Section XLI

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.

Ongentheo flees to the earth-wall with his family and treasure, and the Geats under Higelac pursue him and his army across the fields.

Wulf, son of Wonred, assaults the old Swedish king with his weapon, causing blood to flow from his body.

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.

Eofor, Wulf's brother, strikes the old king with a giant ancient sword over the shield-wall, piercing him fatally.

After Ongentheo falls, attendants retrieve his body and Eofor strips him of his iron armor, sword hilt, and helmet.

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.

The messenger predicts that the Swedes will seek revenge against the Geats now that Beowulf, their great protector, has fallen.

The messenger urges the warriors to hasten to view their fallen lord and prepare him for the funeral pyre.

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.

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.

The narrator affirms that the messenger speaks truthfully about destiny and matters of import, with few lies among his words.

The troops sadly gather beneath the Eagle's Cape, weeping as they come to see Beowulf's lifeless body on the sand.

The warriors also observe the fire-spewing dragon lying dead on the field, fifty feet long and now rendered powerless by death.

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.

The ancient gold and treasure were guarded by magic, and no mortal could touch the treasure-hall except by God's will.