Beowulf | Lines 1–63 (A Royal Lineage) | (PROLOGUE – C1)

Summary
Beowulf starts with a legendary tale of a Danish king and his heroic deeds, and sets the tone for
the entire tale. It goes on to describe the elaborate funeral of Shield Sheafson, Hrothgar's ancestor
and a great and beloved king who was a fierce warrior: "scourge of many tribes ... terror of the
hall-troops." The poem continues with a description of how the leadership is passed down from
generation to generation until Hrothgar becomes king.
Analysis
Beowulf begins by providing the noble ancestry of King Hrothgar. He is a descendant of great
warrior kings who have done heroic deeds and are exalted in life and in death. This description
of lineage, as well as a detailed account of the burial of Hrothgar's ancestor, Shield Sheafson,
helps demonstrate his noble and worthy ancestry. Likewise, it provides justification for Beowulf's
loyalty and his desire to help a great king defeat an evil force that soon enters the kingdom. In
addition, it introduces and describes a main theme within the poem: the heroic code. The
description of Shield Sheafson presents a foundation of the ethics, deeds, and accomplishments
that make up that code.
Beowulf | Lines 64–193 (Terror at King Hrothgar's Hall) | (C1 – C3)
Summary
King Hrothgar grows powerful and has many loyal subjects. Hrothgar has been shown favor
because of his leadership and to reward that accomplishment, he commissions a lavish "mead-
hall," which he calls Heorot ("Hall of the Hart") to symbolize his wealth and success as a leader.
Soon, however, the house of Hrothgar is threatened and attacked repeatedly by an evil force
named Grendel, an outcast described as a "demon." Grendel becomes enraged by the loud
banquets and noisy poets who proclaim the goodness of God. He storms the castle, takes 30 of
Hrothgar's men to his lair, and returns them "butchered." Grendel continues his murderous
rampage for "twelve winters." King Hrothgar, distressed and helpless, turns to his trusted advisers
for help; they recommend a shrine and offering to the heathen gods.
Analysis
The building of Heorot Hall is important because all great kings must have a hall in which to take
refuge after long bouts of war. It is where the king hosts gatherings for his thanes and warriors,
and is a sign of security, prosperity, and community. The banquets Hrothgar hosts strengthen one
of the poem's themes, that of hospitality. Heorot also demonstrates Hrothgar's power and his
pride.
Beowulf | Lines 194–661 (Beowulf in Heorot) | (C3 – C9)
Summary
Beowulf, a powerful, confident, handsome warrior motivated by loyalty and obligation to aid
Hrothgar, enters the story. Loaded with battle gear, Beowulf and his men board a ship and sail to
the Danish coast. The guardians of the coast are alarmed by the arrival of elaborately armed men,
but Beowulf explains the mission. Impressed by Beowulf, the guards lead the men to Heorot Hall.
Beowulf has to again state his cause and remind Hrothgar of the friendship that he and Beowulf's
father shared.
Likewise, Beowulf presents many of his accomplishments: he fought numerous beasts, raided a
nest of trolls, and even took on several sea monsters. Beowulf declares that he plans to defeat
Grendel, and that he will do it without weapons to bring greater honor to the Geats.
Hrothgar makes a speech regarding Beowulf's father and then bares his soul about the murders
and embarrassment caused to his kingdom at the hands of Grendel. Hrothgar's courtier, Unferth,
becomes jealous of the praise heaped on Beowulf and begins to make a speech to discredit him.
Beowulf not only defends himself but also rebukes Unferth for his less than moral actions and
lack of courage. Hrothgar's queen, Wealhtheow, sings Beowulf's praises and thanks him for
coming to their aid.
Analysis

This segment establishes the relationship between Hrothgar and Beowulf. There is a bond of
loyalty between Hrothgar and Beowulf's deceased father, Ecgtheow, which has passed on to the
next generation.
Years ago Ecgtheow became involved in a feud with the Wulfing tribe because he killed Heatholaf,
one of their members, and could not afford to pay the wergild (penalty) imposed. Hrothgar saved
Ecgtheow by paying the fine on his behalf. Beowulf now seeks to repay the debt by defeating
Grendel. The culture of the time was very much driven by the heroic code. This code demanded
loyalty and also required revenge to be exacted when called for. If a good deed benefited
someone, that person was indebted to the person who helped. If someone was wronged, he
would take revenge on the other person, no matter how many generations it took until revenge
was obtained.
Beowulf makes a number of grand speeches. The hero's conceit doesn't detract from his valiant
deeds or stature as it might today; in fact, the people present, especially the queen, are even
more impressed by Beowulf. It was expected that the hero warrior would tell of his great deeds to
evoke confidence in the people he is defending. While he is boastful, he also demonstrates that
he accepts his human frailty by announcing what should be done with his body should he be killed
by Grendel.
Unferth's jealous tirade and the back and forth name-calling was actually expected and helps to
build an even grander view of the hero. Beowulf does appear to take the insults somewhat
personally, but after he debunks Unferth's claims, the goodwill between the Danes and Geats is
restored.
Beowulf | Lines 662–851 (The Battle) | (C10C13)
Summary
After the boasting and festivities are over, Beowulf lays down his weapons and prepares to meet
the enemy. Meanwhile, as the men sleep, Grendel plans his murderous rampage. Grendel breaks
into Heorot Hall, where Beowulf waits and watches.
Before Beowulf can attack, Grendel claims another victim, one of Beowulf's fellow warriors.
Grendel then reaches for Beowulf, and a great battle ensues that is so violent and loud, people
outside of the hall are awakened and frightened. Beowulf's warriors try their swords, but Grendel
has magic against weapons. Grendel has met his match in Beowulf and tries to retreat, but not
before Beowulf fatally injures him by tearing his arm from his body.
Wounded and close to death, Grendel returns to his home under the "fen-banks" (swampy
mounds) where he succumbs to his injury.
Analysis
Beowulf's superhero status reaches new heights in the telling of this battle. Because the audience
gains insight into Grendel's astonishment, fear, and instinct to retreat, we have an even greater
appreciation for Beowulf's superhuman power. The battle is epic—and plays off good versus evil
and biblical themes in which a savior, Beowulf, sends Grendel (Cain's descendant) to hell.
Beowulf | Lines 852–1250 (The Celebration) | (C13 – C18)
Summary
A celebration ensues after Beowulf's grand defeat of Grendel. A minstrel sings Beowulf's praises
and tells the tale of Sigemund, the dragon-slayer—also a hero for the ages—and an evil ruler
named King Heremod.
Hrothgar expresses his thanks and adopts Beowulf into his heart. The king also expresses that
his appreciation is so great that he can't imagine what would be a good enough gift to bestow on
Beowulf. Of course, Beowulf, being the hero he is, tells Hrothgar that killing Grendel was
something he did without hope of any reward. Beowulf is presented with many gifts, including an
arm-ring, a necklace, an ancient and valuable sword, a banner, a helmet, and horses. Wealhtheow
makes a grand speech and acts as ambassador for her nephew Hrothulf to be the next heir to the
throne.
At the celebration the king's poet performs many songs and tales for the guests. These
entertainments might serve as foreshadowing and as warnings to Beowulf and to the audience.
They demonstrate the power and the pitfalls that come with fame.
In one of the poet's stories, which is based on historical fact, a Danish princess named Hildeburh
marries Frisian King Finn in hopes of mending a feud between the Danes and Frisians. The feud
isn't squelched, however, and the Danes attack. In the end, Hildeburh's son and brother are killed
in Finn's hall. Many Danes are killed and their bodies burned to honor the dead. It is a sad tale
that shares the culture and difficult political battles waged during those times.
Hrothgar is indebted to Beowulf for helping restore his kingdom to safety and order. The gifts
bestowed upon Beowulf show the greatness of the deed, a hero's reward, and the ruler's
generosity. The ceremony and the stories serve as a historical recording of the times and
traditions of the Scandinavian people. This section also enlightens audiences about the role of
women in the Danish courts and exemplifies their part in politics and ambassadorship. As Anglo-
Saxon tribes were often at war with one another, the daughters of each ruler were frequently
married off to leaders in rival tribes. Their roles were those of peace-weavers. It was assumed
that their presence in the rival royal household would lessen the tension between the two factions
and establish peace. In addition, the queen in each realm served as hostess at social functions
to ensure that appropriate civil protocol (behavior) was observed to honor the king and guests.
Her graciousness also furthers the theme of hospitality.
Beowulf | Lines 1251–1904 (Danger Returns) | Summary (C18 – C27)
Summary
After the long and ceremonial evening, Hrothgar and Beowulf leave Heorot Hall for a night's rest.
Unfortunately, the battle isn't over: To avenge her son's death, Grendel's mother attacks stealthily
and quietly, killing Aeschere, one of Hrothgar's closest advisers.
Beowulf is summoned and grandly proclaims the heroic code before leaving to hunt down the
murderer. Unferth also gives Beowulf his sword. Beowulf prepares for battle and dives into the
poisonous mere to finish the job he started. As he swims down to her cave, Grendel's mother
spots him and pulls him into a great hall beneath the swamp. They battle; Beowulf swings his
sword, but it has no effect.
Beowulf then sees a mighty sword meant for a giant on the wall. He tears it from the wall and
strikes, beheading Grendel's mother. Danes and Geat men watch from above and see blood boil
violently in the bog and again assume that Beowulf has met his match. The Danes leave, but the
Geats await some sign from their hero.
Beowulf sees Grendel's body lying below and removes the beast's head in retaliation for all the
men Grendel murdered. The blade of the sword melts away as it touches Grendel's poisonous
blood, bringing an end to the danger that has haunted Heorot Hall.

Beowulf returns to Heorot Hall with the hilt of the sword and Grendel's head as trophies. Hrothgar
is presented with the trophies, and in return Hrothgar gives more gifts and fatherly advice to his
champion. Hrothgar declares Beowulf's worthiness to be king in his own land, and contrasts
Beowulf to the evil Danish King Heremod. Another feast ensues, and then Beowulf and his men
set sail for home.
Analysis
By cultural norms, Grendel's mother has every right to seek revenge for her son's death. Feuds
were common and expected when someone was killed. Many times the feuds would last for
generations.
Women were also included in the feuds, although they weren't often the ones taking retribution.
Because Grendel didn't play by the rules, we can assume Hrothgar and Beowulf didn't consider
it fair for her to take revenge. Likewise, Grendel and his mother were descendants of Cain, so
they weren't given the same regard as other citizens.
When Unferth generously offers Beowulf his sword to use in the combat, this leads the audience
to believe Unferth no longer holds a grudge and respects Beowulf's strength and courage.
Beowulf dives into the bubbling mere that is symbolic of Hell.
Unexpectedly, Grendel's dwelling is much like a hall aboveground showing that sometimes there
isn't as great a difference between Heaven and Hell as one would expect. Beowulf swings at
Grendel's mother with the sword Unferth gave him, but it is ineffective. He finds a supernatural
sword that takes her head clean off.
The magical sword was meant to be used for good and to destroy evil; with its job complete, the
blade melts. Considering them fitting tribute for the difficult trials his kingdom has endured,
Beowulf brings the magical sword's hilt and the head of the monstrous Grendel to King Hrothgar.
In relation to Grendel and his mother, these trophies illustrate the theme of death and defeat.
Hrothgar is nearly overcome by the gift of the sword and the knowledge that Grendel and his
mother can no longer terrorize his people. He speaks of Beowulf's heroism and growing fame,
and warns that fame and power can turn a leader's head and cause him to become evil. As
Hrothgar reflects on the fate of King Heremod, he passes on his wisdom to Beowulf. It is evident
Hrothgar feels greatly indebted to Beowulf and doesn't want him to suffer the same fate as many
kings and heroes who succumb to a fall. There are many biblical parables and references in
Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf, again confirming that Christianity had made its way to the Danes
and the Geats. Hrothgar finds Beowulf to be like a son and would have likely been inclined to
name him as heir to his kingdom.
Beowulf | Lines 1905–2199 (The Homecoming) | (C27 – C31)
Summary
Beowulf and his men sail home and arrive at the stronghold of King Hygelac of the Geats. His
queen, Hygd, is introduced, and by way of demonstrating her goodness, the poet tells a tale of an
evil queen named Modthryth. Beowulf is welcomed and shares his adventures. He also tells of
the Danes' history with the Heathobards and describes his sense of foreboding toward a marriage
that—while intended to put an end to the feud—will likely end badly. Beowulf continues to tell
about the battle with Grendel's mother, then presents the treasures he earned to Hygelac and
gives Queen Hygd the priceless torque (necklace) given to him by Wealhtheow. Hygelac then
presents Beowulf with a great sword and many tracts of land.
Analysis
When Beowulf is welcomed home, his arrival affords him the opportunity to bring news about the
Danes and other events. He downplays his accomplishments a bit. Beowulf does express his
loyalty to Hrothgar, but also makes sure to express his loyalty to his homeland. Beowulf's speech
could give the impression that Hrothgar may have actually proposed that Beowulf become his
heir. Beowulf is true to the heroic code and gives all of his treasures to his king and his men
because to not do so would have been a sign of disloyalty.
Beowulf | Lines 2200–2509 (Beowulf's Ascension to King) | (C31 – C35)
Summary
The poet moves forward rapidly in this section and describes Hygelac's demise in conflict against
the Shylfings. Hygelac and Beowulf went to take on a Germanic tribe called the Franks. They
were great goldsmiths and had a lot of gold and jewels, which often made them targets for raids.
The king of the Franks found out about the Geats' attack and sent an army to retrieve all that the
Geats took. Beowulf survived, but many—including Hygelac—did not. Beowulf's time to rule
comes, and he does so for 50 years before the waking of the dragon.
A runaway slave enters the dragon's barrow, which is filled with an "ancient cache" of treasure.
The man flees with a golden goblet. The dragon searches high and low around the mound and
sees no man. Eventually, the dragon can take it no longer and sets forth to avenge the theft.
He burns land and villages and causes mayhem all across Beowulf's kingdom and then heads
back to his hoard by daybreak. Beowulf knows he must challenge the dragon and save his people
from this monster. A great battle shield is made, but Beowulf doesn't prepare a large army because
he is certain that he will be able to handle this beast like he has all the others.
Beowulf then flashes back to the battle that claimed his king's life and caused Beowulf to narrowly
escape across the sea. Beowulf goes on to explain that when he managed to make it back home,
Hygd (Hygelac's queen) had wanted him to be king, but Beowulf would not agree to be named
ruler over Hygelac's son, Heardred. Eventually, King Heardred is accused of being a part of a
Swedish feud and is killed, leaving Beowulf to ascend as king. He was a good king and helped
end the feuding. He also avenged Heardred's death by killing King Onela, who had seized the
Swedish throne.
After Beowulf's rise to power is told, Beowulf selects 11 men to join him, and they find the thief
who had stolen the goblet, whom they force to guide them to the dragon's lair. At the cliff-top
opening to the barrow, Beowulf wishes his men good luck with a sad sense of foreboding. Beowulf
again speaks of times past and tells of an heir killed accidentally by his brother. Hrethel, the king
at the time, was devastated, and there was no way to avenge the death. The king dies and wars
erupt between the Geats and the Swedes. The Swedish king, Ongentheow, is eventually killed by
Eofor, one of Hygelac's thanes. Beowulf then reminisces about his time fighting loyally for
Hygelac's kingdom and being richly rewarded.
Analysis
The tale about Hygelac's demise foreshadows the events that will transpire as Beowulf faces the
dragon. It is a battle with a great deal of risk and very little reward, especially when the outcome
leads to death. The story of Beowulf's rise to power again serves to prove his loyalty. Beowulf
rejects Queen Hygd's idea and instead backs Heardred as king. When Heardred is killed by
Onela, Beowulf even avenges his death, again proving his loyalty and sense of honor, all
characteristics of a hero and great king. These deaths further build the theme of death and defeat.
The tale then turns to the lone survivor who buries his people's treasure. He is saddened that no
one will use the items and reminds the audience that fighting and war have brought an end to his
people. The biggest mistake the lone man makes is that he builds a great burial chamber with all
the gold and treasure but forgets to shut the door. A treasure-seeking dragon makes quick work
of finding the ancient treasure.
The dragon's symbolism of greed is highlighted, as the beast—discovering that a single goblet is
missing amid the countless stacks of riches—becomes enraged and overcompensates in his
revenge by destroying entire villages, including Beowulf's hall. Fired up by the heroic code,
Beowulf is at first quite confident in his own strength, even though he is 75 years old.
Some foreshadowing of his present frailty is shown. Instead of electing to fight the creature bare-
handed, as he had done with Grendel, he calls for a metal shield to be made. However, he then
gathers only 11 men to go with him. When Beowulf and his men get to the cliff top, Beowulf's
confidence wavers as he appears to sense his own demise. He talks about Hygelac's tragic rise
to the throne and then tells a haunting tale of a father watching helplessly while his son is hanged
in the gallows. This adds to the mournful tone of this section of the poem. Beowulf remembers
Hrothgar's wisdom in telling him that a reversal of fate isn't impossible and Beowulf questions
what he might have done to offend God and fate.
Beowulf | Lines 2510–2891 (Beowulf's Final Battle) | (C35 – C39)
Summary
Beowulf again tells of his victories and sings the praises of the warriors that he has taken with
him. He tells the men to let him have this one last fight. Beowulf bravely enters the barrow and
calls out to the dragon. The dragon shoots flames and runs to the entrance of the barrow. When
the dragon exits the barrow, Beowulf tries his sword on the creature but with little success. All but
one of Beowulf's handpicked warriors flee at the sight of the dragon.
Though burned and tired, Beowulf, continues to battle the beast. Wiglaf, in his first battle next to
his king, gets by the flames to join Beowulf behind his shield. Wiglaf uses his ancestral sword to
injure the dragon. It is Beowulf who, inspired by Wiglaf's reminder of Beowulf's fame and deeds,
delivers the final blow with a knife in the dragon's abdomen, but not before the dragon fatally bites
Beowulf's neck with his sharp fangs.
Beowulf lies dying while Wiglaf brings him water, and after Beowulf's request, enters the barrow
and retrieves some of the treasure for Beowulf to behold. Beowulf is pleased he is able to leave
a treasure for his people, and gives Wiglaf his battle gear while saying his final goodbye. Wiglaf
is overcome with grief and lectures the soldiers who abandoned their king. He also predicts that
once the news of their retreat and weakness reaches others, the enemy will attack.
Analysis
Previously, Beowulf seemed confident in his abilities to slay the dragon, but he has a change of
heart. He is no less courageous, but he seems like much more of a realist—or perhaps has a
supernatural foreboding. Again, Beowulf recounts his grand deeds, to reassure himself that his
life has been one of courage and honor. Although death and defeat may be near, the speech
motivates him for battle, and he tells his warriors to let him face the dragon alone.
Wiglaf's refusal to abandon Beowulf shows his loyalty in much the same way he described
Beowulf's loyalty to Hrothgar.
Beowulf's gift of his armor to Wiglaf is a significant act. Handing down armor was very meaningful,
as shown throughout Beowulf, which leads one to believe that Beowulf would entrust Wiglaf with
the crown. However, because he has not made this a formal appointment, it is unlikely that Wiglaf
will be made king. Beowulf succeeds in death much like he did in life. He built his reputation as a
loyal and brave hero and dies in much the same way. He is even pleased at the end that he could
leave his people with a treasure.
Beowulf | Lines 2892–3182 (Beowulf's Funeral) | (C39 – C43)
Summary
A messenger is told to report all that has happened and informs the people that Beowulf is indeed
dead. The messenger goes on to tell of the wars he foresees with the Franks and the Frisians
who had been kind only because of a bond with Beowulf. He also speaks of the Swedes avenging
the killing of King Ongentheow at Ravenswood. The messenger retells the story of Ravenswood:
Ongentheow had cornered a Geatish force; Hygelac came to the rescue and forced Ongentheow
to withdraw and fight for his life; he was eventually killed by Eofor of the Geats; the Geats won
the battle, and the messenger predicts that King Ongentheow's people will seek revenge now that
Beowulf is dead. The men go to the cliff and find the bodies of Beowulf and the dragon.
Wiglaf tells of Beowulf's courageous fight, but he also questions his lord's decision. Then Wiglaf
gives orders to build a funeral pyre; afterward, Wiglaf takes seven thanes into the hoard to remove
the treasure and bury it in a tall memorial in Beowulf's honor. He ponders Beowulf's fate. The poet
recounts the grief of the people as a woman sings of sadness and doom at Beowulf's funeral.
Analysis
Wiglaf is very comfortable leading, but even he is dismayed by what Beowulf's death might mean
for the Geats. He sends a messenger to tell the people of Beowulf's death, and the messenger
predicts the chaos that will ensue because Beowulf is dead and has left no heir. Equally morbid,
he ends his message with creatures taking the bodies of Geats who will be killed because of the
upheaval in their kingdom.
The forebodings further the impression that Beowulf was a mighty king who made friends with the
right people and was so powerful that no enemies would dare attack. Beowulf's men lament as
they look upon his body and build a grand pyre covered with battle armor and helmets. They
reflect on his kindness and gentleness as king. Beowulf's death and the death of the dragon
further enforce the theme of death and defeat.
There is a lot of talk about the gold, and the conclusion is that the treasure should be burned with
Beowulf because its bears the burden of killing their king. In the end, Beowulf sought fame, but it
was from a place of loyalty, honor, and responsibility. Beowulf, like any man, was human and
made mistakes (like taking on the dragon without an heir in place). Nonetheless he was
undoubtedly a true hero.