Section XXIX
Beowulf is received by King Higelac with great honor and recounts his adventures to the Geat lord.
8 argumentative units
- 01Beowulf's journey to Higelac
Beowulf and his companions depart from Heorot, travel along the seashore, and arrive at the court of King Higelac, where his arrival is announced.
- 02Beowulf received with honor at Higelac's court
Beowulf is seated by Higelac with honor; Queen Hygd passes through the hall distributing mead-cups to the warriors.
- 03Higelac expresses curiosity and asks Beowulf about his journey
Higelac questions Beowulf about his adventures, admitting he had worried greatly and prayed for Beowulf's safe return from his perilous mission.
- 04Beowulf begins to narrate his encounter with Grendel
Beowulf declares that his meeting with Grendel is widely known and recounts how he avenged the creature's afflictions upon the Danes.
- 05Hrothgar's cordial reception of Beowulf
Beowulf describes how Hrothgar received him graciously, seating him with honor and creating great joy among the assembled warriors.
- 06Queen Wealhtheow's honorable treatment of Beowulf
Beowulf recounts how the queen passed through the hall, honored the young warriors, and distributed valuable ring-bands to the heroes.
- 07Description of Hrothgar's daughter Freaware and her betrothal to Ingeld
Beowulf describes Hrothgar's daughter Freaware carrying the ale-vessel to the nobles and notes that she is betrothed to Ingeld of the Froda to unite the Danes and Heathobards.
- 08Skepticism about peace through marriage
Beowulf expresses doubt about whether Freaware's marriage will truly bring lasting peace, suggesting that old hostilities rarely cease for long despite the bride's merits.