Section XVII

Hrothgar's athing gives costly gift-tokens and heirlooms to each of Beowulf's companions on the mead-bench.

Gold is to be given to compensate for the warrior killed by Grendel, as would have been the case for many more had not God and Beowulf's courage intervened.

The narrator reflects that foresight and insight are essential for all people enduring in this woeful world.

The hall fills with music and merriment as Hrothgar's scop is about to recite tales of Finn's kinsmen and their fate.

Hnæf, the Danish general, was fated to perish on the Frisian field in a surprise attack while staying at Finn's castle.

Hildeburg, wife of Finn and sister of Hnæf, cannot approve of the Jutes' faith as she is bereft of her brothers and sons, suffering the cruelest loss.

The daughter of Hoce mourns the decree of God when morning reveals the destruction of her brothers and sons, the loss of her greatest earthly joys.

Finn's forces are nearly annihilated in the conflict, leaving him unable to resist Hengest's offensive or protect his remaining warriors.

The Frisians and Danes agree to terms: to prepare a hall where they will share power, with Folcwalda's son honoring the Danes daily with equal gifts.

Finn swears a solemn, irrevocable oath to well care for the remnant of Danes, counseled by his Witan, and no one shall weaken this agreement through words or deeds.

Though reaved of their lord and following their ruler's slayer, the Danes are bound by fate to remain as vassals under the new arrangement.

The oath stipulates that any Frisian who taunts about the quarrel shall face deadly retaliation, thus binding both parties to silence about past wrongs.

The finest Scylding warriors are prepared for the funeral pyre, with their blood-stained armor and slain bodies visible, showing the magnitude of losses on both sides.

Hildeburg orders her own son to be burned on the pyre alongside Hnæf, weeping on his shoulder as he is carried to the fire, exemplifying her total devastation.

The greatest funeral fire crackles and rages, with bodies melting, skulls bursting, and blood coursing from fierce wounds as the fire consumes the bravest of both peoples.