Beowulf by Anonymus

Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
I hope you enjoy this reading, which comes from a
work in the public domain, Beowulf, by anonymous Beowulf. Prelude
of the founder of the Danish house Low praise of
the prowess of people, kings of spire arm Danes. In
days long sped we have heard, and what honor the
athlings won oft s c y l d the Siafing

(00:21):
from squadron foes from many a tribe. The mead bench tore,
awing the earls. Since erst he lay friendless a foundling,
Fate repaid him, for he waxed under welkin in wealth
he throve till before him the folk, both far and near,
who house by the whale path heard his mandate, gave
him gifts. A good king he to him, and heir

(00:44):
was afterward born a son in his halls, whom Heaven
sent to favor the folk, feeling their woe that Erst
they had lacked an earl for leaders so long a while,
the Lord endowed him the wielder of wonder with world's renown.
Famed was this Beowulf far flew the boast of him
son of s c Yld in the Scandian lands, so

(01:05):
becomes it a youth to quit him well with his
father's friends by fee and gift that to aid him
aged in after days come warriors willing should war draw
nigh liegemen loyal by lauded deeds, shall an earl have
honor in every clan. Forth he fared at the faded moment,
sturdy se yld to the shelter of God. Then they

(01:26):
bore him over to ocean's billow loving clansmen. As late
he charged them, while wielded words. The winsome s c yld.
The leader beloved, who long had ruled in the roadstead
rocked a ring dyke vessel ice flecked outbound Atheling's barge.
There laid they down their darling lord on the breast
of the boat, the breaker of rings by the mast,

(01:47):
the mighty one, many a treasure fetched from far, was
freighted with him. No ship have I known so nobly
dight with weapons of war and weeds of battle, with
breastplate and blade on his bosom, lay a heat toward
that hence should go far o'er the flood with him
floating away. No less these loaded the lordly gifts Fain's
huge treasure than those had done, who in former time

(02:10):
forth had sent him soul on the seas a suckling
child high o'er his head. They hoist the standard a
gold wove banner, let billows take him, gave him to
ocean grave. Were their spirits mournful their mood. No man
is able to say in sooth, no son of the halls,
no hero neath heaven, who harbored that freight. I now

(02:32):
Beowulf bode in the burg of the Sildings, lead her beloved,
and long he ruled in fame with all folk, since
his father had gone away from the world, till awoken
heir haughty, Heilfteene, who held through life sage and sturdy
the Sildings glad. Then one after one there woke to
him to the chieftain of clansmen children four he Oregar

(02:54):
than Hrothgar, than Halgabrave, And I heard that was s
queen the Heathosols helpmate deer to Hrothgar was given such
glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his
kin obeyed him gladly, till great grew his band of
youthful comrades. It came in his mind to bid his henchmen,
a haul uprier, a master meat house, mightier far than

(03:17):
ever was seen by the sons of earth, and within
it then to old and young, he would all allot
that the Lord had sent him, save only the land
and the lives of his men. Wide, I heard was
the work commanded for many a tribe this mid earth,
round to fashion the folkstead. It fell as he ordered,
in rapid achievement. That ready it stood there of halls,

(03:39):
the noblest here at one a he named it, whose
message had might in many a land, not reckless of promise,
the rings he dealt treasure at banquet. There towered the
hall high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting a furious flame.
One bee n'or far was that day when father and
son in law stood in, viewed for warfare and hatred,

(04:01):
that woke again one sea with envy and anger and
evil spirit endured the dole in his dark abode, that
he heard each day the din of revel. High in
the hall, their harps rang out clear song of the
singer he sang, who knew one d tales of the
early time of man, How the Almighty made the earth
fairest fields enfolded by water set triumphant sun and moon

(04:25):
for a light to lighten the land dwellers, and braided
bright the breast of earth with limbs and leaves, made
life for all of mortal beings that breathe and move.
So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel, a winsome
life till one began to fashion evils that field of
hell Grendel. This monster grim was called march Reaver one

(04:46):
e almighty in Moorland, living in fun and fastness fief
of the giants the hapless white a while had kept
since the Creator his exile doomed on kin of Cain
was the killing avenged by sovereign God for slaughtered able
ill fared his feud, and far was he driven for
the slaughter's sake. From sight of men of Cain awoke

(05:08):
all that woeful breed eatens one g and elves in
evil spirits, as well as the giants that warred with God.
Weary while but their wage was paid them two went
he forth to find a fall of night, that haughty
house and heed wherever the ring danes outtreveled to rest
had gone. Found within it the atheling band asleep after

(05:28):
feasting and fearless of sorrow, of human hardship, unhallowed, white,
grim and greedy, he grasped betimes, wrathful, reckless, from resting places,
thirty of the Thanes. And thence he rushed fain of
his fell, spoil, faring homeward, laden with slaughter his lair
to seek. Then, at the dawning, as day was breaking,

(05:49):
the might of Grendel to men was known. Then after
wassall was wail, uplifted loud moan in the morn the
mighty chief, atheling, excellent, unblithe, sat labored in woe for
the loss of his Thanes. When once had been traced
the trail of the fiend spirit accursed too cruel, that
sorrow too long, too Loathsome not late the respite, With

(06:11):
night returning, a new began ruthless murder. He wrecked no wit,
firm in his guilt of the feud and crime. They
were easy to find, who elsewhere, sought in room remote
their rest at night bed in the bowers too. A
when that bale was shown, was seen in sooth with
surest token the hall Thanes to be hate. Such held

(06:32):
themselves far and fast to the fiend. Ou ran thus
ruled unrighteous and raged. His fill won against all, until
empty stood that lordly building, and long it bode so
twelve years tied the trouble he bore sovereign of sildings,
sorrows in plenty, boundless cares. There came unhidden tidings true
to the tribes of men, in sorrowful songs. How ceaselessly

(06:56):
Grendel harassed Rothgar, What hate he bore him, what murder
and massacre? Many a year feud unfading, refused consent to
deal with any of Danelon's earls, make pact of peace,
or compound for gold. Still less did the wise men
ween to get great fee for the feud from his
fiendish hands. But the evil one ambushed old and young,

(07:17):
death shadow dark and dogged them, still lured or lurked
in the livelong night of misty moorlands. Men may say
not where the haunts of these helroons be such heaping
of horrors, the hater of men, lonely roamor wrought unceasing
harassings heavy o'er hear it, He lorded gold bright hall
in gloomy nights, And ne'er could the prince to dee

(07:39):
approach his throne twas judgment of God, or have joy
in his hall. Sore was the sorrow to Silding's friend,
heart rending misery. Many nobles, sad assembled and searched out counsel.
How it were best for bold hearted men against harassing
terror to try their hand Whilst they vowed in their
heathen fanes altered offerings, asked with words to ee that

(08:03):
the slayer of souls would succor give them for the
pain of their people. There practice this their heat and hope.
Twas hell they thought of in mood of their mind.
Almighty they knew not dunesmen of deeds and dreadful Lord,
nor Heaven's helmet heeded they, ever, wielder of wonder. Woe
for that man who, in harm and hatred hails his

(08:23):
soul to fiery embraces, nor favor nor change awaits he ever,
but well for him that after death day may draw
to his lord and friendship find in the Father's arms free.
Thus see that unceasing the son of healfdene with the
woe of these days, not wisest men assuaged his sorrow too, sore,
the anguish, loathly and long that lay on his folk,

(08:45):
most baneful of burdens and bales of the night. This
heard in his home. Hygelac stain great among Geats of
Grendel's doings. He was the mightiest man of valor in
that same day of this our life. Stalwart and stately,
a stout wave walker, he bade make ready yon battle king,
said he far o'er the swan road. He fain would

(09:07):
seek the noble monarch who needed men. The prince's journey
by prudent folk was little blamed, though they loved him dear.
They wedded the hero and hailed good omens. And now
the bold one from bands of geats comrades chose the
keenest of warriors ere he could find. With fourteen men
the seawood he sought, and sailor proved led them on

(09:29):
to the land's confines. Time had now flown three beat
afloat was the ship boat under bluff. On board they
climbed warriors ready. Waves were churning sea with sand. The
sailors bore on the breast of the bark their bright array,
their mail and weapons. The men pushed off on its
willing way. The well braced craft then moved o'er the waters,

(09:52):
by might of the wind that barked like a bird
with breast of foam, till in season due on the
second day the curved prow such course had run that
sailors now could see the land sea cliffs shining, steep
high hills, headlands broad Their haven was found. Their journey
ended up. Then quickly the Wedgers clansmen climbed ashore, anchored

(10:13):
their sea wood, with armor clashing and gear of battle god.
They thanked or passing in peace o'er the paths of
the sea. Now saw from the cliff a silving clansman,
a warden that watched the water side, how they bore
o'er the gangway, glittering shields war gear. In readiness, wonder
seized him to know what manner of men they were.
Straight to the strand his steed, he rode Prothgar's henchmen

(10:36):
with hand of might. He shook his spear and spake
in parley, who are ye, then ye armed men? Mailed folk,
that yon mighty vessel have urged us over the ocean
ways here o'er the waters. A warden eye sentinel set
o'er the sea march here lest any foe to the
folk of Danes, with harrying fleet should harm the land.

(10:58):
No aliens ever at ease. Thus bore them lynden wielders
three d the yet word of leave. Clearly ye lack
from clansmen. Here my folks agreement. A greater ne'er saw
eye of warriors in world than is one of you,
Yon hero in harness, No henchmen he worthy by weapons,
if witness his features, his peerless presence. I pray you, though,

(11:21):
tell your folk and home, lest hence ye fair suspect
to wander your way as spies in Danish land. Now
dwellers Afar ocean travelers take from me simple advice. The
sooner the better I hear of the country. Whence he
came for to him the stateliest spake in answer, the
warriors leader his word hoard unlocked. We are by kin

(11:41):
of the clan of Geats, and Hygelac's own hearth fellows
we to folk Afar was my father, known noble atheling
echtheo named full of winters. He fared away aged from earth.
He is honored still through width of the world by
wise men, all to thy lord and liege in loyal mood.
We hasten hither to health. Dean's son people protector, be

(12:03):
pleased to advise us to that mighty one. Come we
on mickel errand to the Lord of the Danes, nor
dee my right that ought be hidden. We hear thou
knowest if sooth it is the saying of men that
amid the Silding's, a scathing monster, dark ill doer in
dusky knights, shows terrific his rage, unmatched hatred and murder

(12:25):
to froth gar eye in greatness of soul would succor
bring so the wise and brave for a may worst
his foes. If ever the end of ills is faded
of cruel contest, if cure shall follow and the boiling
care waves cooler grow else ever, afterward anguish days, he
shall suffer in sorrow while stands and place high on
its hill that house unpeered astride his steed the strand

(12:48):
ward answered clansmen, unquailing. The keen souled thane must be
skilled to sever and sunder duly words and works. If
he well intends, I gather this band is graciously be
to the Silding's master. March then, bearing weapons and weeds
the way I show you. I will bid my men
your boat meanwhile to guard for fear lest foemen come

(13:11):
your new tarred ship by shore of ocean, faithfully watching,
till once again it waft o'er the waters. Those well
loved Thanes, winding necked wood to Wedger's bounds. Heroes such
as the hest of fate shall succor and save from
the shock of war. They bent them to march. The
boat lay still fettered by cable and fast at anchor.
Broad bosomed ship then shone the boers for bee over

(13:34):
the cheek guard chased with gold, keen and gleaming, guarded
kept o'er the man of war. As marched along heroes
in haste till the hall they saw, broad of gable
and bright with gold. That was the fairest mid folk
of Earth, of houses neath heaven where Hrothgar lived, and
the gleam of it lightened o'er lands Afar. The sturdy

(13:55):
shields man showed that bright Burg of the buldest bade
them go straightway thither. His steed then turned hardy hero
and hailed them. Thus tis time that I fare from you,
Father Almighty, in grace and mercy, guard you well safe
in your seekings. See ward, I go gainst hostile warriors,
hold my watch v stone bright the street five A.

(14:17):
It showed the way to the crowd of clansmen, corselets glistened,
hand forged hard on their harness. Bright the steel ring
sang as they strode along in mail of battle, and
marched to the hull there, weary of ocean the wall along.
They set their bucklers, their broad shields down, and bowed
them to bench. The breastplates clanged war gear of men,

(14:39):
their weapons stacked, spears of the seafarers stood together, gray
tipped ash. That iron band was worthily weaponed. A warrior
proud asked of the heroes their home and kin. Whence
now bear ye burnished shields, harness, gray and helmets, grim
spears in multitude, Messenger I Rothgar's herald heroes, so many

(15:03):
ne'er met I as strangers of mood, so strong tis
plain that for prowess, not plunged into exile, for high
hearted valor Hrothgar, ye seek him. The sturdy and war
bespake with words, proud earl of the Wedger's answer made
hardy neath helmet hygelax, we fellows at board. I am
Beowulf named I am seeking to say to the son

(15:25):
of health Deene, this mission of mine to thy master lord,
the doughty Prince, if he deign at all grace, that
we greet him the good one. Now Wolfgar spake the
Wendell's chieftain, whose might of mind to many was known
his courage and counsel, the King of Danes, the Silding's friend.
I fain will tell the breaker of rings as the boon.

(15:46):
Thou askest the famed Prince of thy faring hither and
swiftly after such answer, bring as the doughty monarch may
deign to give hide. Then in haste to where Hrothgar sat,
white haired and old his earls about him, till the
stout thane stood at the shoulder there of the Danish
king good courtier. He Wolfgar spake to his winsome lord,

(16:08):
hither have fared to thee far come men o'er the
paths of ocean, people of Geatland, and the stateliest there
by his sturdy band is Beowulf, named this boon. They
seek that they, my master, may with thee have speech
at will, nor spurn their prayer to give them hearing
gracious Rothgar in weeds of the warrior worthy. They methinks

(16:28):
of our liking their leader most surely a hero that
hither his henchmen has led six Rothgar answered, Helmet of Sildings.
I knew him of Yr in his youthful days. His
aged father was Echtheon, named to whom at home gave
Hrethel the geat, his only daughter. Their offspring Bold fares
hither to seek the steadfast friend. And seamen too have

(16:51):
said me this who carried my gifts to the giadish court.
Thitherfore thanks he has thirty men's heft of grasp in
the gripe of his hand. The bold in battle blessed God.
Out of his mercy, this man hath sent to Danes
of the west, as I ween, indeed, against horror of Grendel,
I hope to give the good youth gold for his
gallant thought. Be thou in haste, and bid them, hither

(17:14):
clan of kinsmen, to come before me and add this word.
They are welcome guests to folk of the Danes. Astoris
to the door of the Hull wolfguard went and the
word declared to you. This message my master sends east Danes.
King that your kin he knows hardy heroes, and hails
you all. Welcome hither o'er waves of the sea. Ye

(17:35):
may wend your way in war attire and under Helmut's
rothguard greet. But let here the battle shields bide your
parley and wooden war shafts wait its end. Uprose the
mighty one ringed with his men, brave band of Thanes.
Some bode without battle gear guarding, as bade the chief.
Then hide that troop where the herald led them under
hear its roof astorisk the hero strode plus hardy neath helm,

(17:59):
till the hearth he neared. Beowulf spake his breastplate gleamed,
wore net woven by wit of the smith. Thou Rothgar,
hail higelas eye kinsman and follower fame. O plenty have
I gained in youth these grendel deeds I heard in
my homeland. Heralded clear seafarers say, how stands this hall

(18:21):
of buildings best for your band of Thanes? Empty and
idle when evening sun in the harbor of heaven is
hidden away. So my vassals advised me, well, brave and wise,
the best of men O sovereign Rothgar, to seek thee
here for my nerve and my might. They knew full
well themselves had seen me from slaughter, come, blood flecked

(18:42):
from foes where five I bound, and that wild brood
worsted I the waves. I slew nykors six a by night,
in need and peril, avenging the Wedgers six be o
whose woe they sought, crushing the grim ones Grendel. Now
monster cruel be mine to quell in single battle. So

(19:03):
from thee thou, Sovereign of the Shining Danes, Silding's bulwark
a boon I seek, and friend of the folk, refuse it,
not o warrior's shield. Now I have wandered far that
I alone with my liegemen here this hardy band may
hear it purge more, I hear that the monster dire
in his wanton mood of weapons rex Not hence shall

(19:25):
I scorn so Hygelac stay, king of my kindred kind
to me brand or buckler to bear in the fight
gold colored tarch. But with gripe alone, must I front
the fiend and fight for life foe against foe. Then
faith be his in the doom of the Lord whom
death shall take fain i ween. If the fight he

(19:46):
win in this hall of gold my Giddish band, will
he fearless eat as off before my noblest dames. Nor
need'st thou then to hide my head sick see for
his Shall I be died in gore? If death must
take me and my blood covered body, he'll bear as
prey ruthless, devour it the roamer lonely with my life
blood redden his lair in the fun no further from

(20:08):
me NEETs food, prepare to hijlac send. If hilled six
d should take me best of war weeds, warding my
breast armor excellent heirloom of hrethel and work of Wheland.
Six e affairs w y r d six f as
she must seven Hrothgar spake the Silding's helmet for fight.

(20:28):
Defensive friend, my Beowulf, to succor and save thou hast
sought us here by father's combat. Seven A a feud enkindled.
When hetholoff with hand, he slew among the Wilfings his
wedger kin for horror of fighting, fear to hold him fleeing,
he sought our south Dane folk over surge of ocean,
the honor Sildings. When first I was ruling, the folk

(20:50):
of Danes wielded youthful, this wide spread realm, this horde
hold of heroes. He Oregar was dead. My elder brother
had breathed his last health Dean's bairn. He was better
than I. Straightway the feud with fee seven be I
settled to the wilfing scent o'er watery ridges, treasures, olden oths.

(21:11):
He seven sea swore me. Sore is my soul to
say to any of the race of man, what ruth
for me? And here it Grendel, with hate hath wrought
what sudden harryings haul folk fail me, my warriors wane
for w y r d hath swept them into Grendel's grasp.
But God is able this deadly foe from his deeds

(21:32):
to turn boasted full oft as my beer. They drank
earls o'er the ale cup, armed men that they would
bide in the beer hall. Here Grendel's attack with terror
of blades. Then was this meat house. At morning tide
died with gore. When the daylight broke, all the boards
of the bench's blood besprinkled gory. The hall, I had heroes,

(21:53):
the less doughty, dear ones that death had reft. But
sit to the banquet, unbind thy words, hardy hero as
heart shall prompt. Thee gathered together the Giddish men in
the banquet hall, on bench assigned, sturdy spirited, sat them down,
hardy hearted. A henchman attended, carried the carven cup in hand,

(22:14):
served the clear mead oft minstrels sang blithe in hear it.
Heroes reveled no dearth of warriors. Wedger and dane ate
unfirth spake the son of Eclaf, who sat at the
feet of the Silding's lord, unbound the battle rooms eight
a Beowulf's quest, sturdy seafarers sorely galled him. Ever, he

(22:36):
envied that other men should more achieve in Middle Earth
of fame under heaven than he himself. Art thou that
Beowulf break as rival, whom emulous swam on the open sea,
when for pride the pair of you proved the floods
and wadony dared in waters deep to risk your lives.
No living man, or leaf or loath from your labor

(22:56):
dire could you dissuade from swimming the main ocean tides
with your arms ye covered with strenuous hands. The sea
streets measured swam o'er the waters. Winter's storm rolled the
rough waves in realm of sea us and knight strove
Ye in swimming he topped thee had more of Maine him.

(23:17):
At morning tide billows bore to the battling riamas. Whence
he hied to his home. So dear beloved of his liegemen,
to land of Brondings, fastness fair, where his folk he ruled,
town and treasure. In triumph o'er thee, Beanston's barn eight
beat his boast achieved, So we nigh for thee a
worse adventure, though in buffet of battle, Thou brave hast

(23:37):
been in struggle grim if grendels approach thou darst away
through the watch of night Beowulf's bake baron of Echtheo.
What a deal hast uttered, dear my unfirth, drunken with
beer of Breca, now told of his triumph. Truth, I
claim it that I had more of might in the
sea than any man else. More ocean endurance. We twain

(23:58):
had talked in time of youth and made our boast.
We were merely boys, stripling still to stake our lives
far at sea, and so we performed it naked swords
as we swam along, we held in hand with hope
to guard us against the whales. Not a whit for me.
Could he float afar o'er the flood of waves, haste

(24:18):
o'er the billows, nor him I abandoned. Together we twain
on the tide's abode five nights full till the flood
divided us, churning waves and chillest weather, darkling night, and
the northern wind, ruthless, rushed on us. Rough was the surge.
Now the wrath of the sea. Fish rose apace yet
meet gainst the monsters. My mailed coat, hard and hand

(24:40):
linked help afforded battle. Sark braided my breast to ward,
garnished with gold, there grasped me firm and hailed me
to bottom the hated foe with grimace gripe twas granted me,
though to pierce the monster with point of sword, with
blade of battle. Huge beast of the sea was whelmed
by the hurry through hand of mine nine me. Thus

(25:01):
often the evil monsters, thronging, threatened with thrust of my
sword the darling I dealt them due return. No wise
had they bliss from their booty, then to devour their victim.
Vengeful creatures seated to banquet at bottom of sea, but
at break of day by my brand, sore hurt on
the edge of ocean up they lay put to sleep

(25:21):
by the sword. And since by them on the fathomless seaways,
sailor folk are never molested. Light from east came bright
God's beacon. The billows sank, so that I saw the
sea cliffs, high windy walls. For w I r d
oft sabbath, earl undoomed, if he doubt he be, And
so it came that I killed with my sword nine

(25:43):
of the nykors of night fought battles. Ne'er heard I
a harder neath Heaven's dome, nor adrift on the deep
a more desolate man. Yet I came unharmed from that
hostile clutch, though spent with swimming the sea up bore
me flood of the tide on finished life the welling waters.
No wise of thee have I heard men tell such

(26:04):
terror of falchuns, bitter battle break, and ere, yet not
one of you pair in the play of war. Such
daring deed has done at all with bloody brand. I
boast not of it, though thou wast the bane nine
a of thy brethren, Dear thy closest kin, whence curse
of hell awaits thee well as thy wit may serve.

(26:25):
For I say in sooth thou, son of Eclaf, never
had Grendel these grim deeds wrought monster dire on thy master.
Dear in here at such havoc. If heart of thine
were as battle bold as thy boast is loud. But
he has found no feud will happen from sword clash
dread of your Danish clan. He vaunts him safe from
the victor sildings, He forces, pledges, favors none of the

(26:48):
land of Dames, but lustily murders, fights and feasts, nor
feud he dreads from spear Dane men. But speedily now
shall I prove him the prowess and pride of the Geats,
shall bid him battle blithe to meet, Go he that
listeth when light of dawn this morrow morning o'er men
of earth, Atherobe's son from the south shall beam joyous.

(27:09):
Then was the jewel giver Hoar haired war, brave help
awaited the bright Danes prince from Beowulf, hearing folk's good
shepherd such firm resolve, then was laughter of liegemen. Loud,
resounding with winsome words. Came Wealthy O, fourth Queen of Hrothgar,
heedful of courtesy, gold decked, greeting the guests in hall,

(27:30):
and the high born lady handed the cup first to
the east Danes Heir and warden bade him be blithe
at the Beerkeraus the land's beloved one lustily took he
banquet and beaker battle famed king through the hall. Then
went the Helming's lady to younger and older everywhere carried
the cup till come the moment when the ring raced.
Queen the Royal hearted to Beowulf bore the beaker of mead.

(27:54):
She greeted the geats, Lord God. She thanked in Wisdom's
words that her will was granted that of last on
a hero her hope could lean for comfort in terrors
the cup. He took Hardy in war from Wealthio's hand,
and answer uttered the eager for combat. Beowulf spake barn
of Echtheo, this was my thought when my Thanes and

(28:15):
I bent to the ocean and entered our boat, that
I would work the will of your people fully, or
fighting fall in death in Fiend's grite fast, I am
firm to do an earl's brave deed, or end the
days of this life of mine. In the meat hall.
Here will these words to the woman, seemed Beowulf's battle
boast bright with gold. The stately dame by her spouse,

(28:37):
sat down again as Erst began in hall, warriors wassale
and words of power the proud band's revel till presently
the son of hif Deen hastened to seek rest for
the night. He knew their waited fight for the fiend
in that festal hall. When the sheen of the sun
they saw no more, and dusk of night sank, darkling nigh,
and shadowy shapes came striding on one on welkin. The

(29:01):
warriors rose man to man. He made harangue rothguard to Beowulf,
bade him hail, let him wield the wine hall, A
word he added, never to any man. Erst I trusted,
since I could heave up hand and shield this noble
Dane hall. Till now to thee have now and hold
this house unpeered, Remember thy glory, thy might declare, watch

(29:23):
for the foe. No wish shall fail thee if thou
bidest the battle with bold, one life extend. Hrothgar went
with his hero train defense of Sildings. Forth from hall
fain would the war lord wealthy o Sikh couch of
his queen, the king of glory, against this Grendel. A
guard had set. So heroes heard a hall defender, who

(29:44):
warded the monarch and watched for the monster. In truth,
the geats prince gladly trusted his metal, his might, the
mercy of God cast off, then his corselet of iron helmet,
from head to his henchmen gave choicest of weapons, the
wealth chased sword, bidding him guard the gear of battle spake.

(30:04):
Then his vaunt, the valiant man Beowulf geat ere the
bed be sought of force in fight. No feebler I
count me in grim war deeds than Grendel deems him
not with the sword. Then to sleep of death his
life will I give, Though it lie in my power.
No skill is his to strike against me. My shield
to Hugh, though he hardy be bold in battle, we

(30:26):
both this night shall spurn the sword, if he seek
me here unweaponed for war, Let wisest God, Sacred Lord,
on which side, soever doom decree as he deemeth right reclined.
Then the chieftain and cheek pillows held the head of
the Earl, while all about him seamen hardy on hall
bed sank. None of them thought that, thence their steps

(30:48):
to the folk and fastness that fostered them to the
land they loved, would lead them back full well. They
wist that on warriors many battle death seized in the
banquet hall of Danish clan, but comfort and help warwheel
weaving to wedger folk. The Master gave that by might
of one over their enemy, all prevailed by single strength

(31:10):
in sooth, tis told that highest God o'er humankind hath wielded.
Ever through one night striding came the walker in shadow.
Warriors slept, whose hest was to guard the gabled hall,
all save one. Twas widely known that against God's wile,
the ghostly ravager him Tenney, could not hurl to haunts
of darkness. Wakeful ready with warrior's wrath, bold, he bided

(31:34):
the battle's issue. Eleven then from the moorland by misty crags.
With God's wrath laden Grendel came. The monster was minded
of mankind, now sundry, to seize in the stately house
under Welkin. He walked till the wine palace. There gold
hall of men he gladly discerned, flashing with fretwork. Not

(31:56):
first time this that he the home of Hrothgar sought.
Yet ne'er in his life, day late or early, such
hardy heroes such hall Thanes found to the house. The
warrior walked apace, parted from peace eleven a. The portal opened, dead,
though with forged bolts. Fast when his fists had struck it,
and baleful, he burst in his blatant rage the house's

(32:18):
mouth all hastily. Then o'er fair paved floor. The fiend
trod on ireful. He strode there, streamed from his eyes
fearful flashes like flame to see he spied in hall
the hero band kin and clansmen clustered asleep. Hardy Liegemen
then laughed his heart, for the monster was minded ere

(32:39):
morn should dawn savage to sever the soul of each
life from body. Since lusty Banquet waited his will. But
w I r d forbade him to seize any more
of men on earth. After that evening eagerly watched Hygelac's kinsman,
his cursed foe, how he would fare in fell attack,
Not that the monster was minded to pause straightway. He

(33:02):
seized a sleeping warrior for the first and tore him
fiercely asunder the bone frame, bit drank blood in streams,
swallowed him piecemeal swiftly. Thus the lifeless course was clear,
devoured e in feet and hands. Then farther he hied
for the hardy hero. With hand he grasped, felt for
the foe with fiendish claw, for the hero, reclining, who

(33:24):
clutched it boldly, prompt to answer, propped on his arm.
Soon then saw that shepherd of evils that never he
met in this middle world in the ways of earth,
another white with heavier hand, gripe at heart. He feared,
sorrowed in soul none the sooner escaped. Fain would he
flee his fastness, seek the den of devils. No doings

(33:45):
now such as oft he had done in days of old.
Then bethought him the hardy, hijlack fane of his boast.
At evening up he bounded grasped firm his foe, whose
fingers cracked. The fiend made off, but the earl close followed.
The monster meant, if he might at all, to fling
himself free and far away, fly to the fens. Knew

(34:06):
his finger's power in the gripe of the grim One
gruesome marched to hear it. This monster of harm had
made Din filled the room. The Danes were bereft, castle
dwellers and clansmen. All earls of their ale angry were
both those savage hall guards. The house resounded wonder it
was the wine hall firm, and the strain of their

(34:27):
struggle stood to earth. The fair house fell not too fast.
It was within and without by its iron bands, craftily clamped,
though there crashed from sill. Many a meat bench men
have told me gay with gold, where the grim foes
wrestled so well had weened the wisest Sildings, that not
ever at all might any man that bone decked brave
house break asunder crushed by craft, unless clasp of fire

(34:50):
in smoke engulfed it again. Uprose Din redoubled. Danes of
the North with fear and frenzy were filled. Each one
who from the wall wailing, heard God's foe, sounding his
grisly song, cry of the conquered, clamorous pain from captive
of hell too closely held him. He who of men
in might was strongest in that same day of this

(35:11):
our life twelve. Not in any wise would the Earl's
defense twelve they has suffer that slaughter, a stranger to live, useless,
deeming his days and years to men on earth. Now
many an earl of Beowulf, brandished blade ancestral, feign the
life of their lord to shield their praised prince, if
power were theirs. Never they knew. As they neared the foe,

(35:33):
hardy hearted heroes of war, aiming their swords on every side,
they accursed to kill. No keenest blade, no fairest of
faltuns fashioned on earth, could harm or hurt that hideous fiend.
He was safe by his spells, from sword of battle,
from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting on
that same day of this our life wofful should be,

(35:55):
and his wandering soul far off flit to the fiend's domain.
Soon he found who in former days harmful in heart
and hated of God. On many a man such murder
wrought that the frame of his body failed him. Now
for him, the keen souled kinsman of Hygelac, held in
hand hateful alive, was each to other. The outlaw dyer

(36:17):
took mortal hurt. A mighty wound showed on his shoulder,
and sinews cracked, and the bone frame burst to Beowulf.
Now the glory was given, and Grendel, thence death, sick
his den in the dark moor, sought noisome abode. He
knew too well that here was the last of life,
an end of his days on earth. To all the Danes,
by that bloody battle, the boon had come from ravage,

(36:40):
had rescued the roving stranger Hrothgar's hall. The hardy and
wise one had purged it anew. His night work pleased him,
his deed and its honor. To eastern Danes. Had the
valiant geat his vaunt made good all their sorrow and ills,
assuaged their bale of battle born so long, and all
the dole they erst endured pain upon plenty twas proof

(37:02):
of this, when the hardy in fight a hand laid
down arm and shoulder, all indeed of Grendel's gripe neath
the gabled roof thirteen. Many at morning, as men have
told me, warriors gathered the Gift hall round folk leaders
faring from far and near o'er wide stretched ways the
wonder to view, trace of the trader. Not troubles seemed

(37:24):
the enemy's end to any man who saw by the
gait of the graceless foe, how the weary hearted away
from thence baffled in battle, and band his steps death marked,
dragged to the devil's mere. Bloody, the billows were boiling there, turbid,
the tide of tumbling waves, horribly seething with sword blood
hot by that doomed one died, who, in den of
the more, laid forlorn his life, adown his heathen soul,

(37:47):
and Hell received it home. Then rode the hoary clansmen
from that merry journey, and many a youth on horses, white,
the hardy warriors back from the mere. Then Beowulf's glory. Eager,
they echoes, and all averred that from sea to sea,
or south or north, there was no other in Earth's
domain under vault of Heaven more valiant found of warriors,

(38:09):
none more worthy to rule on their lord beloved. They
laid no slight gracious Rothgar, a good king heat. From
time to time the tried in battle their gray steeds,
set to gallop a main, and ran a race when
the road seemed fair. From time to time, a thane
of the king, who had made many vaunts and was
mindful of verses, stored with sagas and songs of old,

(38:32):
bound word to word in well knit rhyme, welded his lay.
This warrior, soon of Beowulf's quest right cleverly sang and
artfully added an excellent tale in well ranged words of
the warlike deeds he had heard in Saga of Sigemund.
Strange the story, he said it all the well, Singh's
wanderings wide, his struggles, which never were told to tribes

(38:54):
of men, the feuds and the frauds, save to Fetella,
only when of these doings he deigned to see speak
uncle to nephew. As ever, the twain stood side by
side in stress of war, and multitude of the monster
kind they had felled with their swords of Sigamund grew
when he passed from life no little praise for the
doughty in combat. A dragon killed that herded the Hoard

(39:17):
thirteen a under hoary rock. The atheling dared the deed
alone fearful quest. Nor was Fetella there Yet, so it
befell His falchion pierced that wondrous worm on the wall.
It struck best blade, The dragon died in its blood.
Thus had the dread one, by daring, achieved over the
ring hoard to rule at will himself. To pleasure a

(39:38):
sea boat he loaded and bore on its bosom, the
beaming gold Son of Wales. The worm was consumed. He had,
of all heroes, the highest renown among races of men,
this refuge of warriors for deeds of daring that decked
his name. Since the hand and heart of himaud grew
slack in battle, he swiftly banished to mingle with monsters

(39:59):
at murr se of foes to death was betrayed, for
torrents of sorrow had lamed him too long a load
of care to earls and afflings. All he proved oft. Indeed,
in earlier days for the warrior's wayfaring. Wise men mourned,
who had hoped of him help from harm and bail,
and had thought their sovereign son would thrive follow his
father his folk protect the hoard and the stronghold, Hero's land,

(40:24):
home of sildings. But here fame, said the kinsmen of Hygelac.
Kinder seemed to all the other. Thirteen bee was urged
to crime, and afresh to the race. Thirteen sea of
the fallow roads. By swift steeds measured the morning sun
was climbing higher. Clansmen hastened to the high built hall.

(40:45):
Those hardy minded the wonder to witness warden of treasure
crowned with glory. The king himself, with stately band from
the bride bauer Strode, and with him the queen and
her crowd of maidens, measured the path to the meat
house fair. Fourteen Hrothgar spake to the hall. He went,
stood by the steps the steep roof saw garnished with

(41:07):
gold and Grendel's hand for the sight I see to
the sovereign ruler, be speedy. Thanks a throng of sorrows
I have borne from Grendel. But God still works wonder
on wonder the warden of glory. It was, but now
that I never more, for woes that weighed on me,
waited help long as I lived. When laved in blood
stood sword gore stain this stateliest house, widespread woe for

(41:30):
wise men, all who had no hope to hinder ever
foes infernal in fiendish sprites, from havoc in hull. This
hero now, by the Wielder's might, a work has done
that not all of us erst could ever do by
wile and wisdom. Lo well can she say, whoso of
women this warrior bore among sons of men? If still
she liveth that the God of the ages was good

(41:52):
to her in the birth of her bairn. Now Beowulf,
thee of heroes, best I shall heartily love as mine
own my son. Preserve thou ever this kinship knew, thou
shalt never lack wealth of the world that I wield
as mine full oft. For less have I largest showered
my precious horde on a poonier man, less stout in struggle.

(42:14):
Thyself hast now fulfilled such deeds that thy fame shall
endure through all the ages as ever he did. Well,
may the wielder reward thee. Still, Beowulf, spake Baron of
Echtheo this work of war most willingly. We have fought
this fight and fearlessly dared force of the foe fain too,
were I hadst thou but seen himself. What time the fiend,

(42:36):
in his trappings tottered to fall swiftly? I thought, in
strongest gripe on his bed of death, to bind him down,
that he, in the hint of this hand of mine,
should breathe his last. But he broke away him. I
might not. The Maker willed not hinder from flight, and
firm enough hold the life destroyer. Too sturdy was he,
the ruthless in running for rescue. However he left behind

(43:01):
him his hand in pledge, arm and shoulder. Nor ought
of help could the cursed one thus procure at all none.
The longer liveth he loathsome fiend sunk in his sins,
But sorrow holds him tightly, grasped in gripe of anguish,
in baleful bonds, whereby he must evil outlaw such awful doom,
as the mighty Maker shall meet him out more silent

(43:23):
seemed the son of Ecleaf fourteen A, in boastful speech
of his battle deeds. Since Athling's all, through the Earl's
great prowess beheld that hand on the high roof, gazing
Foeman's fingers, the forepart of each of the sturdy nails
to steal was likest heathen's hand, spear, hostile warrior's claw,
uncanny twas clear they said that him. No blade of

(43:45):
the brave could touch, how keen soever, or cut away
that battle hand, bloody from baneful foe. Fifteen there was
hurry and hest in hear it, now for hands to
bedeck it. And dense was the throng of men and
women the wine hall to cleanse the guest room, to
garnish goldgate, shown the hangings that were wove on the wall,
and wonders many to delight each mortal that looks upon them.

(44:09):
Though braced within by iron bands, that building bright was
broken sorely. Fifteen a rent were its hinges. The roof
alone held safe and sound. When seared with crime the
fiendish foe, his flight essayed of life, despairing no light
thing that the flight for safety essay at who will
forced of fate, He shall find his way to the refuge,

(44:31):
ready for race of man, for soul, possessors and sons
of earth, And there his body, on bed of death
shall rest. After revel arrived was the hour when to
hall preceded Heilfdene's son, the king himself would sit to banquet.
Ne'er heard I of host in haughtier Throng more graciously
gathered round, giver of rings, bowed then to bench those

(44:52):
bearers of glory fain of the feasting featly received many
a mead cup, the mighty in spirit kinsmen who sat
in the sumptuous hall Crothgar and Hrotholf. Here it now
was filled with friends the folk of Sildings. Ne'er yet
had tried the trader's deed to Beowulf gave the baron
of heelf Deen a gold wove banner, girdon of triumph,

(45:14):
broidered battle flag, breastplate and helmet, and his splendid sword
was seen of many born to the brave one. Beowulf
took cup and hull fifteen beat afore such costly gifts.
He suffered no shame in that soldier Throng, for I
heard of few heroes in heartier mood with four such
gifts so fashioned with gold on the ale bench honoring others.

(45:36):
Thus o'er the roof of the helmet high, a ridge
wound with wires kept ward o'er the head lest the
relict of piles fifteen sea should fierce invade, sharpen the strife.
When that shielded hero should go to grapple against his foes,
then the Earl's defense fifteen d on the floor fifteen

(45:57):
e bade lead coursers eight with carven head gear, and
down the hall one horse was decked with a saddle,
all shining and set in jewels, twas the battle seat
of the best of kings. When to play of swords,
the son of Hilfdene was fain to fare, ne'er failed
his valor in the crush of combat, when corpses fell
to Beowulf over them. Both then gave the refuge of

(46:18):
ing Wine's right and power o'er war steeds and weapons
wished him joy of them manfully. Thus the mighty Prince
hoard guard for heroes that hard fight, repaid with steeds
and treasures contemned by none who is willing to say
the sooth a rite sixteen and the Lord of earls
to each that came with Beowulf over the briny ways

(46:38):
an heirloom there at the ale bench gave precious gift,
and the price sixteen eighth bade pay in gold for
him whom grendel Erst murdered, and fain of them more
had killed, had not wisest God their w i r
d averted and the man's sixteen beat brave mood. The
Maker then ruled human kind as here and now therefore

(46:59):
is insight always best, and forethought of mind, how much
awaits him of leaf and of loath, who long time
here through days of warfare, this world endures. Then song
and music mingled sounds in the presence of Healfdene's head
of armies sixteen Sea and harping was heard with the
hero a as Trothgar's singer, The Hauljoy woke along the

(47:20):
mead seats, making his song of that sudden raid on
the sons of finn sixteen d Hilth Diane's hero Nath
the Sylding was fated to fall in the Frisian slaughter
sixteen E. Hildebur needed not hold in value her enemy's
honor sixteen f Innocent. Both were the loved ones she
lost at the Linden Play. Bairn and brother. They bowed

(47:43):
to fate, stricken by spears twas a sorrowful woman. None
doubted why the daughter of Hawk bewailed her doom. When
dawning came and under the sky she saw them lying
kinsman murdered where most she had ken. Of the sweets
of the world by war were swept two Finn's own liegemen,
and few were left in the parleying place sixteen g

(48:05):
He could ply no longer weapon nor war could he
wage on Hengest and rescue his remnant by right of
arms from the Prince's dan. A pact he offered another dwelling,
the Danes should have hall and high seat, and half
the power should fall to them in Frisian land, and
at the fee gifts Foll called Sunday by day, the
Danes should honor the folk of Hengest favor with rings,

(48:27):
even as truly with treasure and jewels, with fretted gold,
as his Frisian kin he meant to honor in ill hall.
There packed of peace, they plighted further on both sides.
Firmly Finn to Hengest with oath upon honor, openly promised
that Wafful remnant with wise men's aid, nobly to govern.
So none of the Guests, by word or work should

(48:49):
warp the treaty sixteen h or with malice of mind
bemoan themselves as forced to follow their fe giver's slayer,
lordless men, as their lot ordained should Frisian moreover, with
Foeman's taunt, that murderous hatred to mind recall, then edge
of the sword must seal his doom. Oaths were given,

(49:09):
and ancient gold heaped from hoard. The hardy silding battle
thane best sixteen eye on his bail fire lay. All
on the pyre were plain to see the gory sark,
the gilded swine crest, bore of hard iron and athlings.
Many slain by the sword. At the slaughter they fell.
It was Hildeboro's hest at Nafe's own pyre, the barn

(49:32):
of her body on brands to lay his bones to
burn on the bale fire placed at his uncle's side.
In sorrowful dirges bewept them. The woman great wailing ascended,
then wound up to welkin. The wildest of death fires
roared o'er the hillock sixteen jay heads All were melted,
gashes burst, and blood gushed out from bites. Sixteen k

(49:54):
of the body. Bail fire devoured greediest spirit. Those spared
not by they wore out of either folk. Their flower
was gone. Seventeen then hastened those heroes their home to
see friendless, to find the Frisian land houses and high
burg henges still through the death dyed winter dwelt with
Finn holding packed yet of home, he minded, though powerless

(50:18):
his ring decked prow to drive over the waters. Now
waves rolled fierce, lashed by the winds, or winter locked
them in icy fetters. Then fared another year to men's dwellings,
as yet they do the sun bright skies that their season,
ever duly await far off. Winter was driven fair lay
Earth's breast, and Fain was the rover, the guest to depart,

(50:41):
though more gladly. He pondered on wreaking his vengeance than
roaming the deep, and how to hasten the hot encounter
where sons of the Frisians were sure to be So
he escaped not the common doom. When hun with lafing
the light of battle best of blades, his bosom pierced,
its edge was famed with the Frisian earls on fierce heart.
Finn there fell likewise on himself at home, the horrid

(51:05):
soreed death for Guth laff and oslov of grim attack
had sorrowing told from seaways landed mourning their woes. Seventeen
A Finn's wavering spirit bode not in breast. The burg
was reddened with blood of foemen, and Finn was slain
king amid clansmen. The queen was taken to their ship.

(51:25):
The silving warriors bore all the chattels. The chieftain owned
whatever they found in Finn's domain of gems and jewels.
The gentle wife o'er paths of the deep to the Danes.
They bore led to her land. The lay was finished,
the Gleamin's song. Then glad rose the revel bench joy
brightened bearers draw from their wondervats. Wine comes wealthy o

(51:49):
forth under gold crown goes where the good pair sit
Uncle and nephew, true each to the other, one kindred
in amity unfurth the spokesman at the sylving lord's feet
sat men had faith in his spirit, his keenness of courage,
though kinsmen had found him unsure. At the sword play,
the silding Queen spoke, quaff of this cup, my king

(52:11):
and lord, breaker of rings, and blithe be thou gold
friend of men to the geats. Here speak such words
of mildness as man should use. Be glad with thy
geats of those gifts, be mindful or near or far
which now thou hast men say to me as son,
thou wishest yon hero to hold thy hear it purged, jewel, hall, brightest, enjoy,

(52:35):
while thou canst with many a largest and leave to
thy kin folk and realm. When forth thou goest to
greet thy doom for gracious I deem myhrat hoalf seventeen
be willing to hold and rule nobly our youths. If
thou yield up first prince of sildings, thy part in
the world, I ween with good, he will well requite

(52:55):
offspring of ours, when all he minds that for him
we did in his helpless days of gift and grace
to gain him honor. Then she turned to the seat
where her sons were placed, Krethwick and Hrothmond, with heroes, bairns,
young men. Together the geat two sat there Beowulf Brave
the brothers between eighteen. A cup she gave him, with

(53:15):
kindly greeting winsome words of wound and gold. She offered
to honor him arm jewels, twain, corselet and rings, and
of collars. The noblest that ever I knew the earth
around ne'er heard I so mighty neath Heaven's dome a
hoard gem of heroes. Since Hama bore to his bright
built berg the breezings, necklace, jewel and gem casket. Jealousy

(53:38):
fled he e or Menrick's hate chose help eternal hijlac Geat,
grandson of Swerting. On the last of his raids, this
ring bore with him under his banner the booty, defending
the worst boil Warding, but w y r d overwhelmed him.
What time in his daring dangers he sought feud with Frisians.
Fairest of gems he bore with him over the beaker

(53:59):
of waves, sovereign strong under shield, he died, fell the
corpse of the king into keeping of Franks, gear of
the breast, and that gorgeous ring. Weaker warriors won the
spoil after gripe of battle from Geatland's lord, and held
the death field. Din rose in hall Wealthio spake amid
warriors and said, this jewel and joy in thy jock

(54:22):
and youth, beowulf lovd. These battle weeds wear a royal treasure,
and richly thrive. Preserve thy strength, and these striplings here
counsel in kindness requital be mine. Hast done such deeds
that for days to come. Thou art famed among folk,
both far and near, so wide as washeth the wave
of ocean, his windy walls, through the ways of life.

(54:45):
Prosper O Prince, I pray for thee rich possessions. To
son of mine, be helpful indeed, and uphold his joys.
Here every earl to the other is true mild of
mood to the master. Loyal thanes are friendly, the throng
obedient liegemen are reveling. List and obey went then to

(55:06):
her place that was proudest of feasts. Flowed wine for
the warriors w y r d. They knew not destiny dire,
and the doom to be seen by many. An earl
when eve should come and hrothgar homeward, hasten away royal
to rest. The room was guarded by an army of earls.
As erst was done, they bared the bench boards. Abroad,

(55:28):
they spread beds and bolsters. One beer carouser, in danger
of doom, lay down in the hall. At their heads.
They set their shields of war buckler's bright on the bench,
were there over each atheling easy to see the high
battle helmet, the haughty spear, the corselet of rings. Twas
their custom, so ever to be for battle prepared at home,

(55:50):
or harrying, which it were, even as oft as evil
threatened their sovereign king, they were clansmen good. Nineteen then
sank they to sleep with sorrow. One bought his rest
of the evening as oft time had happened when Grendel
guarded that golden hall, evil wrought till his end drew
nigh slaughter for sins twas seen and told how an

(56:12):
avenger survived the fiend, as was learned afar the livelong
time after that grim fight, Grendel's mother, Monster of women,
mourned her woe. She was doomed to dwell in the
dreary waters cold sea courses. Since Kane cut down with
edge of the sword, his only brother, his father's offspring, outlawed,
he fled, marked with murder from men's delights warded the

(56:34):
wilds there woke from him. Such fate sent ghosts as Grendel,
who warwolf horrid. At here had found a warrior watching
and waiting the fray with whom the grisly one grappled Amain.
But the man remembered his mighty power, the glorious gift
that God had sent him in his maker's mercy, put
his trust for comfort and help. So he conquered the foe,

(56:56):
felled the fiend, who fled abject, reft of joy, to
the realms of death Mankind's foe, and his mother, now
gloomy and grim, would go that quest of sorrow, the
death of her son to avenge to hear it came
she where helmeted Danes slept in the hall too soon
came back old ills of the earls, whenin she burst

(57:17):
the mother of Grendel. Less grim, though that terror e'en
as terror of woman in war is less might have
made than of men in arms. When hammer forged the
falchon hard sword gore stained through swine of the helm,
crested with keen blade carves. A mane then was in hall,
the hard edge drawn, the swords on the settles nineteen

(57:39):
a and shields ameny firm held in hand, nor helmet
minded more harness of mail, whom that horror seized. Haste
was hers. She would hie afar and save her life.
When the liegemen saw her yet a single athling up
she seized fast and firm as she fled to the moor.
He was for hrothgar of heroes, the dearest of trusty

(58:01):
vassals betwixt the seas, whom she killed on his couch,
a clansman famous in battle. Brave. Nor was Beowulf there
Another house had been held apart, after giving of gold
for the geek renowned uproar filled Here it the hand
all had viewed, blood flecked, she bore with her bale
was returned dull in the dwellings twas dire exchange, where

(58:23):
Dane and geat were doomed to give the lives of
loved ones long tried. King, the hoary hero at heart,
was sad when he knew his noble no more lived
and dead. Indeed was his dearest thane to his bower
was Beowulf, brought in haste, dauntless victor. As daylight broke,
along with his earls, the atheling lord with his clansmen

(58:45):
came where the king abode waiting to see if the
wielder of all would turn this tale of trouble and woe.
Strode o'er floor the famed in strife with his hand companions.
The hall resounded, wishing to greet the wise old king
Ingwine's lord. He asked if the knight had passed in
peace to the prince's mind x ex Frothgar spake Helmatov

(59:05):
Sildings ask not of pleasure. Pain is renewed to Danish folk.
Dead is as cheer of erminev the elder brother, my sage, adviser,
and stay in council, shoulder comrade, in stress of fight,
when warriors clashed and we warded our heads, hewed the
helmboors hero. Fame should be every earl as his cheer was.

(59:26):
But here and here at a hand hath slain him
of wandering death. Sprite I what not whither twenty eight
Proud of the prey, her path she took, fain of
her fill the feud she avenged that yester night unyieldingly,
Grendel and Grimace grasp thou killedst seeing how long these
liegemen mine he ruined and ravaged, reft of life in arms,

(59:48):
he fell. Now another comes keen and cruel her kin
to avenge faring far in feud of blood, so that
many a fine shall think who e'er sorrows in soul
for that sharer of rings. This is hardest of heart bales.
The hand lies low that once was willing each wish
to please land dwellers. Here twenty b and liegeman mine

(01:00:10):
who house by those parts I have heard relate that
such a pair they have sometimes seen, march stalkers, mighty
the moorland, haunting, wandering spirits. One of them seemed so
far as my folk could fairly judge of womankind, and
one accursed in man's guise, trod the misery track of exile,
though huger than human bulk Grendeln days long gone, they

(01:00:34):
named him folk of the land. His father. They knew, not,
nor any brood that was borne to him, of treacherous spirits.
Untrod is their home, by wolf cliffs, haunt they and
windy headlands fenways fearful, where flows the stream from mountains,
gliding to gloom of the rocks underground flood not far
is it, hence in measure of miles that the mere

(01:00:55):
expands and o'er it. The frost bound forest hanging sturdily
rooted shafts. The wave by night is a wonder weird
to see fire on the waters. So wise live none
of the sons of men to search those depths. Nay,
though the heath rover harry by dogs the horn proud heart,
this holt should seek long distance, driven his dear life.

(01:01:18):
First on the brink he yields ere he braved the
plunge to hide his head tis no happy place. Thence
the welter of waters washes up wand to welkin when
winds bestir evil storms and air grows dusk and the
heavens weep. Now is help once more with thee alone
the land thou know'st not place of fear, where thou

(01:01:39):
findest out that sinfleck being seek. If thou dare, I
will reward thee for waging this fight with ancient treasure,
as Erst I did with winding gold. If thou winnest
back twenty one Beowulf's bake barn of echtheo sorrow not sage.
It beseems us better friends to avenge than fruitlessly more

(01:02:00):
them each of us all must as end abide in
the ways of the world. So win, who may glory
ere death when his days are told. That is the
warrior's worthiest doom. Rise o real mortar, ride we anon
and mark the trail of the mother of Grendel. No
harbor shall hide her. Heed my promise in folding a

(01:02:22):
field or forested mountain or floor of the flood. Let
her flee where she will. But thou this day endure
in patience as I ween thou wilt thou woes. Each
one leaped up the graybeard God. He thanked Mighty Lord
for the man's brave words for Rothgar. Soon a horse
was saddled wave maine steed. The sovereign wise stately rode

(01:02:44):
on his shield. Armed men followed in force. The footprints
led along the woodland, widely seen a path o'er the
plain where she passed and trod the murky moor of
men at arms. She bore the bravest and best one dead,
him who with Rothgar the homestead had ruled on. Then
went the athling born o'er stone cliffs, steep and straight defile,

(01:03:05):
narrow passes and unknown ways, headlands, sheer and the haunts
of the nikors foremost. He twenty one a caffered a
few at his side of the wiser men the ways
to scan, till he found in a flash the forested
hill hanging over the hoary rock a waffle wood. The
waves below were dyed in blood. The danish Men had

(01:03:26):
sorrow of soul and for sildings all for many a hero.
Twas hard to bear ill for earls. When as cheer's
head they found by the flood on the foreland there
waves were welling. The warriors saw hot with blood, but
the horns sang off battle song bold. The band sat
down and watched on the water wormlike things, sea dragons,

(01:03:48):
strange that sounded the deep, and nikors that lay on
the ledge of the nests, such as oft essay at
hour of morn, on the road of sails, their ruthless quest,
and sea snakes and monsters these started away, swollen and savage.
That song to hear that war horns blast the warden
of geats with bolt from bow, then balked of life

(01:04:08):
of wave work. One monster amid its heart went the
keen war shaft in water. It seemed less doughty in
swimming whom death had seized swift on the billows with
boar spears well hooked and barbed. It was hard, beset,
done to death, and dragged on the headland wave roamer.
Wondrous warriors viewed the grisly guest, then girt him beowulf

(01:04:31):
in marshall mail, nor mourned for his life. His breastplate
broad and bright of hues, woven by hand. Should the
waters try well, could it ward the warrior's body, that
battle should break on his breast in vain, nor harm
his heart by the hand of a foe, And the
helmet white that his head protected was destined to dare
the deeps of the flood through wave whirlwind. Twas wound

(01:04:53):
with chains decked with gold as in days of year.
The weaponsmith worked it wondrously with swine forms. Said it
that swords nowise brandished in battle could bite that helm.
Nor was that the meanest of mighty helps which Hrothgar's
order offered at need fronting. They named the hilted sword
of old time heirlooms easily. First iron was its edge

(01:05:14):
all etched with poison, with battle blood, hardened, nor blenched
it at fight in hero's hand who held it ever
on paths of peril, prepared to go to Folkstead twenty
one b of foes, not first time this it was
destined to do a daring task, for he bore not
in mind the Baron of Ecklaft, sturdy and strong that
speech he had made drunk with wine. Now this weapon

(01:05:37):
he lent to a stouter swordsman himself, though Durst not
under welter of waters wager his life as loyal liegemen.
So lost he his glory, honor of earls with the other,
not so who girded him now for the grim encounter
twenty two Beowulf spake, Baron of ECHTHEO have mind thou,

(01:05:57):
honored offspring of Heilften gold, friend of men. Now I
go on this quest sovereign wise what once was said,
if in thy cousin came that I should lose my life,
thou wouldst loyal by to me, though fallen in father's place.
Be guardian thou to this group of my Thanes, my
warrior friends. If war should seize me and the goodly

(01:06:18):
gifts thou gavest me croth Gard beloved to Hygelac send
Geatland's king may ken by the gold Krethel's son see
when he stares at the treasure, that I got me
a friend for goodness, famed and joyed, while I could
in my jewel bestore and let un firth wield this
wondrous sword. Earl far honored this heirloom, precious heart of edge,

(01:06:39):
with fronting, I seek doom of glory, or death shall
take me. After these words, the Wedgergate lord boldly hastened,
biding never answer at all. The ocean floods closed o'er
the hero. Long while of the day fled air. He
felt the floor of the sea. Soon found the fiend
who the flood domain's sword. Hungry held these hundred winters,
greedy and grim that some guest from above, some man

(01:07:03):
was raiding her monster elm. She grasped out for him
with grisly claws, and the warrior seized, yet scathed. She
not his body hail the breastplate hindered as she strove
to shatter the sark of war the linked harness with
loathsome hand then bore this brine wolf. When bottom she touched.
The lord of rings to the lair she haunted wiles vainly.

(01:07:24):
He strove, though his valor held weapon to wield against
wondrous monsters that sore beset him. Sea beasts many tried
with fierce tusks to tear his mail, and swarmed on
the stranger. But soon he marked He was now in
some hall he knew not which where water never could
work him harm, nor through the roof could reach him.
Ever fangs of the flood firelight he saw beams of

(01:07:47):
a blaze that brightly shone. Then the warrior was ware
of that wolf of the deep, mere wife monstrous for
mighty stroke. He swung his blade, and the blow withheld
not thenceang on her head that seemly blade. Its warsaw wild,
But the warrior found the light of battle a twenty
two A was loath to bite, to harm the heart.

(01:08:09):
Its hard edge failed. The noble, at need yet had
known of old strife hand to hand, and had helmet's
cloven doomed men's fighting gear first time. This for the
gleaming blade that its glory fell firms still stood nor
failed in valor. Heedful of high deeds, heiglack's kinsmen flung
away freteds. Sword featly jeweled the angry earl on earth.

(01:08:32):
It lay steel edged and stiff his strength, he trusted
hand gripe of might. So man shall do whenever in
war he weans to earn him lasting fame, nor fears
for his life. Seized then by shoulder shrank not from combat.
The Giddish war Prince Grendel's mother flung then the fierce one,

(01:08:53):
filled with wrath his deadly foe, that she fell to ground.
Swift on her part, she paid him back with grit
wisley grasp and grappled with him. Spent with struggle, stumbled
the warrior, fiercest of fighting men, fell adown on the
hall guest. She hurled herself hent her short sword, broad
and brown edged, twenty two beat the barren to avenge

(01:09:15):
the soul born son on his shoulder lay braided breastmail,
barring death. With standing entrance of edge or blade, life
would have ended for Echtheo's son under wide earth, for
that Earl of Geats, had his armor of war not
aided him. Battle net hard and Holy God wielded the victory.
Wisest maker, the Lord of Heaven allowed his cause and

(01:09:38):
easily rose the earl erect twenty three mid the battle
gear saw he a blade triumphant old sword of Eden's
with edge of proof, warrior's heirloom weapon unmatched save only
twas more than other men to bandy of battle could
bear at all, as the giants had wrought it ready
and keen seized. Then its chain hilt the Silding's chieftain,

(01:10:00):
old and battle grim brandished the sword reckless of life,
and so wrathfully smote that it gripped her neck and
grasped her heart, her bone rings, breaking the blade pierced
through that faded one's flesh to floor. She sank bloody.
The blade he was, blithe of his deed, then blazed
forth light twas bright within as when from the sky

(01:10:21):
there shines unclouded Heaven's candle. The hull he scanned by
the wall. Then went he his weapon raised high by
its hilts, the hygelac Thane, angry and eager that edge
was not useless to the warrior. Now he wished with
speed Grendel to Girton for grim raids many for the
war he waged on western Danes, oftener far than an

(01:10:43):
only time, when of Hrothgar's hearth companions he slew in slumber,
in sleep devoured fifteen men of the folk of Danes,
and as many others outward bore his horrible prey well
paid for that the wrathful prince for now prone, He
saw Grendel stretch, the spent with war, spoiled of life,
so scathed, had left him here its battle. The body

(01:11:06):
sprang far when after death had endured the blow sword
stroked savage that severed its head soon twenty three A.
Then saw the sage companions who waited with Rothgar, watching
the flood that the tossing water's turbid grew blood stained.
The mere old men, together, hoary haired of the hero,
spake the warrior. Would not They weened again, proud of conquest,

(01:11:30):
come to seek their mighty master. To many, it seemed
the wolf of the waves had won his life. The
ninth hour came, The noble Sildings left the headland homeward
went the gold Friend of men twenty three B. But
the guests sat on, stared at the surges, sick in heart,
and wished, yet weened not their winsome lord again to

(01:11:52):
see now that sword began from blood of the fight
in battle droppings twenty three sea A warblame to Wane
twas a wondrous thing, that all of it melted as
ice is wont When Frosty fetters, the father loosens, unwinds
the wave bonds, wielding all seasons and times the true God.
He nor took from that dwelling the Duke of the Geats,

(01:12:14):
save only the head and that hilt withal blazoned with jewels.
The blade had melted, burned was the bright sword. Her
blood was so hot, so poisoned the helsebright who perished within.
There Soon he was swimming, who safe saw in combat
downfall of demons, up dove through the flood. The clashing
waters were cleansed, now waste of waves, where the wandering

(01:12:36):
fiend her life days left, and this lapsing world swam
then to strand, the sailor's refuge, sturdy in spirit of sea, booty,
glad of burden, brave he bore with him. Went then
to greet him and God. They thanked the fame, banned
choice of their chieftain, blithe that safe and sound they
could see him again soon from the hardy won helmet

(01:12:58):
and armor. Deftly they doffed, now drowsed the mere water
neath welkin with war blood stained. Forth they fared by
the footpaths. Thence merry at heart the highways measured well
known roads. Courageous men carried the head from the cliff
by the sea, an arduous task for all the band,
the firm in fight, since four were needed. On the

(01:13:19):
shaft of slaughter. Twenty three d strenuously to bear to
the gold hall Grendel's head, so presently to the palace
their foemen fearless, fourteen geats marching came their master of
clan mighty amid them the meadoways trod strode. Then within
the sovereign fame, fearless in fight of fame, renowned hardy

(01:13:40):
hero crothguard to greet, and next by the hair into
hall was born Grendel's head, where the henchmen were drinking
and awe to clan and queen alike, a monster of marvel.
The men looked on twenty four Beowulf spake, Baron of
echtheo lo now this sea booty, son of Hilfdene, w
word of Sildings, We've lustily brought thee sign of glory.

(01:14:03):
Thou sayest it here? Not lightly did I, with my
life escape in war under water? This work I essayed
with endless effort, and even so my strength had been lost.
Had the Lord not shielded me, not a wit could
I with fronting dew and work of war. Though the
weapon is good, yet a sword. The Sovereign of men
vouchsafed me to spy on the wall there in splendor,

(01:14:25):
hanging old, gigantic, how oft he guides the friendless wight,
and I fought with that brand, felling in fight, since
fate was with me. The house's wardens. That war sword
then all burned bright blade when the blood gushed o'er
it battle sweat hot. But the hilt I brought back
from my foes so avenged I their fiendish deed's death

(01:14:47):
fall of Dames, as was due and right. And this
is my hest that in here it now safe. Thou
canst sleep with thy soldier band, and every thane of
all thy folk, both old and young. No evil fear
Silding's lord from that side again aught ill for thy earls,
as erst thou must. Then the golden hilt for that
gray haired leader hoary hero in hand was laid giant

(01:15:10):
wrought old, so owned and enjoyed it. After downfall of devils,
the Danish lord Wondersmith's work. Since the world was rid
of that grim souled fiend, the foe of God murder
marked and his mother as well. Now it passed into
power of the people's king. Best of all that the
oceans bound, who have scattered their gold o'er scandi. As

(01:15:31):
isle Hrothgar spake the hilt he viewed her loom old
where was etched the rise of that far off fight,
when the floods o'erwhelmed raging waves, the race of giants
fearful their fate, a folk estranged from God eternal. Whence
girden due in that waste of waters, the wielder paid
them so on the guard of shining gold and runic staves.

(01:15:52):
It was rightly said, for whom the serpent traced sword
was wrought best of blades in bygone days, and the
hilt well wound. The wise one spake, son of Helfdene
silent were all lo So may he say, whose sooth
and right follows mid folk of far times mindful a
landwart and old twenty four A that this earl belongs

(01:16:13):
to the better breed, so borne aloft thy fame must fly,
O friend, my Beowulf far and wide o'er folksteads many firmly.
Thou shalt all maintain mighty strength with mood of wisdom.
Love of mine, will I assure thee as awhile ago
I promised, thou shalt prove a stay in future, in

(01:16:34):
far off years, to folk of thine, to the heroes,
a help was not hur maud thus to offspring of Aquila,
honor sildings, nor grew for their grace, but for grisly slaughter,
for doom of death. To the Danish men, he slew wrath,
swollen his shoulder, comrades companions at board. So he passed alone, chieftain,

(01:16:56):
haughty from human cheer. Though him the maker with might
and mins delights of power and uplifted high above all men,
Yet blood fears his mind. His breast. Horde grew no
bracelets gave he to Danes as was due. He endured
all joyless strain of struggle and stress of woe, long
feud with his folk. Here find thy lesson a virtue

(01:17:18):
advised thee. This verse I have said, for thee wise
from lapsed winters, wondrous seems how to sons of men,
Almighty God in the strength of his spirit sendeth wisdom,
estate high station. He swayeth all things, whiles he letteth
righte lustily fare The heart of the hero of high
born race, in seat ancestral assigns him bliss his folk,

(01:17:40):
sure fortress, in fee to hold, puts in his power.
Great parts of the earth empires so ample that end
of it, this wanter of wisdom weeneth none. So he
waxes in wealth. No wise can harm him. Illness for age,
no evil cares shadow his spirit, no sword, hate threatens
from ever an enemy. All the world wends at his will.
No worse he knoweth, till all within him obstinate. Pride

(01:18:02):
waxes and wakes, while the warden slumbers. The spirit's sentry
sleep is too fast, which masters his might. And the
murderer ears stealthily, shooting the shafts from his bow twenty
five under harness. His heart then is hit, indeed by
sharpest shafts, and no shelter avails from foul behest of
the hellish fiend. Twenty five at him seems too little,

(01:18:25):
what long he possessed greedy and grim, No golden rings
he gives for his pride, the promised future forgets he
and spurns with all God has sent him wunder wielder
of wealth and fame. Yet in the end it ever
comes that the frame of the body fragile, yields fated falls,
and there follows another who joyously the jewels divides the

(01:18:46):
royal riches nor wrecks of his forebear ban. Then such
baleful thoughts Beowulf, dearest best of men, and the better
part choose profit, eternal and temper thy pride, warrior famous.
The flower of thy might lasts now awhile, but ere
long it shall be that sickness or sw'ard thy strength
shall minish, or fong of fire or flooding billow, or

(01:19:10):
bite of blade or brandished spear, or odious age, or
the eyes clear beam, waxed, dull and darken death. Even
thee in haste shall o'erwhelm thou, hero of war. So
the ring Danes these half years a hundred I ruled,
wielded neath welkin, and warded them bravely from mighty ones,
many o'er Middle Earth, from spear and sword, till it

(01:19:30):
seemed for me no foe could be found under fold
of the sky. Lo sudden the shift to me seated
secure came grief for joy when Grendel began to harry
my home, the hellish foe for those ruthless raids. Unresting
thy suffered heart, sorrow heavy heaven be thanked, Lord eternal,
for life extended that I on this head, all hewn

(01:19:52):
and bloody, after long evil with eyes may gaze go
to the bench. Now be glad at banks warrior worthy,
A wealth of treasure at dawn of day be dealt
between us. Glad was the Geat's lord, going betimes to
seek his seat, as the Sage commanded afresh as before

(01:20:13):
for the feigned in battle. For the band of the
hall was a banquet dight nobly anew the night helm
darkened dusk o'er the drinkers, the doughty ones rose for
the hoary headed would hasten to rest aged, silding and eager.
The Geat shield fighter sturdy for sleeping yearned him wander
weary warrior guest from far a hall thane heralded forth,

(01:20:35):
who by custom courtly cared for all needs of a
thane as in those old days, warrior wanderers won't have
so slumbered. The stout heart stately the hull rows gabled
in guilt, where the guests slept on till a raven
black the rapture of heaven. Twenty five beak blitheart boded,
bright came flying shine after shadow. The swordsmen hastened, athlingks

(01:20:59):
all were eager homeward forth to fare, and far from
thence the great hearted guest would guide his keel. Bade
then the hardy one hunting be brought to the son
of Eclaf the sword bade him take excellent iron, and
uttered his thanks for it, quoth that he counted it
keen in battle, wore friend winsome with words. He slandered
not edge of the blade, twas a big hearted man,

(01:21:21):
now eager for parting and armed at point warriors waited
while went to his host. That darling of Danes, the
doughty athling to high seat hastened, and Hrothgar greeted. Twenty
six Beowulf spake, Baron of echtheo lo we seafarers say,
our will far come men that we fain would seek hygelac.
Now we here have found hosts to our heart. Thou

(01:21:44):
hast harbored us well, if ever on earth I am
able to win me more of thy love, O, Lord
of men, aught anew than I now have done for
work of war. I am willing still if it come
to me ever across the seas that neighbor foemen annoy
and fright thee, as they that hate the herewhile have
used thousands, then of Thanes I shall bring heroes to

(01:22:05):
help thee of Higlac. I know word of his folk,
that though few his years, the Lord of the Geats
will give me aid by word and by work, that
well I may serve thee wielding the war, would to
win thy triumph in lending thee might when thou lackest men.
If thy Heretheric should come to court of Geats, a
sovereign son, he will surely there find his friends afar

(01:22:28):
off land. Each man should visit who vaunts him, brave him. Then,
answering Crothgar, spake these words of thine, the wisest God
sent to thy soul. No sagre counsel from so young
in year's err Yet have I heard thou art strong
of main, and in mind art weary art wise in words?
I ween indeed, if ever it hap that Hrethel's heir

(01:22:49):
by spear be seized by sword, grim battle, by illness
or iron, Thine elder and lord, People's leader and life
be thine. No seemlier man will the sea Geats find
it all to choose for their chief and king, for
hoard guard of heroes. If hold thou wilt thy kinsman's kingdom,
thy keen mind pleases me, the longer the better Beowulf loved,

(01:23:11):
Thou hast brought it about that both our peoples, sons
of the Geat and spear Dane folk, shall have mutual
peace and from murderous strife, such as once they waged
from war. Refrain, long as I rule this realm so wide,
Let our hoards be common. Let heroes with goold each other.
Greet o'er the gannet's bath, and the ringed prow bear
o'er rolling waves, tokens of love. I trow my land

(01:23:34):
folk towards friend and foe are firmly joined, and honor
they keep in the olden way to him in the hall.
Then hilfh Diene's son gave treasures twelve, and the trust
of Rose bade him fair with the gifts to his folk. Beloved,
Hail to his home, and in haste return, then kissed
the King of Kin, renowned Silding's chieftain, that choicest thign,

(01:23:56):
and fell on his neck. Fast flowed the tears of
the hoary headed, heavy with winters. He had chances, twain,
but he clung to this twenty six, a that each
should look on the other again, and hear him in hull.
Was this hero so dear to him his breast's wild
billows he banned in vain, safe in his soul, a

(01:24:17):
secret longing locked in his mind for that loved man
burned in his blood. Then Beowulf strode, glad of his
gold gifts. The grass plot o'er warrior, blithe the wave
roamer bode, riding at anchor, its owner awaiting. As they
hastened onward Hrothgar's gift. They lauded at length, twas a

(01:24:37):
lord unpeered every way blameless till age had broken it
spareth no mortal, his splendid might. Twenty seven came now
to ocean, the ever courageous, hardy henchmen, their harness bearing
woven war sarks, the warden marked trusty as ever. The
Earl's return from the height of the hill, no hostile

(01:24:57):
words reached the guests as he rode to Greece them
but welcome, he called to that Wedger clan as the
sheen mailed spoilers to ship. Marched on then on the
strand with steeds and treasure and armor. Their roomy and
ring dykee ship was heavily laden high. Its mast rose
over hrothguard's hoarded gems. A sword to the boat guard,

(01:25:17):
Beowulf gave mounted with gold on the mead bench, since
he was better esteemed that blade, possessing heirloom old their
ocean keel boarding, they drove through the deep and dameland left.
A sea cloth was set a sail with ropes firm
to the mast. The flood timbers moaned twenty seven a
nor did wind over billows that wave swimmer blow across

(01:25:40):
from her course. The craft sped on foam necked. It
floated forth o'er the waves, keel firm bound over briny
currents till they got them sight of the Giddish cliffs
home known Headlands High. The boat, stirred by winds on
the strand, up drove helpful at haven. The harbor guard stood,
who long off already for loved companions by the water

(01:26:02):
had waited and watched afar. He bound to the beach,
the broad bosomed ship with anchor bands. Lest ocean billows
that trusty timber should tear away. Then Beowulf bade them
bear the treasure, gold and jewels. No journey far was it,
thence to go to the giver of rings hijlak krethling
at home. He dwelt by the sea wall, clothes himself

(01:26:22):
and clan haughty that house a hero, the king high
the hall, and h y g d twenty seven b right, young,
wise and wary. Though winter's few in those fortress walls,
she had found a home Heretha's daughter, nor humble her ways,
nor grudged, she gifts to the Giddish men of precious treasure.

(01:26:44):
Not t h r y t H's pride showed she
folk queen famed, or that fell Deceit was none so
daring that Durst make bold save her lord alone of
the liegemen, dear that lady full in the face to look,
but forged fetters he found his lot, bonds of death
and brief the respite. Soon as they seized him, his

(01:27:04):
sword doom was spoken, and the burnished blade a baleful
murder proclaimed and closed no queenly way for woman to practice.
Though peerless, she that the weaver of peace twenty seven
sea from warrior deer by wrath and lying his life,
should reave. But Heming's kinsmen hindered this, for over their

(01:27:24):
ale men also told that of these folk horrors, fewer
she wrought onslaughts of evil. After she went gold decked
bride to the brave young Prince Atheling, haughty and office
haul o'er the fallow flood at her father's bidding safely sought,
where since she prospered royal throned, rich in goods, fain
of the fair life. Fate had sent her and leal

(01:27:46):
in love to the lord of warriors. He of all
heroes I heard of ever from sea to sea, of
the sons of Earth, most excellent seemed. Hence Offa was
praised for his fighting and feeing by far off men.
The spear old warrior wisely he ruled over his empire.
Eamer woke to him help of heroes. Hemming's kinsman, grandson

(01:28:08):
of Garment grim in War twenty eight, hastened the hardy
one henchmen with him. Sandy Strand of the sea to
tread in widespread ways. The world's great candle sun shone
from south. They strode along with sturdy steps to the
spot they knew where the battle. King Young his burg
within slayer of Argenteo shared the rings shelter of heroes

(01:28:31):
to Hijlack. Beowulf's coming was quickly told that therein the
court the clansman's refuge, the shield companion, sound and alive.
Hail from the hero play homewards strode with haste in
the hall by highest order. Room for the rovers was
readily made by his sovereign. He sat, come safe from battle, kinsman,
by kinsmen, his kindly lord, he first had greeted in

(01:28:55):
gracious form with manly words. The mead dispensing came through
the high hall. Harretha's daughter winsome to warriors. Wine cup
bore to the hands of the heroes. Hijlac. Then his
comrade fairly with question, plied in the lofty hall, sore,
longing to know what manner of sojourn the sea geats made.
What came of thy quest, my kinsman, Beowulf, when thy

(01:29:18):
yearnings suddenly swept thee yonder battle to seek o'er the
briny sea combat inherit Prothgard couldst thou aid at all
the honored chief in his wide known woes with waves
of care. My sad heart seated, I sore mistrusted my
loved one's venture. Long I begged Thee by no means
to seek that slaughtering monster. But suffer the south Danes

(01:29:39):
to settle their feud themselves with Grendel. Now God be
thanked that safe and sound I can see thee. Now
Beowulf spake the baron of echtheo tis known and unhidden.
Heiglac lord to many men that meeting of ours struggle
grim between Grendel and me, which we fought on the
field where full too many sorrows he wrought for the
sylthing victors evils unend these all I avenged. No boast

(01:30:04):
can be from breed of Grendel any on earth, For
that uproar at dawn from the longest lived of the
loathsome race in fleshly fold. But first I went Rothguard
to greet in the hall of Gifts, where Heilftine's kinsman
high renowned. Soon as my purpose was plain to him,
assigned me a seat by his son an heir. The
liegemen were lusty my life days. Never such merry men

(01:30:26):
over mead in hall have I heard under heaven. The
high born queen People's peace bringer passed through the hall,
cheered the young clansmen clasps of gold ere. She sought
her seat to sundry, gave off to the heroes, Rothgar's
daughter to Earl's. In turn the ale cup tendered she
whom I heard these hall companions free were in name.

(01:30:46):
When fretted gold she proffered. The warriors promised, is she
gold decked maid to the glad son of Froda sage.
This seems to the Sylving's friend Kingdom's keeper. He counted
wise the woman to wear at so and ward off
feud store of slaughter. But seldom ever, when men are
slain does the murder spear sink but briefest while, though

(01:31:08):
the bride be fair twenty eight eight, nor haply will
like it the heathobard lord, and as little each of
his liegemen. All when a thigne of the Danes in
that doughty throng goes with the lady along their hall,
and on him the old time heirlooms glisten herd and
ring decked Heathobard's treasure weapons that once they wielded fair

(01:31:28):
until they lost at the Linden Play twenty eight beat Bleegeman,
leel and their lives as well. Then over the ale
on this heirloom, gazing some ashwield or old who has
all in mind that spear Death of Men twenty eight sea.
He is stern of mood, heavy at heart in the
hero young tests the temper and tries the soul, and

(01:31:49):
war hate wakens with words like these, canst thou not, comrade?
Can that sword which to the fray thy father carried
in his final feud meet the fighting mask, dearest of
blades when the Danish slew him and wielded the war
place on with their guild's fall after havoc of heroes,
those hardy Sildings. Now the son of a certain slaughtering dame,

(01:32:11):
proud of his treasure, paces this hall, joys in the killing,
and carries the jewel twenty eight d that rightfully ought
to be owned by the Underscore. Thus he urges and
eggs him all the time with keenest words, till occasion
offers that free were is thane for his father's deed.
After bite of brand in his blood must slumber, losing

(01:32:31):
his life. But that Liegeman flies living away for the
land he kens, and thus be broken on both their sides.
Os of the earls. When Injelled's breast wells with war
hate and wife love. Now after the care, Billow's cooler grows.
So when he ate e, I hold not high the
heathobard's faith due to the Danes or their during love

(01:32:52):
and pact of peace. But I pass from that, turning
to Grendel, o giver of treasure, and saying in full
how the fight resulted hand fray of heroes. When Heaven's
jewel had fled o'er far fields, that fierce sprite came
night foe savage to seek us out where safe and
sound we centered the hall to Hanseio. Then was that

(01:33:13):
harassing deadly? His fall there was faded. He first was slain, brooded.
Warrior Grendel on him, turned murderous mouth on our mighty kinsmen,
and all of the brave man's body devoured. Yet none
the earlier, empty handed would the bloody toothed murderer, mindful
of bail outward, go from the gold decked hall. But

(01:33:33):
me he attacked, in his terror of might. With greedy
hand grasped me a glove hung by him, twenty eight
f wide and wondrous, wound with bands and in artful.
Wise it all was wrought by devilish craft of dragon skins.
Me therein an innocent man. The fiendish foe was fain
to thrust with many another he might not sow. When I,

(01:33:56):
all angrily upright, stood, twere long to relate, how that
land destroyer I paid in kind for his cruel deeds.
Yet there, my prince, this people of thine, got fame
by my fighting. He fled away, and a little space
his life preserved. But there stayed behind him. His stronger
hand left, and hear it heartsick. Thence on the floor
of the ocean that outcast fell me. For this struggle.

(01:34:19):
The Silding's friend paid in plenty, with plates of gold,
with many a treasure. When morn had come and we
all at the banquet board sat down, then was song
in glee. The gray haired Silding, much tested, told of
the times of yore, whilst the hero, his heart bestirred,
would of delight. Now lays he chanted of sooth and sadness,

(01:34:40):
or set aright legends of wonder the white hearted king,
Or for years of his youth he would yearn at
times for strength of old struggles. Now stricken with age,
hoary hero, his heart surged full when wise with winters
he wailed their flight. Thus in the hall the whole
of that day, at ease we feasted, till fell o'er
earth another night, anon full ready in greed of vengeance.

(01:35:03):
Grendel's mother set forth all doleful dead was her son
through war, hate of wedgers, Now woman monstrous with fury
fell a foemen. She slew avenged her offspring from as
cheer old loyal counselor life was gone, Nor might they e'en.
When morning broke, those Danish people their death done. Comrade

(01:35:24):
burned with brands on bale fire lay the man they
mourned under mountain streams. She had carried the corpse with
cruel hands for frothgar. That was the heaviest sorrow of
all that had laden the lord of his folk, the leader.
Then by thy life besought me sad was his soul
in the sea waves coil to play the hero and

(01:35:44):
hazard my being for glory of prowess my girden. He
pledged I then in the waters tis widely known that
Seafloor guardian Savage found hand to hand there a while
we struggled Billow's welled blood in the briny hall her head.
I hewed with a hearty blade from Grendel's mother and
gained my life, though not without danger. My doom was

(01:36:05):
not yet Then the haven of heroes. Hilftine's son gave
me in good and great gifts of price twenty nine.
So held this king to the customs, old that I
wanted for not in the wage I gained the meat
of my might. He made me gifts Hilftine's heir for
my own disposal. Now to thee, my prince, I proffer

(01:36:26):
them all gladly give them thy grace alone can find
me favor. Few indeed have I of kinsmen, save Heiglach thee.
Then he bade them bear him the boehead standard, the
battle helm high, and breastplate gray, the splendid sword. Then
spake in form me this wardeer, the wise old Prince

(01:36:47):
Hrothgar gave and his hest He added that its story
be straightway, said to thee awhile It was held by
Hirogar king for long time, lord of the land of Sildings,
yet not to his son. The sovereign left it to
daring hero weird dear as he was to him his
harness of battle. Well hold thou at all, and I
heard that soon passed o'er the path of this treasure,

(01:37:10):
all apple fallow for good steeds, each like the others
arms and horses he gave to the king. So should
kinsman be not we've won another the net of wiles
or with deep his treachery death contrived for neighbor and comrade.
His nephew was ever by hardy Hygelac held full dear,
and each kept watch o'er the other's wheel. I heard

(01:37:32):
too the necklace to h y g d he presented
wonder wrought treasure which Wealthio gave him Sovereign's daughter. Three
steeds he added slender and saddle gay. Since such gift
the gem gleamed bright on the breast of the queen.
Thus showed his strain. The son of Echtheo, as a man,
remarked for mighty deeds and acts of honor at ale.

(01:37:53):
He slew not comrade or kin, nor cruel. His mood,
though of sons of earth, his strength was greatest, a
glorious gift that God had sent the splendid leader. Long
was he spurned and worthless by Giddish warriors held him
at mead. The master of clans failed full oft to
favor at all, slack and shiftless. The strong men deemed

(01:38:13):
him profitless prince. But payment came to the warrior honored
for all his woes. Then the bulwark of earls twenty
nine A bade bring within hardy chieftain Crethel's heirloom, garnished
with gold no geet Air knew in shape of a sword,
a statelier prize. The brand he laid in Beowulf's lap

(01:38:34):
and of hides assigned him seven thousand, twenty nine B.
With house and high seat they held in common land
alike by their line of birth, inheritance home, but hire
the king because of his rule o'er the realm itself.
Now further it fell with the flight of years, with
harryings hoarded that Higlak perished twenty nine sea, and heard

(01:38:56):
read too by hewing of swords under the shield wall
slaughtered lay when him at the van of his victor
folk sought hardy heroes, heathosylphings in arms o'erwhelming heroic's nephew.
Then Beowulf came as king this broad realm to wield,
and he ruled it well. Fifty winters twenty nine d.
A wise old prince warding his land, until one began,

(01:39:17):
in the dark of night a dragon to rage in
the grave on the hill a horde it guarded in
the stone barrow steep a straight path reached it, unknown
to mortals. Some man, however, came by chance that cave
within to the heathen horde twenty nine e. In hand,
he took a golden goblet, nor gave he it back,

(01:39:39):
stole with it away, while the watcher slept by thievish wiles.
For the warden's wrath, Prince and people must pay betimes
triple x. That way he went with no will of
his own, in danger of life, to the dragon's hoard.
But for pressure of peril some princes thane. He fled
in fear the fatal scourge, seeking shelter as tinful man,

(01:40:00):
and entered in at the awful sight, tottered that guest
and terror seized him. Yet the wretched fugitive rallied Anon
from fright and fear. Ere he fled away and took
the cup from that treasure, hoard of such. Besides, there
was store enough heirlooms old the earth below which some
earl forgotten in ancient years. Left the last of his

(01:40:21):
lofty race heedfully there had hidden away dearest treasure, for
death of your had hurried all hence, and he alone
left to live the last of the clan. Weeping his friends,
yet wished to bide, warding the treasure his one delight,
though brief his respite. The barrow new, ready to strand
and sea waves stood anear hard by the headland, hidden

(01:40:43):
and closed. There laid within it his lordly heirlooms, and
heaped hoard of heavy gold, that warden of rings. Few
words he spake, Now hold thou earth, since heroes may
not what earls have owned. Lo burst from thee brave
men brought it. But battle, death, seized and cruel killing
my clansmen all robbed them of life and a liegeman's joys.

(01:41:06):
None have I left to lift the sword or to
cleanse the carven cup of price beaker bright, my brave
are gone, and the helmet hard all haughty with gold
shall part from its plating. Polisher's sleep, who could brighten
and burnish the battle mask? And those weeds of war
that were wont a brave over bicker of shields, the
bite of steel rust with their bearer, the ringed male

(01:41:29):
fares not far with famous chieftain at side of hero.
No harp's delight, no glee, wood's gladness. No good hawk
now flies through the hall, nor horses fleet stamp in
the burgstead. Battle and death, the flower of my race
have reft away, mournful of mood. Thus he moaned his
woe alone for them all, and unblithe wept by day

(01:41:53):
and by night, till death's fell wave overwhelmed his heart.
His horde of bliss, that old ill doer open found
who blazing at twilight the barrows haunteth naked faux dragon
flying by night, folded in fire. The folk of Earth
dread him. Sore tis his doom to seek hord in
the graves and heathen gold, to watch many wintered nor wins.

(01:42:14):
He thereby powerful This plague of the people thus held
the house of the Horde in Earth three hundred winters
till one aroused wrath in his breast to the ruler,
bearing that costly cup, and the king implored for bond
of peace. So the barrow was plundered, borne off was booty.
His boon was granted. That wretched man and his ruler

(01:42:35):
saw first time what was fashioned in far off days.
When the dragon awoke, new woe was kindled o'er the
stone he snuffed the star cart found footprint of Foe,
who so far had gone in his hidden craft by
the creature's head. So may the undoomed easily flee evils
in exile, if only he gained the grace of the wielder,

(01:42:57):
that warden of gold. O'er the ground went seeking, greedy
to find the man who wrought him such wrong. In sleep,
savage and burning the barrow he circled all without nor
was any there none in the waste. Yet war he desired,
was eager for battle. The barrow he entered, sought the cup,
and discovered soon that some one of mortals had searched

(01:43:19):
his treasure. His lordly Gold. The guardian waited ill, and
during till evening came boiling with wrath, was the barrow's keeper,
and fain with flame. The foe to pay for the
deer Cup's loss. Now day was fled as the worm
had wished by its wall. No more was it glad
to bide, But burning flew, folded in flame, a fearful

(01:43:40):
beginning for sons of the soil, And soon it came
in the doom of their lord, to a dreadful end.
Thirty one Then the baleful fiend, its fire belched out,
and bright homes burned. The blaze stood high all landsfolk frighting.
No living thing would that loathly one leave. As aloft
it flew wide was the the dragon's warring scene, its

(01:44:01):
fiendish fury, far and near as the grim destroyer those
Giddish people hated and hounded to hidden lair to its
hoard had hastened at hint of dawn, folk of the land.
It had lapped in flame, with bale and brand in
its barrow. It trusted, its battling and bulwarks. That boast
was vain to beowulf. Then the bale was told quickly

(01:44:24):
and truly the king's own home of buildings. The best
in brand waves melted that gift throne of geats to
the good old man. Sad in heart, twas heaviest sorrow.
The sage assumed that his sovereign god he had angered,
breaking ancient law, and embittered the lord. His breast within
with black thoughts welled as his wont was never the

(01:44:47):
folk's own fastness. That fiery dragon with flame had destroyed,
and the stronghold all washed by waves. But the warlike king,
Prince of the Wedgers, plotted vengeance. Warrior's bulwark, he bare
made them work, all of iron, the Earl's commander, a
warshield wondrous, while he knew that forest wood against fire
were worthless. Lyndon could aid not atheling brave, he was

(01:45:10):
fated to finish this fleeting life thirty one a his
days on earth, and the dragon with him. Though long
it had watched o'er the wealth of the Horde, shame
he reckoned it share of rings to follow the flier
afar with a host a broad flung band. Nor the
battle feared he nor deemed he dreadful. The dragon's warring,
its vigor and valor ventures. Desperate, he had passed a

(01:45:33):
plenty and perils of war, contest, crash. Since conqueror proud
Crothgar's hall, he had wholly purged, and in grapple had
killed the kin of Grendel loathsome breed. Not least was
that of hand to hand fights, where Hygelac fell, when
the ruler of Geats in rush of battle, lord of
his folk in the Frisian land, son of Herethel by

(01:45:54):
sword Droft's dide by Brand's downbeaten. Thence Beowulf fled through
strength of himself and his swimming power, though alone, and
his arms were laden with thirty coats of mail when
he came to the sea. Nor yet might hetwaras thirty
one be the haughtily boast their craft of contest, who
carried against him shields to the fight. But few escaped

(01:46:15):
from strife with the hero to seek their homes. Then
swam over ocean Echthio's son, lonely and sorrowful, seeking his land,
where h y g D made him offer of hoard
and realm rings and royal seat, reckoning not the strength
of her son to save their kingdom from hostile hordes.
After Hayglak's death, No sooner for this could the stricken

(01:46:36):
ones in any wise move that Athlings mind over young
Hardred's head as lord and ruler of all the realm
to be. Yet the hero upheld him with helpful words,
aided in honor till older grown he wielded the wedger gates.
Wandering exiles sought him overseas, the sons of Odora, who
had spurned the sway of the Sylphing's helmet, the bravest

(01:46:56):
and best that broke the rings in Swedish land of
the sea, King's line, haughty hero thirty one sea, hence
Hardred's end for shelter he gave them sword. Death came
the blades fell blow to barn of Heiglac, But the
son of Angentheo sought again house and home. When herdread fell,
leaving Beowulf, lord of geats and gift seats master a

(01:47:19):
good king. He thirty two. The fall of his lord
he was fain to requite in after days, and to
Edgeles he proved friend to the friendless, and forces sent
over the sea to the son of Odra, weapons and
warriors well repaid he those care paths cold when the
king he slew thirty two, a thus save through struggles
the son of Echtheo had passed a plenty through peril's

(01:47:42):
dire with daring deeds till this day was come that
doomed him. Now with the dragon to strive with comrades eleven,
the Lord of Geats, swollen in rage, went seeking the
dragon he had heard. Whence all the harm arose, and
the killing of clansmen, that cup of price on the
lap of the lord had been laid by the fire
in the throng was this one thirteenth man, starter of

(01:48:04):
all the strife and ill, care laden, captive, cringing, thence
forced and reluctant, he led them on till he came
in ken of that cavern hall. The barrow delve near
Billowy surges, flood of ocean within twas full of wire,
gold and jewels. A jealous warden warrior, trusty the treasures
held lurked in his lair, not light the task of

(01:48:25):
entrance for any of earth born men. Sat on the headland.
The hero king spake words of hail to his hearth
companions gold, friend of Geats, all gloomy, his soul wavering,
death bound, w y r d ful nigh stood ready
to greet the gray haired man, to seize his soul.
Hoard sunder apart, life and body not long would be

(01:48:47):
the warrior's spirit and wound with flesh. Beowulf spake the
bern of Echtheo through store of struggles, I strove in
youth mighty feuds. I mind them all. I was seven
years old, and the sovereign of Rings, friend of his
folk for my father took me, had me and held
me Hrethel, the king with food and fee, faithful in

(01:49:08):
kinship ne'er while I lived there, he loathlier found me
barn in the burg than his birthright sons. Here Beald
and Hasten in higelack mine for the eldest of these,
by unmeet chance, by kinsman's deed. Was the death bed
strewn when Haysen killed him with horny bow. His own
dear Liege laid low with an arrow, missed the mark,

(01:49:31):
and his mate shot down one brother the other with
bloody shaft. A feeless fight thirty two be and a
fearful sin horror to Hrethel. Yet hard as it was unavenged,
must the atheling die too awful? It is for an
aged man to bide and bear that his barn so young,
rides on the gallows. A rhyme he makes sorrow song

(01:49:53):
for his son. There hanging as rapture of ravens. No
rescue now can come from the old disabled man. Still
is he minded? As morning breaks of the heir gone
elsewhere thirty two see another, he hopes not. He will
bide to see his burg within as ward for his wealth.
Now the one has found doom of death that the
deed incurred. Forlorn, he looks on the lodge of his son, winehall, waste,

(01:50:16):
and windswept chambers, reft of revel. The writer sleepeth, the
hero far hidden thirty two d And no harp resounds
in the courts, no watle as once was heard. Thirty three.
Then he goes to his chamber, a grief song, chance
alone for his lost two large all seams homestead and house.

(01:50:38):
So the helmet of wedgers hid in his heart, for
here beald waves of woe. No way could he take
to avenge on the slayer's slaughter, so foul, nor ian
could he harass that hero at all with loathing deed,
though he loved him not, And so for the sorrow
his soul endured men's gladness. He gave up in God's light,
chose lands and cities. He left his son as the

(01:51:00):
wealthy do. When he went from earth, there was strife
and struggle TwixT Swede and Geat O'er the width of waters.
War arose hard, battle horror. When Hrethel died and Ongentheo's
offspring grew strife, keen bold nor brooked o'er. The seas
packed of peace, but pushed their hosts to harass in
hatred by friasnavir men of my folk for that feud

(01:51:23):
had vengeance for wofful war tis widely known, though one
of them bought it with blood of his heart, A
bargain hard for Hatson proved fatal. That fray for the
first of Geats at morn I heard was the murderer
killed by kinsmen for kinsmen thirty three a with clash
of sword when Argentheo met eofor there wide split the

(01:51:45):
war helm one he fell hoary sylphing. The hand that
smote him of feud was mindful, nor flinched from the
death blow. For all that he thirty three b gave
me my gleaming sword repaid him at war such power
I wielded for lordly treasure. With land he entrusted me,
homestead and house he had no need from Swedish realm,

(01:52:07):
or from spear Dane folk, or from men of the
gifts to get him help some warrior worse for wage
to buy. Ever, I fought in the front of all
soul to the fore, and so shall I fight while
I bide in life, and this blade shall last. That
early and late hath loyal proved, since for my doubtiness
day Greffen fell slain by my hand. The Hugus champion

(01:52:28):
nor fared. He thence to the Frisian king with the
booty back and breast adornments, but slain in struggle. That
standard bearer fell athling brave. Not with blade was he slain,
but his bones were broken by brawnygripe, his heart waves stilled.
The sword edge now hard blade, and my hand for
the hoard shall strive. Beowulf spake, and a battle vow

(01:52:51):
made his last of all. I have lived through many
wars in my youth. Now once again, old folk defender feud,
will I seek do doughty deeds. If the dark destroyer
forth from his cavern come to fight me, Then hailed
ye the helmeted heroes, all for the last time, greeting
his liegemen dear comrades of war, I should carry no weapon,

(01:53:11):
no sword to the serpent. If sure I knew how
with such enemy, else my vows I could gain as
I did in Grendel's day. But fire in this fight.
I must fear me now and poisonous breath. So I
bring with me breastplate and board thirty three see from
the barrow's keeper, no foot breadth flee iye, one fight
shall end our war by the wall as w y

(01:53:33):
r dallot's all mankind's master. My mood is bold, but
forbears to boast o'er this battling flyer. Now abide by
the barrow, ye breastplate mailed, Ye, heroes in harness, which
of us twain better from battle? Rush? Bear his wounds,
wake ye the finish. The fight is not yours, nor
meet for any but me alone. To measure might with

(01:53:55):
this monster here and play the hero heartily, I shall
win that wealth or war shall seize cruel killing your
king and lord up. Stood then with shield, the sturdy
champion stayed by the strength of his single manhood and heart.
Eat neath helmet, his harness, bore under cleft of the cliffs.
No coward's path soon spied by the wall, that warrior,

(01:54:17):
chief survivor of many a victory field where foemen fought
with furious clashings an arch of stone, and within a
stream that broke from the barrel. The brooklet's wave was
hot with fire. The horde that way. He never could hope, unharmed,
to near or endure those deeps. Thirty three d for
the dragon's flame then let from his breast, for he

(01:54:39):
burst with rage the wedger geek prince a word outgo
stormed the star cart stern went ringing and clear his
cry Neath the cliff rocks gray, the hoard guard heard
a human voice. His rage was enkindled. No respite now
for pact of peace. The poisoned breath of that foul
worm first came forth from the cave hot rea fight.

(01:55:00):
The rocks resounded. Stout by the stone way. His shield
he raised lord of the geats against the loath one,
while with courage keen, that coiled foe came seeking strife.
The sturdy king had drawn his sword, not dull of edge,
heirloom mold, and each of the two felt fear of
his foe. Though fierce their mood, stoutly stood with his

(01:55:22):
shield high, raised the warrior king as the worm now
coiled together a main, the mailed one waited, now spire
by spire, fast sped and glided that blazing serpent. The
shield protected soul and body asshorter. While for the hero
king than his heart desired, could his will have wielded
the welcome respite but once in his life. But w

(01:55:44):
y r D denied it, and victory's honors his arm
he lifted, Lord of the Geats, the grim foe smote
with atheling's heirloom. Its edge was turned brown, blade on
the bone, and bit more feebly than its noble master
had need of. Then in his baleful strength, then the
barrow's keeper waxed full wild, For that weighty blow cast

(01:56:05):
deadly flames wide, drove and far those vicious fires no
victor's glory. The Geats lord boasted his brand had failed,
naked in battle, as never it should excellent iron. Twas
no easy path that Echthio's honored air must tread over
the plain to the place of the foe, For against
his will he must win a home elsewhere, far as

(01:56:26):
must all men leaving this lapsing life. Not long it
was ere those champions grimly closed again. The hoard guard
was heartened high heaved his breast once more, and by
peril was pressed again, enfolded in flames. The foe commander
nor yet about him. His band of comrades, sons of
athlinks arms, stood with warlike front to the woods. They

(01:56:48):
bent them their lives to save, but the soul of
one with care was cumbered. Kinship true can never be
marred in a noble mind. Thirty four Wiglaf. His name
was Weistan's son, Lynden Thane loved the Lord of Sylphings
Elfhir's kinsman, his king. He now saw with heat under helmet,

(01:57:09):
heart oppressed, he minded the prizes his prince had given him.
Wealthy seat of the wag Mounding line, and folk writes
that his father owned not long. He lingered the Linden
yellow his shield. He seized the old sword he drew
as heirloom of Emond. Earth dwellers knew it. Who was
slain by the sword edge son of Odra, friendless exile,

(01:57:30):
burst in fray, killed by Weistan, who won for his kin, brown,
bright helmet, breastplate, ringed old sword of Eden's Onela's gift
weeds of war of the warrior thane battle gear brave.
Though a brother's child had been felled, the feud was
unfelt by Onela thirty four A. Afore winters this wardir
Weistan kept breastplate and board till his baron had grown

(01:57:53):
earlship to earn as the old sire did. Then he
gave him mid geats the gear of battle portion hu Uge.
When he passed from life, fared aged fourth for the
first time. Now with his leader Lord the Liegeman Young
was bidden to share the shock of battle. Neither softened
his soul nor the sire's bequest weakened in war thirty

(01:58:15):
four B. So the worm found out when once in
fight the foes had met Wig Laugh spake, and his
words were sage sad in spirit. He said to his comrades,
I remember the time when bede we took what promise
we made to this prince of ours in the banquet hall,
to our breaker of rings for gear of combat, to
give him requital for hard sword and helmet. If hap

(01:58:36):
should bring strets of this sort. Himself, who chose us
from all his army to aid him, now urged us
to glory and gave these treasures because he counted us
keen with the spear and hearty neath helm. Though this
hero work our leader hoped, unhelped and alone to finish
for us folk defender, who hath got him glory greater
than all men for daring deeds. Now the day is

(01:58:58):
come that our noble master has need of the might
of warriors. Stout. Let us stride along the hero to help,
while the heat is about him, glowing and grim. For
God is my witness. I am far more fain the
fire should seize along with my lord these limbs of
mine thirty four see unsuiting. It seems our shields to
bear homeward. Hence save here we essay to fell the

(01:59:20):
foe and defend the life of the Wedger's lord. I
what twere shame on the law of our land if
alone the king out of Giddish warriors woe endured and
sank in the struggle. My sword and helmet, breastplate and
board for us both shall serve true Slaughteric strode he
to succor his chieftain, his battle helm bore and brief

(01:59:41):
words spake Beowulf dearest, do all bravely as in youthful
days of your thou voust, that while life should last,
thou wouldst let no wise thy glory droop. Now great indeeds,
afling steadfast with all thy strength, shield thy life, I
will stand to help thee At the words, the war
came once again, murderous monster mad with rage, with fire

(02:00:03):
billows flaming its foes to seek the hated men in
heat waves burned that bored thirty four D to the boss,
and the breastplate failed to shelter at all. The spear Thane, young,
yet quickly under his kinsman's shield, went eager the earl,
since his own was now all burned by the blaze.
The bold king again had mind of his glory. With might,

(02:00:26):
his glave was driven into the dragon's head, blown nerve
by hate, but nagling thirty four E was shivered broken
in battle. Was Beowulf's sword old and gray, twas granted him.
Not that ever the edge of iron, that all could
help him at strife. Too strong was his hand, so
the tale is told, and he tried too far with

(02:00:46):
strength of stroke, all swords he wielded, though sturdy their steel,
they stead him. Not then, for the third time, thought
on its feud that folk destroyer fire dread dragon, and
rushed on the hero where room aloud, battle grim burning,
its bitter teeth closed on his neck and covered him
with waves of blood from his breast that welled thirty

(02:01:08):
five twas now men say in his sovereign's need, that
the Earl made known his noble strain craft, in keenness
and courage, enduring, heedless of harm. Though his hand was burned,
hardy hearted, he helped his kinsmen a little lower the
loathsome beast he smote with sword. His steel drove in
bright and burnished. That blaze began to lose and lessen.

(02:01:30):
At last the king wielded his wits again. War knife,
drew a biting blade by his breastplate hanging, and the
wedger's helm smote that worm asunder fell The foe flung
forth its life, so had they killed it. Kinsmen both
Athling's twain. Thus an earl should be in danger's day
of deeds of valor. This conqueror's hour of the king

(02:01:52):
was last of his work in the world. The wound began,
which that dragon of Earth had erst inflicted, to swell
and smart, and soon he found in his breast was boiling,
baleful and deep pain of poison. The prince walked on
wise in his thought to the wall of rock, then
sat and stared at the structure of giants, where arch

(02:02:12):
of stone and steadfast column upheld forever that hall in earth.
Yet here must the hand of the henchman, peerless slave
with water, his winsome lord, the king and conqueror, covered
with blood, with struggle spent and unspan his helmet. Beowulf
spake in spite of his hurt, his mortal wound full well.
He knew his portion now was past and gone of

(02:02:33):
earthly bliss, and all had fled of his file of days,
and death was near. I would fain bestow on son
of mine this gear of war were given me, now
that any heir should after me come of my proper blood.
This people I ruled fifty winters, No folk king was
there none at all of the neighboring clans who war
would wage me with warriors friends thirty five a and

(02:02:56):
threat me with horrors at home. I bided what fate
might come, and I cared for mine own feuds. I
sought not nor falsely swore ever on oath for all
these things, though fatally wounded. Fain am I from the
ruler of man. No wrath shall seize me when life
for my frame must flee away for killing of kinsmen.

(02:03:18):
Now quickly go and gaze on that horde neath the
hoary rock, wiglaf loved. Now the worm lies low, sleeps,
heart sore of his spoil, bereaved and fair in haste,
I would fain behold the gorgeous heirlooms, golden store, have
joy in the jewels and gems, lay down softlier for
sight of this splendid hoard my life and the lordship

(02:03:40):
I long have held. Thirty six. I have heard that
swiftly the son of Weistan had wish and word of
his wounded king, warsick warrior, woven mail coat, battle sark
board neath the barrow's roof. Then the clansmen keen of conquest,
proud passing the seat thirty six a sauce store of
jewels in glistening gold. The ground. Along by the wall

(02:04:02):
were marvels and many a vessel. In the den of
the dragon. The dawn flier, old, unburnished bowls of bygone men,
reft of richness, rusty helms of the olden age and
arm rings, many wondrously woven. Such wealth of gold booty
from barrow can burden with pride each human wight let
him hide it who will? His glance too, fell on

(02:04:23):
a gold wove banner high o'er the Horde of handiwork noblest,
brilliantly broidered, so bright its gleam all the earth floor.
He easily saw and viewed all these vessels. No vestige
now was seen of the serpent. The sword had tain him.
Then I heard the hill of its hord was reft
old work of giants by one alone. He burdened his

(02:04:45):
bosom with beakers and plait at his own good will,
and the ensign took brightest of beacons. The blade of
his lord, its edge was iron, had injured deep one
that guarded the golden Horde many a year, and its
murder fire spread hot round the barrow in horror billows
at midnight hour, till it met its doom. Hasted the
herald the horde so spurred him his track to retrace.

(02:05:08):
He was troubled by doubt. High so old hero, if
haply he'd find alive where he left him, The lord
of wedgers, weakening fast by the wall of the cave.
So he carried the load his lord and king. He
found all bleeding famous chief at the lapse of life.
The liegeman again plashed him with water, till point of

(02:05:28):
word broke through the breast Horde. Beowulf spake sage and
sad as he stared at the gold, for the gold
and treasure, to God, my thanks to the wielder of wonders,
with words I say for what I behold, to Heaven's Lord,
for the grace that I give such gifts to my folk,
or ever the day of my death be run. Now

(02:05:49):
I've bartered here for booty of treasure, the last of
my life. So look ye well to the needs of
my land. No longer I tarry a bear. O bid
ye the battle fanned. Raise from my ashes, twill shine
by the shore of the flood to folk of mine.
Memorial fare on Ron's headland high uplifted that ocean wanderers
oft may hail Beowulf's barrow, as back from far they

(02:06:12):
drive their keels o'er the darkling wave. From his neck,
he unclasped the collar of gold valorous King to his vassal,
gave it with bright gold helmet, breastplate, and ring to
the youthful Thane bade him use them in joy. Thou
art end and remnant of all our race. The wag
mounding name for w y r d hath swept them

(02:06:32):
all my line to the land of doom burls in
their glory, I after them go. This word was the
last which the wise old man harbored in heart, air
hot death, waves of bale fire he chose from his bosom,
fled his soul to seek the saint's reward. Thirty seven.
It was heavy hap for that hero, young on his
lord beloved to look and find him lying on earth,

(02:06:54):
with life at end sorrowful sight. But the slayer too
awful earth t dragon, empty of breath, lay felt in fight,
nor fain of its treasure. Could the writhing monster rule
it more. For edges of iron had ended its days
hard and battle sharp hammers, leaving thirty seven A and
that flier Afar had fallen to ground, hushed by its hurt,

(02:07:16):
its hoard all near no longer lusty, aloft to whirl
at midnight, making its merriment seen, proud of its prizes, prone,
It sank by the handiwork of the hero king forsooth
among folk, but few achieve, though sturdy and strong as
stories tell me, and never so daring indeed a valor
the perilous breath of a poisoned foe to brave and

(02:07:37):
to rush on the ringboard haul whenever his watch the
warden keeps bold in the barrel. Beowulf paid the price
of death for that precious horde, and each of the
foes had found the end of this fleeting life. Befell
ere long that the laggards in wore the wood had
left trothbreakers cowards, ten together, fearing before to flourish a
spear in the sore distress of their sovereign lord. Now

(02:08:01):
in their shame their shields they carried armour of fight.
Where the old man lay, and they gazed on whig
laugh wearied, he sat at his sovereign's shoulder, shields man
good to wake him with water thirty seven b nowise
it availed, though well he wished it in world. No
more could he burier life for that leader of battles,

(02:08:21):
nor baffle the will of all wielding God. Doom of
the Lord was law o'er the deeds of every man,
as it is today, grim was the answer easy to
get from the youth. For those that had yielded to
fear wig. Laugh, spake the son of Weistan, mournful. He
looked on those men unloved, whose sooth will speak, can

(02:08:41):
say indeed that the ruler who gave you golden rings
and the harness of war in which he stand for
he at ale bench oftentimes bestowed on halfolk helm and
breastplate lord to Liegemen. The likeliest gear which nearer afar
he could find to give, threw away and wasted these
weeds of battle on men who failed when the foemen came.

(02:09:02):
Not at all could the king of his comrades in
arms venture to vaunt, though the victory wielder God gave
him grace that he got revenge soul with his sword
in stress and need to rescue his life. Twas little
that I could serve him in struggle. Yet shift I
made hopeless it seemed to help my kinsmen. Its strength
ever waned when with weapon I struck that fatal foe,

(02:09:24):
and the fire less strongly flowed from its head. Too
few the heroes in throe of contest that thronged to
our king. Now gift of treasure and girding of sword,
joy of the house and home, delight shall fail your
folk his freehold land. Every clansman within your kin shall
lose and leave when Lord's high born here afar of
that flight of yours a fameless deed, yea death is

(02:09:47):
better for liegemen all than a life of shame. Thirty
eight that battle toil bade he at Burg to announce
at the fort on the cliff, where full of sorrow,
all the morning earls had sat daring shield men in
doubt of twain. Would they wail as dead or welcome
home their lord beloved little thirty eight A A kept

(02:10:08):
back of the tidings new, but told them all the
herald that up the headland road now the willing giver
to wedger folk. In death bed lies the lord of
Geats on the slaughter bed, sleeps by the serpent's deed,
and beside him is stretched that slayer of men with
knife wounds sick thirty eight b. And no sword availed
on the awesome thing in any wise to work a wound.

(02:10:31):
Their wig laugh sitteth we as ends Baren by Beowulf's side,
the living earl by the other dead, and heavy of heart,
a head watch thirty eight sea keeps o'er friend and foe.
Now our folk may look for waging of war when,
once unhidden to Frisian and Frank, the fall of the
king is spread afar. The strife began when hot on
the Hugos thirty eight d the Hijlac fell and fared

(02:10:54):
with his fleet to the Frisian land him. There the
head were as humbled in war, plied with such prowessed,
their power overwhelming that the bold in battle bowed beneath
it and fell in fight to his friends. No wise
could that earl give treasure. And ever since the Marrowing's
favor has failed us holy nor ought expect eye of

(02:11:14):
peace and faith from Swedish folk. Twas spread afar how
angentio reft at ravenswood hates and hrefling of hope and life.
When the folk of Geats for the first time sought
in wanton pride the warlike sylphings. Soon the sage old
Sire thirty eight E of Odra, ancient and awful, gave
answering blow the Sea King thirty eight f. He slew

(02:11:37):
and his spows redeemed his good wife rescued, though robbed
of her gold, mother of Odra and Onela. Then he
followed his foes, who fled before him, sore beset, and
stole their way, bereft of a ruler, to Ravenswood. With
his host, he besieged there what swords had left. The
weary and wounded was. He threatened the whole night through

(02:11:58):
to that hard pressed throng. Some the morrow his sword
should kill, some should go to the gallows tree for
rapture of ravens. But rescue came with dawn of day
for those desperate men, when they heard the horn of
Hijlac sound tones of his trumpet. The trusty king had
followed their trail with faithful band thirty nine. The bloody
swathe of Swedes and geats and the storm of their

(02:12:20):
strife were seen afar. How folk against folk, the fight
had wakened. The ancient king, with his atheling band, sought
his citadel. Sorrowing much a gentheo Earl went up to
his burg. He had tested Hijlac's hardihood. The proud one's
prowess would prove it no longer defied. No more of
those fighting wanderers, nor hope from the seamen to save

(02:12:41):
his hoard, his bairn, and his bride. So he bent
him again old to his earth walls. Yet after him
came with slaughter for swedes the standards of Hijlac o'er
peaceful plains in pride, advancing till frethlings fought in the
fence town thirty nine, a then ongentheo with edge of
sword the hoary bearded was held at bay, and the

(02:13:03):
folk king there was forced to suffer Eophor's anger in
ire at the king, wolf wandering with weapons struck, and
the chieftain's blood for that blow in streams flowed neath
his hair. No fear felt he stout old sylphing, but
straightway repaid in better bargain that bitter stroke, and faced
his foe with fell intent. Nor swift enough was the

(02:13:25):
son of one red answer to render the aged chief
too soon on his head the helm was cloven, blood bedecked.
He bowed to earth and fell adown. Not doomed was
he yet, and well he waxed, though the wound was sore.
Then the hardy Hijlac Thane thirty nine beat when his
brother fell with broad brand smote Giant's sword, crashing through

(02:13:45):
Giant's helm across the shield wall, sank the king, his
folk's old herdsman fatally hurt. There were many to bind
the brother's wounds and lift him fast, as fate allowed
his people to wield the place of war. But Eophor
took from agenteo gurl from mother the iron breastplate, hard sword,
hilted and helmet too, and the hort chief's harness to

(02:14:07):
Hygelac carried, who took the trappings and truly promised rich
feet mid folk, and fulfilled it. So for that grim
strife gave the Giddish lord Frethel's offspring. When home he
came to Eophor in wolful wealth of treasure. Each of
them had a hundred thousand thirty nine sea in land
and linked rings, nor at less price reckonmit earth men

(02:14:28):
such mighty deeds, and to Eophor he gave his only daughter,
in pledge of grace, the pride of his home. Such
is the feud, the foeman's rage, death, hate of men.
So I deem it sure that the Swedish folk will
seek us home for this fall of their friends. The
fighting Sylphings. When once they learned that our warrior leader
lifeless lies who land and hoard ever defended from all

(02:14:50):
his foes, furthered his folk's wheel, finished his course a
hardy hero. Now haste is best that we go to
gaze on our Giddish lord, and bear the bountiful breaker
of rings to the funeral pyre. No fragments merely shall
burn with the warrior wealth of jewels, gold untold and
gained in terror treasure. At last, with his life obtained,

(02:15:12):
all of that booty the brands shall take, fire shall
eat it. No earl must carry memorial jewel. No maiden
fairs shall wreathe her neck with noble ring. Nay sad
in spirit and shorn of her gold oft shall she
pass over paths of exile. Now, our Lord, all laughter
has laid aside, all mirth and revel many a spear

(02:15:33):
morning cold shall be clasped to maine, lifted aloft, Nor
shall lilt of harp those warriors wake, But the wan
hued raven fain o'er the fallen his feast shall praise
and boast to the eagle, how bravely he ate when
he and the wolf were wasting the slain so he
told his sorrowful tidings, and little thirty nine d he
lied the loyal man of word or of work. The

(02:15:56):
warriors rose sad. They climbed to the cliff of eagles,
went welling with tears the wonder to view found on
the sand There stretched at rest their lifeless lord, who
had lavished rings of old upon them, ending they had
dawned on the doughty one death had seized and woful
slaughter the Wedger's king. There saw they, besides the strangest,

(02:16:19):
being loathsome lying their leader near prone on the field.
The fiery dragon, fearful fiend with flame, was scorched, reckoned
by feet. It was fifty measures in length as it
lay aloft air, while it had reveled by night and
anon come back seeking its den. Now in death sure clutch,
it had come to the end of its earth hall

(02:16:41):
joys by it. There stood the stoops and jars dishes
lay there, and dear decked swords eaten with rust as
on Earth's lap, resting a thousand winters. They waited there
for all that heritage huge, that gold of bygone men,
was bound by a spell thirty nine e. So the
treasure hall could be touched by none of human kind,

(02:17:02):
save that Heaven's king, God himself might give whom he
would helper of heroes the hoard to open, even such
a man as seemed to him meet excel a perilous path.
It proved Heath forty a trod, who heinously hid that
hall within wealth under wall. Its watcher had killed one
of a few forty b and the feud was avenged

(02:17:24):
in wafful fashion. Wondrous seems it what manner a man
of might and valor oft ends his life when the
earl no longer in meat hall may live with loving friends.
So Beowulf, when that barrow's warden he sought, and the
struggle himself knew not in what wise he should wend
from the world. At last, for forty c. Prince's podent,

(02:17:46):
who placed the gold with a curse to doomsday, covered
it deep, so that marked with sin, the man should
be hedged with horrors in hell. Bond's fast racked with plagues,
who should rob their hoard? Yet no greed for gold,
but the grace of Heaven. Ever the king had kept
in view. Forty d Wiglaf spake, the son of Weistan

(02:18:08):
at the mandate of one oft warriors. Many sorrow must suffer,
and so must we the people. Shepherd showed not aught
of care for our counsel. King beloved that guardian of
gold he should grapple, not urged we, but let him
lie where he long had been, in his earth hall,
waiting the end of the world, the hest of heaven.

(02:18:28):
This horde is ours, but grievously gotten too grim the
fate which thither carried our King and Lord. I was
within there, and all I viewed the chamber treasure when
chance allowed me, and my path was made in no
pleasant wise under the earth wall. Eager I seized such
heap from the hoard as hands could bear, and hurriedly

(02:18:49):
carried it hither back to my liege and Lord alive.
Was he still still wielding his wits. The wise old
man spake much in his sorrow, and sent you greetings,
and bade that ye build. When he breathed no more
on the place of his bail fire a barrow high memorial,
mighty of men, was he worthiest warrior wide earth o'er

(02:19:09):
the while he had joy of his jewels and burgh.
Let us set out in haste. Now the second time
to see and search this store of treasure. These wall
had wonders the way I show you where gathered near,
ye may gaze your fill at broad gold and rings.
Let the bier soon made be all in order. When
out we come our king and captain, to carry thither

(02:19:31):
man beloved, where long he shall bide safe in the
shelter of sovereign God. Then the Baron of Weistan bade
command hearty chief to heroes many that owned their homesteads
hither to bring firewood from far o'er the folk they
ruled for the famed one's funeral, fire shall devour and
wan flame's feet on the fearless warrior who oft stood

(02:19:52):
stout in the iron shower. When sped from the string,
a storm of arrows shot o'er the shield wall. The
shaft held firm feetly feathered. Followed the barb and now
the sage young son of Weistan seven chose of the
chieftain's thains the best he found that banned within, and
went with these warriors. One of eight, under hostile roof

(02:20:14):
in hand, one bore a lighted torch and led the way.
No lots they cast for keeping the hoard. When once
the warriors saw it in hall, all together without a guardian,
lying their lost and little they mourned. When they had
hastily hailed it out, dear bought treasure the dragon. They
cast the worm o'er the wall for the wave to take,

(02:20:34):
and surges swallowed that shepherd of gems. Then the woven
gold on a wain was laden countless quite, and the
king was born hoary hero to Ron's nests sly then
fashioned for him the folk of geats firm on the
earth of funeral pile, and hung it with helmets and
harness of war, and breastplates bright as the boon. He asked,

(02:20:55):
and they laid amid it, the mighty chieftain heroes, mourning
their mass deer. Then on the hill that hugest of
bale fires, the warriors wakened. Wood smoke rose black over blaze,
and blent was the roar of flame, with weeping. The
wind was still till the fire had broken the frame
of bones. Hot at the heart. In heavy mood, their

(02:21:17):
misery moaned day their master's death, wailing her woe. The
widow forty one a old, her hair upbound for Beowulf's death,
sung in her sorrow, and said full off. She dreaded
the doleful days to come. Death's a ow and doom
of battle and shame. The smoke by the sky was devoured.

(02:21:37):
The folk of the Wedgers fashioned there on the headland
a barrow, broad and high by ocean farers far descried.
In ten days time their toil had raised it. The
battle braves beacon round brands of the pyre wall. They
built the worthiest ever that which could prompt in their
wisest men. They placed in the barrow that precious booty,
the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile hardy

(02:22:00):
heroes from hoard in cave, trusting the ground with treasure
of earls, gold in the earth wherever it lies useless
to men as of year. It was then about that
barrow the battle keen road Athling borne a band of
twelve lament to make to mourn their king, chant, their dirge,
and their chieftain honor. They praised his earlship, his acts

(02:22:22):
of prowess worthily witnessed, and well it is that men
their master friend mightily laud heartily love, when hence he
goes from life in the body forlorn away. Thus made
their mourning, the men of Geatland for their heroes passing
his hearth. Companions quoth that of all the kings of Earth,
of men, he was mildest and most beloved to his kin,
the kindest, keenest for praise the end. Thanks for listening,

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