Introduction   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

43. No more did they spare in providing him with gifts, the treasure of a people, than those who at the beginning sent him forth alone over the waves as a child. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

134. It took no longer a time, but after one night, he performed more slaughter and felt no remorse for it – he was too fixed on hostile acts and wicked deeds. Then it was easy to find someone who sought rest elsewhere, further away– a bed among the outbuildings. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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