two such

micle mearcstapan móras 13 massive marchers of no-man's land haunting the

healdan, 48 moors,

ellorgaéstas· ðaéra óðer wæs alien spirits; one of them was,

þæs þe híe gewislícost gewitan

as they most certainly were able to discern,
meahton

idese onlícnæs· óðer of the likeness of a woman; the other one

earmsceapen wretchedly shaped

on weres wæstmum wraéclástas

in the form of a man trod in the tracks of an exile,
træd

næfne hé wæs mára þonne 13

except he was larger than any other man;
aénig man óðer· 53

þone on géardagum Grendel

in days of yore him 'Grendel' named
nemdon

foldbúende· nó híe fæder the earth-dwellers; they did not know of his
cunnon· father,

hwæþer him aénig wæs aér

whether of them any were born previously
ácenned

of obscure spirits. They a secret **1357-

dyrnra gásta. Híe dýgel lond
land 67**

warigeað wulfhleoþu windige 13

inhabited, wolf-slopes, windy water-capes,
næssas 58

frécne fengelád ðaér a dangerous passage over the fen-waters, where

fyrgenstréam mountain-stream

under næssa genipu niþer under the darkness of the headlands descended
gewíteð downward,

flód under foldan· nis þæt feor

the flood under the earth; it is not that far hence
heonon

mílgemearces þæt se mere

in mile-marks, that the mere stands;
standeð·

ofer þaém hongiað hrímge 13

over it hangs frost-covered groves,
bearwas· 63

wudu wyrtum fæst wæter

tree held fast by its roots overshadows the water;
oferhelmað·

þaér mæg nihta

there one may every night a horrible marvel see:
gehwaém níðwundor séon

fýr on flóde· nó þæs fród leofað fire on the water; not even the wise of them lives,
gumena bearna þæt þone grund
of men's sons, that knows the bottom.
wite.

Ðéah þe haéðstapa hundum 13

Though the heath-stepper harrassed by hounds,
geswenced 68

heorot hornum trum holtwudu

the hart with strong horns, seeks the forest,
séce

feorran geflýmed· aér hé feorh

put to flight from far, first he will give up his life,
seleð

aldor on ófre aér hé in wille existence on the shore, before he will (leap) in

hafelan helan· nis þæt héoru

to hide his head; it is not a pleasant place;
stów·

13
þonon ýðgeblond úp ástígeð thence a maelström of the waves rises up,
73

won tó wolcnum þonne wind

dark to the clouds, when the wind stirs
styreþ

láð gewidru oð þæt lyft

grievous storms, until the air grows dark,
drysmaþ·

roderas réotað. Nú is se raéd the skies weep. Now is the remedy dependent
gelang upon

eft æt þé ánum· eard gít ne you alone once again; you do not know the region
const yet,

frécne stówe ðaér þú findan 13

terrible place where you might find
miht 78

felasinnigne secg· séc gif þú

the much-sinning creature; seek if you dare;
dyrre·

ic þé þá faéhðe féo léanige for the feud you I would reward with wealth,

ealdgestréonum swá ic aér dyde, with old treasures, as I did before,

wundungolde gyf þú on weg

with twisted-gold, if you come away.'
cymest.'

XXI

Béowulf maþelode bearn 13

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgþéowes: 83

'Ne sorga, snotor guma· sélre bið 'Do not sorrow, wise man· it is better for
aéghwaém everyone

þæt hé his fréond wrece þonne hé that he his friend avenge, than he mourn over-
fela murne· much;
úre aéghwylc sceal ende gebídan each of us must await the end

worolde lífes: wyrce sé þe móte in the world of life: gain he who may

dómes aér déaþe· þæt bið 13

glory before death; that is for the warrior,
drihtguman, 88

unlifgendum æfter sélest. unliving, afterwards the best.

Arise, O guardian of the kingdom, let us go

Árís, ríces weard, uton hraþe féran
quickly,

Grendles mágan gang scéawigan· Grendel's kin's trail survey;

ic hit þé geháte: nó hé on helm I swear it to thee: she will not be lost in the
losaþ cover,

né on foldan fæþm né on 13 nor in the embrace of the earth, nor in the

fyrgenholt 93 mountain wood,

né on gyfenes grund· gá þaér hé

nor in the ocean's depth, go where she will;
wille·

ðýs dógor þú geþyld hafa this day you must have patience

wéana gehwylces swá ic þé wéne

in each of the woes, as I expect you to.'
tó.'

Áhléop ðá se gomela, gode

The agèd one leapt up, thanked God,
þancode

mihtigan drihtne þæs se man 13

mighty Lord, for what the man spoke;
gespræc· 98

þá wæs Hróðgáre hors gebaéted then was for Hrothgar a horse was bridled,

wicg wundenfeax· wísa fengel a mount with braided mane; the wise ruler

geatolíc gende· gumféþa stóp rode well-equipped; the foot-soldiers marched

lindhæbbendra· lástas waéron linden-wood bearers; tracks were

14
æfter waldswaþum wíde gesýne, along the forest-track widely seen,
03

the trail over the grounds, went straight-

gang ofer grundas gegnum for
forward

over the murky moor, she carried of the kin-

ofer myrcan mór magoþegna bær
thanes

þone sélestan sáwolléasne the finest --without his soul--

þára þe mid Hróðgáre hám of those who with Hrothgar had defended their
eahtode. home.
 14
Oferéode þá æþelinga bearn Traversed then the nobles' son
08

stéap stánhliðo stíge nearwe the steep stone slopes, the narrow ways,

the tight single-file paths, the unknown,

enge ánpaðas uncúð gelád
uncertain water-crossings,

the precipitous headlands, the many homes of

neowle næssas nicorhúsa fela·
nicors;

hé féara sum beforan gengde he with a few went ahead

14
wísra monna wong scéawian wise men surveying the field,
13

oþ þæt hé faéringa fyrgenbéamas until he by chance mountain-trees

ofer hárne stán hleonian funde over a silvery-grey stone found hanging,

wynléasne wudu· wæter under

the joyless forest; water stood below,
stód

dréorig ond gedréfed· Denum

bloody and stirred-up; for all of the Danes was,
eallum wæs

14 for the friends of the Scyldings, suffering in the

winum Scyldinga wærce on móde
18 heart

tó geþolianne, ðegne monegum to endure, for many thanes,

oncýð eorla gehwaém syðþan awakening grief in each of the nobles, when
Æscheres Æschere's

on þám holmclife hafelan métton. --on the sea-cliff-- head encountered.

Flód blóde wéol --folc tó saégon-- The flood welled bloody --the folk stared at it--

14
hátan heolfre· horn stundum song with flaming gore; rapidly the horn sang,
23

urgent song of departure; the troop all sat

fúslíc forðléoð· féþa eal gesæt·
down;

gesáwon ðá æfter they saw then through the water many of the
wætere wyrmcynnes fela race of serpents,

sellice saédracan sund cunnian, strange sea-dragon exploring the lake,

swylce on næshleoðum nicras

also on the cape-slopes were lounging nicors,
licgean

14
ðá on undernmaél oft bewitigað they in mid-morning often carry out
28

sorhfulne síð on seglráde, grievous sorties on the sail-road,

wyrmas ond wildéor· híe on weg
serpents and wild beasts; they rushed away
hruron

bitere ond gebolgne· bearhtm bitter and swollen with rage; they perceived the
ongéaton clear note,

gúðhorn galan· sumne Géata léod war-horn wailing; one of the Geats' men

14
of flánbogan féores getwaéfde with a shaft and bow separated it from life,
33

ýðgewinnes þæt him on aldre stód of wave-struggle that in its heart stood,

herestraél hearda· hé on holme

a strong war-arrow; it in the water was
wæs

sundes þé saénra ðé hyne swylt

swimming the slower, when Death seized it;
fornam·

hræþe wearð on ýðum mid

fast it was in the waves against boar-pikes
eoferspréotum

heorohócyhtum hearde 14
savagely-hooked hard pressed,
genearwod, 38

viciously attacked, and from the cape dragged

níða genaéged ond on næs togen
out,

wundorlíc waégbora· weras

wondrous spawn of the waves; men stared at
scéawedon

gryrelícne gist. Gyrede hine

the gruesome guest. Beowulf armed himself
Béowulf

eorlgewaédum· nalles for ealdre

in noble garments, feared not at all for his life;
mearn·

scolde herebyrne hondum 14 it was necessary that his army-byrnie, braided

gebróden 43 by hands,

síd ond searofáh sund cunnian broad and cunningly adorned, explore the lake,

séo ðe báncofan beorgan cúþe it the bone-chamber could protect,

þæt him hildegráp hreþre ne mihte that him the battle-grip could not his heart,

eorres inwitfeng aldre gesceþðan nor angry grasp of malice his life scathe,

14
ac se hwíta helm hafelan werede moreover the shining helm warded his head,
48

sé þe meregrundas mengan scolde, that which the mere-depths must stir up,

sécan sundgebland since seek the mingling of waters adorned with

geweorðad riches,
befongen fréawrásnum swá hine
encircled with lordly-bands as in far-days it
fyrndagum

worhte waépna smið wundrum was wrought by weapons' smith, wonderfully

téode· lengthened,

besette swínlícum þæt hine syðþan 14

beset with swine-forms, so that it then no
nó 53

brond né beadomécas bítan ne brond-blade nor battle-maiches to bite were

meahton. not able.

Næs þæt þonne

Not the least then of his mighty supports,
maétost mægenfultuma

þæt him on ðearfe láh ðyle

that him in need lent Hrothgar's þyle
Hróðgáres

--wæs þaém hæftméce Hrunting --was the long-hilted maiche-

nama-- sword's name Hrunting--

14
þæt wæs án foran ealdgestréona· it was one above of ancient treasures;
58

ecg wæs íren átertánum fáh edge was iron, with poison-twigs patterned,

áhyrded heaþoswáte· naéfre hit æt hardened with battle-blood; never had it in a

hilde ne swác fight failed

manna aéngum þára þe hit mid

any man, who it in hands brandished,
mundum bewand

sé ðe gryresíðas gegán dorste he who terrifying journeys dared to enter upon,

14
folcstede fára· næs þæt forma síð the domain of foes; it was not the first time
63

that it courage-work had been obliged to

þæt hit ellenweorc æfnan scolde.
perform.

Indeed he could not have recalled, the kin of

Húru ne gemunde mago Ecgláfes
Ecgelaf,

eafoþes cræftig þæt hé aér mighty in strength, that which he had said
gespræc before,

wíne druncen þá hé þæs waépnes

drunk on wine, when he lent that the weapon
onláh

sélran sweordfrecan selfa ne 14

to a better swordsman, he himself did not dare
dorste 68

under ýða gewin aldre genéþan, under the waves' turmoil to risk his life,

drihtscype dréogan· þaér hé dóme

to carry out bravery; there he forfeited glory,
forléas
ellenmaérðum· ne wæs þaém
fame from valour; it was not so for the other,
óðrum swá

syðþan hé hine tó gúðe gegyred

when he himself for war had equipped.
hæfde.

XXII

Béowulf maðelode bearn 14

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgþéowes: 73

'Geþenc nú, se maéra maga

'Think now, glorious kinsman of Half-Dane,
Healfdenes

snottra fengel· nú ic eom síðes

wise chieftain, now I am eager for the adventure,
fús·

goldwine gumena, hwæt wit géo

gold-friend of man, what we spoke of earlier:
spraécon:

gif ic æt þearfe þínre scolde if I in employment of yours should

14 be parted from life, that you for me ever would

aldre linnan· þæt ðú mé á waére
78 be,

forðgewitenum on fæder staéle· having passed on, in the place of a father;

wes þú mundbora
be you hand-bearer to my young retainers,
mínum magoþegnum

hondgesellum gif mec hild nime hand-companions, if battle takes me,

swylce þú ðá mádmas, þé þú mé so too you the treasures, those which you gave
sealdest, me,

14
Hróðgár léofa, Higeláce onsend· beloved Hrothgar, send on to Hygelac;
83

mæg þonne on þaém golde he then will able to in the gold observe, the lord
ongitan Géata dryhten, of the Geats,

geséon sunu Hraédles þonne hé to perceive, the son of Hrethel, when he on that
on þæt sinc starað treasures stares,

that I one of noble virtues, a good king, had

þæt ic gumcystum gódne funde
found,

béaga bryttan bréac þonne

dispenser of rings, enjoyed while I could.
móste.

14
Ond þú Hunferð laét ealde láfe And let Unferth the old heirloom,
88

wraétlíc waégsweord wídcúðne the glorious wave-sword, (let) the widely-known

man man
heardecg habban· ic mé mid have that hard-edged (sword); I for myself with
Hruntinge Hrunting

dóm gewyrce oþðe mec déað

will gain glory, unless Death takes me.'
nimeð.'

Æfter þaém wordum Weder-

After these words the man of the Weder-Geats
Géata léod

14
efste mid elne· nalas andsware hastened with courage; not in the least for a reply
93

bídan wolde· brimwylm onfeng did he wish to await; the surging-lake enfolded

the battle-warrior. Then it was a long part of a

hilderince. Ðá wæs hwíl dæges,
day,

aér hé þone grundwong ongytan

ere he the bottom could perceive,
mehte

sóna þæt onfunde sé ðe flóda at once she found it out, --she who the floods'
begong expanse,

14
heorogífre behéold hund misséra fiercely-ravenous, held a hundred half-years,
98

grim ond graédig þæt þaér wrathful and greedy-- that there one of the
gumena sum humans

ælwihta eard ufan cunnode· the realm of strange being explored from above;

gráp þá tógéanes· gúðrinc geféng then she groped towards, seized the warrior

atolan clommum· nó þý aér in in terrible clasps; Not the sooner she crushed
gescód inside

15 his hale body; the ring-mail gave him protection

hálan líce· hring útan ymbbearh
03 from without,

þæt héo þone fyrdhom ðurhfón

that she the soldier-garment could not penetrate,
ne mihte

locene leoðosyrcan láþan the interlocked limb-coat, with her loathsome

fingrum. fingers.

Bær þá séo brimwylf þá héo tó Then the sea-wolf bore, when she had come to
botme cóm the bottom,

hringa þengel tó hofe sínum the lord of those rings to her court,

swá hé ne mihte --nó hé þæs 15

so he could not --no matter how brave he was--
módig wæs-- 08

waépna gewealdan ac hine

wield his weapon, but him so many bizarre things
wundra þæs fela
swecte on sunde· saédéor monig smelled in the deep, many sea-beasts

hildetúxum heresyrcan bræc· with battle-tusks tore at his army-mail,

éhton áglaécan. Ðá se eorl

the horrors attacked. Then the earl saw
ongeat

15 that he in a hall of hatred --I know not which--

þæt hé níðsele náthwylcum wæs
13 was,

þaér him naénig wæter wihte ne

where not any water him oppressed at all,
sceþede

né him for hrófsele hrínan ne nor him, due to the the hall's roof, was not able
mehte to reach

faérgripe flódes· fýrléoht geseah, the sudden onrush of the flood; he saw firelight,

blácne léoman beorhte scínan· a pale light shining vividly;

ongeat þá se 15 then the good man saw the accursèd one of the
góda grundwyrgenne 18 deep,

merewíf mihtig· mægenraés

the mighty mere-wife; he gave a powerful thrust
forgeaf

to the battle-bill, did not withhold the swing of his

hildebille· hondswenge ne oftéah
hand,

þæt hire on hafelan hringmaél

so that on her head the ring-marked sang out
ágól

graédig gúðléoð· ðá se gist

a greedy war-song; then the guest discovered
onfand

15
þæt se beadoléoma bítan nolde, that the battle-brand did not wish to bite,
23

aldre sceþðan ac séo ecg geswác to crush life, rather the edge failed

ðéodne æt þearfe· ðolode aér the noble in his need; it had endured already
fela many

hondgemóta· helm oft gescær hand-to-hand encounters, often split helm,

faéges fyrdhrægl· ðá wæs forma the war-garments of the doomed; this was the
síð first time

déorum mádme þæt his dóm 15

for the precious treasure that its glory failed.
álæg. 28

Again was resolute, not at all slackening in

Eft wæs anraéd, nalas elnes læt
courage,

maérða gemyndig maég Hýgláces mindful of fame the kinsman of Hygelac

wearp ðá wundenmaél wraéttum then he threw aside the twisting pattern
gebunden (sword), adorned with ornaments,

yrre óretta þæt hit on eorðan læg the angry warrior, so that it lay on the earth,

stíð ond stýlecg· strenge 15

firm and steel-edged; he trusted to strength,
getrúwode, 33

mundgripe mægenes· swá sceal

his hand-grip of might; so must a man do,
man doön

þonne hé æt gúðe gegán þenceð when he in war intends to gain

longsumne lof· ná ymb his líf

long-lasting praise; he cares not for his life.
cearað.

Geféng þá be eaxle --nalas Grabbed her then by the shoulder --not in the
for faéhðe mearn-- least regretting the feud--

Gúð-Géata léod, Grendles 15

the prince of the War-Geats, Grendel's mother;
módor· 38

brægd þá beadwe heard þá hé the hard man of conflict then heaved, now that
gebolgen wæs he was enraged,

feorhgeníðlan þæt héo on flet

the deadly foe, so that she fell to the floor;
gebéah·

héo him eft hraþe handlean

she again him quickly gave hand-reward
forgeald

grimman grápum ond him with wrathful grips and clutched him against
tógéanes féng· herself;

oferwearp þá wérigmód wigena 15 then, weary in spirit, he stumbled, the strongest

strengest 43 man,

féþecempa þæt hé on fylle

warrior on foot, so that he was in a fall;
wearð·

ofsæt þá þone selegyst ond hyre then she bestrode the guest in her hall, and drew
seax getéah her seax,

brád ond brúnecg· wolde hire broad and bright-edged; she wished to avenge
bearn wrecan her son,

ángan eaferan· him on eaxle læg only offspring; on his shoulder lay

bréostnet bróden; þæt gebearh 15

woven breast-net; it protected life,
féore 48

wið ord ond wið ecge ingang

against point and against edge it withstood entry.
forstód.
Hæfde ðá forsíðod sunu Then he would have perished, the son of
Ecgþéowes Edgetheow,

under the yawning ground, the champion of the

under gynne grund Géata cempa
Geats,

nemne him heaðobyrne helpe

except that him the war-byrnie provided help,
gefremede

15
herenet hearde-- ond hálig god firm army-net-- and holy God
53

gewéold wígsigor· wítig drihten controlled the war-victory; the wise Lord,

rodera raédend hit on ryht

the Ruler of the heavens, decided it rightly,
gescéd

ýðelíce syþðan hé eft ástód. easily, thereupon he stood up again.

XXIII

He saw then among the arms a victory-

Geseah ðá on searwum sigeéadig bil
blessed bill,

15
ealdsweord eotenisc ecgum þýhtig an old giantish sword with firm edges,
58

wigena weorðmynd· þæt wæs an honour of warriors, it was the choicest

waépna cyst weapon,

búton hit wæs máre ðonne aénig

but it was more than any other man
mon óðer

tó beaduláce ætberan meahte to battle-play could carry,

gód ond geatolíc gíganta geweorc· good and stately, the work of giants;

hé geféng þá fetelhilt· freca 15 he seized then the ring-hilt, champion of the

Scyldinga 63 Scyldings

hréoh ond heorogrim hringmaél wild and furiously battle-fierce, he drew

gebrægd the ring-marked (sword)

aldres orwéna· yrringa slóh without hope of life, angrily struck,

þæt hire wið halse heard grápode· so that through her neck it clutched hard,

broke bone-rings; the bill passed entirely

bánhringas bræc· bil eal ðurhwód
through

faégne flaéschoman· héo on flet 15

the doomed cloak of flesh; she fell on the floor;
gecrong· 68

sweord wæs swátig· secg weorce the sword was bloody, the warrior rejoiced in
gefeh. his work.

Líxte se léoma· léoht inne stód The gleam flashed, the light stood within,
efne swá of hefene hádre scíneð even as from heaven shines brightly

rodores candel· hé æfter recede

the sky's candle; he looked about the hall;
wlát·

hwearf þá be wealle· waépen 15

moved along the wall, weapon raised
hafenade 73

heard be hiltum Higeláces ðegn fierce with hilts, Hygelac's thane,

angry and single-minded; nor was that edge

yrre ond anraéd· næs séo ecg fracod
useless

hilderince ac hé hraþe wolde to the battle-man, but he quickly wished

Grendle forgyldan gúðraésa fela to repay Grendel for the many war-raids

ðára þe hé geworhte tó West- 15

which he had carried out on the West-Danes
Denum 78

oftor micle ðonne on aénne síð much more often than on a single venture,

þonne hé Hróðgáres heorðgenéatas when he Hrothgar's hearth-companions

slaughter in their slumber, devoured in their

slóh on sweofote· slaépende fraét
sleep,

folces Denigea fýftýne men of the folk of the Danes fifteen men,

15
ond óðer swylc út offerede and other such had he carried out and off
83

láðlicu lác· hé him þæs léan

forgeald hideous haul; he paid him the reward of that,

réþe cempa tó ðæs þe hé on ræste

the fierce fighter, in that he saw in repose
geseah

gúðwérigne Grendel licgan war-weary Grendel lying,

aldorléasne swá him aér gescód lifeless, as he had injured him earlier

15 in the conflict at Heorot --the corpse burst wide

hild æt Heorote --hrá wíde sprong
88 open,

syþðan hé æfter déaðe drepe

when it after death suffered a blow,
þrówade

heorosweng heardne-- ond hine þá a hard sword-stroke-- and then its head he cut
héafde becearf. off.

Sóna þæt gesáwon snottre ceorlas Suddenly that saw the wise fellows,

þá ðe mid Hróðgáre on holm wliton· who with Hrothgar looked at the lake,

þæt wæs ýðgeblond eal gemenged that was turmoil of waves all stirred up
 15 the water coloured with blood; with blended-
brim blóde fáh· blondenfeaxe
93 hair,

gomele ymb gódne ongeador

aged, about the good man, together they spoke,
spraécon

þæt hig þæs æðelinges eft ne

that they that noble one did not expect again
wéndon·

that he, triumphing in victory, would come to

þæt hé sigehréðig sécean cóme
seek

maérne þéoden· þá ðæs monige 15

the glorious ruler; then it many agreed,
gewearð 98

þæt hine séo brimwylf ábreoten

that the sea-wolf him had destroyed.
hæfde.

Then came then ninth hour of the day; they

Ðá cóm nón dæges· næs ofgéafon
abandoned the cape,

hwate Scyldingas· gewát him hám

the brave Scyldings; he went home hence,
þonon

goldwine gumena· gistas sécan the gold-friend of men; the guests looked about

16
módes séoce ond on mere staredon· sick at heart, and stared into the mere,
03

wíston, ond ne wéndon þæt híe wished, and did not expect, that they their lord
heora winedrihten and friend

selfne gesáwon. Þá þæt sweord

himself would see. Then that sword began
ongan

æfter heaþoswáte hildegicelum caused by the gore of battle in icycles of battle,

wígbil wanian· þæt wæs wundra sum the war-bill to wane; that was a great wonder

16
þæt hit eal gemealt íse gelícost that it all melted, so like ice,
08

ðonne forstes bend fæder onlaéteð· when frost's bond the Father loosens,

onwindeð waélrápas sé geweald

unwinds water-ropes, who has control
hafað

saéla ond maéla· þæt is sóð metod. of times and seaons; that is the true Creator.

Ne nóm hé in þaém wícum Weder- He did not take into those dwelling, the leader
Géata léod of the Weder-Geats,

máðmaéhta má þéh hé þaér monige 16 more treasures, though he there saw a great
geseah 13 number,
búton þone hafelan ond þá hilt
but that head and the hilt as well
somod

shining with ornament; the sword had already

since fáge· sweord aér gemealt·
melted,

forbarn bródenmaél· wæs þæt blód burned up the wavy-patterned (blade); that
tó þæs hát, blood was so hot,

ættren ellorgaést sé þaér inne the venomous foreign spirit who had perished
swealt. there inside.

Sóna wæs on sunde sé þe aér æt 16 Straightaway he was in the water, he who

sæcce gebád 18 survived in strife,

wíghryre wráðra wæter úp the enemies' fall in war; he dove up through the
þurhdéaf· water,

waéron ýðgebland eal gefaélsod the turmoil of waves was all cleared,

éacne eardas þá se ellorgást the vast regions, where the alien ghosts

oflét lífdagas ond þás laénan

gave up their life-days and this borrowed world;
gesceaft·

16
cóm þá to lande lidmanna helm he came then to the land, the seafarer's leader,
23

swimming stout-hearted; he rejoiced in the sea-

swíðmód swymman· saéláce gefeah
loot,

mægenbyrþenne, þára þe hé him

the great burden, which he had with him.
mid hæfde.

Éodon him þá tógéanes· gode

They went towards him, thanked God,
þancodon

ðrýðlíc þegna héap þéodnes the mighty band of thanes, they rejoiced for
gefégon their lord,

þæs þe hí hyne gesundne geséon 16

that they him sound were able to see;
móston· 28

ðá wæs of þaém hróran helm ond then the vigorous man was from helm and
byrne byrnie

lungre álýsed --lagu drúsade, quickly loosened --the water grew still,

wæter under wolcnum wældréore the lake under the clouds, stained with the gore
fág-- of death--

férdon forð þonon féþelástum they fared forth thence along foot-paths

16 happy in their hearts, traversed the trail over

ferhþum fægne· foldweg maéton
33 the earth,
cúþe straéte· cyningbalde men the familiar streets; the men, bold as kings,

from þaém holmclife hafelan baéron from that lake-cliff bore the head

earfoðlíce heora aéghwæþrum arduously, for all of them,

felamódigra --féower scoldon full of spirit --four had to

on þaém wælstenge wærcum 16

on the pole of the slain to carry with difficulty
geferian 38

tó þaém goldsele Grendles héafod-- to the gold-hall Grendel's head--

oþ ðæt semninga tó sele cómon until presently they came to the hall,

frome fyrdhwate féowertýne brave army-keen fourteen

Géata gongan gumdryhten mid· of the Geats moving, with their lord of men,

módig on gemonge meodowongas 16 proud in the throng, trod on the plain near the
træd. 43 mead-hall.

Ðá cóm in gaän ealdor ðegna Then came in marching the lord of the thanes,

daédcéne mon dóme gewurþad the deed-bold man exalted by glory,

hæle hildedéor Hróðgár grétan· the battle-brave hero, to greet Hrothgar;

þá wæs be feaxe on flet boren then it was by the hair borne to the floor

Grendles héafod þaér guman 16

the head of Grendel, where men were drinking,
druncon, 48

egeslíc for eorlum ond þaére idese

dreadful for the earls, and the ladies with them,
mid,

wliteséon wraétlíc· weras onsáwon. a wondrous spectacle; the men stared.

XXV

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes: Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Hwæt, wé þé þás saélác, sunu 'Listen, we you these sea-spoils, son of Half-
Healfdenes Dane,

16
léod Scyldinga, lustum bróhton lord of the Scyldings, gladly brought
53

tíres tó tácne þé þú hér tó lócast. as token of glory, which you look at here.

Ic þæt unsófte ealdre gedígde I it not easily survived with my life,

wigge under wætere· weorc genéþde war under water, work risked

earfoðlíce· ætrihte wæs with trouble; at once was

16 the warfare at an end, unless God shielded

gúð getwaéfed nymðe mec god scylde·
58 me;
ne meahte ic æt hilde mid Hruntinge I could not in the battle with Hrunting

bring about anything, though that weapon is

wiht gewyrcan þéah þæt waépen duge
excellent

ac mé geúðe ylda waldend but to me granted men's Ruler

þæt ic on wáge geseah wlitig hangian that I saw on the wall hanging fair

16 a mighty ancient sword --most often He has

ealdsweord éacen --oftost wísode
63 guided

winigea léasum-- þæt ic ðý waépne the one deprived of friend-- that I the weapon
gebraéd· drew,

ofslóh ðá æt þaére sæcce þá mé saél slew then in the strife, when an opportunity
ageald was yielded to me,

húses hyrdas· þá þæt hildebil the house's guardians; then that battle-bill

forbarn brogdenmaél swá þæt blód burned up, wavy-patterned, as the blood
gesprang leapt out,

16
hátost heaþoswáta· ic þæt hilt þanan the hottest sweat of war; I that hilt thence
68

carried back from the fiends, foul-deeds

féondum ætferede· fyrendaéda wræc
avenged,

déaðcwealm Denigea swá hit gedéfe

deadly slaughter of Danes, as it was fitting.
wæs.

Ic hit þé þonne geháte þæt þú on I promise it to you then, that you in Heorot
Heorote móst may

sorhléas swefan mid þínra secga sleep without sorrow with your company of
gedryht soldiers,

16
ond þegna gehwylc þínra léoda and each thane of your nation,
73

duguðe ond iogoþe· þæt þú him veterans and youths, that you for them need
ondraédan ne þearft, not dread,

þéoden Scyldinga, on þá healfe chieftain of the Scyldings, on that side,

aldorbealu eorlum swá þú aér dydest.' life-bale for earls, as you did before.'

Ðá wæs gyldenhilt gamelum rince Then was the golden hilt to the old king

16
hárum hildfruman on hand gyfen to the grey battle-leader, given into his hand,
78

the ancient work of giants; it had passed into

enta aérgeweorc· hit on aéht gehwearf
the possession

æfter déofla hryre Denigea fréän after the devils' fall of the lord of the Danes,
wundorsmiþa geweorc ond þá þás the work of wondersmiths, and then this
worold ofgeaf world gave up

gromheort guma godes andsaca the angry-hearted creature, God's adversary

16
morðres scyldig ond his módor éac guilty of murder, and his mother also;
83

on geweald gehwearf woroldcyninga it passed into the power of the earthly kings

ðaém sélestan be saém twéonum the finest ones between the two seas,

ðára þe on Scedenigge sceattas daélde. of those who in Scandinavia dealt out riches.

Hrothgor spoke; he examined **1687-

Hróðgár maðelode· hylt scéawode
the hilt, 1698**

16 the old heirloom, on which was engraved the

ealde lafe· on ðaém wæs ór writen
88 origin

fyrngewinnes syðþan flód ofslóh of ancient strife, when the flood slew

gifen géotende gíganta cyn-- the pouring ocean, the race of giants--

frécne geférdon· þæt wæs fremde

they fared terribly; that was a tribe foreign
þéod

écean dryhtne· him þæs endeléan to the eternal Lord; them the end-reward

16 through the surging of waters the Ruler

þurh wæteres wylm waldend sealde--
93 granted--

swá wæs on ðaém scennum scíran

also was on the sword-hilt of shining gold
goldes

þurh rúnstafas rihte gemearcod in rune-staves rightly marked,

geseted ond gesaéd hwám þæt sweord it was set down and said, for whom the sword
geworht wrought,

írena cyst aérest waére --choicest of irons-- had been first,

wreoþenhilt ond wyrmfáh· ðá se wísa 16 with a twisted-hilt and serpent-

spræc 98 patterned; then the wise man spoke,

sunu Healfdenes swígedon ealle: the son of Half-Dane all fell silent:

'Þæt, lá, mæg secgan sé þe sóð ond

'That, indeed, may say he who truth and right
riht

performs among the folk, remembers all from

fremeð on folce· feor eal gemon,
far-back,

old warden of the homeland; that this hero

eald éðel weard· þæt ðes eorl waére
was
 17
geboren betera· blaéd is áraéred born a greater man; the fame is established
03

throughout the distant regions, Beowulf my

geond wídwegas, wine mín Béowulf,
friend,

ðín ofer þéoda gehwylce· eal þú hit over each of the nations, of you; all you it with
geþyldum healdest, patience hold,

mægen mid módes snyttrum· ic þé strength with the wisdom of the heart; to you
sceal míne gelaéstan I shall continue to give my

fréoðe swá wit furðum spraécon· ðú 17 protection, as we spoke of before; you must
scealt tó frófre weorþan 07 be as a comfort

eal langtwídig léodum þínum all long-lasting to your people,

hæleðum tó helpe. Ne wearð Heremód

to heroes a support. Heremod was not so
swá

to the sons of Edgewela, to the Honour-

eaforum Ecgwelan Ár-Scyldingum·
Scyldings;

ne gewéox hé him tó willan ac tó he grew not to their pleasure, but for

wælfealle slaughter

17 and for annihilation of the people of the

ond tó déaðcwalum Deniga léodum·
12 Danes;

he felled in a furious spirit his companions at

bréat bolgenmód béodgenéatas
table,

eaxlgesteallan oþ þæt hé ána hwearf shoulder-comrades, until he alone passed,

maére þéoden mondréamum from famous king, from the joys of man

ðéah þe hine mihtig god mægenes

though him mighty God with joys of strength
wynnum

17
eafeþum stépte ofer ealle men powerfully exalted over all men,
17

forð gefremede hwæþere him on

further advanced yet in his heart grew to him
ferhþe gréow

bréosthord blódréow· nallas béagas the treasure of the breast eager for blood; not
geaf at all did he give rings

Denum æfter dóme· dréamléas gebád to Danes for glory; he lived joylessly,

þæt hé þæs gewinnes wærc þrówade so that he the strife's pain suffered,

17 a great evil to the people for a long time. You

léodbealo longsum. Ðú þé laér be þon·
22 learn by this,

gumcyste ongit· ic þis gid be þé understand human virtue; I this tale for you
áwræc wintrum fród. Wundor is tó recited, old and wise in winters. Wonder is to
secganne say

hú mihtig god manna cynne how mighty God to mankind

according to deep understanding dispenses

þurh sídne sefan snyttru bryttað
wisdom,

eard ond eorlscipe· hé áh ealra 17

land and noble qualities; he has control of all;
geweald· 27

hwílum hé on lufan laéteð hworfan at times He in delight lets go

the heart's thought of some man of glorious

monnes módgeþonc maéran cynnes
kin

seleð him on éþle eorþan wynne gives to him in his own homeland earthly bliss

tó healdanne hléoburh wera· to command a stronghold of men,

gedéð him swá gewealdene worolde 17 makes subject to him from the world's
daélas 32 portions,

síde ríce þæt hé his selfa ne mæg a wide kingdom, that he himself can not

for his unsnyttrum ende geþencean· in his ignorance conceive the end (of his rule);

wunað hé on wiste· nó hine wiht he lives on in abundance; they hinder him not
dweleð a bit,

ádl né yldo né him inwitsorh sickness nor age, nor him evil sorrow

17
on sefan sweorceð né gesacu óhwaér darkens in his soul, nor strife anywhere
37

ecghete éoweð ac him eal worold sharp-hate appears, but to him all the world

wendeð on willan· hé þæt wyrse ne turns on his pleasure; he does not

con. know it worse.

XXVI

Oð þæt him on innan oferhygda daél Until within him pride's portion

weaxeð ond wrídað þonne se weard

grows and flourishes then the warder sleeps,
swefeð

17
sáwele hyrde· bið se slaép tó fæst, the soul's keeper; the sleep is too sound,
42

bisgum gebunden, bona swíðe néah bound with troubles, the killer is very near,

sá þe of flánbogan fyrenum scéoteð· he who from his shaft-bow foully fires;

þonne bið on hreþre under helm

then it is in the heart struck beneath the helm
drepen
biteran straéle --him bebeorgan ne
by the bitter dart --he cannot protect himself--
con--

wóm wundorbebodum wergan 17 from the perversity of strange biddings of the

gástes· 47 wicked spirit;

þinceð him tó lýtel þæt hé tó lange

it seems to him too little what he rules too long;
héold·

gýtsað gromhýdig· nallas on gylp cruel-mindedly covets, he in arrogance never

seleð gives

faédde béagas ond hé þá

golden rings, and he then the future
forðgesceaft

forgyteð ond forgýmeð þæs þe him forgets and disregards, that which God gave
aér god sealde, him before,

17
wuldres waldend, weorðmynda daél· glory's Ruler, a share of honour·
52

hit on endestæf eft gelimpeð it in the end finally comes to pass

þæt se líchoma laéne gedréoseð· that the body, lent, fails;

faége gefealleð· féhð óþer tó fated to death, it falls; another body takes up,

sé þe unmurnlíce mádmas daéleþ who without regret shares out treasure,

eorles aérgestréon· egesan ne 17 the earl's ancient wealth, and he heeds not
gýmeð. 57 fear.

Bebeorh þé ðone bealoníð, Beowulf Guard yourself against this wicked

léofa strife, beloved Beowulf,

secg betosta, ond þé þæt sélre

finest man, and for yourself choose the better,
gecéos

éce raédas· oferhýda ne gým, the eternal gains; do not pay heed to pride,

maére cempa· nú is þínes mægnes renowned champion; now is the glory of your
blaéd strength

17
áne hwíle· eft sóna bið for a while; presently in turn will be
62

þæt þec ádl oððe ecg eafoþes that you sickness or edge will part from
getwaéfeð strength,

oððe fýres feng oððe flódes wylm or grasp of fire, or surge of flood,

oððe gripe méces oððe gáres fliht or bite of blade, or flight of spear,

oððe atol yldo· oððe éagena or repulsive old-age; or the brightness of the
bearhtm eyes
forsiteð ond forsworceð· semninga 17
weakens and dims; very soon will be
bið 67

þæt ðec, dryhtguma, déað

that you, warrior, Death overpowers.
oferswýðeð.

Swá ic Hring-Dena hund misséra So I the Ring-Danes a hundred seasons

wéold under wolcnum ond hig wigge have ruled under the skies and in war sheltered
beléac them,

manigum maégþa geond þysne from many tribes throughout this middle-
middangeard earth,

æscum ond ecgum þæt ic mé 17 from ash-shafts and sword-edges, so that I for
aénigne 72 myself any,

under swegles begong gesacan ne under the expanse of the heavens, adversary I
tealde. did not account.

Hwæt, mé þæs on éþle edwendan Listen, to me in the homeland for that a

cwóm, reversal came,

gyrn æfter gomene seoþðan Grendel

sorrow after joy, since Grendel became
wearð

ealdgewinna ingenga min an old contender, invader of mine,

17
ic þaére sócne singáles wæg I from that persecution endured continually
77

módceare micle· þæs sig metode great sorrow of spirit; thanks be for that to the
þanc Measurer of Fate,

écean dryhtne þæs ðe ic on aldre

eternal Lord, from that I survived alive,
gebád

þæt ic on þone
so that I on the head sword-bloodied
hafelan heorodréorigne

ofer eald gewin éagum starige! after ancient strife could gaze with my eyes!

17 Go now to the bench, join in the pleasure-

Gá nú tó setle· symbelwynne dréoh
82 banquet,

wíggeweorþad· unc sceal worn fela honoured by your battle; we must very many

máþma gemaénra siþðan morgen

treasures share between us when it is morning.'
bið.'

The Geat was glad-hearted, went straightaway

Géat wæs glædmód· géong sóna tó
to

seek the bench, as the wise one had

setles néosan swá se snottra heht·
commanded;
 17
þá wæs eft swá aér ellenrófum then it was again as before for bold warriors,
87

for those sitting in the hall they prepared a fine

fletsittendum fægere gereorded
feast

níowan stefne· nihthelm geswearc once again; the helm of night darkened,

deorc ofer dryhtgumum· duguð eal dark over the company of warriors; the
árás· veterans all arose;

wolde blondenfeax beddes néosan, the blended-haired one wishes to seek his bed,

17
gamela Scylding· Géat unigmetes wél the aged Scylding; the Geat exceedingly much,
92

rófne randwigan restan lyste· valiant shield-warrior, desired rest;

sóna him seleþegn síðes wérgum at once him the hall-thane the weary journeyer

feorrancundum orð wísade from afar guided forth,

sé for andrysnum ealle beweotede who for courtesy looked after everything

17
þegnes þearfe swylce þý dógore of the hero's needs, such as in those days
97

heaþolíðende habban scoldon· warrior-sailors were obliged to have;

reste hine þá rúmheort· reced rested him then, the large-hearted man; the
hlíuade hall towered

vaulted and gold-adorned; the guest slept

géap ond goldfáh· gæst inne swæf
inside

oþ þæt hrefn blaca heofones wynne until the black raven, the joy of the sky

blíðheort bodode. Ðá cóm beorht 18 declared glad-heartedly. Then came bright

scacan 02 hurrying,

scaþan ónetton· fighters hastening;

waéron æþelingas eft tó léodum the nobles were back to their people

fúse tó farenne· wolde feor þanon eager to fare; he wished far thence,

cuma collenferhð céoles néosan. the high-spirited visitor, to seek his ship.

18 He then directed the tough man to wear

Heht þá se hearda Hrunting beran
07 Hrunting

sunu Ecgláfes· heht his sweord niman the son of Edgelaf, bid him take his sword,

léoflíc íren· sægde him þæs léanes

beloved iron; said thanks to him for the loan,
þanc·
cwæð: hé þone gúðwine gódne
quoth: he the war-friend marked well,
tealde

wígcræftigne· nales wordum lóg skilled in war; he did not in words blame

18
méces ecge· þæt wæs módig secg. the maiche's edge; he was a proud man.
12

Ond þá síðfrome, searwum gearwe And then, eager to be going, ready in arms,

were the warriors, the one honoured by the

wígend waéron éode weorð Denum
Danes went,

æþeling tó yppan þaér se óþer wæs noble to the high seat, where the other was,

hæle hildedéor Hróðgár grétte. the battle-bold hero greeted Hrothgar.

XXVII

Béowulf maþelode bearn 18

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgþéowes: 17

'Nú wé saélíðend secgan

'Now we sea-farers wish to say
wyllað

feorran cumene þæt wé

having come from afar, that we are anxious
fundiaþ

Higelác sécan· waéron hér tela to seek Hygelac; we here were well

willum bewenede· þú ús wél

entertained in our desires; you have treated us well.
dohtest.

Gif ic þonne on eorþan ówihte 18

If then on earth I can (do) anything
mæg 22

þínre módlufan máran tilian, of your affections earn more,

gumena dryhten, ðonne ic gýt

lord of men, than I have done yet,
dyde,

gúðgeweorca ic béo gearo sóna with feats of arms, I am ready at once,

gif ic þæt gefricge ofer flóda

if I find it out over the flood's expanse,
begang

þæt þec ymbsittend egesan 18

that you neighbouring-tribes oppress with terror,
þýwað 27

swá þec hetende hwílum dydon as enemies to you sometimes did,

ic ðé þúsenda þegna bringe I to you a thousand thanes will bring,

hæleþa tó helpe. Ic on Higeláce

heroes as help. I know of Hygelac,
wát,
Géata dryhten þéah ðe hé
the lord of the Geats, though he is young,
geong syÿ

folces hyrde· þæt hé mec 18

the keeper of the folk, that he would support me
fremman wile 32

weordum ond worcum þæt ic with words and with deeds, so that I might honour
þé wél herige you rightly

ond þé tó géoce gárholt bere and to you in aid bring a forest of spears,

mægenes fultum þaér ðé bið the support of strength, where you be needful of
manna þearf. men.

Gif him þonne Hréþrínc tó If him, on the other hand, Hrethric to the Geatish
hofum Géata court

geþingeð þéodnes bearn hé 18 decides (to go), chieftain's son, he shall there be able
mæg þaér fela 37 many

fréonda findan· feorcýþðe béoð friends to find; distant lands are

sélran gesóhte þaém þe him

better sought by one who is powerful himself.'
selfa déah.'

Hróðgár maþelode him on

Hrothgar spoke to him in reply:
andsware:

'Þé þá wordcwydas wigtig

'To you these sayings of words the wise Lord
drihten

on sefan sende· ne hýrde ic 18 has sent into mind; I have not heard more
snotorlícor 42 intelligently

on swá geongum feore guman

at such young age man make a speech;
þingian·

þú eart mægenes strang ond on

you are strong in power and wise in your heart,
móde fród

wís wordcwida· wén ic talige judicious word-speaker; I consider it likely

gif þæt gegangeð þæt ðe gár

if it happens, that from you the spear takes,
nymeð

hild heorugrimme Hréþles 18

a horrendous battle Hrethel's heir,
eaferan, 47

ádl oþðe íren ealdor ðínne sickness or iron your ruler,

folces hyrde ond þú þín feorh

the guardian of the folk, and you have your life,
hafast

þæt þe Saé-Géatas sélran

that the Sea-Geats could not have better
næbben
tó gecéosenne cyning aénigne by choosing any other king,

hordweard hæleþa gyf þú 18

hoard-ward of heroes, if you wish to rule
healdan wylt 52

mága ríce· mé þín módsefa your kinsman's kingdom. Your spirit and heart me

lícað leng swá wél, léofa pleases so well the longer (I know them), dear
Béowulf· Beowulf;

hafast þú geféred þæt þám

you have achieved that for the folk shall
folcum sceal

Géata léodum ond Gár-Denum the people of the Geats and the Spear-Danes

18
sib gemaénum ond sacu restan, in mutual peace, and strife subside,
57

inwitníþas, þé híe aér drugon, hostilities, which they endured before;

wesan þenden ic wealde wídan

shall be, while I rule the wide kingdom,
ríces

máþmas gemaéne, manig

wealth in common, many an other
óþerne

gódum gegréttan ofer ganotes

with good things will greet over the gannet's bath;
bæð·

sceal hringnaca ofer heáþu 18

the ring-prowed ship shall bring over the high seas
bringan 62

offerings and tokens of friendship; I know these

lác ond luftácen· ic þá léode wát
nations

gé wið féond gé wið

both towards foe and towards friend firmly disposed,
fréond fæste geworhte

aéghwæs untaéle ealde wísan.' blameless in everything, in the ancient manner.'

Ðá gít him eorla hléo hine

Then again to him the protector of earls gave to him,
gesealde

mago Healfdenes máþmas 18

the son of Half-Dane, twelve treasures;
twelf· 67

hét inne mid þaém lácum léode he commanded him with these gifts his own dear
swaése nation

sécean on gesyntum, snúde eft

to seek in safety, to return quickly;
cuman·

gecyste þá cyning æþelum gód, kissed then, the king the upright noble,

þéoden Scyldinga ðegn

the chieftain of the Scyldings, the best thane
betostan
ond be healse genam· hruron 18
and took him by the neck; tears fell from him,
him téaras 72

blondenfeaxum· him wæs béga from the silver and gold whiskers; in him **1873-
wén were both thoughts 80**

ealdum infródum, óþres swíðor· old and deeply wise, the second stronger,

þæt híe seoððan geséon

that they afterwards might meet,
móston

módige on meþle· wæs him se brave in a formal summit; the man was so dear to
man tó þon léof him

þæt hé þone 18
that he the welling of his breast could not hold back
bréostwylm forberan ne mehte 77

ac him on hreþre hygebendum

but him in his heart in firm bounds of thought
fæst

æfter déorum men dyrne

for the dear man a remote longing
langað

beorn wið blóde. Him Béowulf

burned in his blood. Him Beowulf thence,
þanan

gúðrinc goldwlanc græsmoldan

warrior proud with gold, trod the grass-mound,
træd

18
since hrémig· saégenga bád triumphing in treasure. The sea-goer awaited
82

ágedfréän sé þe on ancre rád· its lord and owner, which rode at its anchor;

þá wæs on gange gifu

later on the journey was the gift of Hrothgar
Hróðgáres

oft geæhted· þæt wæs án

often praised; that was one king,
cyning,

aéghwæs orleahtre oþ þæt hine

in everything blameless, until age deprived him
yldo benam

mægenes wynnum sé þe oft 18 of strength's delights, a thing which continually

manegum scód. 87 harms many.

XXVIII

Cwóm þá tó flóde fela módigra They came than to the flood full of spirit

hægstealdra· hringnet baéron of the young warriors; ring-mail they wore

locene leoðosyrcan· landweard interlocked limb-shirts; the land-guard

onfand perceived

eftsíð eorla, swá hé aér dyde· the return of heroes, as he did before;
 18 he did not with insult from the cliff's
nó hé mid hearme of hliðes nósan
92 promontory

gæstas grétte ac him tógéanes rád· greet the guests, but rode towards them,

cwæð þæt wilcuman Wedera said that welcome to the people of the
léodum Wederas

the fighters with bright covering he went to the

scaþan scírhame tó scipe fóron·
ship;

þá wæs on sande saégéap naca then was on sand the sea-curved boat

18
hladen herewaédum hringedstefna laden with war-garments the ringed-prow
97

méarum ond máðmum· mæst

with horses and treasure; the mast towered
hlífade

ofer Hróðgáres hordgestréonum· over Hrothgar's hoard-wealth;

hé þaém bátwearde bunden golde he to the boat-guard a bound gold

swurd gesealde þæt hé syðþan wæs sword gave, so that he afterwards was

19 on the mead-bench by the treasure the

on meodubence máþma þý weorþre
02 worthier,

yrfeláfe. Gewát him on nacan by the inherited relic. Departed him on the ship

dréfan déop wæter· Dena land

to trouble deep water; he left the Danes' land;
ofgeaf·

þá wæs be mæste merehrægla sum then was by the mast a mighty sea-garment,

segl sále fæst· sundwudu þunede· sail fastened by rope; the sea-beam thundered;

19 there the wave-floater was not (by) wind over

nó þaér wégflotan wind ofer ýðum
07 the waves

síðes getwaéfde· saégenga fór· hindered in its venture; the sea-goers went,

fléat fámigheals forð ofer ýðe the foamy-necked floated forth over the waves,

bundenstefna ofer brimstréamas bound prow over the ocean-streams,

þæt híe Géata clifu ongitan meahton until they the Geatish cliffs could perceive,

19
cúþe næssas· céol úp geþrang the well-known headlands; the keel rushed up
12

lyftgeswenced· on lande stód. weather-beaten, rested on the land.

Hraþe wæs æt holme hýðweard Quickly was at the water the ready harbour-
geara guard,
 he who already for a long time for the beloved
sé þe aér lange tíd léofra manna
men

fús æt faroðe feor wlátode· eager at the current gazed far;

19
saélde tó sande sídfæþme scip moored in the sand the broad-bosomed ship
17

oncearbendum fæst þý laés hym ýþa firm with anchor-bounds, lest the force of the
ðrym waves

wudu wynsuman forwrecan meahte· the winsome timbers might carry away;

he ordered then to carry up the nobles'

hét þá úp beran æþelinga gestréon
treasure,

frætwe ond faétgold· næs him feor trappings and gold ornaments; it was not far
þanon thence for them

19
tó gesécanne sinces bryttan to seek the giver of treasures
22

Higelác Hréþling þaér æt hám

Hygelac son of Hrethel, where he dwelt at home
wunað

selfa mid gesíðum saéwealle néah. himself with his companions near the sea-wall.

The building was splendid, the king of princely

Bold wæs betlíc, bregoróf cyning
valour,

héähealle, Hygd swíðe geong the high hall, Hygd very young,

19
wís wélþungen þéah ðe wintra lýt wise, well-thriving, through few winters
27

under burhlocan gebiden hæbbe in the walled town had lived,

Hæreþes dohtor næs hío hnáh swá

Haereth's daughter was not mean though
þéah

nor too grudging of gifts to the people of the

né tó gnéað gifa Géata léodum
Geats,

of treasure-wealth. She showed violent

máþmgestréona. Mód þrýðo wæg
arrogance,

19
fremu folces cwén, firen' ondrysne· the lusty queen of the folk, terrible crimes;
32

naénig þæt dorste déor genéþan dared not any of the bold to risk,

swaésra gesíða, nefne sinfréä· of the dear companions, except her great lord,

þæt hire an dæges éagum starede that on her by day stared with his eyes

but for him slaughter-bonds he might consider

ac him wælbende weotode tealde
prescribed,
handgewriþene· hraþe seoþðan 19
woven by hands; quickly then was
wæs 37

æfter mundgripe méce geþinged after seizure a maiche was appointed,

þæt hit sceádenmaél scýran móste, that it, shadow-marked, was obliged to settle,

cwealmbealu cýðan· ne bið swylc make known the evil of the death; such queenly
cwénlic þéaw manner is not

idese tó efnanne þéah ðe hío aénlicu

for a lady to perform, though she be matchless,
sý·

19
þætte freoðuwebbe féores onsaéce that peace-weaver deprives life,
42

æfter ligetorne léofne mannan. owing to a false injury, of beloved man.

Húru þæt on hóh snod Hemninges However, it was cut off at the
maég· heel by Hemming's kinsman;

ealodrincende óðer saédan· the ale-drinkers further told

þæt hío léodbealewa laés

that evil for the people she practised less,
gefremede

19
inwitníða syððan aérest wearð malice and enmity, since she first was
47

gyfen goldhroden geongum cempan given, gold-adorned, to the young champion,

æðelum díore syððan hío Offan flet of noble ancestry, when she to Offa's hall

ofer fealone flód be fæder láre over the dusky flood by her father's wisdom

síðe gesóhte ðaér hío syððan well sought in her journey where she afterwards fully

19
in gumstóle góde maére on the throne, for goodness famed,
52

the fated span of her life her living she used

lífgesceafta lifigende bréac·
well,

híold héahlufan wið hæleþa brego, held high-love for the heroes' lord,

ealles moncynnes míne gefraége of all mankind, I have heard,

þæs sélestan bí saém twéonum the finest between the seas,

19
eormencynnes· Forðám Offa wæs of the mighty race. Because Offa was
57

geofum ond gúðum gárcéne man in gifts and in war, a spear-keen man;

wíde geweorðod· wísdóme héold widely honoured, ruled in wisdom

éðel sínne· þonon ongéomor wóc his homeland; then, exceedingly sad, he arose
hæleðum tó helpe Heminges maég a help to heroes, the kinsman of Hemming,

19
nefa Gármundes níða cræftig. grandson of Garmund, powerful over strife.
62

XXVIIII

Gewát him ðá se hearda mid his Then the hardy man went with his hand-picked
hondscole retinue

sylf æfter sande saéwong tredan himself along the sand treading the sea-plain,

wíde waroðas· woruldcandel

the wide strand; the world-candle shone,
scán

the sun eagerly from the south; they had survived

sigel súðan fús· hí síð drugon·
the journey,

elne geéodon, tó ðæs ðe eorla 19

strode quickly, to where the Shield of Heroes,
hléo 67

bonan Ongenþéoes burgum in

--the bane of Ongentheow-- inside his citadel,
innan,

geongne gúðcyning gódne the young war-king, they heard (that there) the
gefrúnon good man

hringas daélan. Higeláce wæs alloted rings. To Hygelac was

síð Béowulfes snúde gecýðed· Beowulf's journey promptly reported,

þæt ðaér on worðig wígendra 19 that there in enclosed homestead, the defender of
hléo 72 warriors,

lindgestealla lifigende cwóm shield-companion (still) living came,

heaðoláces hál tó hofe gongan· from the war-play unharmed going to to the court;

hraðe wæs gerýmed swá se ríca

quickly was cleared, as the king bade,
bebéad

féðegestum flet innanweard· for the visitors on foot the floor within;

gesæt þá wið sylfne sé ðá sæcce 19 then he sat down with the same man, he who had
genæs, 77 survived the fight,

maég wið maége syððan

kinsman with kinsman, after the liege-lord
mandryhten

þurh hléoðorcwyde holdne through ceremonious speech his loyal subject had
gegrétte greeted,

méaglum
in emphatic words, mead-draughts
wordum meoduscencum

hwearf geond þæt síde passed round through that spacious room Haereth's
reced Hæreðes dohtor daughter,
 19
lufode ðá léode· liðwaége bær --she loved the people-- bore goblets
82

haéum tó handa. Higelác ongan to the hands of the illustrious ones. Hygelac began

sínne geseldan in sele þám héan his hall-companion in that high hall

fægre fricgcean· hyne fyrwet

to question courteously, his curiosity burst forth,
bræc

hwylce Saé-Géata síðas waéron: whatever the Sea-Geats' adventures were:

'Hú lomp éow on láde, léofa 19

'How fared you on the way, dear Beowulf,
Bíowulf, 87

þá ðú faéringa feorr gehogodest when you suddenly resolved far away

sæcce sécean ofer sealt wæter to seek conflict over the salt water,

hilde tó Hiorote? Ac ðú Hróðgáre combat in Heorot? Moreover, did you Hrothgar's

wídcúðne wéan wihte gebéttest widely known woes at all ameliorate,

maérum ðéodne? Ic ðæs 19 for the famed chieftain? I of this with anxious care of
módceare 92 the heart

sorhwylmum séað· síðe ne seethed with wellings of sorrow, I did not trust the
trúwode venture

léofes mannes· ic ðé lange bæd of my dear man; I begged you at length,

þæt ðú þone wælgaést wihte ne that you the slaughter-ghast would not challenge at
grétte· all,

léte Súð-Dene sylfe geweorðan let the South-Danes settle themselves

gúðe wið Grendel· gode ic þanc 19

the war with Grendel; to God I speak thanks,
secge 97

þæs ðe ic ðé gesundne geséon

for that I you sound am permitted to see.'
móste.'

Bíowulf maðelode bearn

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgðíoes:

'Þæt is undyrne, dryhten Higelác, 'It is not secret, lord Hygelac,

micel geméting monegum fíra· that great meeting, to many men,

20 what a time of struggle between the two of us, me

hwylc orleghwíl uncer Grendles
02 and Grendel,

wearð on ðám wange þaér hé

occurred in that place where he great multitudes
worna fela

Sige-Scyldingum sorge
for the Victory-Scyldings brought about sorrows,
gefremede
yrmðe tó aldre· ic ðæt eall
lifelong misery; I avenged it all,
gewræc

swá begylpan þearf Grendeles

thus there is need to boast --of Grendel's kinsmen,
mága

20
yfel ofer eorðan úhthlem þone evil upon the earth-- of that clash at dawn,
07

sé ðe lengest leofað láðan

he who lives the longest of that hateful race,
cynnes

fáecne bifongen. Ic ðaér furðum

enveloped in malice. I first came there
cwóm

tó ðám hringsele Hróðgár grétan· to that ring-hall to greet Hrothgar;

sóna mé se maéra mago straightaway to me the famed kinsman of Half-

Healfdenes Dane,

20
syððan hé módsefan mínne cúðe after he the purpose of the heart of mine knew,
12

wið his sylfes sunu setl getaéhte· with his own sons he appointed a seat;

weorod wæs on wynne· ne seah The troop was joyful; I have not seen in my whole
ic wídan feorh life

under heofones
under heaven's vault a hall-sitters'
hwealf healsittendra

medudréam máran. Hwílum mead-revelry greater. At times the renowned

maéru cwén queen,

friðusibb folca flet eall 20 the peace-pledge of peoples, passed over all of the
geondhwearf· 17 floor,

bædde byre geonge· oft hío

urged on the young boys; often twisted-rings she
béahwriðan

secge sealde aér híe tó setle

gave to the warriors, before she went to her seat;
géong·

hwílum for duguðe dohtor from time to time before the band of experienced
Hróðgáres warriors Hrothgar's daughter

to nobles continuously to the end bore the ale-

eorlum on ende ealuwaége bær
flagon,

20
þá ic Fréaware fletsittende those I Freawaru the ones on the floor
22

nemnan hýrde þaér hío nægled

I heard name her, when she the studded cup
sinc

hæleðum sealde Sío geháten is gave to heroes, she is promised, **2024-76**

geong goldhroden, gladum suna
young, gold-adorned, to gracious son of Froda;
Fródan·

hafað þæs geworden wine

this has arranged the Friend of the Scyldings,
Scyldinga

20
ríces hyrde ond þæt raéd talað the kingdom's shepherd, and counsel reckons it
27

þæt hé mid ðý wífe wælfaéhða that he with this woman a great part of the
daél slaughter-feuds,

sæcca gesette. Oft seldan hwaér conflicts will settle. Very seldom anywhere

æfter léodhryre lýtle hwíle after the fall of a leader (even) a little while

bongár búgeð þéah séo brýd the murderous spear bends down, though the bride
duge. be good.

Mæg þæs þonne

20 This then may displease the chief of the Heatho-
ofþyncan ðéoden Heaðo-
32 Bards'
Beardna

ond þegna gehwám þára léoda and every thane of that people,

þonne hé mid faémnan on flett

when he with the maiden walks on the floor:
gaëð:

dryhtbearn Dena duguða that the noble sons of the Danes, her veteran troop,
biwenede, are entertained,

on him gladiað gomelra láfe on them glisten ancient heirlooms,

heard ond hringmaél Heaða- 20

hard and ring-adorned, the Heatho-Bards' treasure,
Bearna gestréon 37

þenden híe ðám

so long as they those weapons were able to wield.
waépnum wealdan móston.

[XXX]

Oð ðæt híe forlaéddan tó ðám

Until they had led to disaster in the shield-play
lindplegan

swaése gesíðas ond hyra sylfra

their dear companions and their own lives.
feorh.

Þonne cwið æt béore sé ðe Then speaks at the beer-drinking, he who sees a

béahgesyhð ring-precious object,

20
eald æscwiga sé ðe eall geman the old ash-warrior, he who remembers all
42

gárcwealm gumena --him bið grim

the spear-death of men --in him is a fierce heart--
sefa--
onginneð géomormód geongum
he begins sad-spirited in a young champion,
cempan

þurh hreðra gehygd higes cunnian, by the musing of his heart, to tempt his mind,

wígbealu weccean ond þæt word

to awaken war-horror, and speaks these words:
ácwyð:

"Meaht ðú, mín wine, méce 20

"Can you, my friend, recognise that maiche,
gecnáwan 47

þone þín fæder tó gefeohte bær which your father bore into the fight,

under heregríman hindeman síðe, under his army-mask on the last campaign,

dýre íren, þaér hyne Dene slógon· precious iron, there the Danes slew him,

wéoldon wælstówe syððan controlled the slaying-field, when retribution

wiðergyld læg failed,

æfter hæleþa hryre hwate 20

after the heroes' fall, the fierce Scyldings?
Scyldungas? 52

Nú hér þára banena byre Now here of those slayers the son of one or other
náthwylces of them,

frætwum hrémig on flet gaëð· exultant in trappings, goes across the floor,

morðres gylpeð ond þone máðþum

boasts of murder, and wears the treasure
byreð

þone þe ðú mid rihte raédan

which you by right ought to possess."
sceoldest."

Manað swá ond myndgað maéla 20

Thus he incites and reminds every time
gehwylce 57

sárum wordum oð ðæt saél cymeð with grievous words, until that time comes

þæt se faémnan þegn fore fæder

that the woman's thane for his father's deeds
daédum

from the bite of a bill-blade sleeps, stained in

æfter billes bite blódfág swefeð
blood,

ealdres scyldig· him se óðer þonan having forfeited life; him the other thence

losað lifigende· con him land 20

escapes alive, the land is readily known to him.
geare. 62

Þonne bíoð brocene on bá healfe Then are broken on both sides

áðsweorð eorla· syððan Ingelde the sworn oaths of earls; then in Ingeld

weallað wælníðas ond him murderous hate will well up and in him the love
wíflufan of woman
æfter cearwælmum cólran
surges of grief will become cooler;
weorðað·

þý ic Heaðo-Beardna hyldo ne 20 Therefore I the Heathobards' loyalty do not

telge 67 consider,

the alliance's portion, for the Danes

dryhtsibbe daél Denum unfaécne,
untreacherous,

fréondscipe fæstne. Ic sceal forð

enduring friendship. I ought speak further
sprecan

gén ymbe Grendel þæt ðú geare

again about Grendel, that you may readily know,
cunne,

sinces brytta, tó hwan syððan

giver of treasure, what then happened,
wearð

hondraés hæleða syððan heofones 20

the hand-fight of heroes when heaven's gem
gim 72

glád ofer grundas gaést yrre cwóm had glided over the earth, the ireful guest came,

eatol aéfengrom úser néosan terrible, fierce in the evening to visit us,

ðaér wé gesunde sæl weardodon where we, unharmed, warded the hall,

þaér wæs Hondsciö hilde onsaége where was for Hondscio a sinking battle

20
feorhbealu faégum· hé fyrmest læg deadly evil for the doomed man; he fell first,
77

gyrded cempa· him Grendel wearð the girded champion; for him Grendel was,

maérum maguþegne tó
the famed thane of distinction, a slayer by mouth,
múðbonan·

the belovèd man's body swallowed up

léofes mannes líc eall forswealg·
completely;

nó ðý aér út ðá gén ídelhende not the sooner out yet empty-handed,

20
bona blódigtóð bealewa gemyndig the slayer bloody-toothed, wickedness in mind,
82

of ðám goldsele gongan wolde from the gold-hall did he wish to go

ac hé mægnes róf mín costode· but he, famed for his strength, tested me,

grápode gearofolm· glóf hangode gripped with an eager hand; a pouch hung down

spacious and strange, with cleverly-wrought

síd ond syllíc searobendum fæst
clasps held fast,

20
sío wæs orðoncum eall gegyrwed it was cunningly all devised
87
déofles cræftum ond dracan
with devil's crafts and dragon's skins;
fellum·

hé mec þaér on innan unsynnigne he me there inside, guiltless,

díor daédfruma gedón wolde the daring instigator wished to stuff,

manigra sumne· hyt ne mihte swá as one of many; he could not do so,

20
syððan ic on yrre upprihte ástód. since I in anger stood erect.
92

Tó lang ys tó reccenne hú ic ðám It is too long to recount how I the scourge of the
léodsceaðan people

yfla gehwylces hondléan forgeald for each of his evils paid in hand-requital

þaér ic, þéoden mín, þíne léode where I, my lord, your people

weorðode weorcum· he on weg

honoured by acts; he escaped away
losade

20
lýtle hwíle lífwynna bréac· for a little while, enjoyed the joy of life;
97

hwæþre him sío swíðre swaðe yet from him the right, a vestige, remainded
weardade behind

hand on Hiorte ond hé héan ðonan hand in Heorot, and he wretched thence,

gloomy in his heart, sank into the depths of the

módes geómor meregrund geféoll.
mere.

To me for the bloody battle the Friend of the

Mé þone wælraés wine Scildunga
Scyldings

21
faéttan golde fela léanode with objects of plated gold in plenty rewarded,
02

manegum máðmum syððan

many treasures, when morning came,
mergen cóm

ond wé tó symble geseten hæfdon and we to the feast had sat down

þaér wæs gidd ond gléo: gomela

where was song and glee: old Scylding
Scilding

who has heard tell of many things, from long ago

felafricgende feorran rehte·
narrated;

21 at times this battle-daring one the harp for

hwílum hildedéor hearpan wynne
07 pleasure

gomelwudu grétte· hwílum gyd

the old-wood played; sometimes recited a song,
áwræc

sóð ond sárlíc· hwílum syllíc spell true and tragic; sometimes strange tales
rehte æfter rihte rúmheort cyning· he related rightly, the open-hearted king;

hwílum eft ongan eldo gebunden at times he began again, bound in his age,

21
gomel gúðwiga gioguðe cwíðan the ancient war-soldier, to mourn for his youth,
12

hildestrengo· hreðer inne wéoll his battle-strength; his heart welled inside,

þonne hé wintrum fród, worn

when he, wise in winter, recalled many things.
gemunde.

Swá wé þaér inne andlangne dæg So we there inside a whole long day

níode náman oð ðæt niht becwóm took pleasure, until came night

21
óðer tó yldum· Þá wæs eft hraðe another to men; then was again swiftly
17

gearo gyrnwræce Grendeles

ready for grief-revenge Grendel's mother,
módor

she journeyed full of sorrow; Death had taken her

síðode sorhfull· sunu déað fornam,
son,

wíghete Wedra· wíf unhýre the war-hate of the Wederas; the horrible woman

hyre bearn gewræc· beorn

avenged her child, killed a warrior
ácwealde

21
ellenlíce· þaér wæs Æschere savagely; there was from Æschere,
22

fródan fyrnwitan feorh úðgenge. the old, wise lore-counsellor, life departed.

Nóðer hý hine ne móston syððan

Nor could they him, when morning came,
mergen cwóm

déaðwérigne Denia léode weary of death the Danish people

bronde forbærnan né on baél

cremate in fire, nor lay on the funeral bale,
hladan

21
léofne mannan· hío þæt líc ætbær the beloved man; she had carried off the corpse
27

féondes fæðme under

in fiend's embrace beneath the mountain stream;
firgenstréam·

þæt wæs Hróðgáre hréowa

that was for Hrothgar the most bitter grief
tornost

þára þe léodfruman lange begéate. which the ruler of the people long had received.

Þá se ðéoden mec ðíne lífe Then me the chieftain, by your life,

healsode hréohmód þæt ic on 21 implored with troubled mind, that I in the waters'
holma geþring 32 tumult

eorlscipe efnde· ealdre genéðde· perform a noble act, risk life,

maérðo fremede· hé mé méde

accomplish glory; he promised me rewards.
gehét.

Ic ðá ðæs wælmes þé is wíde cúð Then I the welling waters', as is widely known,

grimme gryrelícne grundhyrde

wrathful ghastly guard of the deep found;
fond·

þaér unc hwíle wæs hand 21

there a while we were sharing a hand;
gemaéne· 37

holm heolfre wéoll ond ic héafde

the water welled with gore, and I cut off the head
becearf

in ðám grundsele Grendeles módor in that deep-hall of Grendel's mother

éacnum ecgum· unsófte þonan with mighty edges, not easily thence

feorh oðferede· næs ic faége þá

I carried off my life; I was not doomed yet
gýt

21
ac mé eorla hléo eft gesealde but to me the protector of heroes again gave
42

máðma menigeo maga

many treasures, the kinsman of Half-Dane.'
Healfdenes.'

XXXI

So the king of the people lived according to

Swá se ðéodkyning þéawum lyfde·
proper custom;

nealles ic ðám léanum forloren hæfde I by no means the gifts had lost,

mægnes méde ac hé mé maðma geaf strength's reward, but he gave me treasures,

21 the son of Half-Dane, according to my own

sunu Healfdenes on mínne sylfes dóm
47 glory,

ðá ic ðé, beorncyning, bringan wylle, these I to thee, warrior-king, wish to bring,

éstum geýwan· gén is eall æt ðé graciously to offer; still is all in thee

lissa gelong· ic lýt hafo dependent upon your favour; I have few

héafodmága nefne, Hygelác, ðec.' near kinsmen except you Hygelac.'

21 Then he commanded to be brought in the

Hét ðá in beran eafor héafodsegn
52 boar-crested standard,

heaðostéapne helm háre byrnan the battle-steep helm, hoar-silver byrnie,

 the beautiful war-sword; the tale thereafter
gúðsweord geatolíc· gyd æfter wræc:
uttered:

'Mé ðis hildesceorp Hróðgár sealde 'To me this battle-equipment Hrothgar gave,

snotra fengel· sume worde hét the clever ruler; with some words he ordered,

21
þæt ic his aérest ðé ést gesægde· that I first you its legacy relate;
57

cwæð þæt hyt hæfde Hiorogár cyning he said it owned King Heorogar,

léod Scyldunga lange hwíle· the leader of the Scyldings a long time;

no sooner for that to his son did he wish to

nó ðý aér suna sínum syllan wolde
give,

hwatum Heorowearde þéah hé him to bold Heoroweard, though he was loyal to

hold waére him,

21
bréostgewaédu. Brúc ealles well.' the breast-armour. Use it all well.'
62

Hýrde ic þæt þám frætwum féower

I heard that with the treasure four mares
méaras

lungre gelíce lást weardode swift, all alike, followed behind,

æppelfealuwe· hé him ést getéah apple-yellow; he to him offered the gifts,

méara ond máðma. Swá sceal maég

horses and riches. So should a kinsman act:
dön:

21
nealles inwitnet óðrum bregdon not at all malice-nets weave for others,
67

dyrnum cræfte déað rénian with hidden arts contrive death

hondgesteallan. Hygeláce wæs of hand-companions. To Hygelac was

níða heardum nefa swýðe hold in fierce strife his nephew very loyal,

ond gehwæðer óðrum hróþra

and each the other's benefit remembered;
gemyndig·

hýrde ic þæt hé ðone healsbéah Hygde 21

I heard that he the neck-ring gave to Hygd,
gesealde 72

wraétlicne wundurmáððum ðone þe the exquisite marvel-jewel, which

him Wealhðéo geaf Wealhtheow gave him,

ðéodnes dohtor þrío wicg somod chieftain's daughter, three horses also

swancor ond sadolbeorht· hyre syððan

supple and bright with saddles; then was her,
wæs

æfter béahðege bréost geweorðod. after receiving the ring, breast adorned.
 21
Swá bealdode bearn Ecgðéowes Thus he was bold, the son of Edgetheow,
77

guma gúðum cúð gódum daédum· man famed in war, for good deeds;

dréah æfter dóme· nealles druncne he led his life for glory, never, having drunk,
slóg slew

his hearth-companions; a troubled heart was

heorðgenéatas· næs him hréoh sefa
not in him,

ac hé mancynnes maéste cræfte but he mankind's greatest strength,

21
ginfæstan gife þé him god sealde --that ample gift, which God gave him--
82

he held, battle-daring. Long had he been

héold hildedéor. Héan wæs lange
abject

swá hyne Géata bearn gódne ne so the sons of the Geats did not reckon him
tealdon good,

né hyne on medobence micles wyrðne nor to him on the mead-bench much honour

drihten wereda gedón wolde· the commander of the troops would grant;

21
swýðe sægdon þæt hé sléac waére they especially said, that he was slack,
87

æðeling unfrom· edwenden cwóm no bold noble; a turn-around came

to the glory-blessed man for each of these

tíréadigum menn torna gehwylces.
miseries.

Then the protector of heroes ordered to be

Hét ðá eorla hléo in gefetian,
fetched in,

heaðoróf cyning, Hréðles láfe the war-noble king, Hrethel's heirloom,

21 fitted out in gold; there was not among the

golde gegyrede· næs mid Géatum ðá
92 Geats then

a better precious treasure in the manner of a

sincmáðþum sélra on sweordes hád·
sword;

þæt hé on Bíowulfes bearm álegde that he in Beowulf's lap layed,

ond him gesealde seofan þúsendo, and gave him seven thousand hides of land,

bold ond bregostól. Him wæs bám residence and ruler's seat. Theirs was both
samod together

21
on ðám léodscipe lond gecynde in that nation inherited land,
97

earth by ancestral privelege, to

eard éðelriht, óðrum swíðor
the second more
síde ríce þám ðaér sélra wæs. of that broad kingdom to him who was higher.

Eft þæt geíode ufaran dógrum After that it came to pass in later days

hildehlæmmum· syððan Hygelác læg in battle-clashes, when Hygelac lay dead,

22
ond Heardréde hildeméceas and for Heardred battle-maiches,
02

under the cover of his shield, became the

under bordhréoðan tó bonan wurdon
instruments of his death,

ðá hyne gesóhtan on sigeþéode when they sought him out in the victory-tribe,

the fierce battle-ready warriors, the Battle-

hearde hildefrecan Heaðo-Scilfingas·
Scilfings,

with enmity they attacked the nephew of

níða genaégdan nefan Hereríces·
Hereric;

22
syððan Béowulfe braéde ríce thereupon to Beowulf the broad kingdom
07

on hand gehwearf· hé gehéold tela passed into his hands; he ruled well

fiftig wintra --wæs ðá fród cyning for fifty winters --then he was a wise king,

an old warden of the fatherland-- until one

eald éþelweard-- oð ðæt ón ongan
began

deorcum nihtum draca rícsian in the dark nights, a dragon to rule,

22
sé ðe on héaum hofe hord beweotode he who in a high house watched over a hoard,
12

stánbeorh stéarcne· stíg under læg a stark stone barrow; the path below lay

eldum uncúð. Þaér on innan gíong unknown to men. There went inside

niða náthwylc ond néah geféng a man, I know not which, and he groped near

haéðnum horde· hond gewríþenne the heathen hoard, his hands wrapped round

22 an ornamented bauble, he got that

since fáhne hé þæt syððan beget
17 afterwards;

þéah ðe hé slaépende besyred hæfde though he who sleeping had been tricked

þéofes cræfte· þæt síe ðíod onfand by thief's cunning; the people discovered that,

the neighbouring folk of men, that he was

búfolc beorna þæt hé gebolgen wæs.
enraged.

XXXII

Nealles næs He was not at all in control of the skill of **2221ff

geweoldum wyrmhordan cræft the worm-hoard, .**
sylfes willum sé ðe him sáre 22
of his own desire, he who sorely injured him,
gesceód 22

ac for þréanédlan þéof

because of dire-distress a thief of I know not which
náthwylces

hæleða bearna heteswengeas

sons of men fled hostile blows,
fléoh

ærnesþearfe ond ðaér inne

in need of a hall and there within raged,
weall

secg synbysig sóna onwacade· a man haunted by guilt, immediately watched over;

þæt géan ðám gyste gryrebróga 22

then against the stranger stood horror and terror;
stód· 27

hwæðre fyrensceapen nevertheless upon the wicked one

22
se faér begeat· poured peril.
30

sincfæt sóhte· þaér wæs swylcra

He sought treasure-gold, there was many such,
fela

in ðám eorðsele aérgestréona in that earth-hall, ancient treasures,

swá hý on géardagum gumena

as they in former days some man,
náthwylc

22
eormenláfe æþelan cynnes this great legacy of a noble kind,
34

þanchycgende þaér gehýdde full of thought, had hid there

déore máðmas· ealle híe déað

these dear treasures; all of them Death took
fornam

aérran maélum ond sí án ðá gén in earlier times, and then were yet one

léoda duguðe sé ðaér lengest of the old warriors of that people, the one who
hwearf moved about there longest,

weard winegeómor wénde þæs 22 the friend-grieving warden, he hoped to delay that
yldan· 39 much,

þæt hé lýtel fæc longgestréona so that he for a little while the long-kept treasure

brúcan móste. Beorh eallgearo would be able to enjoy. The barrow all-ready

wunode on wonge wæterýðum

occupied the plain near the water-waves,
néah

níwe be næsse nearocræftum

new on the headland, made secure by difficult-craft;
fæst·
þaér on innan 22
there inside bore of the treasure of earls
bær eorlgestréona 44

hringa hyrde handwyrðne daél a hoard of rings a hand-fashioned share

faéttan goldes· féa worda

of plated gold; some words he spoke:
cwæð:

'Heald þú nú, hrúse, nú hæleð

'Now hold you, Earth, now the heroes cannot
ne móstan

eorla aéhte. Hwæt, hyt aér on

earls' possessions. Listen, it formerly from you
ðé

góde begéaton· gúðdéað 22 was obtained by good men; war-death has taken
fornam 49 away,

feorhbeale frécne fyrena

terrible murder of life, of crimes each one,
gehwylcne

léoda mínra þá mé ðe þis

my belovèd people, they gave this up to me:
ofgeaf:

gesáwon seledréam· hé náh they had seen joy in the hall; he I have not, who
hwá sweord wege might wield sword

oððe fægrie faéted waége or make beautiful this gilded flagon,

dryncfæt déore· duguð ellor 22 this precious drinking vessel; the veteran warriors
séoc· 54 are ill elsewhere;

sceal se hearda
must the stern helmet adorned with gold
helm hyrstedgolde

faétum befeallen· feormynd

stripped of its ornaments; the burnishers slumbers,
swefað

þá ðe beadogríman býwan
they who war-masks ought to brighten;
sceoldon·

gé swylce séo herepád sío æt also so the army's coats of mail, which in battle
hilde gebád endured

22
ofer borda gebræc bite írena over the shattering of shield-boards the bite of iron,
59

brosnað æfter beorne· ne mæg

decays along with the men; byrnie's ring may not
byrnan hring

æfter wígfruman wíde féran with war-fighter fare widely,

hæleðum be healfe· næs

alongside heroes; there was not harp's joy,
hearpan wyn

gomen gléobéames né gód

delight of glee-wood, nor good hawk
hafoc
geond sæl swingeð né se swifta 22
soaring through the hall, nor swift horse
mearh 64

burhstede béateð· bealocwealm

trampling the courtyard; baleful death has
hafað

fela feorhcynna forð onsended.' many of my living kin sent forth.'

Swá giómormód giohðo maénde Thus sad at heart in grief he bemoaned

án æfter eallum· unbliðe hwearf one after all, unhappily passed

dæges ond nihtes oð ðæt 22

days and nights, until the flood of Death
déaðes wylm 69

hrán æt heortan. Hordwynne

reached to his heart. Hoard-joy he found,
fond

eald úhtsceaða opene standan the old twilight-scather, standing open,

sé ðe byrnende biorgas séceð he who, burning, seeks barrows,

nacod níðdraca· nihtes fléogeð the naked malevolent dragon; he flies by night,

22
fýre befangen· hyne foldbúend encircled in fire; him earth-dwellers
74

: : : : : : : : : : : :nan. Hé gesécean
……………… He has to seek
sceall

hearm on hrúsan þaér hé

harm in the ground, where he heathen gold
haéðen gold

warað wintrum fród· ne byð him

guards, wise in winters; he is not a bit better for that.
wihte ðý sél.

Swá se ðéodsceaða þréo hund

So the people-scather three hundred winters
wintra

22
héold on hrúsan hordærna sum ruled in the earth of one of the hoard-halls,
79

éacencræftig oð ðæt hyne án

vastly powerful, until one angered him,
ábealch

mon on móde: mandryhtne bær a man in pride: he bore to his liege-lord

faéted waége· frioðowaére bæd the gold-adorned cup, begged peace-truce

hláford sínne· ðá wæs hord

from his lord; then was the hoard ransacked,
rásod,

onboren béaga hord, béne 22

rings' hoard borne off, a boon was granted
getíðad 84

féasceaftum men· fréa

to the wretched man; a lord examined
scéawode
fíra fyrngeweorc forman síðe. the ancient work of men for the first time.

Þá se wyrm onwóc --wróht wæs

then the worm awoke, --quarrel was renewed--
geníwad--

stonc ðá æfter he sniffed along the stone, the harsh-hearted one

stáne· stearcheort onfand found

féondes fótlást· hé tó forð 22 the foot-print of his foe; he too far forward had
gestóp 89 stepped

dyrnan cræfte dracan héafde

in his stealthy craft near the dragon's head.
néah.

Swá mæg unfaége éaðe gedígan Provided that, one not doomed may easily survive

wéan ond wraécsíð sé ðe

woe and hardship, he who the Ruler's
waldendes

hyldo gehealdeþ. Hordweard

grace protects. The hoard-ward sought
sóhte

georne æfter grunde· wolde 22

eagerly along the ground, he wished to find the man,
guman findan 94

þone þe him on sweofote sáre

the one who him in his slumber had sorely harmed;
getéode·

hát ond hréohmód hlaéwum oft hot and fierce-minded, he often circled among the
ymbehwearf mounds

ealne útanweardne --né ðaér

all round the outside --not any man there
aénig mon

on þám wéstenne hwæðre hilde

in that wilderness, but he rejoiced in battle,
gefeh

beadu weorces --hwílum on 22 of battle-work --sometimes he turned back to the

beorh æthwearf· 99 barrow,

sincfæt sóhte· hé þaét sóna

sought the treasure-cup; he suddenly discovered,
onfand·

ðæt hæfde gumena sum goldes

that a certain man had distrubed the gold,
gefandod

héahgestréona· hordweard
the high treasures; the hoard-ward waited
onbád

earfoðlíce oð ðæt aéfen cwóm· with great difficulty, until evening came;

wæs ðá gebolgen beorges 23

then was enraged the keeper of the barrow,
hyrde· 04

wolde se láða líge forgyldan he wished the injury to repay with flame,
drincfæt dýre. Þá wæs dæg
the dear drinking-vessel. Then the day was departed
sceacen

wyrme on willan· nó on wealle

to the joy of the wyrm; he did not lie within the wall,
læg

bídan wolde ac mid baéle fór (nor) wished to wait, but with bale-fire set forth,

fýre gefýsed· wæs se fruma 23

infused with flame; this beginning was terrible
egeslíc 09

léodum on lande swá hyt lungre

for the people in the land, as it soon was
wearð

on hyra sincgifan sáre geendod. upon their treasure-giver painfully ended.

XXXIII

Ðá se gæst ongan glédum

Then the demon began to spew flames,
spíwan,

beorht hofu
to burn bright houses; the gleam of fire rose
bærnan· bryneléoma stód

eldum on andan· nó ðaér áht 23

to the horror of the men; nor there anything alive
cwices 14

láð lyftfloga laéfan wolde· the hateful air-flier wished to leave;

wæs þæs wyrmes wíg wíde

the war-strength of that wyrm was widely seen,
gesýne

nearofáges níð néan ond

the malice of the darkly cunning one near and far,
feorran·

hú se gúðsceaða Géata léode how the war-scather the people of the Geats

hatode ond hýnde· hord eft 23

hated and humiliated; back to his hoard he shot,
gescéat 19

dryhtsele dyrnne aér dæges

the hidden lord-hall ere the time of day;
hwíle·

hæfde landwara líge befangen the inhabitants of the land had been seized by flame,

baéle ond bronde· beorges

in blaze and in fire; his barrow he trusted,
getrúwode

wíges ond wealles· him séo

his war-skill and his walls; him this belief deceived.
wén geléah.

Þá wæs Bíowulfe bróga 23

Then was to Beowulf the danger made known
gecýðed 24

snúde tó sóðe þæt his sylfes

quickly in truth, that his own home,
hám
bolda sélest brynewylmum
the finest of dwellings, in waves of heat melted,
mealt

gifstól Géata· þæt ðám gódan

the throne of the Geats; that was to the good man
wæs

hréow on hreðre hygesorga

a grief in his heart, of the mind-sorrows the greatest;
maést·

wénde se wísa þæt hé 23

the wise man thought that he the Ruler
wealdende 29

ofer ealde riht écean dryhtne against ancient law eternal Lord

bitre gebulge· bréost innan

had bitterly angered; inside his breast welled
wéoll

þéostrum geþoncum swá him

with thoughts of gloom, such was not usual for him.
geþýwe ne wæs.

Hæfde lígdraca léoda fæsten The fire-drake had the fortress of the people,

23
éalond útan eorðweard ðone by the coast-land, the stronghold
34

glédum forgrunden· him ðæs

ground down with flames; him for that the war-king,
gúðkyning

Wedera þíoden wræce

the chief of the Wederas, studied vengeance;
leornode·

heht him þá then he ordered to be made for him, a warriors'

gewyrcean, wígendra hléo protector,

eallírenne, eorla dryhten, all of iron, the lord of earls,

wígbord wraétlíc· wisse hé 23

a wonderous war-board; he readily knew,
gearwe 39

þæt him holtwudu helpan ne

that him tree-wood could not help,
meahte

lind wið líge. Sceolde linden-wood against fire. He had to his seafaring-
líþenddaga days,

æþeling aérgód ende gebídan the old, good noble, abide the end

worulde lífes ond se wyrm

of life in the world, and the wyrm together,
somod

þéah ðe hordwelan héolde 23

though the hoard-wealth he had held long.
lange. 44

Oferhogode ðá hringa fengel Then he scorned, the rings' lord,

þæt hé þone
that he the wide-flier would seek out with a troop,
wídflogan weorode gesóhte

sídan herge· nó hé him þám

a large army; he did not the strife dread for himself,
sæcce ondréd

né him þæs wyrmes wíg for

nor him the wyrm's fire esteem a bit,
wiht dyde

eafoð ond ellen forðon hé aér 23

power and courage, for that he before many,
fela 49

nearo néðende níða gedígde narrowly risking, hostilities survived,

hildehlemma syððan hé
battle-clashes, since he Hrothgar's,
Hróðgáres

sigoréadig secg sele faélsode --victory-favoured man-- hall cleansed,

ond æt gúðe forgráp Grendeles

and in war overwhelmed Grendel's race,
maégum

láðan cynnes. Nó þæt laésest 23

hateful kind. Not the least was **2354f.**
wæs 54

hondgemóta þaér mon Hygelác the hand-to-hand encounter, where one slew
slóh Hygelac,

syððan Géata cyning gúðe

after the Geats' king, in war's rushes,
raésum

fréawine folca Fréslondum on the lord and friend of the folk, in Frisia,

Hréðles eafora hiorodryncum

Hrethel's heir, died in the drink of sword,
swealt

bille gebéaten· þonan Bíowulf 23

beaten down by bill-blades. Then Beowulf came
cóm 59

sylfes cræfte· sundnytte dréah· by his own strength, he made use of the sea;

hæfde him on earme eorla

he had in his arms thirty warriors'
þrítig

hildegeatwa þá hé tó holme
battle-gear, when he mounted the ocean;
stág·

nealles Hetware hrémge

not at all did the Hetwares had need to be exaulting
þorfton

féðewíges þé him foran 23

over the fighting on foot, who forth against him
ongéan 64

linde baéron· lýt eft becwóm bore linden-wood shields; few came back
fram þám hildfrecan hámes
from that warrior to visit their homes.
níosan.

Oferswam ðá sioleða He crossed over then the flowing expanse of

bigong sunu Ecgðéowes waters, the son of of Edgetheow,

earm ánhaga eft tó léodum wretched and solitary, back to the people,

þaér him Hygd gebéad hord 23

there Hygd bade him hoard and kingdom,
ond ríce 69

béagas ond bregostól: bearne

rings and throne: in her son she did not trust
ne trúwode

þæt hé wið
that he against foreign peoples the ancestral throne
ælfylcum éþelstólas

healdan cúðe ðá wæs Hygelác

had the power to hold when Hygelac was dead;
déad·

nó ðý aér féasceafte findan

not the sooner the destitute ones could find
meahton

23
æt ðám æðelinge aénige ðinga in the noble one by any means,
74

þæt hé Heardréde hláford

that he to Heardred would be a lord,
waére

oððe þone cynedóm cíosan

or the kingdom wished to accept;
wolde·

hwæðre hé him on yet he to him among the folk upheld with the
folce fréondlárum héold counsels of a friend,

éstum mid áre oð ðæt hé yldra

graciously in honour, until he grew older,
wearð·

Weder-Géatum wéold. Hyne 23

ruled the Weder-Geats. Him banished men
wræcmæcgas 79

ofer saé sóhtan, suna Óhteres· from across the sea sought, sons of Ohthere;

hæfdon hý forhealden helm

they had rebelled against the Helm of the Scylfings,
Scylfinga

þone sélestan saécyninga the finest of sea-kings

þára ðe in Swíoríce sinc

who there in Sweden dispensed treasure,
brytnade,

maérne þéoden· him þæt tó 23

famed chieftain; to him it became the end;
mearce wearð· 84

hé þaér for feorme feorhwunde

there he for his hospitality received a mortal-wound,
hléat
sweordes swengum sunu
from sword's swing, the son of Hygelac;
Hygeláces

ond him eft gewát Ongenðioes

and he went back, Ongentheow's son
bearn

hámes níosan syððan Heardréd

to seek his home, after Heardred lay dead;
læg·

lét ðone bregostól Bíowulf 23

the throne he let Beowulf hold,
healdan, 89

Géatum wealdan· þæt wæs gód

to rule the Geats; that was a good king.
cyning.

XXXIIII

Sé ðæs léodhryres léan gemunde He for the prince's fall requital remembered

uferan dógrum· Éadgilse wearð in later days, to Eadgils he became

féasceaftum fréond· folce gestépte a friend in his plight; with men he supported

23
ofer saé síde sunu Óhteres over the wide sea the son of Ohtere,
94

wigum ond waépnum· hé gewræc with warriors and weapons; he had vengeance
syððan then

cealdum cearsiðum· cyning ealdre in cold grief-bringing ventures, he deprived

binéat: the king of his life:

swá hé níða gehwane genesen

so he each of the enmities had survived,
hæfde

slíðra geslyhta, sunu Ecgðíowes, dire conflicts, the son of Ecgetheow,

23
ellenweorca oð ðone ánne dæg deeds of courage, until the one day,
99

þé hé wið þám wyrme gewegan

when he with the serpent must struggle.
sceolde.

Gewát þá twelfa sum torne Then he went, one of twelve, swollen with
gebolgen anger,

dryhten Géata, dracan scéawian· the lord of the Geats, to behold the dragon;

hæfde þá gefrúnen hwanan sío

he had heard then whence this feud arose,
faéhð árás

bealoníð biorna: him tó bearme 24

wicked hostility for men: to his bosom came
cwóm 04

máðþumfæt maére, þurh ðæs the precious vessel, through the informer's
meldan hond· hand;
sé wæs on ðám ðréate þreottéoða
he was in that group the thirteenth men,
secg

sé ðæs orleges ór onstealde he who this strife's origin brought about,

hæft hygegiómor· sceolde héan the gloomy-minded captive; he was obliged,

ðonon humbly, thence

24 to lead the way to the place; he went against his

wong wísian· hé ofer willan gíong
09 will

tó ðæs ðe hé eorðsele ánne wisse to where the earth-hall he alone knew,

the cairn under the ground near the surging of

hlaéw under hrúsan holmwylme néh
the sea,

ýðgewinne· sé wæs innan full the struggle of the waves; it was full inside

of jewels and intricate metal-work; an

wraétta ond wíra· weard unhíore
unpleasant guard,

24
gearo gúðfreca goldmáðmas héold ready, eager war-fighter held golden treasures
14

eald under eorðan· næs þæt ýðe old under the earth; that was not an easy
céap bargain,

tó gegangenne gumena aénigum. to obtain for any man.

Gesæt ðá on næsse níðheard Then on the headland sat the violence-hard

cyning· king,

þenden haélo
while prosperity bid to his hearth-companions,
ábéad heorðgenéatum

goldwine Géata· him wæs geómor 24 the gold-friend of the Geats; in him his heart
sefa 19 was sad,

waéfre ond wælfús, wyrd ungemete

restless and slaughter-eager, fate all too near
néah

sé ðone gomelan grétan sceolde, which the old man must greet,

sécean sáwle hord, sundur gedaélan seeking the treasure of his soul, sever asunder

líf wið líce· nó þon lange wæs life from limb; it was not for long then

24
feorh æþelinges flaésce bewunden. the nobleman's life would be wound in his flesh.
24

Bíowulf maþelade bearn

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:
Ecgðéowes:

'Fela ic on giogoðe gúðraésa genæs 'In youth I many war-storms survived,

orleghwíla· ic þæt eall gemon· in battle-times; I remember all of that;

ic wæs syfanwintre þá mec sinca I was seven-winters (old) when me the lord of
baldor treasure,

fréawine folca æt mínum fæder 24 the lord and friend of the folk, took from my
genam· 29 father;

héold mec ond hæfde Hréðel

held and had me King Hrethel,
cyning·

geaf mé sinc ond symbel· sibbe

gave me treasure and feast, recalled kinship;
gemunde·

næs ic him tó life láðra ówihte I was not by him in life less in aught,

beorn in burgum þonne his bearna

a man in citadel, than each of his own sons,
hwylc

Herebeald ond Hæðcyn oððe 24

Herebeald and Haethcyn or my Hygelac.
Hygelác mín. 34

Wæs þám yldestan ungedéfelice For the eldest was, unfittingly, **2435-71**

maéges daédum morþorbed strëd by a kinsman's deeds a death-bed strewed,

syððan hyne Hæðcyn of hornbogan when him Haethcyn from a horn-bow

his fréawine fláne geswencte· his friend and lord struck down with an arrow,

24
miste mercelses ond his maég ofscét missed his mark and his kinsman shot dead,
39

bróðor óðerne blódigan gáre· the one brother the other with a bloody bolt;

þæt wæs feohléas gefeoht fyrenum that was an irreparable fight, grieviously
gesyngad, wronged,

hreðre hygeméðe· sceolde hwæðre

heart-wearying in the breast; yet must though
swá þéah

æðeling unwrecen ealdres linnan. the noble unavenged be parted from life.

24
Swá bið geómorlíc gomelum ceorle In the same way it is tragic for an old man
44

tó gebídanne þæt his byre ríde to abide that his son rides

giong on galgan: þonne hé gyd

young on the gallows: then he utters a dirge,
wrece,

sárigne sang þonne his sunu hangað a sorrowing song, that his son hangs

hrefne tó hróðre ond hé him helpan for the pleasure of the raven, and he can not
ne mæg him help,

24
eald ond infród aénige gefremman· old and experienced, any provide;
49
symble bið gemyndgad morna
ever is reminded each morning,
gehwylce

of the other-world journey of his son; another

eaforan ellorsíð· óðres ne gýmeð
he heeds not

tó gebídanne burgum in innan to wait for within the strongholds,

yrfeweardas þonne se án hafað guardian of inheritance, when the one he has

24
þurh déaðes nýd daéda gefondad· through Death's compulsion experienced deeds;
54

gesyhð sorhcearig on his suna búre he sees, sad and sorrowful, in his son's dwelling

wínsele wéstne windge reste a wine-hall wasted, a wind-swept resting place

réote berofene· rídend swefað bereft of joy; the riders sleep,

hæleð in hoðman· nis þaér hearpan heroes hidden in graves; there is not sound of
swég harp,

gomen in geardum swylce ðaér iú 24

revelry in the courts, such as long ago there was.
waéron. 59

XXXV

Gewíteð þonne on
He goes then to his bed, sings a song of sorrow,
sealman· sorhléoð gæleð

án æfter ánum· þúhte him eall tó one man on account of one man; it seemed to him
rúm all too roomy,

wongas ond wícstede. Swá Wedra the fields and the dwelling-place. Thus the Helm of
helm the Wederas

æfter Herebealde heortan sorge on account of Herebeald heart's sorrow,

24
weallinde, wæg: wihte ne meahte welling, endured: not a whit could he
64

on ðám feorhbonan faéghðe

on that life-slayer settle a feud;
gebétan·

nó ðý aér hé þone nor the more for that warrior could he show
heaðorinc hatian ne meahte hatred

láðum daédum þéah him léof ne

with hostile acts, though he by him was not loved;
wæs·

hé ðá mid þaére sorhge þé him he then with that sorrow, which on him that sorely
sío sár belamp befell,

gumdréam ofgeaf· godes léoht 24

he gave over human joys, choose God's light;
gecéas· 69
eaferum laéfde swá déð éadig
to his heirs he left, as does a fortunate man,
mon

lond ond léodbyrig þá hé of lífe the land and the folk-citadel, when he departed
gewát. from life.

Þá wæs synn ond sacu Swéona Then was injury and strife of the Swedes and the
ond Géata Geats

ofer wíd wæter wróht gemaéne over the wide water a quarrel shared,

hereníð hearda syððan Hréðel 24

hard military-spite, after Hrethel died,
swealt 74

oððe him Ongenðéowes eaferan

and to him Ongentheow's heirs were
waéran

frome fyrdhwate· fréode ne

vigorous and martial; they did not wish friendship
woldon

ofer heafo healdan ac ymb to hold across the ocean, but

Hréosnabeorh around Hreosnabeorh

eatolne inwitscear oft

horrible, malicious raiding often committed
gefremedon

24
þæt maégwine míne gewraécan, that kin-friends of mine avenged,
79

faéhðe ond fyrene swá hyt

feud and crime, as it was famous,
gefraége wæs

þéah ðe óðer his ealdre gebohte though one of the two with his life paid,

heardan céape· Hæðcynne wearð a hard bargain; for Hathcyn was,

Géata dryhtne gúð onsaége. the Geats' lord, war impending.

Þá ic on morgne gefrægn maég 24 Then I heard in the morning that one kinsman the
óðerne 84 other

billes ecgum on bonan staélan with bill's edges took vengeance on the slayer,

þaér Ongenþéow Eofores níosað· there Ongentheow is attacked by Eofor;

gúðhelm tóglád· gomela Scylfing the war-helm slipped asunder, the agèd Scylfing

hréas heaþoblác· hond gemunde fell battle-pale. The hand remembered

faéhðo genóge· feorhsweng ne 24

feuds a-plenty, did not withhold life-blow.
oftéah. 89

Ic him þá máðmas þé hé mé
I to him the treasures, which he had given me,
sealde

geald æt gúðe swá mé gifeðe wæs repaid in war, as was granted to me,
léohtan sweorde· hé mé lond
with flashing sword; he gave me land,
forgeaf

eard éðelwyn· næs him aénig earth, the joy of homeland; there was not for him
þearf any need,

þæt hé tó Gifðum oððe tó Gár- 24

that he among the Gifthas or the Spear-Danes
Denum 94

oððe in Swíoríce sécean þurfe or in the Swedish Kingdom needed to seek

wyrsan wígfrecan, weorðe

a worse war-eager fighter, to buy with wealth:
gecýpan:

symle ic him on féðan beforan always, in the foot-troop, I him wished to go

wolde before,

ána on orde ond swá tó aldre

alone in the vanguard, and thus must I always
sceall

sæcce fremman þenden þis 24

act in battle, while this sword endures
sweord þolað 99

þæt mec aér ond síð oft gelaéste that which me, early and later, has often served,

syððan ic for since I, in front of the **2501-

dugeðum Dæghrefne wearð legions, of Daeghrefn was 8**

tó handbonan, Húga cempan· his slayer by hand, the champion of the Hugas;

in no way the precious ornaments to the Frisian

nalles hé ðá frætwe Fréscyninge
king,

25
bréostweorðunge bringan móste breast-adorning, was he able to bring,
04

ac in cempan gecrong cumbles but rather with his contingent fell the banner's
hyrde keeper,

æþeling on elne· ne wæs ecg the noble in courage; blade's edge was not the
bona killer

ac him hildegráp heortan wylmas but my battle-grip on him his heart's beats,

bánhús gebræc. Nú sceall billes his bone-house, broke. Now I must

ecg with bill's edge,

hond ond heard sweord ymb hord 25

hand and hard sword fight for the hoard.'
wígan.' 09

Béowulf maðelode béotwordum

Beowulf declared, spoke vow-words
spræc

níehstan síðe: 'Ic genéðde fela for the last time: 'I have risked many

gúða on geogoðe· gýt ic wylle wars in my youth; yet I wish,

fród folces weard faéhðe sécan, old, wise warden of the folk, to seek vendetta,

maérðum fremman gif mec se 25

to earn renown, if me that wreaker of evil
mánsceaða 14

of eorðsele út geséceð.' from his earth-hall ventures out to greet.'

Gegrétte ðá gumena gehwylcne He then saluted each of the men,

hwate helmberend hindeman síðe bold helm-bearers for the final time,

swaése gesíðas: 'Nolde ic sweord

dear companions: 'I would not bear a sword,
beran

25
waépen tó wyrme gif ic wiste hú a weapon against the wyrm, if I knew how
19

wið ðám áglaécean elles meahte against the monster else I might

gylpe wiðgrípan swá ic gió wið

grapple for glory, as I did before with Grendel
Grendle dyde

ac ic ðaér heaðufýres hátes wéne but I there furious fire's heat expect,

réðes ond hattres· forðon ic mé

fierce and poisonous; therefore I have on me
on hafu

bord ond byrnan· nelle ic beorges 25 shield-board and byrnie; nor will I from the
weard 24 barrow's guard

oferfléön fótes trem ac unc sceal flee a foot but for us it must

weorðan æt wealle swá unc wyrd

happen at the wall as Fate allots us,
getéoð

metod manna gehwæs· ic eom on

the Creator of all men; I am bold in spirit
móde from

þæt ic wið þone gúðflogan gylp

that I against the war-flier forbear from boast.
ofersitte.

Gebíde gé on beorge byrnum 25

You, await here on the barrow, clad in byrnies,
werede 29

secgas on searwum hwæðer sél

warriors in war-gear, which better can
mæge

æfter wælraése wunde gedýgan during the slaughter-clash survive wound

uncer twéga· nis þæt éower síð of the two of us; it is not your adventure,

né gemet mannes nefne mín

nor in the power of men, save mine alone.'
ánes·

Wát he wíð áglaécean eofoðo 25 He knew that against the beast he would deal out
daéle· 34 his strength,
eorlscype efne· 'Ic mid elne sceall achieve noble rank; 'I must with courage

gold gegangan oððe gúð nimeð gain the gold, or war takes,

feorhbealu frécne fréan éowerne.' terrible deadly wound, your lord.'

Then he arose by means of his shield, the bold

Árás ðá bí ronde róf óretta
warrior,

heard under helme· hiorosercean 25

severe under his helm, he wore sword-shirt
bær 39

under stáncleofu strengo

under stone cliffs, trusted in the strength
getrúwode

ánes mannes· ne bið swylc earges

of a single man; such is not the coward's way.
síð.

Geseah ðá be wealle sé ðe worna

He saw then by the wall, he who a great number,
fela

gumcystum gód gúða gedígde nobly good, wars survived,

25
hildehlemma þonne hnitan féðan· battle-clashes, when armies collided;
44

stódan stánbogan, stréam út it stood by the stone-arch, a stream out from

þonan there

brecan of beorge· wæs þaére breaking out of the barrow; there was the brook's
burnan wælm surge

heaðofýrum hát· ne meahte

hot with deadly fire, he could not near the hoard
horde néah

unbyrnende aénige hwíle without burning for any space of time

25
déop gedýgan for dracan lége. endure the depths on account of the dragon's fire.
49

Lét ðá of bréostum ðá hé
Then he let from his breast, when he was angered,
gebolgen wæs

Weder-Géata léod word út faran· the Weder-Geat's leader, a word burst out,

stearcheort styrmde· stefn in

the staunch-hearted one roared; his voice came in,
becóm

heaðotorht hlynnan under hárne

ringing battle-clear beneath the hoary grey stone;
stán·

hete wæs onhréred· hordweard 25

hate was aroused, the hoard-guard knew
oncníow 54

mannes reorde· næs ðaér mára

man's voice; there was not more time
fyrst
fréode tó friclan· from aérest
to ask for peace; first came forth
cwóm

oruð áglaécean út of stáne the monster's breath out of the stone,

hát hildeswát· hrúse dynede· hot battle-vapour; the earth thundered;

biorn under beorge bordrand 25 the warrior below the barrow swung his shield-
onswáf 59 boss

wið ðám gryregieste Géata

against the terror-guest, the Geats' lord;
dryhten·

ðá wæs hringbogan heorte

then was the ring-coiled one's heart incited
gefýsed

sæcce tó séceanne· sweord aér

to seek strife; his sword before drew
gebraéd

gód gúðcyning gomele láfe the good war-king, ancient heirloom,

ecgum ungléaw· aéghwæðrum 25

imprudent with sword-edges; was in each
wæs 64

bealohycgendra bróga fram

of the harm-intending ones terror of the other;
óðrum·

stíðmód gestód wið stéapne rond firm-spirited stood with his steep bossed-shield

the brave leader of the friends, while the serpent

winia bealdor ðá se wyrm gebéah
coiled

snúde tósomne hé on searwum

together swiftly; He in war-gear waited;
bád·

gewát ðá byrnende gebogen 25

went then burning gliding coiled,
scríðan, 69

tó gescipe scyndan· scyld wél

hastening to his destiny; the shield defended well
gebearg

lífe ond líce laéssan hwíle life and body for a lesser time

maérum þéodne þonne his myne

the famed chieftain, then his mind desired,
sóhte·

ðaér hé þý fyrste forman dógore where he that time for the first day

wealdan móste swá him wyrd ne 25

had to wield it, as Fate had not decreed for him
gescráf 74

hréð æt hilde: hond úp ábraéd glory in battle: he raised up his hand,

Géata dryhten· gryrefáhne slóh the Geatish lord; the ghastly-hued one he struck

with his ancestoral sword, so that the edge

incgeláfe þæt sío ecg gewác
weakened
brún on báne· bát unswíðor bright on bone, bit less fiercely

þonne his ðíodcyning þearfe 25

than its tribe-king had need
hæfde 79

bysigum gebaéded. Þá wæs

driven in distress. Then the barrow's ward was
beorges weard

æfter heaðuswenge on hréoum

after the war-blow in a fierce spirit;
móde·

wearp wælfýre· wíde sprungon he spewed slaughter-fire; widely spread

hildeléoman. Hréðsigora ne gealp battle-light. Of war-victory did not boast

25
goldwine Géata· gúðbill geswác the gold-friend of the Geats; his war-bill failed,
84

nacod æt níðe swá hyt nó sceolde naked in the violence, as it should not have,

the excellent old iron; that was not an easy

íren aérgód· ne wæs þæt éðe síð
accomplishment,

þæt se maéra maga Ecgðéowes that the famed son of Edgetheow

grundwong þone ofgyfan wolde· this earth should be willing to give up;

25
sceolde willan wíc eardian he was obliged to be about to inhabit a dwelling
89

elles hwergen· swá sceal

elsewhere, as must every man
aéghwylc mon

álaétan laéndagas. Næs ðá long tó

abandon loaned-days. It was not long to when
ðon

þæt ðá áglaécean hý eft

that the fierce enemies again met each other:
gemétton:

hyrte hyne hordweard· hreðer the hoard-guardian heartened himself, his breast
aéðme wéoll swelled with breath,

25
níwan stefne· nearo ðrówode another time; cruelly suffered,
94

fýre befongen sé ðe aér folce

encircled in fire, he who had once ruled a nation.
wéold.

Nealles him on
Not at all him in a troop the hand-companions,
héape handgesteallan

æðelinga bearn ymbe gestódon nobles' sons, around him stood

hildecystum ac hý on holt bugon· with valour in battle, but they sunk to the forest,

ealdre burgan· hiora in ánum 25

to protect life; in one of them surged
wéoll 99
sefa wið sorgum· sibb' aéfre ne
his heart with sorrows; kinship can never
mæg

wiht onwendan þám ðe wél

aught be altered, in him who thinks properly.
þenceð.

XXXVI

Wígláf wæs háten Wéoxstánes

Wiglaf he was called, son of Weohstan,
sunu

léoflíc lindwiga léod Scylfinga noble shield-fighter, man of the Scylfings,

maég Ælfheres· geseah his 26

kinsman of Ælfhere; he saw his liege-lord
mondryhten 04

under heregríman hát þrówian· under the war-mask suffering heat;

gemunde ðá ðá áre þé hé him aér he remembered then the honour that he had
forgeaf given him before,

wícstede weligne Waégmundinga, lush dwelling-place of the Waegmundings,

folcrihta gehwylc swá his fæder

to each folk-rights, as his father had owned;
áhte·

ne mihte ðá forhabban· hond rond 26 then he could not hold back, his hand seized his
geféng 09 round shield,

geolwe linde· gomelswyrd getéah· yellow lindenwood, he drew his ancient sword;

þæt wæs mid eldum Éanmundes

it was among men the legacy of Eanmund,
láf

suna Óhtere· þám æt sæcce wearð son of Ohthere; of him in battle was,

wræcca wineléasum Wéohstánes

of the friendless exile, Weohstan his slayer
bana

méces ecgum ond his mágum 26 by maiche's edges, and to his kinsman he brought
ætbær 14 back

brúnfágne helm hringde byrnan bright-gleaming helm, ringed byrnie,

ealdsweord etonisc· þæt him Onela

an old ogrish sword; that to him Onela returned,
forgeaf

his gædelinges gúðgewaédu his kinsman's war-garment,

fyrdsearo fúslíc· nó ymbe ðá war-devised clothing; he did not speak of the

faéhðe spræc feud,

þéah ðe hé his bróðor 26

though he his brother's son had slain;
bearn ábredwade· 19

hé frætwe gehéold fela misséra he held the treasures for many seasons,
bill ond byrnan oð ðæt his byre
bill and byrnie, until his son could
mihte

eorlscipe efnan swá his aérfæder· accomplish noble deeds like his old father;

geaf him ðá mid

then, among the Geats, he gave him war-clothing,
Géatum gúðgewaéda

aéghwæs unrím þá hé of ealdre 26 of all kinds, in countless number, then he went

gewát 24 from life,

fród on forðweg. Þá wæs forma síð wise, on the way forth. Then was the first time

geongan cempan þæt hé gúðe

for the young champion, that he the rush of war
raés

mid his fréodryhtne fremman

with his noble lord had to perform;
sceolde·

ne gemealt him se módsefa né his his spirited heart in him did not melt away, nor
mægenes láf the remainder of his strength

26
gewác æt wíge· þa se wyrm onfand fail in the fight; then the wyrm had discovered,
29

syððan híe tógædre gegán

when they together had come.
hæfdon.

Wígláf maðelode· wordrihta fela Wiglaf spoke, many proper words

sægde gesíðum --him wæs sefa he said to his companions --his heart was sad in
geómor--: him--:

'Ic ðæt maél geman þaér wé medu

'I recall that time, where we partook of mead,
þégun

26
þonne wé gehéton ússum hláforde when we promised to our lord
34

in bíorsele ðé ús ðás béagas geaf in the beer-hall, he who gave us rings,

þæt wé him ðá gúðgetawa gyldan

that we to him for the war-gear wished to repay,
woldon

gif him þyslicu þearf gelumpe, if for him such a need arose,

helmas ond heard sweord. Ðé hé with helmets and hard swords. Because of that he
úsic on herge gecéas chose us from the army

26
tó ðyssum síðfate sylfes willum· for this adventure of his own desire;
39

onmunde úsic maérða ond mé þás he deemed us worthy of renown, and gave me
máðmas geaf these treasures,
 because he us spear-warriors considered
þé hé úsic gárwígend góde tealde
excellent,

hwate helmberend þéah ðe hláford

bold helm-bearers, though the lord for us
ús

þis ellenweorc áná áðóhte this valiant work intended alone

26
tó gefremmanne, folces hyrde, to perform, the keeper of the folk,
44

forðán hé manna maést maérða

because he of men the most glories has achieved,
gefremede

daéda dollícra. Nú is sé dæg cumen the most audacious deeds. Now is the day come

þæt úre mandryhten mægenes

that our liege-lord has need of strength
behófað

gódra gúðrinca· wutun gongan tó of good war-men; let us go to,

26
helpan hildfruman þenden hyt sÿ aid the battle-leader, while the heat lasts,
49

glédegesa grim. God wát on mec the fierce fire-terror. God knows of me

þæt mé is micle léofre þæt mínne that to me it is much more agreeable, that my
líchaman body

mid mínne goldgyfan gléd fæðmie· with my gold-giver the fire embraces;

ne þynceð mé gerysne þæt wé it does not seem proper to me, that we bear
rondas beren shields

eft tó earde nemne we aéror 26

back to our land, unless we first can
mægen 54

fáne gefyllan, feorh ealgian fell the foe, defend the life

Wedra ðéodnes· ic wát geare of the chief of the Wederas; I know well,

þæt naéron ealdgewyrht þæt hé that his deeds of old are not such, that he alone
ána scyle should

Géata duguðe gnorn þrówian, of the Geats' retinue sorrow suffer,

gesígan æt sæcce· úrum sceal 26 to sink in strife; for the two of us must sword and
sweord ond helm 59 helm,

byrne ond byrduscrúd bám

byrnie and rich shroud both share.'
gemaéne.'

Wód þá þurh þone Then he waded through the smoke of

wælréc· wígheafolan bær slaughter, bore his war-head

fréan on fultum· féa worda cwæð: to the support of his lord; a few words he spoke:
'Léofa Bíowulf, laést eall tela 'Dear Beowulf, carry out all well,

swá ðú on geoguðféore geára 26

as you in youth-life long ago said,
gecwaéde 64

þæt ðú ne álaéte be ðé lifigendum that you would not allow, with you still living,

dóm gedréosan· scealt nú daédum

glory to fail; you must now in bold deeds,
róf,

æðeling anhýdig, ealle mægene a noble firm in mind, with all of your strength,

feorh ealgian· ic ðé fullaéstu.' defend your life; I shall support you.'

Æfter ðám wordum wyrm yrre 26

After those words the wrathful wyrm came,
cwóm 69

atol inwitgæst óðre síðe awful cruel visitor a second time,

fýrwylmum fáh fíonda níosian with hostile, gleaming flood of fire to seek his foes

láðra manna· líg ýðum for· the hated humans; the flame came forth in waves,

born bord wið rond· byrne ne

burned shield to the boss; the byrnie could not
meahte

geongum gárwigan géoce 26

to the young spear-fighter lend support
gefremman 74

ac se maga geonga under his

but the young man, under his kinsman's shield
maéges scyld

elne geéode þá his ágen wæs courageously advanced, when his own was

glédum forgrunden. Þá gén

consumed by fire. Then again the war-king
gúðcyning

miht gemunde· mægenstrengo remembered his strength, with mighty force

slóh struck

26 with his battle-bill, so that it stood in (the

hildebille þæt hyt on heafolan stód
79 serpent's) head

níþe genýded· Nægling forbærst· driven by violence; Naegling burst asunder,

geswác æt sæcce sweord Bíowulfes failed in the fight Beowulf's sword

gomol ond graégmaél· him þæt ancient and silver-streaked; it was not granted to
gifeðe ne wæs him,

þæt him írenna ecge mihton that for him irons' edges could

helpan æt hilde: wæs sío hond tó 26

help in battle: the hand was too strong,
strong 84
sé ðe méca gehwane míne
that each one of the blades --I heard--
gefraége

swenge ofersóhte þonne hé tó

in stroke he over-taxed; when he bore to battle
sæcce bær

waépen wundum heard næs him a weapon hardened by wounds, it was not any
wihte ðé sél. better for him.

Þá wæs þéodsceaða þriddan síðe Then the scourge of people a third time,

26
frécne fýrdraca faéhða gemyndig· the fierce fire-drake enmity in mind,
89

raésde on ðone rófan þá him rúm rushed at the brave man, when he was yielded
ágeald space,

hát ond heaðogrim heals ealne hot and battle-fierce, (Beowulf's) whole neck he
ymbeféng clamped

biteran bánum· hé geblódegod

between sharp fangs; he was drenched
wearð

sáwuldríore· swát ýðum wéoll. in life-blood; gore gushed in waves.

XXXVII

Ðá ic æt þearfe 26
I heard that then at the need of the folk-king
gefrægn þéodcyninges 94

andlongne eorl ellen cýðan the nobleman alongside displayed courage,

cræft ond cénðu swá him gecynde

strength and boldness, as was natural to him;
wæs·

ne hédde hé þæs heafolan ac sío he did not heed (the dragon's) head, though the
hand gebarn hand was burned

módiges mannes þaér hé his

of the spirited man, there he his strength helped,
mægenes healp

þæt he þone níðgæst nioðor 26 that he the hostile outsider struck somewhat
hwéne slóh, 99 lower,

secg on searwum þæt ðæt sweord the warrior in his war-gear, so that the sword
gedéaf sank in

fáh ond faéted þæt ðæt fýr ongon gleaming and golden so that the fire began

sweðrian syððan. Þá gén sylf

to weaken after that. Then again the king himself
cyning

gewéold his gewitte· wællseaxe

gathered his wits, drew a slaughter-seax
gebraéd
biter ond beaduscearp þæt hé on 27 bitter and battle-sharp, that he wore on his
byrnan wæg· 04 byrnie;

forwrát Wedra helm wyrm on The Helm of the Wederas cut through the wyrm
middan. in the middle.

The foe they felled --their courage driving out life-

Féond gefyldan --ferh ellen wræc--
-

ond hí hyne þá bégen ábroten

and then the both of them him had destroyed,
hæfdon,

sibæðelingas· swylc sceolde secg

the noble kinsmen; so ought a man to be,
wesan

þegn æt ðearfe. Þæt ðám þéodne 27

a thane in need. That was for the chieftain
wæs 09

síðas sigehwíle sylfes daédum, the last time of victory by his own deeds,

worlde geweorces. Ðá sío wund

in the world of action. Then the wound began,
ongon

þé him se eorðdraca aér geworhte which him the earth-dragon had caused earlier,

swelan ond swellan· hé þæt sóna

to swelter and to swell; he soon discovered that,
onfand·

þæt him on bréostum bealoníð 27

it him in the breast welled with deadly evil,
wéoll 14

attor on innan. Ðá se æðeling gíong poison inside. Then the noble went,

þæt hé bí wealle wíshycgende so that he by the wall wise in thought

gesæt on sesse· seah on enta

sat on a seat; he looked on the giants' work
geweorc·

hú ðá stánbogan stapulum fæste how the stone-arches on firm pillars

27
éce eorðreced innan healden. the eternal earth-hall supported within.
19

Hyne þá mid
Then with his hands, sword-bloody,
handa heorodréorigne

the renowned chieftain, the immensely good

þéoden maérne þegn ungemete till
thane

winedryhten his wætere gelafede his friend and lord washed with water,

hilde sædne ond his helm onspéon· weary of battle, and unfastened his helm;

Bíowulf maþelode· hé ofer benne 27

Beowulf spoke; he spoke despite his injury,
spræc, 24
wunde wælbléate --wisse hé
the slaughter-wretched wound --he readily knew
gearwe

þæt hé dæghwíla gedrogen hæfde that he the length of his days had fulfilled,

eorðan wynne· ðá wæs eall

joy of earth; then was all departed
sceacen

dógorgerímes, déað ungemete

his number of days, death exceedingly near
néah--:

27
'Nú ic suna mínum syllan wolde 'Now I to my son I would have wished to give
29

war-garments, if it had been granted to me such

gúðgewaédu þaér mé gifeðe swá
that

aénig yrfeweard æfter wurde any guardian of inheritance would be after

líce gelenge· ic ðás léode héold this body remaining; I ruled the people

fíftig wintra· næs sé folccyning fifty winters; there was not a folk-king

27
ymbesittendra aénig ðára of my neighbours --of any of them--
34

þé mec gúðwinum grétan dorste, who me with war-friends dared to greet,

egesan ðéön· ic on earde bád to threaten with terror; I on earth awaited

maélgesceafta· héold mín tela· destiny, ruled my own well,

ne sóhte searoníðas né mé swór did not seek cunning hostility, nor swore me
fela many

27
áða on unriht· ic ðæs ealles mæg oaths unjustly; I all of it can,
39

feorhbennum séoc geféan habban sick with mortal-injuries, have rejoicing,

forðám mé wítan ne because he will not need to reproach me, the

ðearf Waldend fíra Ruler of men,

morðorbealo mága þonne mín

for dire murder of kin, when departs my
sceaceð

líf of líce. Nú ðú lungre geong life from body. Now go you quickly

27
hord scéawian under hárne stán, to examine the hoard under the hoary grey stone,
44

Wígláf léofa, nú se wyrm ligeð, dear Wiglaf, now the wyrm lies dead,

swefeð sáre wund since beréafod sleeping sorely wounded, deprived of treasure

bío nú on ofoste þæt ic aérwelan be now in haste, that I the ancient wealth,
 the possession of gold might perceive, readily
goldaéht ongite· gearo scéawige
behold

swegle searogimmas þæt ic ðý séft 27 sparkling cleverly-cut gems, so that I can the
mæge 49 more pleasantly

æfter máððumwelan mín álaétan for treasure-wealth leave my

líf ond léodscipe þone ic longe

life and nation, that long I ruled.'
héold.'

XXXVIII

Ðá ic snúde gefrægn sunu

Then I heard swiftly the son of Weohstan,
Wíhstánes

æfter wordcwydum wundum

after the word-speech the wounded lord,
dryhtne

275 listened to the battle-sick one, bore a net of

hýran heaðosíocum, hringnet beran
4 rings,

brogdne beadusercean under

woven battle-shirt under the barrow's roof.
beorges hróf.

Geseah ðá sigehréðig þá hé bí sesse He saw then victorious, when he went by the

géong seat,

magoþegnmódig máððumsigla
the spirited young thane, many precious jewels,
fealo,

gold glitinian grunde getenge glittering gold close to the ground,

wundur on wealle ond þæs wyrmes 275

wonders on the wall, and the wyrm's den,
denn 9

ealdes úhtflogan, orcas stondan the old twilight-flier, beakers standing,

fyrnmanna fatu feormendléase the vessels of men of old lacking a burnisher,

hyrstum behrorene· þaér wæs stripped of adornments; there was a multitude

helm monig of helms

eald ond ómig, earmbéaga fela old and rusty, many arm-rings

276
searwum gesaéled --sinc éaðe mæg cleverly fastened --treasure easily may,
4

gold on grunde gumcynnes

gold in the ground, any one of mankind
gehwone

oferhígian hýde sé ðe wylle-- overpower, hide he who will--

swylce hé siomian geseah segn

also he saw hanging a standard all-golden
eallgylden
héah ofer horde, hondwundra high over the hoard, the greatest of hand-
maést wrought wonders,

gelocen leoðocræftum· of ðám 276

linked with skill of hands; from it light issued,
léoman stód 9

þæt hé þone grundwong ongitan

so that he on the ground could perceive,
meahte,

wraéte giondwlítan· næs ðæs look over the ornament; there was not of the
wyrmes þaér wyrm

onsýn aénig ac hyne ecg fornam. any appearance, for him the blade-edge took.

Ðá ic on hlaéwe gefrægn hord

Then I heard in the mound the hoard plundered,
réafian

277
eald enta geweorc ánne mannan, old work of giants, one man,
4

him on bearm hlódon bunan ond

him on his bosom loaded goblets and plates
discas

sylfes dóme segn éac genóm of his own judgement he also took the banner,

the brightest beacon; the bill had already

béacna beorhtost· bill aér gescód
wounded

--ecg wæs íren-- ealdhláfordes --the edge was iron-- of that old lord

277
þám ðára máðma mundbora wæs him who the treasures' protector was
9

longe hwíle· lígegesan wæg for a long while; the fire-terror had endured

hátne for horde hioroweallende hot for sake of the hoard, fiercely welling up

middelnihtum oð þæt hé morðre

in the middle of nights until he died in violence.
swealt.

Ár wæs on ofoste eftsíðes georn The messenger was in haste, eager for return,

frætwum gefyrðred· hyne fyrwet 278

urged on by treasures; curiosity burst in him,
bræc 4

hwæðer collenferð cwicne gemétte whether bold-hearted he would meet alive

in ðám wongstede Wedra þéoden in that place, the chief of the Wederas

ellensíocne þaér hé hine aér forlét· ill in strength, where he had left him earlier;

hé ðá mid þám máðmum maérne he then with that treasures to the glorious
þíoden chieftain,

278
dryhten sínne dríorigne fand his lord, found bleeding,
9
ealdres æt ende· hé hine eft ongon of life at an end; he again began on him

wæteres weorpan oð þæt wordes

to sprinkle water, until the word's point
ord

bréosthord þurhbræc broke through the breast-hoard,

gomel on giogoðe gold scéawode: the old one on the youth saw gold:

279
'Ic ðára frætwa fréan ealles ðanc 'I, for these riches, to the Lord of All, thanks
4

wuldurcyninge wordum secge to the Glory-King say by words,

écum dryhtne þé ic hér on starie to the eternal Lord, which I look on here,

þæs ðe ic móste mínum léodum that I was able for my people

aér swyltdæge swylc gestrýnan before my death-day to gain such riches,

nú ic on máðma hord minne 279 now I for the hoard of treasures have paid with
bebohte 9 my

fróde feorhlege fremmað géna old span of life. Tend still

léoda þearfe· ne mæg ic hér leng

the need of the nation. I cannot be here longer;
wesan·

hátað heaðomaére hlaéw

order war-famed men to construct a mound
gewyrcean

beorhtne æfter baéle æt brimes

bright after the fire, at the ocean's cape;
nósan·

sé scel tó gemyndum mínum 280

it shall to remind my people
léodum 4

héah hlífian on hrones næsse tower high on headland of whales,

þæt hit saélíðend syððan hátan so that it sea-farers then will name

Bíowulfes Biorh ðá ðe brentingas Beowulf's Barrow, those who ships

ofer flóda genipu feorran drífað.' over the seas' mists drive from afar.'

280
Dyde him of healse hring gyldenne Took him from his neck the golden ring,
9

þíoden þrísthýdig· þegne gesealde the valiant chief, to the thane gave,

geongum gárwigan goldfáhne helm to the young spear-warrior, gold-adorned helm,

béah ond byrnan· hét hyne brúcan

ring and byrnie, told him to use them well:
well:

'Þú eart endeláf ússes cynnes 'You are the last remainder of our race,
Waégmundinga· ealle wyrd 281
of the Waegmundings; Fate has swept off all
forswéop 4

míne mágas tó metodsceafte of my kinsmen into destined death,

eorlas on elne· ic him æfter sceal.' earls in their strength; I must go after them.'

Þæt wæs þám gomelan gingæste

That was for the old man the final word
word

of the thoughts of his breast, ere he chose

bréostgehygdum aér hé baél cure
funeral fire,

háte heaðowylmas· him of hwæðre 281

hot furious seething; yet from him went
gewát 9

sáwol sécean sóðfæstra dóm. his soul to seek truth-fast judgement.

XXXVIIII

Ðá wæs gegongen guman unfródum Then it went with the young man

earfoðlíce þæt hé on eorðan geseah painfully, that he saw on the ground

þone léofestan lífes æt ende the dearest man at the end of his life

282
bléate gebaéran· bona swylce læg miserably enduring; the slayer also lay,
4

egeslíc eorðdraca ealdre beréafod the terrible earth-dragon bereft of life,

bealwe gebaéded· béahhordum leng balefully beaten down; the ring-hoard longer

wyrm wóhbogen wealdan ne móste the wickedly coiled wyrm could not control,

ac him írenna ecga fornámon, rather him irons' edges took off,

282
hearde heaðoscearde homera láfe the hard, battle-notched leavings of hammers,
9

þæt se wídfloga wundum stille so that the wide-flier, stilled by wounds,

hréas on hrúsan hordærne néah· fell to the ground near the hoard-store;

nalles æfter lyfte lácende hwearf not at all through the air flying turned

in the middle of nights, proud of his prized

middelnihtum· máðmaéhta wlonc
possessions,

283
ansýn ýwde ac hé eorðan geféoll manifested an appearance, but he fell to earth
4

for ðæs hildfruman hondgeweorce. by the battle-leader's work of his own hands.

Húru þæt on lande lýt manna ðáh Indeed it on land few men succeeded,

mægenágendra míne gefraége possessors of strength, I have heard,

þéah ðe hé daéda gehwæs dyrstig
though he in all deeds were daring;
waére·

þæt hé wið attorsceaðan oreðe 283 that he against the poison-scourge's breath
geraésde 9 rushed,

oððe hringsele hondum styrede or its ring-hall stirred up with hands,

gif hé wæccende weard onfunde if he a watching warden found

búon on beorge· Bíowulfe wearð living in the barrow; for Beowulf was

dryhtmáðma daél déaðe forgolden· the noble treasures' share, repaid with death;

284
hæfde aéghwæðre ende geféred each of them had arrived at the end
4

laénan lífes. Næs ðá lang tó ðon of his loaned life. It was not long to when

þæt ðá hildlatan holt ofgéfan that the battle-shirkers gave up the forest,

týdre tréowlogan týne ætsomne cowardly troth-breakers, ten together,

ðá ne dorston aér dareðum lácan who had not dared before with javelins to fight

284
on hyra mandryhtnes miclan þearfe in their liege-lord's great need
9

ac hý scamiende scyldas baéran but they, shamed, bore shields,

gúðgewaédu þaér se gomela læg· war-clothing, to where the old man lay;

wlitan on Wíláf· hé gewérgad sæt they looked at Wiglaf; he sat wearied,

féðecempa fréan eaxlum néah· the foot-soldier near the shoulders of his lord;

wehte hyne wætre· him wiht ne 285 he tried to rouse him with water, but it availed
spéow· 4 him not a bit;

ne meahte hé on eorðan, ðéah hé

he could not on earth, though he wished well,
úðe wél

on ðám frumgáre feorh gehealdan in that first-spear preserve life,

né ðæs wealdendes wiht oncirran: nor the Ruler's man turn back:

wolde dóm godes daédum raédan the judgement of God would rule the deeds

gumena gehwylcum swá hé nú gén 285

of all men, as it still does now.
dëð. 9

Þá wæs æt ðám geongan grim Then there was from that young man a grim
andswaru answer

éðbegéte þám ðe aér his elne easily got, for him who earlier had lost his
forléas· courage;

Wígláf maðelode Wéohstánes sunu Wiglaf spoke, Weohstan's son,

secg sárigferð seah on unléofe: a man sore at heart looked on the unloved men:

'Þæt, lá, mæg secgan sé ðe wyle sóð 286 'That, indeed, may say he who wishes to speak
specan· 4 the truth,

þæt se mondryhten sé éow ðá

that the liege-lord, he who gave you treasures,
máðmas geaf

éoredgeatwe þé gé þaér on
cavalry-gear, that you stand in there--
standað--

þonne hé on ealubence oft gesealde when he on the ale-bench often gave

healsittendum helm ond byrnan, to hall-sitters helm and byrnie,

þéoden his þegnum swylce hé 286 the chieftain to his thanes such as he the
þrýdlícost 9 grandest

ówer feor oððe néah findan meahte-

anywhere far or near was able to find--
-

þæt hé génunga gúðgewaédu that he completely war-clothing

grievously threw away, when fighting befell

wráðe forwurpe ðá hyne wíg beget·
him;

nealles folccyning fyrdgesteallum not at all the folk-king his companions in arms

287
gylpan þorfte· hwæðre him god úðe need to boast about; yet God granted him,
4

sigora waldend þæt hé hyne sylfne

victories' Ruler, that he avenged himself,
gewræc

ána mid ecge þá him wæs elnes one with a blade, when for him was need of
þearf. valour.

Ic him lífwraðe lýtle meahte I him life-protection little could

ætgifan æt gúðe ond ongan swá

provide in war, and yet began
þéah

287
ofer mín gemet maéges helpan· beyond my measure to aid my kinsman;
9

symle wæs þý saémra þonne ic ever was it the weaker when I struck with
sweorde drep sword,

ferhðgeníðlan fýr unswíðor the deadly enemy, fire less fiercely

surged from the seat of intellect; leaders too

wéoll of gewitte· fergendra tó lýt
few

þrong ymbe þéoden þá hyne sío thronged around the chieftain, when distress
þrág becwóm. came to him.
 288
Hú sceal sincþego ond swyrdgifu How must treasure-receipt and sword-giving
4

eall éðelwyn éowrum cynne all native joy for your kin,

lufen álicgean! Londrihtes mót delight cease! Of land-rights must

þaére maégburge monna aéghwylc of your clan every man

ídel hweorfan syððan æðelingas become deprived, when nobles

288
feorran gefricgean fléam éowerne from afar learn of your flight,
9

dómléasan daéd: déað bið sélla gloryless dead: death is better

eorla gehwylcum þonne edwítlíf.' for all men than a life of dishonour.'

XL

Heht ðá þæt Then he commanded battle-

heaðoweorc tó hagan result to be announced at the
bíodan stronghold,

úp ofer ecgclif þaér þæt up over the cliff-edge, where

eorlweorod that warrior-band

morgenlongne the morning-long day sat sad

2894
dæg módgiómor sæt in spirit,

bordhæbbende béga on shield-bearers, in expectation

wénum: of two things:

endedógores ond the end of his days or the

eftcymes return

léofes monnes. Lýt of the dear man. On little was

swígode he silent

níwra spella sé ðe næs of the new tidings, he who

gerád rode the headland,

ac hé sóðlíce sægde ofer

2899 but he truly said over all:
ealle:

'Nú is wilgeofa Wedra 'Now is the wish-giver of the

léoda Wederas' nation,

the lord of the

dryhten Géata déaðbedde
Geats unmoving on his death-
fæst
bed,

remaining in the repose of

wunað wælreste wyrmes
slaughter by the wyrm's
daédum·
deeds;
him on efn beside him lies his life-
ligeð ealdorgewinna contender

siexbennum sick with seax-wounds: he

2904
séoc: sweorde ne meahte could not with his sword

on ðám áglaécean aénige on that fearsome being in any

þinga way

wunde gewyrcean· Wígláf

inflict wounds; Wiglaf sits
siteð

ofer Bíowulfe byre over Beowulf, the son of

Wíhstánes Weohstan,

eorl ofer one earl over

óðrum unlifigendum· another unliving,

healdeð
he holds, weary in his
higemaéðum héafodwear 2909
mind, head-watch
de

over beloved and

léofes ond láðes. Nú ys
loathed. Now for the nation
léodum wén
one expects

orleghwíle syððan time of warfare when

undyrne unsecret

Froncum ond Frýsum fyll to the Franks and Frisians, the

cyninges fall of the king,

wíde weorðeð· wæs sío widely becomes; the quarrel

wróht scepen was shaped

fierce against the

heard wið Húgas syððan **291
2914 Hugas, when Hygelac
Higelác cwóm 4-19**
came

faran flotherge on Frésna faring with a fleet onto the

land Frisians' land

þaér hyne Hetware hilde where him the

gehnaégdon· Hetware attacked in battle,

elne geéodon mid it happened in courage with

ofermægene over-strength,

þæt se byrnwiga búgan that the mailed-warrior had

sceolde· to bow down;

he fell among the foot-

féoll on féðan· nalles
2919 troop; not at all ornaments
frætwe geaf
gave
ealdor dugoðe· ús wæs á the lord to his retinue; for us
syððan was ever after

Merewíoingas milts the Merovingian

ungyfeðe. (king's) kindness withheld.

Né ic te Swéoðéode sibbe I do not from the

oððe tréowe Swedes peace or truce

wihte ne wéne ac wæs expect a bit, but it was widely

wíde cúð known

þætte Ongenðío ealdre that Ongentheow of life

2924
besnyðede deprived

Hæðcen Hréþling wið Haethcyn Hrethel's son at

Hrefnawudu Raven's Wood,

þá for onmédlan aérest when for arrogance first

gesóhton sought out

Géata léode Gúð- the Geatish people the War-

Scilfingas Scilfings

sóna him se fróda fæder at once him the wise,

Óhtheres old father of Ohthere,

eald ond ancient and terrible, returned

2929
egesfull hondslyht ágeaf· onslaught by hand;

ábréot brimwísan· brýda he destroyed the sea-wise

herode· man, he honoured his wife,

gomela ióméowlan golde the old, wisened

berofene woman bereft of her gold,

Onelan módor ond

Onela's mother and Ohthere's
Óhtheres

ond ðá and then he followed those

folgode feorhgeníðlan life-enemies,

oð ðæt hí until they escaped with

2934
oðéodon earfoðlíce difficulty,

in into Raven's Wood, without a

Hrefnesholt hláfordléase· lord;

then he besieged the huge

besæt ðá
(sacred) grove, the survivors
sinherge sweorda láfe
of swords

wundum wérge· wéan oft weary with wounds; he often

gehét threatened woes
earmre teohhe ondlonge to the wretched company in
niht· the length of the night;

cwæð: hé on said: he in the morning by the

2939
mergenne méces ecgum edges of a maiche

gétan wolde, sum on he would sacrifice one of

galgtréowum them on the gallow-tree

fuglum tó gamene· frófor as game for the birds; relief

eft gelamp came back

sárigmódum somod to the sorrow-spirited

aérdæge ones together with early day,

syððan híe Hygeláces horn when they Hygelac's horn and

ond býman trumpet,

and his battle-yell

gealdor ongéaton þá se
2944 recognised, then the good
góda cóm,
man came,

with the tribe's veteran

léoda dugoðe on lást
warriors travelling on the
faran.
path.

XLI

Wæs sío
The bloody swathe of the
swátswaðu Swóna ond
Swedes and Geats,
Géata

wælraés weora wíde the slaughter-rush of

gesýne· men was widely seen;

hú ðá folc mid him faéhðe how the folk between

tówehton· them awoke a feud;

gewát him ðá se góda mid then the good man went with
2949
his gædelingum his fellow kinsmen,

fród felageómor fæsten old and wise, greated

sécean· saddened, to seek a citadel;

the warrior
eorl Ongenþío ufor
Ongentheow retreated higher
oncirde·
up,

hæfde Higeláces hilde he had of Hygelac's battle-skill

gefrúnen heard,

wlonces wígcræft· wiðres the proud man's war-craft; he

ne trúwode· did not trust his resistance,
þæt hé
that he the sea-men could
saémannum onsacan 2954
oppose,
mihte,

heaðolíðendum hord against battle

forstandan travellers defend the hoard,

bearn ond brýde· béah eft children and women; he fell

þonan back thence

eald under eorðweall· þá old behind the earth-

wæs aéht boden wall; then pursuit was offered

Swéona léodum· segn to the Swedish nation, the

Higeláces standards of Hygelac

freoðowong þone forð that place of refuge forth

2959
oferéodon overran,

when the Hrethelings pressed

syððan Hréðlingas tó
forward into that
hagan þrungon.
entrenchment.

Þaér wearð
There was Ongentheow by
Ongenðíow ecgum
edges of swords,
sweordan

blondenfexa on bid the grizzle-haired was

wrecen compelled to pause,

þæt se þéodcyning ðafian so that the tribe-king had to

sceolde submit

Eafores ánne dóm· hyne to the sole judgement

2964
yrringa of Eofor; him wrathfully

Wulf Wonréðing waépne Wulf, Wonred's son, reached

geraéhte with his weapon,

þæt him for swenge swát so that from him by the

aédrum sprong blow blood in streams sprang

forð under fexe· næs hé forth beneath his hair; he was

forht swá ðéh not frightened though,

gomela Scilfing ac forgeald the aged Scilfing, but quickly

hraðe repaid

with a more terrible

wyrsan wrixle wælhlem
2969 response for that slaughter-
þone
stroke,

syððan ðéodcyning þyder when the tribe-king turned

oncirde· thither;
ne meahte se snella sunu he could not, the brave son
Wonrédes of Wonred,

ealdum ceorle hondslyht to the old fellow offer

giofan onslaught by hand,

ac hé him on héafde helm rather he him on his head had

aér gescer sheared his helm,

þæt he blode fah bugan so that he, blood-stained, had

2974
sceolde· to bow down;

féoll on foldan· næs hé he fell on the field; he was

faége þá gít not doomed yet,

but he recovered
ac hé hyne gewyrpte þéah
himself, though the wound
ðe him wund hrine·
touched him;

lét se hearda Higeláces Let he, the hard thane of

þegn Hygelac,

bráde méce þá his bróðor broad maiche, when his

læg brother lay dead,

ealdsweord the old ogrish sword, the

2979
eotonisc entiscne helm giantish helm

break over the shield-

brecan ofer bordweal· ðá
wall; then the king bowed
gebéah cyning
down,

folces hyrde· wæs in feorh the shepherd of the folk, was

dropen. struck to his life.

Ðá waéron monige þé his Then there were many, who

maég wriðon· bandaged his kinsman,

they quickly raised him

ricone áraérdon ðá him
up, when room was made for
gerýmed wearð
them,

þæt híe so that they the place of

wælstówe wealdan 2984 slaughter were able to
móston· control;

þenden réafode rinc then plunder the one man the

óðerne· other,

nam on he took from Ongentheow his

Ongenðío írenbyrnan iron byrnie,

heard swyrd hilted ond his his hard hilted sword, and his
helm somod· helmet too;
 the hoary one's armour he
háres hyrste Higeláce bær·
bore to Hygelac;

hé ðám frætwum he took the treasures and

2989
féng ond him fægre gehét fairly pledged to him

léana mid léodum ond rewards among the

gelaéste swá· people, and did so;

he paid for the war-

geald þone gúðraés Géata
onslaught, the lord of the
dryhten
Geats,

Hréðles eafora þá hé tó Hrethel's heir, when he

hám becóm returned home,

Iofore ond Wulfe mid to Eofor and Wulf with an

ofermáðmum· abundance of treasure;

sealde hiora
he gave them both a hundred
gehwæðrum hund 2994
thousand worth of
þúsenda

landes ond locenra

land and interlocked rings --
béaga --ne ðorfte him ðá
he needed not the gifts scorn,
léan oðwítan

mon on (any) man on middle-

middangearde syððan earth, since they gained
híe ðá maérða geslógon-- those glories in fighting--

ond ðá Iofore and then to Eofor he gave his

forgeaf ángan dohtor only daughter,

hámweorðunge hyldo tó a honour to the home, as

2998
wedde. pledge of friendship.

Þæt ys sío faéhðo ond se That is the feud and the

féondscipe enmity,

wælníð wera ðæs ðe ic the slaughterous hate of

wéan hafo men, for which I have woe,

þé ús séceað tó Swéona they shall attack us, the

léoda Swedish nation,

syððan híe
when they learn our lord
gefricgeað fréan úserne

ealdorléasne þone ðe aér is lifeless, he who formerly

3003
gehéold preserved

wið hettendum hord ond against despisers our hoard

ríce and kingdom,
æfter hæleða after fall of
hryre, hwate Scildingas· heroes, bold Scyldings,

folcréd fremede oððe supported the welfare of the

furður gén folk, or moreover

eorlscipe efnde. Mé is accomplished noble

ofost betost deeds. For me haste is best,

þæt wé þéodcyning þaér that we the people-king look

3008
scéawian upon there,

ond þone gebringan þé ús and that one bring, he who

béagas geaf gave us rings,

on ádfære· ne scel ánes on a journey to the pyre; nor

hwæt must a part only

meltan mid þám melt with that great-spirited

módigan ac þaér is one, but there is the
máðma hord treasure's hoard,

gold unríme grimme gold uncounted, bitterly

gecéapod purchased,

ond nú æt síðestan sylfes and now at last with his own

3013
féore life

béagas gebohte: þá sceall bought the rings: then the

brond fretan, blaze must devour,

aéled þeccean, nalles eorl the fire cover, no man shall

wegan wear

máððum tó gemyndum né these treasures in

mægð scýne remembrance, no pretty girl

habban on shall have on her neck ring-

healse hringweorðunge adornment,

ac sceal
but must, sad-hearted, bereft
geómormód golde 3018
of gold,
beréafod

oft nalles aéne elland often, not once, tread in alien

tredan land,

nú se herewísa hleahtor now the cohort-leader has

álegde laid aside laughter

gamen ond pleasure and

gléodréam. Forðon sceall merriment. Therefore must
gár wesan be spears
monig
many, morning-cold, grasped
morgenceald mundum
in palms,
bewunden,

hæfen on handa, nalles raised in hands, not at all the

3023
hearpan swég sound of harp

wígend weccean ac se to wake the warrior, but the

wonna hrefn black raven,

eager over the

fús ofer faégum fela
doomed, speaking many
reordian,
things,

earne secgan hú him æt telling the eagle, how he

aéte spéow succeeded in eating,

þenden hé wið wulf wæl when he with the

réafode.' wolf despoiled the slain.'

Swá se secg
3028 So the bold men was teller
hwata secggende wæs

láðra spella· hé ne léag of hateful tidings; he did not

fela lie much

wyrda né worda. Weorod in deeds or in words. The

eall árás· troop all arose;

éodon unblíðe under they went unhappily under

earna næs the eagle's headland,

wollentéare wundur with welling tears, to gaze

scéawian· upon the wondor;

fundon ðá on they found then on the

3033
sande sáwulléasne sand, soulless,

hlimbed healdan þone þe ruling over his bed of rest, the

him hringas geaf who gave them rings

aérran maélum· þá wæs in earlier times; then it was

endedæg the end-day

gódum gegongen þæt se come for good men, that the

gúðcyning war-king,

Wedra
the Wederas' chieftain, died a
þéoden wundordéaðe
wondrous death.
swealt.

AÉr hí þaér First they saw there a rarer

3038
geségan syllícran wiht creature,
wyrm on the wyrm on the ground just
wonge wiðerræhtes þaér opposite there,

láðne licgean: wæs se the loathsome one lying

légdraca dead: the fire-drake was

grimlíc gryregiest glédum a grim gruesome guest burnt

beswaéled· by flames;

sé wæs
it was fifty foot-measures
fíftiges fótgemearces

lang on legere· lyftwynne long as it lay; in air-joy it had

3043
héold ruled

nihtes hwílum· nyðer eft the times of the night, down

gewát again had gone

dennes níosian· wæs ðá to seek its den; it was then

déaðe fæst· still in death,

hæfde eorðscrafa ende it had of earth-

genyttod. caverns enjoyed its end.

Him big stódan bunan ond They stood by him goblets

orcas· and beakers,

discas lágon ond dýre lay plates and precious

3048
swyrd swords,

eaten through by rust, as if

ómige þurhetone swá híe
they had in the embrace of the
wið eorðan fæðm
earth

þúsend wintra þaér a thousand winters remained

eardodon· there;

then was that **305

þonne wæs þæt
legacy of exceedingly 1-
yrfe éacencræftig,
powerful, 73**

gold of men of
iúmonna gold galdre
yore, encompassed by an
bewunden
incantation,

þæt ðám hringsele hrínan that the ring-hall could not

3053
ne móste touch

gumena aénig nefne god

any man, unless God himself,
sylfa

sigora sóðcyning sealde victories' Truth-king allowed

þám ðe hé wolde he who He wished
--hé is manna gehyld- --He is man's protector-- to
- hord openian· open the hoard,

efne swá hwylcum

even so to every man as it
manna swá him gemet
seemed fitting to Him.
ðúhte.

XLII

Þá wæs gesýne þæt se 30 Then it was seen that the

síð ne ðáh 58 venture did not benefit

þám ðe unrihte inne who he unrightly had hidden

gehýdde inside,

wræce under vengeance under the

wealle· weard aér walls; this warden earlier
ofslóh slew

féara sumne· þá sío one man of a few; then was

faéhð gewearð the feud

gewrecen
wrathfully avenged. It is a
wráðlíce. Wundur hwár
wondor where then
þonne

eorl ellenróf ende 30 a man famed for

gefére 63 courage should meet end

lífgesceafta þonne leng of his fated life, when he can

ne mæg no longer

mon mid his one among his

maégum meduseld kinsmen, inhabit a mead-
búan· hall;

thus it was for

swá wæs Bíowulfe, þá
Beowulf, when he the
hé biorges weard
barrow's ward

sought treacherous
sóhte searoníðas: seolfa
quarrels: he himself did not
ne cúðe
know

þurh hwæt his worulde 30 through what his parting from

gedál weorðan sceolde. 68 this world must bring about.

Swá hit oð dómes Thus until judgement's

dæg díope benemdon day deeply declared

þéodnas maére þá ðæt the great princes, who put it

þaér dydon· there,
þæt se secg that the man would be guilty
waére synnum scildig of crimes,

hergum
banned from sacred places, in
geheaðerod hellbendu
hell-bonds fast,
m fæst

reproached for his

wommum gewítnad sé 30
transgressions, he who
ðone wong strude· 73
plundered that place;

næs hé
he was not liberal with
goldhwæte gearwor
gold (nor) had he readily
hæfde

ágendes ést aér the kindness of a lord ever

gescéawod. shown.

Wígláf
Wiglaf spoke, the son of
maðelode Wíhstánes
Weohstan,
sunu:

'Oft sceall eorl 'Often must many men, for

monig ánes willan the will of one,

wraéc ádréogan swá ús 30 endure exile, as it has

geworden is· 78 happened to us;

ne meahton wé we could not convince the

gelaéran léofne þéoden beloved prince,

ríces hyrde raéd the keeper of the

aénigne· kingdom, by any counsel,

þæt hé ne that he not greet the gold-

grétte goldweard þone· ward,

léte hyne licgean þaér let him lie, where he long had
hé longe wæs, been,

wícum wunian oð 30 inhabiting his abodes until

woruldende· 83 the world's end;

heoldon
he held to his noble
héahgesceap· hord ys
destiny; the hoard is exposed,
gescéawod,

grimme gegongen· þæt grimly gained; that was

gifeðe wæs granted

tó swíð þé ðone þyder too harshly which

ontyhte. him impelled thither.
Ic wæs þaér inne ond I was there inside and looked
þæt eall geondseh over all of it,

the trappings of the

recedes geatwa þá mé 30
hall, when the way was
gerýmed wæs, 88
cleared for me,

nealles swaéslíce síð not at all sweetly was the

álýfed errand allowed

inn under eorðweall· ic inside the earthwall; I seized

on ofoste geféng in haste

micle mid
much with my hands, a
mundum mægenbyrðe
mighty burden
nne

hordgestréona· hider út of hoard-treasures, bore it

ætbær out hither

cyninge mínum· cwico 30 to my king; he was still alive

wæs þá géna 93 then,

wís ond gewittig· worn wise and knowing; he spoke

eall gespræc much on many things,

gomol on gehðo ond old in his grief, and

éowic grétan hét· commanded me greet you all,

bæd þæt gé
bid that you build in accord of
geworhton æfter wines
your friend's deeds
daédum

in baélstede beorh in the cremation place a high

þone héän barrow,

micelne ond
30 large and splendid, as he was
maérne swá hé manna
98 of men
wæs

wígend a warrior most

weorðfullost wíde honoured thought this wide
geond eorðan earth,

þenden hé
while he the prosperity of a
burhwelan brúcan
city could enjoy.
móste.

Uton nú efstan óðre Let us now hasten another

síðe time

to see and to seek in that

séon ond sécean on
heap of cunningly wrought
searogeþræc
things,
wundur under wealle· ic 31 a wonder under the walls; I
éow wísige 03 shall guide you,

þæt gé genóge néon so that you sufficient close-up

scéawiað will see

béagas ond brád rings and broad gold; let the

gold· síe sío baér gearo bier be ready,

aédre geæfned þonne quickly prepared, when we

wé út cymen come out,

ond þonne
and then carry our lord,
geferian fréan úserne

léofne mannan þaér hé 31 beloved man, where he must

longe sceal 08 long

on ðæs
in the Ruler's protection
waldendes waére
endure.'
geþolian.'

Hét ðá gebéodan byre He then commanded to

Wíhstánes direct, the son of Weohstan,

hæle hildedíor hæleða the battle-brave hero, many

monegum warriors,

boldágendra þæt híe house-holders, that they the

baélwudu pyre-wood

feorran 31 to fetch from afar, folk-

feredon folcágende 13 chieftains,

gódum tógénes: 'Nú to the good man: 'Now must

sceal gléd fretan, the fire devour,

weaxan wonna the dim flame grow, the ruler

lég wigena strengel of warriors,

þone ðe oft he who often

gebád ísernscúre endured shower of iron,

þonne straéla when the storm of

storm strengum arrows, impelled by bow-
gebaéded strings,

scóc ofer
31 shot over the shield-
scildweall· sceft nytte
18 wall; shaft held true to task,
héold

fæðergearwum its feather-trappings

fús· fláne fulléode.' eager, arrow-head followed.'
Húru se snotra sunu Indeed the wise son of
Wíhstánes Weohstan

ácígde of corðre cyniges summoned from the troop of

þegnas king's thanes,

syfone tósomne þá
seven altogether, the best;
sélestan·

éode eahta sum under 31 he went, one of eight, under

inwithróf 23 the evil roof

hilderinc·sum on handa one battle-man bore in his

bær hands

aéledléoman sé ðe on a fire-brand, he who went in

orde géong. the fore-front.

It was not in a casting of

Næs ðá on hlytme hwá
lots, who would plunder that
þæt hord strude
hoard,

syððan
when unprotected any part
orwearde aénigne daél

secgas geségon on sele 31 the men saw remaining in the

wunian 28 hall,

laéne licgan· lýt aénig lying frail; little did anyone

mearn mourn

þæt hí ofostlíce út
that they quickly carried out
geferedon

dýre máðmas· dracan precious treasures; the

éc scufun dragon too they shoved,

wyrm ofer
the wyrm over the cliff-
weallclif· léton wég
wall, they let the waves take,
niman,

flód fæðmian frætwa 31 the flood enfold, that keeper

hyrde· 33 of baubles;

þæt wæs
that was braided gold loaded
wundengold on waén
on the waggon,
hladen

aéghwæs of each kind countless, to the

unrím, æþelinge boren prince bore,

hárum hilde tó hrones hoary grey from battle, to

næsse. the whale's headland.

XLIII
Him ðá gegiredan Géata Then for him prepared the
**3137ff.**
léode people of the Geats

ád on 31 a pyre on the earth, not

eorðan unwáclícne 38 trifling,

helmum hung with helmets, with

behongen hildebordum battle-shields,

beorhtum byrnum swá with bright byrnies, as he had

hé béna wæs· requested;

álegdon ðá
they laid then in the
tómiddes maérne
midst the famed chieftain,
þéoden

hæleð híofende hláford the lamenting heroes, their

léofne· belovèd lord;

ongunnon þá on 31 then began on the

beorge baélfýra maést 43 barrow the greatest bale-fire,

wígend the warriors to kindle; wood-

weccan· wuduréc ástáh smoke arose,

sweart ofer swarthy over the heat, the

swioðole swógende lég roaring flame

wópe bewunden -- woven with weeping --the

windblond gelæg-- tumult of winds lay still--

oð þæt hé ðá
until it the bone-house had
bánhús gebrocen
broken
hæfde

hát on hreðre· higum 31 hot at heart; despairing in

unróte 48 their hearts

módceare
they bemoaned their
maéndon mondryhtnes
grief, their liege-lord's death;
cwealm·

swylce
so too a death-dirge a
giómorgyd Géatisc **3150ff.**
solitary Geatish woman
ánméowle

Bíowulfe wove for Beowulf, cruelly

brægd bundenheorde bound,

sang sorgcearig· saélðe she sang sorrowful, earnestly

geneahhe of fortune
þæt hío hyre
31 that she for herself days of
hearmdagas hearde
53 harm fiercely dreaded,
ondréde

wælfylla worn werudes of multitude of slaughter-

egesan feasts, terror of troops,

hýðo ond
rapine and bondage. Heaven
hæftnýd. Heofon réce
swallowed the smoke;
swealg·

geworhton ðá Wedra then wrought the Wederas'

léode people

hlaéo on hóe sé wæs a barrow on the hill, it was

héah ond brád high and broad,

waéglíðendum wíde 31 for wave-farers widely

gesýne 58 visible,

ond betimbredon on and they constructed in ten

týn dagum days

beadurófes the war-chief's beacon, the

bécn· bronda láfe leavings of the fire,

wealle beworhton swá with a wall they encircled, as

hyt weorðlícost it most worthily

foresnotre men findan the very wisest men could

mihton· devise;

hí on beorg dydon bég 31 they placed in the

ond siglu 63 barrow rings and brooches,

eall swylce
all such trappings, as before
hyrsta swylce on horde
from the hoard
aér

níðhédige
hostile men had taken away;
men genumen hæfdon·

forléton eorla
the treasure of heroes they
gestréon eorðan
let the earth hold,
healdan

gold on gréote þaér hit gold in the gritty soil, where

nú gén lifað it now still lives,

eldum swá unnyt swá 31 as useless to men as it was

hyt aérer wæs. 68 before.

Þá ymbe hlaéw Then around the mound

riodan, hildedéore rode the battle-brave
æþelinga bearn ealra
sons of nobles, twelve in all,
twelfa·

woldon cearge they wished to bewail their

cwíðan kyning maénan, sorrow, to mourn their king,

wordgyd wrecan ond to pronounce elegy, and

ymb wer sprecan· speak about the man;

they praised his heroic

eahtodan eorlscipe ond 31
deeds and his works of
his ellenweorc 73
courage,

duguðum démdon. Swá exalted his majesty. As it is

hit gedéfe bið fitting,

þæt mon his

that one his friend and
winedryhten wordum
lord honours in words,
herge·

ferhðum fréoge þonne cherish in one's spirit, when

hé forð scile he must forth

of líchaman laéded
from his body be led;
weorðan·

swá
31 thus bemourned the people
begnornodon Géata **3178ff.**
78 of the Geats
léode

hláfordes their lord's fall, his hearth-

hryre, heorðgenéatas: companions:

cwaédon þæt hé they said that he was, of all

waére wyruldcyning kings of the world,

manna mildust ond the most generous of

monðwaérust men, and the most gracious,

the most protective of his

léodum líðost ond
people, and the most eager
lofgeornost.
for honour.