Section XXIV

Beowulf discovers an ancient, oversized sword among war-treasures—a supreme weapon wrought by giants that no ordinary man could wield.

Beowulf seizes the sword-hilt and, though hopeless of living, boldly and furiously brandishes the weapon against the female monster.

The sword pierces through the monster's bone-joints and body; she falls dead, and Beowulf exults as the blade grows bright with her blood.

Beowulf searches the lair and determines to repay Grendel for his many murderous attacks on the Danes, including slaying and devouring Hrothgar's men in their sleep.

Beowulf discovers Grendel lying dead and weary from their earlier battle, bearing the mortal wounds dealt by sword-strikes.

Hrothgar's men notice the sea growing turbulent and gory, a sign that Beowulf has engaged in fierce combat below.

The gray-haired elders, witnessing the gore-soaked waters, conclude that Beowulf will not return and that the sea-monster has killed him.

At the ninth hour, the Scyldings depart for home, while the strangers sit sorrowfully by the sea, having lost hope of seeing their beloved lord again.

The blade begins to shrivel and melt—a miraculous occurrence attributed to the toxic blood of the creature, like ice melting when God unbinds the frost.

Though surrounded by treasures in the lair, Beowulf takes only Grendel's head and the decorative sword-hilt as proof of his deed.

Having completed his combat, Beowulf swims upward through the water as the spirit of the dead monster departs, and the sea becomes clear.

The hero swims to land with vigor, bearing the heavy trophies; his men rejoice and thank God at his safe return.

The warriors quickly disarm their hero and observe that the ocean water is putrid and stained with gore from the underwater battle.

Beowulf and his men retrace their path overland in cheerful spirits, with brave warriors bearing the grim trophy of Grendel's head.

The immense head requires the labor of four warriors to carry it upright on a spear, demonstrating the monster's enormous size.

Beowulf, adorned with distinction and valor, enters the mead-hall to present himself and his victory to the Danish king.

The head of Grendel, suspended by its hair on a spear, is brought into the beer-hall as a wonderful and terrible sight for all to witness.