Chapter 4

"In the land of the Danes lives Hrothgar, a great and wise king; but sadness clouds his brow and tears dim his eyes. Years ago all was joy and glory. Hrothgar had conquered all his foes and made them friends. Much wealth had he added to his country's treasures, and many warriors gathered round him, glad to hail him leader and king.

"Hrothgar loved peace more than war and was glad when the earls were his friends, and he said: 'I will build a great hall, a house of joy for all my friends. This shall be larger than any hall earth has seen. Here I will bring all my war treasures. The walls shall be hung with banners of bright colours and decked with shields and swords. Tables shall be spread and guests shall always be welcomed.'

"The great king spoke, and many workmen gathered to build the hall. Large and strong it rose, a wonder for all the people. The king named the hall Heorot, and here was every one made welcome. The mead-cup was passed, the king gave presents of shining rings, and joy and laughter filled the hall.

"Gleemen sang of the goodness of the king, the beauty and grace of the queen, and the bravery of the Danes. One singer told of the beginning of all things; how the All-Father wrought the earth, the beautiful plain, which the water embraces. He sang of how God placed the sun and moon in the heavens for light to dwellers on the land; how he adorned the earth with grass and leaves and made all creatures that go quickly to and fro.

"But alas! now all this joy is changed to sorrow. No longer does the gleeman strike the harp and fill the hall with music. No merry laugh is heard, but all is dark and still. King Hrothgar sits upon his kingly seat, silent and sad.

"You marvel what can bring grief to the great king and his merry thanes? In all the broad lands there is but one who does not wish long life and joy to the king. This is Grendel. No man is he, but a monster whose heart is filled with wickedness. Laughter and happiness are strangers to him, and he hates all beauty and goodness.

"Far in a lake, dark, poisonous, and surrounded by a marsh, does Grendel live. When he heard the songs and sounds of joy in the great hall, he smiled grimly to think how he would turn their joy to gloom, their songs to groans. So, in the darkness, from his horrid home the monster crept up to the wondrous hall. There slept the warriors, little dreaming of evil. A score and ten the monster slew, then strode away, howling defiance to the king.

"When the sleeping thanes awoke and found their comrades slain, sad were they all at heart. Night after night the monster came and slew, and fear seized every heart. In all homes were cries of grief for the dead, and men knew not where to go for safety.

"This is the woe of the Danes, for none can battle with a monster of the deep. No one has ever seen this ugly shape, for he comes always in the darkness and when no one looks for him. Everywhere has the great king sought help, but none can be found. Hrothgar sits weeping for his brave comrades in the hall he built for their comfort and joy."

Beowulf and his Men

When the harper had ceased, the hall was still. All voices were hushed for they grieved at the sorrow of the good Hrothgar. Then the brave Beowulf cried out: "Give me leave, O king! Let me go to Hrothgar and free his land from this monster so wicked and fearsome." The other thanes applauded his words and cried: "Take us with you!"

But Hygelac, the great king, said wisely: "Brave men go to war with care and after deep thought. Not easy is the way over the sea; not easy is the contest with the evil Grendel. But to fight for a good cause and to nobly win or nobly die is the best a man can do. Proud is my heart when I see so many brave men ready to overcome the evil monster or to die fighting, but all may not venture. Go, my cousin and my thane," he said to Beowulf, "and make thy name famous in all places where honour is loved."

Beowulf thanked his king and chose fourteen of his bravest warriors to go with him. They prepared the strong ship and found a pilot who knew the road the swans take, and who could safely guide the boat. The warriors made their weapons bright and carried them to the ship. The men shoved the boat from the shore. The sails were raised, and, driven by the wind, the boat flew over the foamy waves.

On the second day the voyagers saw the shining ocean-shore. The sea-farer was at the end of the watery way. Quickly the men stepped out upon the plain. They tied the sea-wood, shook their shirts of mail, and thanked God that to them the wave paths had been easy.

The Warder of the Shore

A warder of Hrothgar, guarding the seashore, saw these warlike men and wondered why they came. Shaking his spear, he cried: "Who are you? Why come you over the seas in a giant ship, bearing arms into our land? Haste to make known whence is your coming!"

Then Beowulf answered: "We are of the Goths; Hygelac is our king. My father was a noble chief. All wise men through the earth remember him. We have come in kindness to your lord and to defend him. For we have heard that a foul fiend spreads terror through your land and in the darkness slays your thanes. We would overcome this foe to joy."

Then the warder spake: "A warrior wise should know the difference between words and works. But I perceive that you are a friendly band. I will bid my fellows guard your ship against every foe, and then I will direct you." So with their guide the warlike men hastened until they saw the shining roof of the great hall. Their ringed armour rang as they walked.

At last the warriors came to the entrance of the hall. Here, on a bench, they sat until some one should bid them welcome.

Soon came the warder of the hall, a princely chief. "Whence bear you the stout spears and war-shields? Great men and proud you seem, and methinks you plan great deeds."

Then the proud lord, the leader, spoke: "Beowulf is my name. I will relate my errand to your prince if he will grant that we may greet him."

Replied the Dane: "I will seek the king and tell him of your coming." Quickly he came to Hrothgar, sitting with his wise men, and told him of the strangers, praising the hardy warriors. Kindly spoke the king: "Glad am I that Beowulf and his brave Goths have come thus to our shores. For I have heard he has the strength of thirty in his hand-grip. Him God in his great mercy has sent to us. Hasten, bid them come in! Tell them that they are welcome guests to the Danes."

Beowulf received by Hrothgar

When the king's message had been told, Beowulf and all his men entered the hall. Proud and warlike he stood before the king. "Hrothgar, hail! Kinsman to Hygelac am I and daring deeds have I done. Now I have heard that this brave hall of yours stands empty and silent when night shuts out the day, because of Grendel's warfare. So I have come with my good friends to help you. Deny me not one prayer: that I alone with my brave thanes fight with Grendel. This monster fights not with weapons, I have heard. Then I also will bear neither sword nor shield, but with my strong hands will I seize him. If Grendel conquers me in the battle, he will carry me off; so no care need you take of my body, but send to Hygelac my armour."

At the brave, strong words of the young Beowulf the heart of the old king rejoiced. "I welcome you to my home. Come, now, let us sit at the feast and listen to the songs of brave deeds," said the king. Then the mead-cup was passed, the gleeman sang, and there was joy in the hall.

One man in the hall did not rejoice; there was envy in his heart, for he did not wish any other man on earth to have more glory than himself. So he said: "Are you the Beowulf who strove with Breca in the wide sea in swimming? For seven nights you strove, but he had more strength and overcame you in the race. Surely if you dare to fight with Grendel, worse things will befall you."

Then spoke Beowulf: "Much do you speak of Breca. Now I speak the truth. More strength on the sea have I than any other man. Five days were we together. Then the cold winds and waves drove us apart. Many a water monster tried to kill me, but sank to the bottom of the sea with a blow from my powerful hands. Nine of these water nixies I killed. I have never heard of a harder fight, yet from all these dangers I escaped. I have never been told that you have gone through such terrible fights. Although your wit be good, I must say in truth that never had so many princes of Hrothgar's court fallen under Grendel's stroke, if your courage were as fierce as your tongue. Grendel fears not the Danes, but kills for pleasure. Now a Goth shall offer him toil and battle. Afterwards, all who wish may go to the mead-hall and rejoice."

All the Danes applauded Beowulf's bold words, for they did not like the jealous prince who had taunted him. The queen, lovely and gracious, bore the mead-cup to the king, and then to their guest. In kind words she greeted him: "Glad am I and grateful to God that I may trust in you for comfort against our sorrow."

Then replied Beowulf, for battle eager: "I alone shall work your people's safety or bow in death. I shall perform deeds of noble valour or my last day in this mead-hall await."

These words pleased both Goths and Danes, and applause filled the hall. When darkness came on, the company arose and greeted one another. Hrothgar to Beowulf said: "Never before, since I could raise hand to shield, have I given to any man the Dane's festive hall to guard save now to thee. Have now and hold the best of houses; keep watch against our foe. All things shall be yours if you escape with life from the battle of this night."

The Contest with Grendel

Hrothgar then departed with all his warriors. And Beowulf spoke to his men: "I do not think myself less in warlike strength than Grendel; so I will not use the sword or shield, but we two shall fight to-night without weapons, and God shall give the glory to whom glory belongs."

Around him lay the warriors, sadly thinking they would never see their homes across the sea again, for so many before that night had been slain by the cruel Grendel. At last they slept, all but one. The mighty Beowulf in angry mood awaited the battle.

Now truly it is shown that mighty God rules the race of men. Over the moor came the shadow-walker stalking. He strode under the clouds until he saw the golden hall of men. This was not the first time he had come to the hall of Hrothgar. On the door he rushed. He opened the wide mouth and trod on the floor. When he saw the men sleeping on the benches he laughed, thinking how he would take life from the body of every one there.

The shadowy form came nearer and nearer. At last he stretched out his great hand to take Beowulf, but with all his strength the brave warrior seized the arm of the monster. Then did the heart of Grendel fill with fear. Fearful was his mind, but not for that could he escape the sooner.

Then stood Beowulf upright and firmly grasped Grendel. Very angry were both. The wonder was that the great hall did not fall to the ground. But it was made fast within and without with iron bands, and naught but fire could destroy it. Then the noise grew greater. The Danes who had heard it were terrified; never had such horrid noise filled the air, for Beowulf, the strongest of men, held Grendel fast. Not for anything would he let the dreadful one escape that day.

The warriors sought to help their leader, but he would not use any weapon. With his hands, with his bare hands, he held fast the fearful foe. On the shoulder of Grendel was a horrid wound, and Beowulf tore the arm from the body. Well knew the monster then that his life's end had come.

Glad was Beowulf that his strength had aided the Danes, had freed the great hall, and had healed the deep sorrow which had been theirs for so many years.

The Feast of Joy

There was in the morning many a warrior in the gift hall. From far and near over distant ways they came to behold the wonder, the arm of Grendel the joy-killer. Away to the dark water, his home, had he gone with his death-wound.

All the warriors rode in gladness to the great hall. There was told the bravery of Beowulf. No other was so great, so worthy of honour, as he. Hrothgar, also, they praised as a good king and famous in war.

All the Danes and the Goths were happy that the terror of the land had been destroyed. Care was removed from their hearts. They were filled with joy and turned to games and sports. Some let their beautiful horses run in contest over the fair roads. Some who knew the famous stories of heroes told them to eager listeners. Laughter, song, and merry voices were heard once more in the hall. Soon one of the singers began a song in honour of this new deed, the victory of Beowulf.

Then over the meadow came the great king with many knights famed for their brave deeds. With them also walked the fair queen and a company of maidens.

When Hrothgar entered the gold-crowned hall and saw the great hand and arm of Grendel, he said: "Now let us give to the All-Father thanks! Wonder after wonder can God work. This one brave warrior has, through God's might, performed a deed which the Danes could not. Happy is the mother of such a son! Now, Beowulf, as a dear son will I hold you in my heart. Nothing shall you want which I have power to give you. You have done a deed which will make your glory live through every age."

Then replied Beowulf; "With great good-will we fought the fight. I seized the enemy quickly with hard hands and hoped to lay him on his death-bed. But I have his hand and arm, and he will surely die, for pain has him in its deadly grip."

Hrothgar now gave the order that the hall should be adorned for the feast of joy. Men and women worked to make all clean and whole. Beautiful banners, a wonder to all who beheld them, decked the walls.

When all was ready, the king himself came to the feast in honour of Beowulf. Never had a larger or a nobler company sat in the gift hall. Merry at heart were they all, and they had a merry feast.

Then Hrothgar gave to Beowulf a golden banner in reward of victory; a sword, a cup, and a helmet he gave, four beautiful and wonderful gifts. These were most precious gifts, of which Beowulf need not be ashamed.

Then Hrothgar, the shield of warriors, eight warlike steeds brought into the hall as gifts to Beowulf. On one of the horses was the war-seat the king himself used when going to battle. So with steeds and treasures did the king of the Danes reward the brave prince.

To every man with the hero did the king give a precious gift. Then the song of praise was heard. "The wise God rules all, therefore is understanding everywhere best; wise forethought is best."

When the song was ended, the queen took the mead-cup to the king, saying: "Accept this cup, my beloved lord; be thou happy, good friend of men, and to the Goths speak with kind words as one should do. Be cheerful to thy guests and mindful of gifts. The bright hall is made safe; be happy with thy sons and friends."

Then the gracious queen said to Beowulf: "Receive as a gift this collar, dear prince. Thou hast done that which men will praise throughout all time. Be noble and happy! Be brave and gentle in deeds. Here in this hall is every man to each other true and to his lord faithful. The thanes unite to praise thee!"

Then the queen went to her seat, and all the court united in praise of Beowulf, who had driven Grendel from the great hall.

After the merry feast, all left the hall except a few warriors who slept rejoicing, thinking all their warfare was over.

Grendel's Mother

But Grendel's mother did not close her eyes in sleep. When her son came home with his death-blow, great was the sorrow and anger in her heart. She would punish the Danes and the Goths for her son's death. In the middle of the night she crept to the hall where the Danes were sleeping, free from all fear. One she seized,--a brave man and dear to the king. Then rose a great cry in the hall when Grendel's mother saw her son's well-known hand and arm. She seized it and bore it away to the dark lake, together with the body of the warrior.

Soon Hrothgar was told of the fresh calamity, and he grieved at the death of his friend, the brave warrior whom Grendel's mother had taken away.

When Beowulf came to the hall, Hrothgar cried out: "Speak not to me of rest or joy! Sorrow has come again. My best friend in war and peace is dead! The dread monster has killed him. Two shadows on the moor have my men seen; one, Grendel, is the figure of a man, and the other is like a woman. They dwell in the secret land where the wolf howls and the winds sweep; where the flood flows under the earth. About a mile away is this lake over which the dark trees bend. Every night can fire be seen over this waste of water. No one knows how deep the lake is. The noisy winds raise the black waves until the air grows gloomy and the heavens shed tears. You know not this dreadful place. If you dare seek it and come back from the strife, I will give you money and treasures of gold."

The Way to the Pool

Then the brave Beowulf replied: "Better is it for every one to avenge his friend than that he greatly mourn. Each of us must await the end of his life. Let them who can, work high deeds of honour. Let us go quickly to seek Grendel's mother. I promise you she shall not escape; neither in the sea nor in the bosom of the earth, in the mountain wood nor in the ocean's ground."

Then was the heart of the old king glad to hear these brave words. Horses were brought out and troops of men set forth towards the home of the dreadful shadows. The road was narrow and dark, an unknown way. Soon they saw the mountain-trees leaning over the rock, a joyous wood. The water below was dark and gloomy. Many strange creatures could be seen moving in the deep pool.

Now Beowulf clad himself in his war-gear. The coat of rings was about his breast so that no grip could injure his life. On his head he wore a bright helmet wrought with strength so that no battle-axe could break it. Then a prince of Hrothgar gave him a famous sword named Hrunting. This was one of the old treasures. Never in battle had it failed those who dared to go in ways of terror. This was not the first time that it had done brave deeds.

Then said Beowulf: "Now, O king, I am ready for my journey. Bear in mind what you have said--if I for your need should lose my life, that you would be to me as a father. If, then, war takes me off, be a friend to my comrades. Send to Hygelac the treasures you have given to me, so that he may know that I found a good king in you. Now with the good sword Hrunting will I seek out the foe."

With these words Beowulf leaped into the lake.

Beowulf in the Pool

All that day he sank into the water before he beheld the ground-bed of the pool. Then he saw the fierce creature who for a hundred years had held the floods. Eagerly she seized him and bore him to her dwelling. Many a sea-monster broke through his warlike coat. At last the warrior found himself in a great room where the waters did not enter. Then a fierce light shone brightly upon him, and by its gleam he saw the sea-wolf. With a loud cry he struck her with his good broad sword, but it would not bite or injure her. This was the first time its power had failed. Beowulf remembered his former deeds of bravery and threw down his useless sword to use the strength of his hands alone. He seized the sea-creature and made her bow to the earth, but fiercely she grasped the brave warrior and overthrew him so that he was like to perish.

Him she would have slain, but his good coat withstood her sword. The Ruler of the Skies was his friend, for on the wall was a great sword so heavy that other men could not use it. This sword Beowulf seized gladly. Angrily he struck the sea-wolf, and the sword passed through her neck. Down on the ground she sank. The warrior rejoiced in his work. He looked through the great dwelling and saw Grendel lying lifeless. With a strong blow Beowulf cut off the head of the monster, but the hot blood melted the sword and nothing was left but the hilt. The blade melted away as ice melts when the Father, who has power over the seasons, unbinds the bands of the frost-king.

The men at the shore, watching, saw the water all coloured with blood, and feared their great leader was dead. The king and noble Danes spoke of the brave hero with praise and sorrow. When noon came, they went back to the great hall sadly, thinking Beowulf the daring had been slain by the fearful monster.

Beowulf's Return

But the Goths stayed by the shore, though little hoping to see their dear lord again. But soon the water cleared and they saw their brave leader swimming toward them with the head of Grendel and the hilt of the great sword. Then they went to him, thanking God. The stout band of thanes rejoiced that their lord had returned. Forth they went on the narrow road, rejoicing. Four of the strong men bore the heavy head of Grendel. Beowulf proudly led his brave men. The prince of the thanes entered the great hall, with glory crowned, to greet Hrothgar. The warriors bore the great head of Grendel into the hall before the king and his men.

"Behold, O king!" said Beowulf, "the head of the sea-monster! I hardly with life came from the battle under the water. Had not God helped me, I had not conquered. The good sword Hrunting could not harm my foe, but the Ruler of men guided me to see on the wall an old strong sword, and with it I slew her. Then I cut off the head of the monster Grendel. In his hot blood was the good sword melted, and I brought only the hilt away. I now promise thee that in Heorot all may sleep safe from harm, for I have slain thy foes, Grendel and his mother, and have given peace to thy land and people."

Then did Beowulf give the sword-hilt to Hrothgar. The good king said: "Thy glory is exalted, friend Beowulf, over every nation. Long shall thou be a comfort to thy people and a help to the warriors. Now is the flower of thy might. Long may it be before thy strength departs in fire's clutch, or rage of flood, or arrow's flight, or age or blindness takes thee. Go now to thy seat at the feast as a guest of honour."

Hrothgar honours Beowulf

Then Beowulf went to the seat of honour in great joy, and all were merry. The helm of night grew dark; the warriors left their seats. They greeted Beowulf and wished him well to rest. In the gold-roofed hall well slept the prince until the black raven saw the coming of the bright sun. At the first light the Goths hastened to the good ship, eager to be gone to their homes.

When all were ready, Beowulf said: "O king, we seafarers wish to seek our homes. Here have we been kindly treated. If there is more that I can do, O lord of men, I shall always be ready. If when far away I hear that foes surround thee, I shall come to help thee with many warriors. Well I know that my king, Hygelac, will send me to thy aid."

Then Hrothgar spoke: "Into thy mind has the wise God sent these kind words. Never have I heard wiser words from one so young. Thou art strong and wise, and I think that if death should take Hygelac, the people would wish thee for their king. So well hast thou borne thyself that there shall be peace between the Danes and Goths, and many a gift I shall send to thee over the great sea."

Then Hrothgar gave to Beowulf rich gifts and bade him seek his home in safety. The good king wept when he said good-bye, for he loved the noble youth and was sad to have him go away over the deep sea.