Section X

Beowulf claims his sword served him faithfully in repaying enemies who caused him sorrow, preventing them from feasting on him or his companions.

Beowulf describes wounding and killing sea-monsters early in the morning with his blade, leaving them stretched on the ocean shore so travelers could sail safely.

Light came from the east as God's beacon, the waves calmed, and Beowulf could see the rocky cliffs, demonstrating that fate often saves the brave and valiant hero.

Beowulf claims to have slain nine nickers (sea-creatures) in a nighttime struggle, a feat harder than any he has heard of regarding creatures in the ocean waves.

Despite his wounds and exhaustion, Beowulf escaped the sea-monsters' grip and was carried by the currents and weltering waves to the land of the Finns.

Beowulf challenges Unferth directly, claiming no word has been told of Unferth or Breca performing such fearless sword-deeds in battle as Beowulf himself has done.

Beowulf accuses Unferth of killing his brothers and kinsmen with cold-blooded cruelty, condemning him to eternal damnation in hell despite his reputation for wisdom.

Beowulf argues that if the Danes fought with true courage and ferocity, Grendel would not have harried Heorot so terribly; the demon fears nothing from them because they lack the fierce hatred needed.

Beowulf states that Grendel slaughters and feasts on the Danes without fear, exacting oaths and showing no mercy because they present no real challenge.

In contrast to the Danes' weakness, Beowulf asserts that the Geats' valor and courage will soon venture to grapple with Grendel and prove their warrior worth.

Beowulf promises that after the second day breaks with morning light, any warrior will be able to go unmolested to the mead-banquet.

The gray-haired Danish ruler becomes blithesome and joyous, comforted by Beowulf's bold resolution and confident that help is coming.

The heroes laugh loudly and the words exchanged are winning and pleasing, creating a joyful atmosphere in the hall.

The queen, mindful of courtesy, greets the men in the building with gold decorations and presents the beaker first to her husband, the lord of the kingdom.

The Helmingish queen graciously circulates among the lesser and greater liegemen, tendering treasure-cups in a gesture of noble generosity.

Wealhtheow presents the overflowing beaker to Beowulf, the Geat-prince, and thanks God that her wish is accomplished—that she has found solace in sorrow through his arrival.

Beowulf accepts the beaker from the queen and, equipped for combat, speaks to her of his purpose.

Beowulf swears that he boarded his ship intending to fulfill the people's will either through glorious deeds of daring prowess or by falling in battle and losing his life in the mead-hall.

Beowulf's words and boast please the lady greatly, and she returns to sit beside her husband adorned with gold trappings.

The hall fills again with courtly discussion and conquerors' shouting as the heroes are happy, continuing until Hrothgar prepares to retire for rest.

The horrid hell-monster understands that a fight is determined because the sun sets, darkness falls over all, and shadowy shapes move about the hall.

As Hrothgar departs to sleep, he formally entrusts the noble hall to Beowulf alone, as he has never done with anyone else, charging him to be mindful of honor and prowess and to watch against the enemy.