Section VIII
Hrothgar continues speaking, recounting Grendel's horrors while heroes feast and make boasts.
9 argumentative units
- 01Hrothgar's greeting and statement of purpose
Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf, acknowledging that he has come to aid the Danes in their defense.
- 02Hrothgar recounts Beowulf's father's feud with the Wilfings
Hrothgar reminds Beowulf that his father Ecgtheow killed Heatholaf and was forced to flee, eventually taking refuge with the Danes.
- 03Ecgtheow's flight to the Danes and Hrothgar's assistance
Hrothgar recalls how Ecgtheow fled to the South-Danes, where Hrothgar was newly established as king, and how Hrothgar settled the feud by sending treasures to the Wilfings.
- 04Hrothgar describes Grendel's devastating attacks on Heorot
Hrothgar laments the grief and horror caused by Grendel's relentless attacks, explaining how his war-band has been wasted and diminished by the monster.
- 05Appeal to divine power to end Grendel's attacks
Hrothgar asserts that God can easily stop Grendel from committing such terrible deeds.
- 06Criticism of warriors' boasts that have failed in execution
Hrothgar notes that his intoxicated thanes have repeatedly boasted in the mead-hall that they would face Grendel, but have failed to execute these boasts when the monster attacks.
- 07Hrothgar exhorts Beowulf to sit and display his prowess
Hrothgar invites Beowulf to feast and demonstrate his combat prowess and reputation to the assembled heroes.
- 08Preparation of the feast for Beowulf and the Geats
A bench is prepared in the beer-hall for Beowulf and his men, and a servant begins distributing drink and entertainment.
- 09The gleeman sings to entertain the assembly
A gleeman performs song in Heorot while the assembled heroes celebrate together.