Section XLI
The messenger recounts the ancient feuds between Swedes and Geats, and Higelac's past battles.
16 argumentative units
- 01Account of the ancient feud between Swedes and Geats
The messenger describes the blood-stained history of conflict between the two peoples and recounts how the worthy Ongentheo heard of Higelac's prowess and grew fearful of resistance.
- 02Ongentheo's retreat and the pursuit
Ongentheo flees to the earth-wall with his family and treasure, and the Geats under Higelac pursue him and his army across the fields.
- 03Wulf's initial attack on Ongentheo
Wulf, son of Wonred, assaults the old Swedish king with his weapon, causing blood to flow from his body.
- 04Ongentheo's fierce counterattack against Wulf
Despite his age, the gray-haired Ongentheo responds with a powerful blow, splitting Wulf's helmet and causing him to stagger and fall, though he survives.
- 05Eofor delivers the fatal blow to Ongentheo
Eofor, Wulf's brother, strikes the old king with a giant ancient sword over the shield-wall, piercing him fatally.
- 06Eofor takes the slain king's armor and weapons
After Ongentheo falls, attendants retrieve his body and Eofor strips him of his iron armor, sword hilt, and helmet.
- 07Higelac's generous rewards to the brothers
Higelac receives Eofor's trophy and rewards both brothers with vast treasures of land and rings, along with giving his only daughter to Eofor in marriage.
- 08The messenger warns of future Swedish vengeance
The messenger predicts that the Swedes will seek revenge against the Geats now that Beowulf, their great protector, has fallen.
- 09Exhortation to pay final respects to Beowulf
The messenger urges the warriors to hasten to view their fallen lord and prepare him for the funeral pyre.
- 10The treasures will be consumed by the funeral fire
The messenger states that all of Beowulf's gold and rings, purchased at great cost, will be devoured by the flames and none will adorn his people.
- 11Description of the people's grief and loss of joy
The messenger depicts the sorrowful aftermath: women will be bereft of gold, exiled and wandering, and the warrior culture of music and merriment will be replaced by war and death.
- 12The messenger's credibility regarding fate and words
The narrator affirms that the messenger speaks truthfully about destiny and matters of import, with few lies among his words.
- 13The warriors approach to witness their dead king
The troops sadly gather beneath the Eagle's Cape, weeping as they come to see Beowulf's lifeless body on the sand.
- 14Description of the dragon's death and size
The warriors also observe the fire-spewing dragon lying dead on the field, fifty feet long and now rendered powerless by death.
- 15Inventory of the magical hoard
The passage describes the treasure surrounding the dragon: beakers, vessels, weapons eaten by rust, and gold that rested in the earth for a thousand years.
- 16The hoard was protected by magical enchantment
The ancient gold and treasure were guarded by magic, and no mortal could touch the treasure-hall except by God's will.