Section XVIII
The Finn episode continues with the tragedy's conclusion and the banquet resumes.
15 argumentative units
- 01Narrative conclusion of the Finn episode
The passage narrates the climactic end of the Finn story: Hengest's long winter confinement in Friesland, his brewing desire for vengeance, the battle where Guthlaf and Oslaf avenge Hnæf's death, Finn's slaughter, and the Danes' pillaging and return home.
- 02Hengest's enforced stay through winter
The poem describes Hengest's inability to leave Friesland during winter, trapped by ice-locked waters and winter storms despite his desire to return to his homeland.
- 03Waiting for favorable season
The passage marks the turning of seasons and the arrival of favorable weather, which finally makes Hengest's departure from Finn's palace possible.
- 04Hengest's hidden vengeance plot
Rather than focusing on escape, Hengest instead broods intensely on plans of vengeance against the Frisians and schemes to remember the slaughter of the Jutes.
- 05The gift of the sword Láfing
Hun, the Frisian, gives Hengest the famous sword Láfing, an act that enables the violent revenge that follows.
- 06Finn's death in battle
The poem describes how Guthlaf and Oslaf provoke the remembrance of Hnæf's slaughter, igniting a fury that seizes Finn and leads to his death and that of his comrades.
- 07Danish seizure of Finn's treasures and return
The Scylding Danes plunder Finn's palace of its treasures and the queen, carrying all back to Denmark, completing the episode.
- 08The lay's conclusion and banquet resumption
The gleeman finishes the tale and the hall resounds with renewed revelry and feasting as wine is served and celebration continues.
- 09Queen Wealhtheow's ceremonial entrance
The queen enters the hall wearing her gold crown and approaches where Hrothgar sits beside his nephew Hrothulf in a moment of mutual peace.
- 10Character description of Unferth
The passage notes that Unferth the spokesman sits at Hrothgar's feet, trusted for his brave spirit despite having failed in faith to his kinsmen in battle.
- 11Wealhtheow's exhortation to generosity
The queen urges Hrothgar to give the beaker to the Geatmen with gracious hospitality and generous gifts, now that Heorot is cleansed and he has peace on all sides.
- 12Wealhtheow's counsel on kingdom succession
The queen advises Hrothgar to bequeath his kingdom and people to his kinsmen before going to the Wielder's splendor, ensuring proper succession.
- 13Wealhtheow's confidence in Hrothulf's fidelity
The queen expresses her trust that the noble young Hrothulf will faithfully care for and honor the realm and Hrothgar's offspring if the king dies before him.
- 14Wealhtheow recalls past generosity toward Hrothulf
The queen reminds Hrothulf of the favors and honors she and Hrothgar bestowed upon him in his infancy, appealing to his gratitude and loyalty.
- 15Wealhtheow's sons and Beowulf positioned together
The queen turns to where her sons Hrethric and Hrothmund sit among the young warriors, with Beowulf the Geatman seated between the two brothers.