Section VII

Hrothgar establishes his prior knowledge of Beowulf by recalling that his father was Ecgtheow and that he was granted a daughter by Hrethel, identifying Beowulf as the son of a man he knew.

Hrothgar cites reports from seafaring sailors that Beowulf carries the strength of thirty men in his hands, establishing his exceptional physical power.

Hrothgar interprets Beowulf's arrival as divine providence, believing that the Holy Creator sent him specifically to aid the West-Danes against Grendel's threat.

Wulfgar relays Hrothgar's welcome and invites Beowulf's party to enter the hall armed but leaving their weapons at the door to confer with the king.

Beowulf and his men are escorted into Heorot by Wulfgar, proceeding in full armor until they stand before the king in the great hall.

Beowulf greets Hrothgar respectfully, identifying himself as kinsman of Higelac and declaring his willingness to aid against Grendel's threat.

Beowulf reports that he learned of Grendel's depredations from seafarers in his distant homeland and understood that the great hall Heorot now stands empty and useless.

Beowulf states that his most excellent advisors urged him to travel to Denmark to aid Hrothgar, having witnessed his strength in past contests.

Beowulf describes his youthful feat of emerging victorious from combat with five giants, destroying the giant-race and slaying water-creatures (nickers) that had plagued his people.

Beowulf commits to managing the fight with Grendel by himself, though his war-band will assist, and requests Hrothgar's permission to purify Heorot without the king's direct aid.

Beowulf notes that Grendel recklessly fights without weapons, and therefore he will likewise scorn blade and shield to face the creature on equal terms.

Beowulf declares that foeman must grapple with foeman, and that the Lord will determine which one death takes in this struggle.

Beowulf predicts that should he lose the fight, Grendel will devour his Geat warriors in the war-hall as he has consumed Dane thanes, just as he has done repeatedly in the past.

Beowulf requests that Hrothgar not trouble himself with arranging a funeral for him, as Grendel will consume his body entirely if death overtakes him.

Beowulf requests that should he fall in battle, his armor—the precious ring-mail inherited from Hrethla and made by Wayland—be sent back to his king Higelac.

Beowulf concludes his speech by invoking the principle that Weird (fate) must proceed as it will, accepting whatever destiny awaits him.