Section XXV

Beowulf explains that he barely survived the underwater combat and only succeeded because God provided him a giant's sword when his own weapon failed, emphasizing divine assistance rather than personal prowess alone.

Beowulf assures the Danish king that Heorot and his people are now safe from the direction of the monsters, ending the threat they previously faced.

Beowulf gives Hrothgar the gold-hilted ancient sword that he used to defeat Grendel and his mother, which had belonged to giants and is now transferred to the Danish king.

Hrothgar studies the sword and its runic inscriptions, which reveal it was originally made for giants who were drowned by God for defying His will, establishing its divine and historical significance.

Hrothgar commends Beowulf for his fairness, truth, and strength combined with prudence, noting his fame extends across all nations and pledging eternal gratitude and support.

Hrothgar presents Heremod as a cautionary example of a king who possessed great strength and status but grew murderous and refused to reward his followers, ultimately dying lonely despite his power.

Hrothgar explicitly instructs Beowulf to learn from Heremod's failure by embracing virtue, emphasizing this moral lesson despite his advanced age.

Hrothgar describes how God grants wisdom, wealth, property, and kingship to humans as acts of grace, allowing them to experience earthly delights and authority.

Hrothgar argues that when a powerful ruler lacks wisdom and becomes arrogant, prosperity itself becomes dangerous, as the soul's guard sleeps and evil approaches unnoticed.