Section XLIII

The Geatish folk prepare a strong pile for burning Beowulf's body, adorned with helmets, shields, and burnished armor as the hero had requested.

Wailing war-heroes lay their beloved chieftain and liegelord in the middle of the funeral pyre.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Twelve chiefs of the people ride around the dead-mound to honor their fallen leader.

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.

The fond-loving Geatish vassals lament the fall of their lord in a unified expression of grief.

The warriors describe Beowulf as the kindest of kings, gentlest of men, most winning in manner, friendliest to his people, and fondest of honor.