Section XXXV

Hrethel grieves for his son Herebald and, unable to exact vengeance on his killer, abandons joy and relinquishes his lands to his sons before dying.

Following Hrethel's death, enmity erupts between the Swedes and Geats, with Ongentheow's sons launching brutal attacks around Hreosna-beorh.

Beowulf recounts how his kinsman avenged the feud, though the struggle proved fatal to Hæthcyn, lord of the Geats, when Ongentheow slew him in combat.

Beowulf declares he repaid Hrethel's gifts of land and treasure through unwavering military service and loyalty, always fighting in the vanguard.

Beowulf recounts how he killed Dæghrefn, a Frisian knight, using wrestling rather than a weapon, preventing him from bringing spoils to his king.

Beowulf declares he has fought countless battles in youth and remains willing to seek glory and perform heroic deeds as his people's guardian.

Beowulf bids farewell to his trusted followers and explains his decision to face the dragon without a blade, relying instead on his skill in wrestling.

Beowulf expects intense fire and flame in the coming battle and thus wears armor and shield, refusing to retreat from the dragon's lair.

Beowulf commits the battle's outcome to Fate and divine will, expressing his readiness to face his destiny.

Beowulf orders his companions to wait in armor while he alone measures his strength against the monster, as only he can undertake this feat.

The mighty Beowulf rises, takes up his shield, and advances alone toward the barrow, relying solely on his own strength.

The text describes the barrow's location with stone arches and a brook fuming with dragon-fire, creating a perilous environment impossible to approach without burning.

Beowulf, seized by fury, shouts under the stone arches with his battle-clear voice, challenging the dragon from afar.

The dragon recognizes human speech from the barrow and emerges, knowing the time for friendship has passed, breathing vaporous war-sweat.

Beowulf raises his shield against the dragon while the creature readies itself for struggle, both prepared for conflict.

Beowulf wields his ancient, sharp-edged heirloom sword, striking terror into both himself and the dragon as mutual dread grips them.

The dragon rapidly coils itself and charges forward in blazes, protected by its corslet, while Beowulf's shield initially protects him but only briefly.

Despite Beowulf's powerful sword strike, the blade weakens upon the dragon's bone and bites feebly, denying Beowulf the quick victory he needs.

Enraged by the sword-blow, the dragon unleashes furious flames, while Beowulf's battle-sword fails him entirely, a weapon he had long trusted.

With his sword failing, Beowulf must continue fighting the dragon in its lair or forfeit his life, as he cannot simply leave the barrow.

The dragon, emboldened, renews the assault, while Beowulf, surrounded by fire and suffering greatly, faces the dragon alone in his renewed fury.

Unlike true loyal followers, Beowulf's comrades lack the courage to stand with him and flee to the forest seeking safety.

The text asserts that kinship love can never waver in one who truly understands its nature, contrasting the comrades' flight with true familial devotion.