Section IV

Hrothgar, a kinsman of Healfdene, is trapped in endless sorrow with no means of escape from Grendel's persecution; the suffering imposed upon his people is both loathsome and unrelenting.

Beowulf, a Geatish hero of great strength and nobility, hears of Grendel's deeds and Hrothgar's troubles while at home.

Upon hearing of the situation, Beowulf resolves to seek out the Danish war-king across the ocean to provide the assistance he needs.

Beowulf's companions, though they love him, offer little objection to the perilous project and instead encourage him with auguries of glory.

Beowulf carefully selects fourteen trustworthy warriors most likely to prove reliable for the dangerous journey.

A skilled sea-faring man shows them a suitable vessel, which is quickly loaded with armor and treasure, and the warriors board the ship for their voyage.

The ship, foam-necked and bird-like, sails swiftly across the ocean, covering in twenty-four hours the distance to the shores of Hrothgar's dominions.

Beowulf's men reach the mainland, secure their vessel, and give thanks for their safe passage over the waters.

A Danish coast guard stationed at the cliff edge observes the armed warriors disembarking and grows curious about their identity.

The coast guard demands to know who these mail-covered warriors are, reminding them of his duty as strand-warden to protect Danish territories from invasion.

The coast guard remarks that he has never seen a more impressive figure than one among their number, a hero of evident nobility and martial bearing who appears no mere common warrior.

The coast guard insists they must openly declare their origin and intentions before proceeding further into Danish territory, warning them against deception.