Section IX

The narrator establishes that Unferth, a thane of Hrothgar, is jealous of Beowulf's glory and undertakes to challenge him through taunting.

Unferth directly challenges Beowulf by asking if he is indeed the one who competed with Breca in a swimming contest on the sea.

Unferth argues that undertaking such a perilous ocean journey was mere vanity and that no one could dissuade them from this dangerous act.

Unferth recounts the seven-night ordeal in winter waters, establishing the difficulty and length of the competition.

Unferth states that Breca surpassed Beowulf by swimming faster and reached the shore of the Heathoremes first, then returned to his own land.

Unferth affirms that Breca, son of Beanstan, successfully completed his journey and returned to his people with glory and wealth.

Unferth concludes his taunt by suggesting that Grendel will defeat Beowulf even more thoroughly than Breca did, if Beowulf dares face the monster.

Beowulf begins his rebuttal by dismissing Unferth's words as drunken rambling, claiming he cannot speak coherently due to beer.

Beowulf contradicts Unferth's account, claiming he actually possessed greater strength and endurance in the water than Breca did.

Beowulf clarifies that both he and Breca made an agreement in their youth to venture on the ocean together, and they fulfilled it.

Beowulf recounts that he and Breca swam with drawn swords, prepared to defend themselves against sea creatures.

Beowulf insists that neither he nor Breca could exceed the other in swimming ability, establishing their equality in the contest.

Beowulf clarifies the duration and conditions of their swimming, noting they remained together for five nights until currents separated them.

Beowulf emphasizes the harsh winter conditions, violent winds, and angry waves that made the ordeal even more dangerous.

Beowulf explains that his braided battle-sark and corslet protected him from attack and aided him during the ordeal.

Beowulf reveals that a terrible sea-creature seized him and dragged him down, but he slew it with his weapon.