Section XLIII
Beowulf is cremated with honor; a memorial barrow is built and filled with precious treasures.
10 argumentative units
- 01Preparation of Beowulf's funeral pyre
The Geatish folk prepare a strong pile for burning Beowulf's body, adorned with helmets, shields, and burnished armor as the hero had requested.
- 02Beowulf placed on the pyre
Wailing war-heroes lay their beloved chieftain and liegelord in the middle of the funeral pyre.
- 03The funeral fire consumes Beowulf's body
Soldiers ignite the largest funeral fire, with smoke and flames rising as wind subsides and the warriors weep, until the fire breaks apart the bones of the fallen leader.
- 04Warriors express their grief
The men-leaders mourn their lord's destruction in spirit, and a mournful widow sings measures of grief (with text notably missing in the manuscript).
- 05Construction of the memorial barrow
The Weders build a high and extensive hill visible from a distance to honor their lord, surrounding it with a wall in ten days as wisely planned.
- 06Precious treasures placed in the barrow
Rings, jewels, and all ornaments previously won by war-mooded men are entrusted to the earth in the barrow, where they remain useless to mortals.
- 07Twelve chiefs ride around the barrow
Twelve chiefs of the people ride around the dead-mound to honor their fallen leader.
- 08Warriors mourn and commemorate Beowulf in verse
The doughty warriors lament their ruler, speak in measure, mention him with pleasure, weigh his worth and warlike achievements, and commend him mightily as is proper when a lord passes from life.
- 09The Geats express their love for their fallen lord
The fond-loving Geatish vassals lament the fall of their lord in a unified expression of grief.
- 10Beowulf characterized as an ideal king
The warriors describe Beowulf as the kindest of kings, gentlest of men, most winning in manner, friendliest to his people, and fondest of honor.