Hwæt! Wé Gárdena in géardagum
Listen! We — of the Spear-Danes in the days of yore,

þéodcyninga þrym gefrúnon:
of those clan-kings— heard of their glory.

hú ðá æþelingas ellen fremedon.
how those nobles performed courageous deeds.

Oft Scyld Scéfing sceaþena þréatum
Often Scyld, Scef's son, from enemy hosts

monegum maégþum meodosetla oftéah:

5

from many peoples seized mead-benches;

egsode Eorle syððan aérest wearð
and terrorised the fearsome Heruli [another tribe] after first he was

féasceaft funden hé þæs frófre gebád:
found helpless and destitute, he then knew recompense for that:-

wéox under wolcnum: weorðmyndum þáh
he waxed under the clouds, throve in honours,

oð þæt him aéghwylc þára ymbsittendra
until to him each of the bordering tribes

ofer hronráde hýran scolde,

10

beyond the whale-road had to submit,

gomban gyldan: þæt wæs gód cyning.
and yield tribute:- that was a good king!

Ðaém eafera wæs æfter cenned
To him a heir was born then

geong in geardum þone god sende
young in the yards, God sent him

folce tó frófre: fyrenðearfe ongeat:
to comfort the people; He had seen the dire distress

þæt híe aér drugon aldorléase

15

that they suffered before, leader-less

lange hwíle: him þæs líffréä
a long while; them for that the Life-Lord,

wuldres wealdend woroldáre forgeaf:
Ruler of Glory, granted honour on earth:

Béowulf wæs bréme — blaéd wíde sprang—
Beowulf [Scyld's son, not our hero] was famed — his renown spread wide—

Scyldes eafera Scedelandum in.
Scyld's heir, in Northern lands.

Swá sceal geong guma góde gewyrcean

20

So ought a young man by good deeds deserve,

fromum feohgiftum on fæder bearme
(and) by fine treasure-gifts, while in his father's keeping,

þæt hine on ylde eft gewunigen
that him in old age shall again stand by,

wilgesíþas þonne wíg cume:
willing companions, when war comes,

léode gelaésten: lofdaédum sceal
people serve him: by glorious deeds must,

in maégþa gehwaére man geþéön.

25

amongst his people, everywhere, one prosper.

Him ðá Scyld gewát tó gescæphwíle
Then Scyld departed at the destined time,

felahrór féran on fréan waére:
still in his full-strength, to fare in the protection of the Lord Frea;

hí hyne þá ætbaéron tó brimes faroðe
he they carried to the sea's surf,

swaése gesíþas swá hé selfa bæd
his dear comrades, as he himself had bid,

þenden wordum wéold wine Scyldinga

30

when he yet wielded words, that friend of the Scyldings,

léof landfruma lange áhte:
beloved ruler of the land, had ruled for a long time;

þaér æt hýðe stód hringedstefna
there at the harbour stood with a ringed-prow,

ísig ond útfús æþelinges fær:
icy and keen to sail, a hero's vessel;

álédon þá léofne þéoden
they then laid down the beloved prince,

béaga bryttan on bearm scipes

35

the giver of rings and treasure, in the bosom of the boat,

maérne be mæste: þaér wæs mádma fela
the mighty by the mast; many riches were there,

of feorwegum frætwa gelaéded:
from far-off lands ornate armour and baubles were brought;

ne hýrde ic cýmlícor céol gegyrwan
I have not heard of a comelier keel adorned

hildewaépnum ond heaðowaédum
with weapons of battle and war-dress,

billum ond byrnum: him on bearme læg

40

bill-blades and byrnies; there lay on his breast

mádma mænigo þá him mid scoldon
many treasures, which with him must,

on flódes aéht feor gewítan:
in the power of the waves, drift far off;

nalæs hí hine laéssan lácum téodan
in no way had they upon him fewer gifts bestowed

þéodgestréonum þonne þá dydon
with the wealth of a nation, than those did

þe hine æt frumsceafte forð onsendon

45

who him in the beginning had sent forth

aénne ofer ýðe umborwesende:
alone upon the waves being but a child;

þá gýt híe him ásetton segen gyldenne
yet then they set up the standard of gold,

héah ofer héafod: léton holm beran:
high over head; they let the sea bear,

géafon on gársecg: him wæs geómor sefa
gave to the ocean, in them were troubled hearts,

murnende mód: men ne cunnon

50

mourning minds; men cannot

secgan tó sóðe seleraédenne
say for certain, (neither) court-counsellors

hæleð under heofenum hwá þaém hlæste onféng.
(nor) heroes under heaven, who received that cargo.

Ðá wæs on burgum Béowulf Scyldinga
Then was in boroughs, Beowulf the Scylding [Scyld's son, not our hero],

léof léodcyning longe þráge
beloved king of the people a long age

folcum gefraége — fæder ellor hwearf

55

famed among the folk — his father having gone elsewhere,

aldor of earde— oþ þæt him eft onwóc
elder on earth— until unto him in turn was born

héah Healfdene héold þenden lifde
high Half-Dane, he ruled so long as he lived

gamol ond gúðréouw glæde Scyldingas:
old and battle-fierce, the glad Scyldings;

ðaém féower bearn forðgerímed
to him four sons in succession

in worold wócun weoroda raéswan:

60

woke in the world, the leader of the legions:

Heorogár ond Hróðgár ond Hálga til:
Heorogar and Hrothgar and good Halga;

hýrde ic þæt Ýrse wæs Onelan cwén
I heard that Yrse was Onela's queen,

Heaðo-Scilfingas healsgebedda.
the War-Scylfing's belovèd embraced in bed.

Þá wæs Hróðgáre herespéd gyfen
Then was to Hrothgar success in warcraft given,

wíges weorðmynd þæt him his winemágas

65

honour in war, so that his retainers

georne hýrdon oðð þæt séo geogoð gewéox
eagerly served him until the young war-band grew

magodriht micel: him on mód bearn
into a mighty battalion; it came into his mind

þæt healreced hátan wolde
that a hall-house, he wished to command,

medoærn micel men gewyrcean
a grand mead-hall, be built by men

þone yldo bearn aéfre gefrúnon

70

which the sons of men should hear of forever,

ond þaér on innan eall gedaélan
and there within share out all

geongum ond ealdum swylc him god sealde
to young and old, such as God gave him,

búton folcscare ond feorum gumena:
except the common land and the lives of men;

ða ic wíde gefrægn weorc gebannan
Then, I heard, widely was the work commissioned

manigre maégþe geond þisne middangeard:

75

from many peoples throughout this middle-earth,

folcstede frætwan. Him on fyrste gelomp
to furnish this hall of the folk. For him in time it came to pass,

aédre mid yldum þæt hit wearð ealgearo
early, through the men, that it was fully finished,

healærna maést: scóp him Heort naman
the best of royal halls; he named it Heorot,

sé þe his wordes geweald wíde hæfde:
he whose words weight had everywhere;

hé béot ne áléh: béagas daélde

80

he did not lie when he boasted; rings he dealt out,

sinc æt symle. Sele hlífade
riches at his feasts. The hall towered,

héah ond horngéap: heaðowylma bád
high and horn-gabled; it awaited the cruel surges

láðan líges: ne wæs hit lenge þá gén
of hateful flames; nor was the time yet nigh

þæt se ecghete áþumswéoran
that the furious edge-malice of son-in-law and father-in-law,

æfter wælníðe wæcnan scolde.

85

arising from deadly enmity would inevitably awaken.

Ðá se ellengaést earfoðlíce

86

Then the bold spirit, impatiently

þráge geþolode sé þe in þýstrum bád
endured dreary time, he who dwelt in darkness,

þæt hé dógora gehwám dréam gehýrde
he that every day heard noise of revelry

hlúdne in healle: þaér wæs hearpan swég
loud in the hall; there was the harmony of the harp,

swutol sang scopes: sægde sé þe cúþe

90

the sweet song of the poet; he spoke who knew how

frumsceaft fíra feorran reccan:
the origin of men to narrate from afar;

cwæð þæt se ælmihtiga eorðan worhte
said he that the almighty one wrought the earth,

wlitebeorhtne wang swá wæter bebúgeð:
(that) fair, sublime field bounded by water;

gesette sigehréþig sunnan ond mónan
set up triumphant the sun and moon,

léoman tó léohte land-búendum

95

luminaries as lamps for the land-dwellers

ond gefrætwade foldan scéatas
and adorned the corners of the earth

leomum ond léafum: líf éac gesceóp
with limbs and leaves; life too He formed

cynna gehwylcum þára ðe cwice hwyrfaþ:
for each of the species which lives and moves.

Swá ðá drihtguman dréamum lifdon
So the lord's men lived in joys,

éadiglice oð ðæt án ongan

100

happily, until one began

fyrene fremman féond on helle:
to execute atrocities, a fiend in hell;

wæs se grimma gaést Grendel háten
this ghastly demon was named Grendel,

maére mearcstapa sé þe móras héold
infamous stalker in the marches, he who held the moors,

fen ond fæsten: fífelcynnes eard
fen and desolate strong-hold; the land of marsh-monsters,

wonsaélí wer weardode hwíle

105

the wretched creature ruled for a time

siþðan him scyppend forscrifen hæfde
since him the Creator had condemned

in Caines cynne þone cwealm gewræc
with the kin of Cain; that killing avenged

éce drihten þæs þe hé Ábel slóg:
the eternal Lord, in which he slew Abel;

ne gefeah hé þaére faéhðe ac hé hine feor forwræc
this feud he did not enjoy, for He drove him far away,

metod for þý máne mancynne fram:

110

the Ruler, for this crime, from mankind;

þanon untýdras ealle onwócon
thence unspeakable offspring all awoke:

eotenas ond ylfe ond orcnéäs
ogres and elves and spirits from the underworld;

swylce gígantas þá wið gode wunnon
also giants, who strove with God

lange þráge: hé him ðæs léan forgeald.
for an interminable season; He gave them their reward for that.

Gewát ðá néosian syþðan niht becóm

115

He then went to visit and see — when night came—

héän húses: hú hit Hring-Dene
the high house how it, the Ring-Danes

æfter béorþege gebún hæfdon:
after the beer-feast, had occupied;

fand þá ðaér inne æþelinga gedriht
he found then therein the nobles' company

swefan æfter symble: sorge ne cúðon
slumbering after the feast; they did not know sorrow,

wonsceaft wera: wiht unhaélo

120

misery of men; that damned creature,

grim ond graédig gearo sóna wæs
grim and greedy, soon was ready,

réoc ond réþe ond on ræste genam
savage and cruel and from their rest seized

þrítig þegna: þanon eft gewát
thirty thanes; thence back he went

húðe hrémig tó hám faran
proud in plunder to his home, faring

mid þaére wælfylle wíca néosan.

125

with the banquet of bodies to seek his shelter.

Ðá wæs on úhtan mid aérdæge
Then was in the dark of dawn before the day

Grendles gúðcræft gumum undyrne:
Grendle's war-might revealed to the men;

þá wæs æfter wiste wóp up áhafen
then it was after their feasting they raised up lament

micel morgenswég. Maére þéoden
in a great morning-cry. The mighty chieftain,

æþeling aérgod unblíðe sæt:

130

the prince, old and good, sat in sorrow,

þolode ðrýðswýð þegnsorge dréah
The great mighty one suffered, anguish of thane-loss oppressed him

syðþan híe þæs láðan lást scéawedon,
when they the foe's tracks beheld,

wergan gástes: wæs þæt gewin tó strang
of the wicked ghoul; that strife was too strong,

láð ond longsum. Næs hit lengra fyrst
loathsome and lingering. Nor was it a longer time

ac ymb áne niht eft gefremede

135

but after a single night again he perpetuated

morðbeala máre ond nó mearn fore,
more brutal slaughter, and it grieved him not,

faéhðe ond fyrene: wæs tó fæst on þám.
violence and viciousness, he was too entrenched in these.

Þá wæs éaðfynde þé him elles hwaér
Then was it easily found, one who would somewhere else,

gerúmlícor ræste sóhte
further away, seek rest:

bed æfter búrum ðá him gebéacnod wæs

140

a bed among the bowers, when it was made clear to him,

gesægd sóðlíce sweotolan tácne
truly told, by an unmistakable token

healðegnes hete: héold hyne syðþan
the enmity of the hall's occupier; he held himself then

fyr ond fæstor sé þaém féonde ætwand.
further and safer, he who shunned that fiend.

Swá ríxode ond wið rihte wan
Thus he ruled and challenged justice,

ána wið eallum oð þæt ídel stód

145

one against all, until empty stood

húsa sélest: wæs séo hwíl micel,
that finest of houses; the time was long

twelf wintra tíd torn geþolode
— the space of twelve winters— that bitter anguish endured

wine Scyldenda, wéana gehwelcne
the friend, the shielder, — every woe,

sídra sorga: forðám secgum wearð
immense miseries; therefore to men became

ylda bearnum undyrne cúð,

150

to sons of men, clearly known

gyddum geómore þætte Grendel wan
in mournful ballads, that Grendle had contended

hwíle wið Hróþgár: heteníðas wæg
long against Hrothgar, sustained fierce enmity,

fyrene ond faéhðe fela misséra,
felony and feud, for many seasons

singále sæce: sibbe ne wolde
continual strife; he did not want peace

wið manna hwone mægenes Deniga,

155

with any man of the Danish contingent,

feorhbealo feorran, féa þingian
to desist in life-destruction, to settle it with payment,

né þaér naénig witena wénan þorfte
none of the counsellors had any need to hope for

beorhtre bóte tó banan folmum
noble recompense from the slayer's hands,

ac se aéglaéca éhtende wæs
but the wretch was persecuting

deorc déaþscua duguþe ond geogoþe

160

— the dark death-shade— warriors old and young;

seomade ond syrede: sinnihte héold
he lay in wait and set snares, in the endless night he held

mistige móras: men ne cunnon
the misty moors; men do not know

hwyder helrúnan hwyrftum scríþað.
where such hellish enigmas slink in their haunts.

Swá fela fyrena féond mancynnes
Thus many offences that foe of mankind,

atol ángengea oft gefremede,

165

that terrible lone traveller, often committed,

heardra hýnða: Heorot eardode
hard humiliations; he dwelt in Heorot,

sincfáge sel sweartum nihtum
the richly-adorned hall, in the black nights &

#151; nó hé þone gifstól grétan móste,
— by no means he the gift-throne was compelled to approach respectfully,

máþðum for metode, né his myne wisse—
the treasure, by the Maker, nor did he feel love for it—

Þæt wæs wraéc micel wine Scyldinga,

170

That was great misery for the Friend of the Scyldings,

módes brecða. Monig oft gesæt
a breaking of his spirit. Many often sat

ríce tó rúne: raéd eahtedon:
the mighty at counsel; pondered a plan,

hwæt swíðferhðum sélest waére
what by strong-minded men would be best,

wið faérgryrum tó gefremmanne:
against the sudden horror, to do;

hwílum híe gehéton æt hærgtrafum

175

sometimes they pledged at holy temples

wígweorþunga: wordum baédon
sacred honouring, in words bid

þæt him gástbona géoce gefremede
that them the demon-slayer would offer succour

wið þéodþréaum: swylc wæs þéaw hyra:
from the plight of the people; such was their habit:

haéþenra hyht: helle gemundon
the hope of heathens; on hell they pondered

in módsefan: metod híe ne cúþon

180

in the depths of their hearts; the Creator they did not know,

daéda démend: ne wiston híe drihten god
the Judge of deeds, they were not aware of the Lord God,

né híe húru heofena helm herian ne cúþon
nor yet they the Helm of the Heavens were able to honour,

wuldres waldend. Wá bið þaém ðe sceal
Glory's Wielder. Woe be to him who must,

þurh slíðne níð sáwle bescúfan
through dire terror, thrust his soul

in fýres fæþm, frófre ne wénan,

185

into fire's embrace; hope not for relief,

wihte gewendan: wél bið þaém þe mót
or to change at all; well be he who may

æfter déaðdæge drihten sécean
after death-day seek the Lord

ond tó fæder fæþmum freoðo wilnian.
and in his Father's arms yearn towards Nirvana.

Swá ðá maélceare maga Healfdenes
So then over the sorrow of the time the son of Half-Dane

singála séað: ne mihte snotor hæleð

190

continually brooded; the wise hero could not

wéan onwendan: wæs þæt gewin tó swýð
turn away woe; that strife was too strong,

láþ ond longsum þe on ðá léode becóm,
hateful and enduring, that on the people came

nýdwracu níþgrim nihtbealwa maést.
fearfully cruel, violent trouble, the greatest night-evil.

syd-journey Þæt fram hám gefrægn Higeláces þegn
That from home heard Hygelac's thane,

gód mid Géatum, Grendles daéda:

195

a good man of the Geats, of Grendel's deeds;

sé wæs moncynnes mægenes strengest
he was of mankind of the greatest strength,

on þaém dæge þysses lífes
on that day in this life,

æþele ond éacen: hét him ýðlidan
noble and mighty; he ordered them a wave-crosser

gódne gegyrwan: cwæð: hé gúðcyning
— a good one— prepare; he said: the war-king

ofer swanráde sécean wolde

200

over swan-road he wished to seek,

maérne þéoden þá him wæs manna þearf:
that mighty clan-chief, since he was in need of men;

ðone síðfæt him snotere ceorlas
that adventure him, the clear-headed chaps,

lýt hwón lógon þéah hé him léof waére
very little begrudged though he was dear to them,

hwetton higerófne: haél scéawedon.
they urged on the valiant-hearted one, and observed the omens.

Hæfde se góda Géata léoda

205

The worthy one had, from the Geatish peoples,

cempan gecorone þára þe hé cénoste
chosen champions, those who were the boldest he

findan mihte: fíftýna sum
could find; fifteen together,

sundwudu sóhte: secg wísade
they sought the sea-wood, he led the warriors,

lagucræftig mon landgemyrcu.
that sea-skilled man, to the boundary of the shore.

Fyrst forð gewát: flota wæs on ýðum

210

Time passed by; the ship was on the waves,

bát under beorge: beornas gearwe
the boat under the cliffs; the ready warriors

on stefn stigon — stréamas wundon,
stepped up into the prow — the currents curled round,

sund wið sande— secgas baéron
sea against sand— the men bore

on bearm nacan beorhte frætwe
into the bosom of boat bright arms and armour,

gúðsearo geatolíc: guman út scufon

215

noble war-gear; the fellows shoved off,

weras on wilsíð wudu bundenne.
men on a welcome voyage, in a well-braced ship.

Gewát þá ofer waégholm winde gefýsed
Then they went over the water-waves urged by the wind,

flota fámíheals fugle gelícost
the foamy-necked floater, remarkably bird-like

oð þæt ymb ántid óþres dógores
until in due time, on the second day,

wundenstefna gewaden hæfde

220

the curved-prow had made the journey,

þæt ða líðende land gesáwon,
so that the sailors sighted land,

brimclifu blícan, beorgas stéape
bright sea-cliffs, towering shores,

side saénæssas: þá wæs sund liden
wide headlands; then was the sea traversed,

éoletes æt ende. Þanon up hraðe
their sea-voyage at an end. Thence up quickly

Wedera léode on wang stigon:

225

the Wederas-warriors stepped onto land;

saéwudu saéldon: syrcan hrysedon
moored their vessel; their mail-shirts clanked

gúðgewaédo: gode þancedon
those war-garments; they thanked God

þæs þe him ýþláde éaðe wurdon.
that for them the wave-paths had been smooth.

Þá of wealle geseah weard Scildinga
Then from the wall saw the ward of the Scyldings,

sé þe holmclifu healdan scolde:

230

he who the sea-cliffs had the duty to guard,

beran ofer bolcan beorhte randas
borne over the gang-plank, bright bossed-shields,

fyrdsearu fúslicu: hine fyrwyt bræc
eager war-devices; in him curiosity broke

módgehygdum hwæt þá men waéron:
the thoughts of his heart: what these men were;

gewát him þá tó waroðe wicge rídan
then he went to the shore riding his horse,

þegn Hróðgáres: þrymmum cwehte

235

the thane of Hrothgar; he forcefully shook

mægenwudu mundum: meþelwordum frægn:
his mighty wooden shaft, and with formal words asked:

'Hwæt syndon gé searohæbbendra
'What are you armour-wearers

byrnum werede þe þus brontne céol
bound in byrnies, who thus your tall keel

ofer lagustraéte laédan cwómon
over the sea-street leading came,

hider ofer holmas?'

240

hither over the waters?'

Hé wæs endesaéta: aégwearde héold
He was the coast-guardian, he held the sea-watch,

þé on land Dena láðra naénig
so that on Danish land no enemies at all

mid scipherge sceðþan ne meahte:
with a navy would not be able to ravage.

Nó hér cúðlícor cuman ongunnon
'Not here more openly began to come

lindhæbbende né gé léafnesword

245

lindenwood shield-bearers, nor you the leave-word

gúðfremmendra gearwe ne wisson
of our war-makers certainly don't know

mága gemédu: naéfre ic máran geseah
our kinsmen's consent; never have I seen greater

eorla ofer eorþan ðonne is éower sum,
noble on earth than the one that you are,

secg on searwum: nis þæt seldguma
warrior in armour; this is no a mere retainer

waépnum geweorðad: næfne him his wlite léoge,

250

made worthy by weapons; unless he is belied by his looks,

aénlic ansýn! Nú ic éower sceal
a unique appearance! Now I must your

frumcyn witan aér gé fyr heonan
lineage learn, ere you far hence,

léasscéaweras on land Dena
deceiving spies in the land of the Danes

furþur féran: Nú gé feorbúend
further fare; now you far-dwellers

merelíðende mínne gehýrað

255

you sea-sailors, hear my

ánfealdne geþóht: ofost is sélest
one-fold thought: speed is best

tó gecýðanne hwanan éowre cyme syndon.'
for reporting, whence your comings are.'

Him se yldesta andswarode:
He the eldest answered,

werodes wísa wordhord onléac:
the crew's captain, he unlocked his word-hoard:

'Wé synt gumcynnes Géata léode

260

'We are of the tribe of the Geat people

ond Higeláces heorðgenéatas:
and Hygelac's hearth-companions;

wæs mín fæder folcum gecýþed
my father was known to the folk,

æþele ordfruma Ecgþéow háten:
a noble vanguard-warrior, called Edgetheow,

gebád wintra worn aér hé on weg hwurfe
who saw many winters ere he passed away,

gamol of geardum: hine gearwe geman

265

old, from our courtyards; he is readily recalled

witena wélhwylc wíde geond eorþan.
by each one of the wise widely throughout the world.

Wé þurh holdne hige hláford þínne
We, by resolute resolve, your lord,

sunu Healfdenes sécean cwómon
the son of Half-Dane have come to seek,

léodgebyrgean: wes þú ús lárena gód:
that protector of the people; be you a good guide to us;

habbað wé tó þaém maéran micel aérende

270

we have, to that grand one, a great errand

Deniga fréän: ne sceal þaér dyrne sum
to the Danish lord; there shouldn't some secret

wesan þæs ic wéne. Þú wást gif hit is

272

be of this, I think. You know if it is

swá wé sóþlíce secgan hýrdon
as we truly have heard said,

þæt mid Scyldingum sceaðona ic nát hwylc
that amongst the Scyldings, some enemy, I know not what,

déogol daédhata deorcum nihtum

275

a furtive despoiler, in dark nights,

éaweð þurh egsan uncúðne níð
sickeningly reveals unknown enmity,

hýnðu ond hráfyl. Ic þæs Hróðgár mæg
suffering and slaughter. I can on this matter, to Hrothgar,

þurh rúmne sefan raéd gelaéran:
from a spacious spirit, give counsel,

hú hé fród ond gód, féond oferswýðeþ—
how he, wise and good, overcome the fiend—

gyf him edwendan aéfre scolde

280

if for him a change ever should,

bealuwa bisigu bót eft cuman—
from this suffering of miseries to remedy, come after—

ond þá cearwylmas cólran wurðaþ
and his hot wellings of melancholic care grow cooler;

oððe á syþðan earfoðþráge
or else ever after, a time of torment,

þréanýd þolað þenden þaér wunað
horrible hardship he will endure, so long as there remains,

on héahstede húsa sélest.'

285

in its high place, that best of houses.

Weard maþelode ðaér on wicge sæt
The guard made a speech, sitting there on his horse,

ombeht unforht: 'AÉghwæþres sceal
— the unhesistating officer: 'He will — every

scearp scyldwiga gescád witan
sharp shield-warrior— know the distinction

worda ond worca sé þe wél þenceð.
between words and works, he who reasons rightly.

Ic þæt gehýre: þæt þis is hold weorod

290

I hear it, that this is a legion loyal

fréan Scyldinga: gewítaþ forð beran
to the lord of the Scyldings; go forth bearing

waépen ond gewaédu: ic éow wísige:
weapons and armour; I shall guide you;

swylce ic maguþegnas míne háte
likewise, I the kin-thanes of mine will order,

wið féonda gehwone flotan éowerne
against any foes your vessel,

níwtyrwydne nacan on sande

295

— newly tarred, ship on the sand—

árum healdan oþ ðæt eft byreð
to guard in honour, until it bears back,

ofer lagustréamas léofne mannan
over the sea-streams, the dear man,

wudu wundenhals tó Wedermearce:
— the swoop-necked wood — to Wedermark;

gódfremmendra swylcum gifeþe bið
those who perform noble deeds— to such as these it shall be granted

þæt þone hilderaés hál gedígeð.'

300

that the battle-rush he survive in one piece.'

Gewiton him þá féran — flota stille bád:
Then they went faring — the boat at rest awaited,

seomode on sole sidfaéþmed scip
it rode on the sand the broad-bosomed ship,

on ancre fæst— eoforlíc scionon
on anchor fast— boar-figures shone

ofer hléorberan gehroden golde: atop cheekguards adorned with gold;

fáh ond fýrheard ferhwearde héold:

305

glittering and fire-hard; life-guard they held;

gúþmód grummon: guman ónetton:
war-spirits raised; the men hastened,

sigon ætsomne oþ þæt hý sæltimbred
marched forward together, until they the timbered hall,

geatolíc ond goldfáh ongyton mihton:
glorious and gold-trimmed, were able to glimpse;

þæt wæs foremaérost foldbúendum
that was the foremost — for earth-dwellers—

receda under roderum on þaém se ríca bád:

310

of halls under the heavens, in it the ruler dwelt;

líxte se léoma ofer landa fela.
its light glimmered over many lands.

Him þá hildedéor hof módigra
Then to them the fierce fellow — to that court of great men

torht getaéhte þæt híe him tó mihton
glorious— he lead, that they to it could

gegnum gangan: gúðbeorna sum
go directly; the worthy warrior

wicg gewende: word æfter cwæð:

315

turned his horse, thereupon spoke words:

'Maél is mé tó féran. Fæder alwalda
'Time it is for me to go. The Father all-ruling,

mid árstafum éowic gehealde
with grace may He hold you

síða gesunde! Ic tó saé wille
sound on your sojourns! I will to the sea,

wið wráð werod wearde healdan.'
against brutal dacoits keep watch.'

Straét wæs stánfáh: stíg wísode

320

The street was paved with stones, the path guided

gumum ætgædere: gúðbyrne scán
the men together; war-byrnie shone

heard hondlocen hringíren scír
harsh, linked by hand, ring-iron glittering,

song in searwum: þá híe tó sele furðum
they sang in their arms, as they to the hall straight

in hyra gryregeatwum gangan cwómon:
in their grim gear came marching;

setton saéméþe síde scyldas

325

they set down, sea-weary, their wide shields,

rondas regnhearde wið þæs recedes weal:
the rims wondrous-hard against the wall of the hall,

bugon þá tó bence: byrnan hringdon
and bent down then to a bench; corslets rang—

gúðsearo gumena: gáras stódon
the war-clothes of warriors; spears stood,

saémanna searo samod ætgædere
seamen's weapons, all together,

æscholt ufan graég: wæs se írenþréat

330

silvery above a grove of ash; the iron-clad troop was

waépnum gewurþad: þá ðaér wlonc hæleð
honoured in weapons; then a proud noble

óretmecgas æfter hæleþum frægn:
the elite soldiers asked about the heroes:

'Hwanon ferigeað gé faétte scyldas
'Whence ferry you plated shields,

graége syrcan ond grímhelmas
steel-hued shirts of mail and masked-helms,

heresceafta héap? Ic eom Hróðgáres

335

this host of army-shafts? I am Hrothgar's

ár ond ombiht: ne seah ic elþéodige
herald and officer; I have not seen from a foreign land

þus manige men módiglícran:
this many men looking braver in spirit;

wén' ic þæt gé for wlenco nalles for wraécsíðum
I expect that you from valour, not from exile,

ac for higeþrymmum Hróðgár sóhton.'
but from greatness of heart have sought out Hrothgar.'

Him þá ellenróf andswarode

340

Then him the renowned one answered

wlanc Wedera léod word æfter spræc
— that proud prince of the Wedera nation— spoke thereafter words,

heard under helme: 'Wé synt Higeláces
severe beneath his helmet: 'We are Hygelac's

béodgenéatas: Béowulf is mín nama:
companions at table; Beowulf is my name;

wille ic ásecgan sunu Healfdenes
I wish to proclaim to the son of Half-Dane,

maérum þéodne min aérende

345

— that famed sovereign— my errand

aldre þínum gif hé ús geunnan wile
to your lord, if he wishes to grant us

þæt wé hine swá gódne grétan móton.'
that we him, the virtuous one, might greet.'

Wulfgár maþelode — þæt wæs Wendla léod:
Wulfgar began to speak — he was the Wendels' leader,

wæs his módsefa manegum gecýðed
his courage was well-known to many,

wíg ond wísdóm— : 'Ic þæs wine Deniga

350

war-skill and wisdom— : 'I this from friend of the Danes,

fréan Scildinga frínan wille
lord of the Scyldings, will inquire,

béaga bryttan: swá þú béna eart:
from the giver of rings, — as you are petitioners—

þéoden maérne ymb þínne síð
from that famed sovereign about your quest,

ond þé þá andsware aédre gecýðan
and to you the answer promptly make known

ðe mé se góda ágifan þenceð.'

355

which to me the virtuous one sees fit to give.'

Hwearf þá hrædlíce þaér Hróðgár sæt
He turned then quickly to where Hrothgar sat,

eald ond anhár mid his eorla gedriht:
old and very grey, amid his company of earls;

éode ellenróf þæt hé for eaxlum gestód
he strode grandly so that he stood by the shoulders

Deniga fréän: cúþe hé duguðe þéaw:
of the Danes' lord: he knew the custom of veteran-warriors;

Wulfgár maðelode tó his winedrihtne:

360

Wulfgar made this speech to his friend and lord:

'Hér syndon geferede feorran cumene
'Here have ventured, come from far away,

ofer geofenes begang Géata léode:
over the expanse of the sea, men of the Geats;

þone yldestan óretmecgas
the eldest one of these elite warriors

Béowulf nemnað: hý bénan synt
is called Beowulf; they are asking

þæt híe, þéoden min, wið þé móton

365

that they, my lord, with you might

wordum wrixlan: nó ðú him wearne getéoh
exchange words; give them not refusal

ðínra gegncwida, glædman Hróðgár:
from your answers, gracious Hrothgar;

hý on wíggetáwum wyrðe þinceað
they by their war-gear seem worthy

eorla geæhtlan: húru se aldor déah
of the esteem of nobles; indeed, the prince is powerful,

sé þaém heaðorincum hider wísade.'

370

who the warriors led hither.'

Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga:
Hrothgar spoke, — the Helm of the Scyldings— :

'Ic hine cúðe cnihtwesende:
'I knew him when he was a youth;

wæs his ealdfæder Ecgþéo háten
his old father was called Ecgtheow,

ðaém tó hám forgeaf Hréþel Géata
to whom gave into his home Hrethel of the Geats

ángan dohtor: is his eaforan nú

375

his only daughter; now his heir is

heard hér cumen: sóhte holdne wine.
come here bravely, seeking a steadfast friend.

Ðonne sægdon þæt saélíþende
Further, it has been said by sea-farers,

þá ðe gifsceattas Géata fyredon
they who our gifts of coins ferried for the Geats

þyder tó þance: þæt hé þrítiges
thither in thanks, that he thirty

manna mægencræft on his mundgripe

380

men's strength in the grip of his hand,

heaþoróf hæbbe: hine hálig god
renowned in war, has; him holy God,

for árstafum ús onsende
in benevolence, has sent to us,

tó West-Denum: þæs ic wén hæbbe:
to the West-Danes, of this I have hope,

wið Grendles gryre: ic þaém gódan sceal
against Grendel's terror; I the good man must

for his módþræce mádmas béodan.

385

for his great daring offer precious treasures.

Béo ðú on ofeste: hát in gáän
Be you in haste, order to come in

séon sibbegedriht samod ætgædere:
to see me the noble band of kinsmen all together;

gesaga him éac wordum þæt híe sint wilcuman
Say to them also in words, that they are welcome

Deniga léodum.' Word inne ábéad:
to the Danish land.' A word from within announced:

'Éow hét secgan sigedrihten mín

391

'To you I am commanded to say by my valorous lord,

aldor Éast-Dena þæt hé éower æþelu can
the leader of the East Danes, that he knows your noble history,

ond gé him syndon ofer saéwylmas
and you are to him, over sea-swells,

heardhicgende hider wilcuman:
— bold in thought— welcome hither;

nú gé móton gangan in éowrum gúðgeatáwum
now you may enter in your war-gear,

under heregríman Hróðgár geseon:

396

under visored-helmets, to see Hrothgar;

laétað hildebord hér onbidan,
let battle-boards here await,

wuduwælsceaftas, worda geþinges.'
and wooden slaughter-shafts, the result of words.'

Árás þá se ríca, ymb hine rinc manig
Then the mighty one arose, about him many warriors,

þrýðlíc þegna héap: sume þaér bidon:
the glorious troop of thanes; some waited there,

heaðoréaf héoldon swá him se hearda bebéad:

401

guarding the gear of war as the hardy leader bade;

snyredon ætsomne: þá secg wísode
they hurried together; the hero led the way for them

under Heorotes hróf:
under Heorot's roof,

heard under helme þæt hé on héoðe gestód.
severe under his helmet, until he stood in the hall.

Béowulf maðelode — on him byrne scán
Beowulf spoke — on him a mail-coat gleamed,

searonet seowed smiþes orþancum— :

406

a net of armour woven by smith's skilful art— :

'Wæs þú, Hróðgár, hál. Ic eom Higeláces
'Be you, Hrothgar, whole. I am Hygelace's

maég ond magoðegn: hæbbe ic maérða fela
kinsman and retainer; I have many great labours

ongunnen on geogoþe: mé wearð Grendles þing
undertaken in my youth; Grendel's enterprises have to me become,

on mínre éþeltyrf undyrne cúð:
on my native soil, clearly known:

secgað saélíðend þæt þæs sele stande

411

it is said by sea-farers that in this hall stands,

reced sélesta rinca gehwylcum
— the best of buildings— for each and every man,

ídel ond unnyt siððan aéfenléoht
idle and useless, after evening-light

under heofenes hádor beholen weorþeð.
under the firmament of heaven goes to hide.

Þá mé þæt gelaérdon léode míne
Then I was advised that, by my people,

þá sélestan snotere ceorlas,

416

the best ones, the clever chaps,

þéoden Hróðgár, þæt ic þé sóhte
sovereign Hrothgar, that it were thee I should seek,

for þan híe mægenes cræft míne cúþon:
for that they the force of the strength of mine knew;

selfe ofersáwon ðá ic of searwum cwóm
themselves had looked on, when I returned from battle,

fáh from féondum þaér ic fífe geband:
stained with the blood of foes, where I bound five,

ýðde eotena cyn ond on ýðum slóg

421

destroyed ogrish kin, and amid the waves slew

niceras nihtes: nearoþearfe dréah:
nicors by night; I weathered distress in many a tight corner,

wræc Wedera níð — wéan áhsodon—
avenged injury done the Wederas — they sought woe—

forgrand gramum ond nú wið Grendel sceal
the foes I crushed, and now against Grendel I am bound,

wið þám áglaécan ána gehégan
with that terrible creature, alone, to settle

ðing wið þyrse. Ic þé nú ðá,

426

the affair with the troll. I now then you,

brego Beorht-Dena, biddan wille,
prince of the Bright-Danes, want to request,

eodor Scyldinga, ánre béne:
O protector of the Scyldings, one boon:

þæt ðú mé ne forwyrne, wígendra hléo
that you not refuse me, O shield of warriors,

fréowine folca, nú ic þus feorran cóm:
liege and comrade of the folk, now that I have come thus far;

þæt ic móte ána, mínra eorla gedryht

431

that I might alone, with my company of nobles

ond þes hearda héap, Heorot faélsian:
and this hardy horde of warriors, clense Heorot;

hæbbe ic éac ge-áhsod þæt sé aéglaéca

433

I have also heard that the evil creature

for his wonhýdum waépna ne recceð:
in his recklessness heeds not weapons;

ic þæt þonne forhicge — swá mé Higelác síe
then I it scorn — so that for me Hygelac may be

mín mondrihten módes blíðe—

436

my liege-lord blithe in his heart—

þæt ic sweord bere oþðe sídne scyld
that I bear a sword or broad shield,

geolorand tó gúþe ac ic mid grápe sceal
yellow-rim to war, but I with my grip shall

fón wið féonde ond ymb feorh sacan,
fight with this fiend and over life strive,

láð wið láþum: ðaér gelýfan sceal
enemy against enemy; there must trust in

dryhtnes dóme sé þe hine déað nimeð:

441

the judgement of the Lord, whichever one that Death takes;

wén' ic þæt hé wille gif hé wealdan mót
I expect that he will wish, if he can compass it,

in þaém gúðsele Géotena léode
in the war-hall, the Geatish people

etan unforhte swá hé oft dyde,
to devour fearlessly, as he often did,

mægenhréð manna. Ná þú mínne þearft
the force of glorious warriors. You will have no need for my

hafalan hýdan ac hé mé habban wile

446

head to shroud, but rather he will have me

déore fahne gif mec déað nimeð
fiercely stained with gore, if me Death takes,

byreð blódig wæl: byrgean þenceð:
he will bear my bloody corpse; he aims to bite,

eteð ángenga unmurnlíce:
the lone prowler eats unmournfully,

mearcað mórhopu: nó ðú ymb mínes ne þearft
marking the limits of his moor enclosures; nor will you for the needs of my

líces feorme leng sorgian.

451

body's funeral-provisions have any further concern.

Onsend Higeláce gif mec hild nime
Send to Hygelac, if I am taken by battle,

beaduscrúda betst þæt míne bréost wereð,
the best of battle-shrouds, the one that protects my breast,

hrægla sélest: þæt is Hraédlan láf
choicest of garments; that is Hrethel's relic,

Wélandes geweorc. Gaéð á wyrd swá hío scel.'
Wayland's work. Fate goes always as She must.'

Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga:

456

Hrothgar spoke, the helm of the Scyldings:

'Fére fyhtum, þú, wine mín Béowulf,
'Fit to fight, you, my friend Beowulf,

ond for árstafum úsic sóhtest.
and for honour us have sought.

Geslóh þín fæder faéhðe maéste:
Your father by striking began the greatest feud:

wearþ hé Heaþoláfe tó handbonan
he was Heatholaf's slayer by his own hand

mid Wilfingum: ðá hine gára cyn

461

of the Wylfings; then him his spear-kin

for herebrógan habban ne mihte:
for dread of troops could not shelter;

þanon hé gesóhte Súð-Dena folc
thence he sought the South-Danes' folk

ofer ýða gewealc, Ár-Scyldinga:
over the welling of the waves, the Honour-Scyldings;

ðá ic furþum wéold folce Deninga
at that time I had just begun to rule the Danish folk

ond on geogoðe héold gimmeríce

466

and in my youth held the precious kingdom,

hordburh hæleþa: ðá wæs Heregár déad
the treasure-keep of heroes; then was Heregar dead,

mín yldra maég unlifigende
my elder brother unliving,

bearn Healfdenes: sé wæs betera ðonne ic.
the son of Half-Dane; he was better than I.

Siððan þá faéhðe féo þingode:
Then the feud I settled with fees;

sende ic Wylfingum ofer wæteres hrycg

471

I sent the Wylfings across the water's ridge

ealde mádmas: hé mé áþas swór.
ancient treasures; he swore oaths to me.

Sorh is mé tó secganne on sefan mínum

473

It sorrows me to say in my heart

gumena aéngum hwæt mé Grendel hafað
to any man Grendel has caused me what

hýnðo on Heorote mid his heteþancum
humiliations in Heorot with his thoughts of hatred,

faérníða gefremed: is mín fletwerod

476

carried out lightning-quick attacks; my hall-troop is

wíghéap gewanod: híe wyrd forswéop
waned, that war-band; they have been swept aside by Fate

on Grendles gryre: god éaþe mæg
in Grendel's horrid violence; God can easily

þone dolsceaðan daéda getwaéfan.
the rash ravager's deeds put an end to.

Ful oft gebéotedon béore druncne
Full oft have vowed, having drunk beer,

ofer ealowaége óretmecgas

481

over ale-flagons, battle-men,

þæt híe in béorsele bídan woldon
that they in the beer-hall would await

Grendles gúþe mid gryrum ecga.
Grendel's onslaught with vicious edges.

Ðonne wæs þéos medoheal on morgentíd
Then, this mead-hall was in the morning

drihtsele dréorfáh þonne dæg lixte,
this noble hall stained with gore when the day lightened,

eal bencþelu blóde bestýmed

486

all of the benches smeared with blood

heall heoru-dréore: áhte ic holdra þý laés,
the hall battle-gory; I had friends the fewer,

déorre duguðe þé þá déað fornam.
cherished old battle-retinue, for these Death took them away.

Site nú tó symle ond onsaél meoto
Sit now to feast and untie your thoughts

sigehréð secgum swá þín sefa hwette.'
of your glorious victories to the soldiers, as your heart urges.'

Þá wæs Géatmæcgum geador ætsomne

491

Then the Geatish men were gathered together

on béorsele benc gerýmed
in the beer-hall, room was made on a bench,

þaér swíðferhþe sittan éodon
there the strong-souled went to sit down,

þrýðum dealle þegn nytte behéold
proud in prowess a thane performed his office,

sé þe on handa bær hroden ealowaége
he who in his hands bore an ornate ale-cup,

scencte scír wered: scop hwílum sang

496

decanted pure sweet mead; a bard sang from time to time

hádor on Heorote: þaér wæs hæleða dréam,
clear in Heorot; there was joy of heroes,

duguð unlýtel Dena ond Wedera.
no small host of Danes and Wederas.

Hunferð maþelode Ecgláfes bearn
Unferth spoke, the son of Edgelaf,

þe æt fótum sæt fréan Scyldinga:
who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings;

onband beadurúne — wæs him Béowulfes síð

501

he unbound battle-runes — for him was the venture of Beowulf,

módges merefaran micel æfþunca
brave seafarer's, a source of great displeasure,

forþon þe hé ne úþe þæt aénig óðer man
because he did not grant that any other man

aéfre maérða þon má middangeardes
ever glorious deeds the more on middle-earth

gehédde under heofenum þonne hé sylfa— :
heeded under the heavens than he himself— :

'Eart þú sé Béowulf sé þe wið Brecan wunne

506

'Are you the Beowulf, who contested against Breca

on sídne saé ymb sund flite?
on the broad sea, contended around the ocean-sound?

Ðaér git for wlence wada cunnedon
Where you for bravado tempted the waters

ond for dolgilpe on déop wæter
and for a foolish boast in deep sea

aldrum néþdon né inc aénig mon
risked your lives, you no man

né léof né láð beléan mihte

511

— neither friend nor foe— could dissuade

sorhfullne síð þa git on sund réön:
from that sorrowful jaunt, when you rowed into the strait;

þaér git éagorstréam earmum þehton:
there you sea-currents in your arms embraced,

maéton merestraéta mundum brugdon:
traversed the ocean-roads, with hands wove,

glidon ofer gársecg: geofon ýþum
gliding over the sea; the ocean in waves

wéol wintrys wylm: git on wæteres aéht

516

welled, in winter's swells; you in the water's grasp

seofon niht swuncon: hé þé æt sunde oferflát:
toiled for seven nights; he got the better of you on the sea,

hæfde máre mægen. Þá hine on morgentíd
he had more might. Then he in the morning

on Heaþo-Raémes holm up ætbær:
on Heatho-Reams' shore was cast up by the sea;

ðonon hé gesóhte swaésne éðel,
thence he sought his own homeland,

léof his léodum, lond Brondinga

521

dear to his people, the land of the Brondings,

freoðoburh fægere þaér hé folc áhte
the fair citadel, he had folk there,

burh ond béagas: béot eal wið þé
boroughs and rings; the entire boast with you

sunu Béanstánes sóðe gelaéste.
the son of Beanstan truly fulfilled.

Ðonne wéne ic tó þé wyrsan geþingea
I expect then for you worse results,

ðéah þú heaðoraésa gehwaér dohte

526

though you in war-assaults everywhere prevailed,

grimre gúðe gif þú Grendles dearst
grim combat, if you for Grendel dare

nihtlongne fyrst néän bídan.'
the space of a night nearby wait.'

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Hwæt, þú worn fela, wine mín Hunferð,
'Listen, you a great deal — Unferth, my friend,

béore druncen ymb Brecan spraéce:

531

drunk on beer— have spoken about Breca,

sægdest from his síðe. Sóð ic talige
told of his journey. Truth I claim

þæt ic merestrengo máran áhte
that I sea-strength greater had,

earfeþo on ýþum ðonne aénig óþer man:
hardship on the waves, than any other man;

wit þæt gecwaédon cnihtwesende
we had it agreed, being lads,

ond gebéotedon — waéron bégen þá git

536

and vowed — being both then still

on geogoðféore— þæt wit on gársecg út
in the years of youth— that we out on the ocean

aldrum néðdon ond þæt geæfndon swá.
our lives would risk, and thus that we did.

Hæfdon swurd nacod þá wit on sund réön
We had naked swords when we rowed on the ocean-sound,

heard on handa: wit unc wið hronfixas
hard in our hands: we ourselves against whales

werian þóhton: nó hé wiht fram mé

541

planned to defend; not a whit from me was he

flódýþum feor fléotan meahte
on the sea-waves far able to float,

hraþor on holme: nó ic fram him wolde:
swifter on water, nor did I wish to part from him;

ðá wit ætsomne on saé waéron
then we together were on the sea,

fíf nihta fyrst oþ þæt unc flód tódráf
for the space of five nights, until the sea-waves drove us apart,

wado weallende wedera cealdost

546

the water welling, the coldest of weathers,

nípende niht ond norþanwind
the darkening night and the north wind

heaðogrim ondhwearf: hréo waéron ýþa:
fierce turned against us; wild were the waves;

wæs merefixa mód onhréred:
then was the sea-fishes' wrath roused;

þaér mé wið láðum lícsyrce mín
there me against foes my body-shirt

heard hondlocen helpe gefremede:

551

strong and hand-linked, did me help,

beadohrægl bróden on bréostum læg
my battle-garment braided lay on my breast,

golde gegyrwed: mé tó grunde téah
adorned with gold; to the bottom of the sea I was drawn

fáh féondscaða: fæste hæfde
by the hostile foe-scather, it held me fast,

grim on grápe: hwæþre mé gyfeþe wearð
cruel in grip; however, to it was granted

þæt ic áglaécan orde geraéhte

556

that I the monster reached with my point,

hildebille: heaþoraés fornam
with battle-bill; in the battle-rush I destroyed

mihtig meredéor þurh míne hand.
the mighty sea-beast with my hand.

Swá mec gelóme láðgetéonan
Thus me often hateful attackers

þréatedon þearle: ic him þénode
pressed sorely; I served them

déoran sweorde swá hit gedéfe wæs:

561

with my dear sword, as it was fitting;

næs híe ðaére fylle geféan hæfdon
they the feast did not have rejoicing,

mánfordaédlan þæt híe mé þégon:
those perpetrators of crime, that they partook of me,

symbel ymbsaéton saégrunde néah
sitting round a banquet near the sea-bed

ac on mergenne mécum wunde
but in the morning by maiche-swords wounded,

be ýðláfe uppe laégon

566

along what is left by the waves up they lay

sweordum áswefede þæt syðþan ná
put to sleep by swords, so that never since

ymb brontne ford brimlíðende
on the high waterway sea-travellers

láde ne letton. Léoht éastan cóm
way did not hinder. Light came from the east,

beorht béacen godes: brimu swaþredon
bright beacon of God, the sea became still,

þæt ic saénæssas geséon mihte

571

so that I the headlands was able to see,

windige weallas. Wyrd oft nereð
windswept walls. Fate often spares

unfaégne eorl þonne his ellen déah.
the hero not fated to die when his courage endures.

Hwæþere mé gesaélde þæt ic mid sweorde ofslóh
However it was my good fortune that I with my sword slew

niceras nigene: nó ic on niht gefrægn
nine of the nicors; I have not heard by night

under heofones hwealf heardran feohtan

576

under heaven's vault of a more grievous fight,

né on égstréamum earmran mannon:
nor on the water-streams of a more wretched man;

hwaþere ic fára feng féore gedígde
yet I the foes' grasp survived with my life,

siþes wérig: ðá mec saé oþbær
weary from my venture; then the sea bore me off

flód æfter faroðe on Finna land
flood following current onto the land of the Lapps,

wudu weallendu. Nó ic wiht fram þé

581

the tossing boat. Not a whit of thee

swylcra searoníða secgan hýrde
in such strife of conflict have I heard told,

billa brógan: Breca naéfre gít
of bill-blade terror; Breca never yet

æt heaðoláce né gehwæþer incer
at battle-play, nor either of you,

swá déorlíce daéd gefremede
so boldly performed a deed

fágum sweordum — nó ic þæs gylpe—

586

with bright swords — I do not boast of this—

þéah ðú þínum bróðrum tó banan wurde
nevertheless, you your brothers' killer were,

héafodmaégum: þæs þú in helle scealt
near relatives; for that you must with Hel

werhðo dreogan þéah þín wit duge:
suffer torment, though your mind is strong;

secge ic þé to sóðe, sunu Ecgláfes,
I say to you in truth, son of Edgelaf,

þæt naéfre Grendel swá fela gryra gefremede

591

that Grendel would have never so many atrocities committed,

atol aéglaéca ealdre þínum,
— that terrible demon— to your leader,

hýnðo on Heorote gif þín hige waére
humiliation on Heorot, if your heart were,

sefa swá searogrim swá þú self talast
and your spirit so battle-fierce as you yourself tell

ac hé hafað onfunden þæt hé þá faéhðe ne þearf
but he has found that the fight he needs not,

atole ecgþræce éower léode

596

that terrible storm of sword-edges of your nation,

swíðe onsittan Sige-Scyldinga:
greatly to dread, of the Victory-Scyldings;

nymeð nýdbáde: naénegum árað
he takes a forced toll, spares none

léode Deniga ac hé lust wigeð:
of the Danish people, but he carries on his delight,

swefeð ond sendeþ: secce ne wéneþ
slaying and despatching, he does not expect contest

tó Gár-Denum. Ac ic him Géata sceal

601

from the Spear-Danes. But I shall him the Geats'

eafoð ond ellen ungeára nú
might and courage, before long now,

gúþe gebéodan: gaéþ eft, sé þe mót
offer in war; a man will be able to go back,

tó medo módig siþþan morgenléoht
to mead bravely, when the morning-light

ofer ylda bearn óþres dógores
over the sons of men of another day,

sunne sweglwered súþan scíneð.'

606

the sun clad in radiance, shines from the south.'

Þá wæs on sálum sinces brytta
Then was joyful the dispenser of treasures,

gamolfeax ond gúðróf géoce gelýfde
with wizened hair and brave in battle for support he trusted

brego Beorht-Dena gehýrde on Béowulfe
the lord of the Bright-Danes heard in Beowulf

folces hyrde fæstraédne geþóht:
the guardian of the folk, firmly-resolved intent;

ðaér wæs hæleþa hleahtor: hlyn swynsode:

611

There was the laughter of heroes, the noise made melody,

word waéron wynsume. Éode Wealhþéow forð
words were joyful. Wealhtheow came forth,

cwén Hróðgáres cynna gemyndig
Hrothgar's queen, mindful of etiquette,

grétte goldhroden guman on healle
greeted, gold-adorned, the men in the hall

ond þá fréolíc wíf ful gesealde
and then the noble lady gave out full cups,

aérest Éast-Dena éþelwearde:

616

first to the East-Danes homeland-guardian,

bæd hine blíðne æt þaére béorþege
bade him be blithe at the partaking of beer,

léodum léofne: hé on lust geþeah
beloved by the people; he took in delight

symbel ond seleful sigeróf kyning:
feast-food and hall-cup, the victorious king;

ymb-éode þá ides Helminga
then she went among them, the lady of the Helmings,

duguþe ond geogoþe daél aéghwylcne:

621

to veteran and youth a portion to each,

sincfato sealde oþ þæt saél álamp
gave rich cups, until the time came

þæt hío Béowulfe, béaghroden cwén
that she to Beowulf, the ring-adorned queen,

móde geþungen medoful ætbær:
blossoming in spirit, carried a mead-cup;

grétte Géata léod: gode þancode
she greeted the Geatish prince, thanked God,

wísfæst wordum þæs ðe hire se willa gelamp

626

wise in her words, for that her wish was to be fulfilled,

þæt héo on aénigne eorl gelýfde
that she in any noble man could count on

fyrena frófre. Hé þæt ful geþeah
relief from wickedness. He took that full-cup,

wælréow wiga æt Wealhþéön
the slaughter-fierce warrior from Wealhtheow,

ond þá gyddode gúþe gefýsed:
and then spoke solemnly, made eager for war;

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:

631

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Ic þæt hogode: þá ic on holm gestáh:
'I resolved that, when I mounted the water,

saébát gesæt mid mínra secga gedriht:
sat down in the sea-boat amid my company of warriors,

þaét ic ánunga éowra léoda
that I forthwith your people's

willan geworhte oþðe on wæl crunge
will would work, or fall in slaughter,

féondgrápum fæst: ic gefremman sceal

636

fast in the fiend's grasp; I must perform

eorlíc ellen oþðe endedæg
this daring act of courage or the last day

on þisse meoduhealle mínne gebídan.'
in this mead-hall of mine await.'

Ðám wífe þá word wél lícodon
The woman these words liked well,

gilpcwide Géates: éode goldhroden
the vow-speech of the Geat; went gold-adorned,

fréolicu folccwén tó hire fréan sittan.

641

the noble queen of the folk, to sit by her lord.

Þá wæs eft swá aér inne on healle
Then were again, as before, in the hall,

þrýðword sprecen, ðéod on saélum,
bold words spoken, the people full of joy,

sigefolca swég oþ þæt semninga
— victory-folk's clamour— until presently

sunu Healfdenes sécean wolde
the son of Half-Dane wished to seek

aéfenræste: wiste þaém áhlaécan

646

evening-rest; he knew that the ogre

tó þaém héahsele hilde geþinged
for the high hall had plotted an attack,

siððan híe sunnan léoht geséon meahton
ever since when they the sun's light could see;

oþðe nípende niht ofer ealle
and darkening night all over,

scaduhelma gesceapu scríðan cwóman
shadow-helm's shapes came slithering,

wan under wolcnum. Werod eall árás:

651

black beneath the skies. The troop all arose;

gegrétte þá guma guman óþerne
greeted then the man the other man,

Hróðgár Béowulf ond him haél ábéad
Hrothgar Beowulf, and bid him health,

wínærnes geweald ond þæt word ácwæð:
the wine-hall's ruler, and spoke these words:

'Naéfre ic aénegum men aér álýfde:
'I never to any man before entrusted,

siþðan ic hond ond rond hebban mihte:

656

since I hand and shield was able to raise,

ðrýþærn Dena búton þé nú ðá:
this strong-hall of the Danes, save to thee now;

hafa nú ond geheald húsa sélest:
have now and hold this best of houses,

gemyne maérþo: mægenellen cýð:
focus on glory, show great valour,

waca wið wráþum: ne bið þé wilna gád
keep watch against the enemy; there shall be no dearth of your desires

gif þú þæt ellenweorc aldre gedígest.'

661

if this courage-work you survive with your life.'

Ðá him Hróþgár gewát mid his hæleþa gedryht
Then Hrothgar went with his band of heroes,

eodur Scyldinga út of healle:
the protector of the Scyldings, out of the hall;

wolde wígfruma Wealhþéo sécan
he wished to seek Wealhtheow,

cwén tó gebeddan: hæfde kyningwuldor

665

the queen as companion in bed; the glory of kings had,

Grendle tógéanes: swá guman gefrungon:

666

against Grendel, — so men heard—

seleweard áseted: sundornytte behéold
the hall-guard posted: special duty he held

ymb aldor Dena: eotonweard' ábéad.
for the chief of the Danes, ogre-watch he kept.

Húru Géata léod georne trúwode
Indeed the prince of the Geats keenly trusted

módgan mægnes, metodes hyldo
in his prodigious power, his Maker's favour,

ðá hé him of dyde ísernbyrnan

671

then he from himself took iron-byrnie,

helm of hafelan: sealde his hyrsted sweord
helm from head, gave his adorned sword,

írena cyst ombihtþegne
the choicest of irons, to his retainer,

ond gehealdan hét hildegeatwe:
and commanded him ward his battle-gear;

gespræc þá se góda gylpworda sum
the good man spoke then some promise-words,

Béowulf Géata aér hé on bed stige:

676

Beowulf of the Geats, before he stepped into bed:

'Nó ic mé an herewæsmun hnágran talige
'I myself in martial-stature do not tally poorer

gúþgeweorca þonne Grendel hine:
in works of war then Grendel himself;

forþan ic hine sweorde swebban nelle,
therefore him with my sword I shall not slay,

aldre benéotan þéah ic eal mæge:
deprive of life, though I fully am able;

nát hé þára góda þæt hé mé ongéan sléä:

681

he knows not the finer skills that he may strike me back,

rand gehéawe þéah ðe hé róf síe
hew my rimmed-shield, although he is renowned

níþgeweorca ac wit on niht sculon
for malicious works but we at night must

secge ofersittan gif hé gesécean dear
relinquish short sword if he dares to seek

wíg ofer waépen ond siþðan wítig god
war without weapons, and then wise God,

on swá hwæþere hond hálig dryhten

686

on whichever hand, the holy Lord

maérðo déme swá him gemet þince.'
will allot glory, as seems fitting to Him.'

Hylde hine þá heaþodéor — hléorbolster onféng
The war-bold one then bent himself down — the cheek-bolster received

eorles andwlitan— ond hine ymb monig
the earl's face— and round him many

snellíc saérinc selereste gebéah:
brave seaman sank down in hall-slumber;

naénig heora þóhte þæt hé þanon scolde

691

none of them thought that he thence would

eft eardlufan aéfre gesécean
his dear home again ever visit,

folc oþðe fréoburh þaér hé áféded wæs
his folk or his noble citadel, where he was nurtured

ac híe hæfdon gefrúnen þæt híe aér tó fela micles
for they had heard that far too many of them already

in þaém wínsele wældéað fornam
in that wine-hall slaughtering Death had carried off

Denigea léode. Ac him dryhten forgeaf

696

of the Danish people. But to them the Lord granted

wígspéda gewiofu Wedera léodum
the woven-destiny of war-luck to the Wederas' men,

frófor ond fultum þæt híe féond heora
solace and support, that they their foe,

ðurh ánes cræft ealle ofercómon
through the strength of one, all overcame,

selfes mihtum: sóð is gecýþed,
by his own might; truth is known

þæt mihtig god manna cynnes

701

that mighty God mankind

weold wídeferhð. Cóm on wanre niht
has ruled forever. In the colourless night came

scríðan sceadugenga: scéotend swaéfon
slinking the shadow-wanderer; the shooters slept,

þá þæt hornreced healdan scoldon
they that the horned-house were obliged to guard,

ealle búton ánum — þæt wæs yldum cúþ
all but one — it was known to men

þæt híe ne móste: þá metod nolde:

706

that they could not, when the Maker did not wish it,

se synscaþa under sceadu bregdan—
by the malefactor be drawn under the shadows—

ac hé wæccende wráþum on andan
but he watching in angry indignation

bád bolgenmód beadwa geþinges.
bided in rising rage for the result of battle.

Ðá cóm of móre under misthleoþum
Then came from the moor under the misty cliffs

Grendel gongan: godes yrre bær:

711

Grendel walking, God's wrath he bore;

mynte se mánscaða manna cynnes
the vile ravager meant from mankind

sumne besyrwan in sele þám héan:
a sample to snare in the high hall;

wód under wolcnum tó þæs þe hé wínreced
he waded under the clouds until he the wine-hall,

goldsele gumena gearwost wisse
— the gold-hall of men— mostly-certainly saw,

faéttum fáhne: ne wæs þæt forma síð

716

shining gold; it was not the first time

þæt hé Hróþgáres hám gesóhte:
that he Hrothgar's home had sought;

naéfre hé on aldordagum aér ne siþðan
he never in the days of his life, ere nor after,

heardran haéle healðegnas fand.
harder luck or hall-thanes found.

Cóm þá to recede rinc síðian
He came then to the hall the fighter journeying,

dréamum bedaéled: duru sóna onarn

721

cut-off from merriment; the door soon rushed open,

fýrbendum fæst syþðan hé hire folmum æthrán
firm with fire-forged bands, when he tapped it with his hands

onbraéd þá bealohýdig ðá hé gebolgen wæs,
plotting evil then he tore open, now that he was enraged,

recedes múþan: raþe æfter þon
the mouth of the building; straight after that

on fágne flór féond treddode:
on the tessellated floor the fiend treaded,

éode yrremód: him of éagum stód

726

advanced angrily; from his eyes issued,

ligge gelícost léoht unfaéger:
most like a flame, a distorted light;

geseah hé in recede rinca manige
he saw in the hall many warriors

swefan sibbegedriht samod ætgædere
a sleeping company of kinsmen gathered together

magorinca héap. Þá his mód áhlóg:
a great host of warriors. Then his heart laughed:

mynte þæt hé gedaélde aér þon dæg cwóme

731

he intended to deprive, ere the day came,

atol áglaéca ánra gehwylces
the cruel beast, from each one

líf wið líce þá him álumpen wæs
life from body, now had befallen him

wistfylle wén. Ne wæs þæt wyrd þá gén
a hope of a full feast. It was not his fate again

þæt hé má móste manna cynnes
that he might more of mankind

ðicgean ofer þá niht: þrýðswýð behéold

736

partake of after that night; the mighty man beheld,

maég Higeláces hú se mánscaða
the kinsman of Hygelac, how the cruel killer

under faérgripum gefaran wolde.
by means of a sudden attack wished to proceed.

Né þæt se áglaéca yldan þóhte
That the monster did not think to delay,

ac hé geféng hraðe forman síðe
but he quickly grasped, at the first occasion,

slaépendne rinc slát unwearnum:

741

a sleeping warrior, rended without restraint,

bát bánlocan: blód édrum dranc:
bit into the bone-locks, from the veins drank blood,

synsnaédum swealh: sóna hæfde
swallowed great chunks; soon he had

unlyfigendes ealgefeormod
the unliving one all devoured,

fét ond folma: forð néar ætstóp:
feet and hands; nearer he stepped forth,

nam þá mid handa higeþíhtigne

746

taking then with his hands a stout-hearted

rinc on ræste: raéhte ongéan
warrior from his rest, reached towards him

féond mid folme: hé onféng hraþe
the foe with his palm; quickly he grasped

inwitþancum ond wið earm gesæt.
the malice thoughts and clamped down on the arm.

Sóna þæt onfunde fyrena hyrde:
At once he found, the shepherd of atrocities,

þæt hé ne métte middangeardes

751

that he had not met in middle-earth,

eorþan scéatta on elran men
in the expanse of the world, in another man

mundgripe máran: hé on móde wearð
a greater hand-grip; he in his heart grew

forht on ferhðe: nó þý aér fram meahte:
fearing for life; none the sooner could he away;

hyge wæs him hinfús: wolde on heolster fléon,
eager-to-go-hence was the thought in him, he wanted to flee into the darkness,

sécan déofla gedræg: ne wæs his drohtoð þaér

756

to seek the devils' concourse; his situation there was not

swylce hé on ealderdagum aér gemétte.
like he in the days of his life ever had met.

Gemunde þá se góda maég Higeláces
The good man then recalled, the kinsman of Hygelac,

aéfenspraéce: uplang ástód
his evening-speech; upright he stood

ond him fæste wiðféng: fingras burston:
and laid hold of him tight; fingers burst;

eoten wæs útweard: eorl furþur stóp.

761

the troll was striving to move outward, the earl stepped forward.

Mynte se maéra hwaér hé meahte swá
The infamous one meant, anywhere he so was able,

wídre gewindan ond on weg þanon
farther escape and away thence

fléon on fenhopu: wiste his fingra geweald
flee to his secret places in the fen; he knew his fingers' control

on grames grápum: þæt he wæs géocorsíð
in his enemy's grip, that was a bitter journey he

þæt sé hearmscaþa to Heorute átéah.

766

that the harm-warrior had taken to Heorot.

Dryhtsele dynede: Denum eallum wearð
The noble hall broke into a din; the Danes all were,

ceasterbúendum cénra gehwylcum
— the citadel-dwellers— each of the bold,

eorlum ealuscerwen: yrre waéron bégen
earls in the flood of bitter drink; enraged were both

réþe renweardas: reced hlynsode.
fierce hall-wards; the hall resounded.

Þá wæs wundor micel þæt se wínsele

771

Then it was a great wonder that the wine-hall

wiðhæfde heaþodéorum: þæt hé on hrúsan ne féol
withstood the war-fighters, that it did not fall to the ground,

faéger foldbold ac hé þæs fæste wæs
the fair mansion but it so firm was

innan ond útan írenbendum
inside and out with iron-bands

searoþoncum besmiþod: þaér fram sylle ábéag
skilfully smithed; there from the floor broke away

medubenc monig míne gefraége

776

many mead-benches, I heard,

golde geregnad þaér þá graman wunnon:
adorned with gold, where the enemies struggled;

þæs ne wéndon aér witan Scyldinga:
it was not thought before, by the sages of the Scyldings,

þæt hit á mid gemete manna aénig
that it ever by means any men

betlíc ond bánfág tóbrecan meahte,
splendid and bone-adorned, could break it up,

listum tólúcan nymþe líges fæþm

781

cleverly cleave asunder, not unless fire's embrace

swulge on swaþule. Swég up ástág
swallowed it in inferno. Sound ascended up,

níwe geneahhe: Norð-Denum stód
new, nearby: the North-Danes stood

atelíc egesa ánra gehwylcum
in ghastly horror, in each one of

þára þe of wealle wóp gehýrdon,
them who from the wall weeping heard,

gryreléoð galan godes andsacan

786

terrible screaming, God's adversary,

sigeléasne sang, sár wánigean
a victoryless song, bewailing his wound,

helle hæfton: héold hine fæste
Hel's prisoner; he held him fast,

sé þe manna wæs mægene strengest
he who was of men in might strongest

on þaém dæge þysses lífes.
on that day in this life.

sydaudio Nolde eorla hléo aénige þinga

791

The protector of earls had no wish for any reason

þone cwealmcuman cwicne forlaétan
the murderous guest to release alive,

né his lífdagas léoda aénigum
nor his life-days to any people

nytte tealde. Þær genehost brægd
counted as advantage. There many brandished

eorl Béowulfes ealde láfe:
warriors of Beowulf, old heirlooms,

wolde fréadrihtnes feorh ealgian

796

they wished prince-lord's life defend,

maéres þéodnes ðaér híe meahton swá:
the legendary leader's, if they could do so;

híe þæt ne wiston þá híe gewin drugon
they did not know that, when they joined the fray,

heardhicgende hildemecgas
the bold-minded battle-men,

ond on healfa gehwone héawan þóhton,
and on each side thought to hew,

sáwle sécan: þone synscaðan

801

to seek the soul: that the sin-scather

aénig ofer eorþan írenna cyst
any on earth, of the choicest of irons,

gúðbilla nán grétan nolde
of war-bills, none, could not at all greet him

ac hé sigewaépnum forsworen hæfde
but he victory-weapons had forsworn,

ecga gehwylcre. Scolde his aldorgedál
every blade-edge. His life-severing was bound to

on ðaém dæge þysses lífes

806

on that day in this life

earmlíc wurðan ond se ellorgást
be wretched, and the alien-spirit

on féonda geweald feor síðian:
into the administration of fiends would journey far away;

ðá þæt onfunde sé þe fela aéror
then he found, he who before many,

módes myrðe manna cynne
miseries in his mind, on mankind

fyrene gefremede — he, fág wið god—

811

atrocities committed — he, who fought with God—

þæt him se líchoma laéstan nolde
that him his body-shell would not obey,

ac hine se módega maég Hygeláces
but him the daring kinsman of Hygelac

hæfde be honda: wæs gehwæþer óðrum
had by the hand; each was by the other

lifigende láð: lícsár gebád
loathed while living; body-pain he felt,

atol aéglaéca: him on eaxle wearð

816

the awful ogre; on his shoulder was

syndolh sweotol: seonowe onsprungon:
a great wound apparent, sinews sprang asunder,

burston bánlocan: Béowulfe wearð
bone-locks burst; to Beowulf was

gúðhréð gyfeþe: scolde Grendel þonan
war-glory given; thence Grendel had to

feorhséoc fléön under fenhleoðu,
flee sick unto death under the hills of the fen,

sécean wynléas wíc: wiste þé geornor

821

to seek his joyless abode; he knew it more surely

þæt his aldres wæs ende gegongen
that was his life's end arrived,

dógera dægrím. Denum eallum wearð
the day-count of his days. For the Danes were all,

æfter þám wælraése willa gelumpen:
after that slaughter-storm, wishes come to pass:

hæfde þá gefaélsod sé þe aér feorran cóm
he had then cleansed, he who had before come from afar,

snotor ond swýðferhð sele Hróðgáres,

826

shrewd and strong-minded, the hall of Hrothgar,

genered wið níðe: nihtweorce gefeh
rescued from ruin; in his night's work he rejoiced,

ellenmaérþum: hæfde Éast-Denum
in valour from great deeds; to the East-Danes had

Géatmecga léod gilp gelæsted:
the Geatmen's leader, his oath fulfilled;

swylce oncýþðe ealle gebétte
so too anguish all remedied,

inwidsorge þé híe aér drugon

831

grievous sorrow, that they had ere endured,

ond for þréanýdum þolian scoldon
and in hard distress had to suffer,

torn unlýtel: þæt wæs tácen sweotol
no small misery; that was a clear sign,

syþðan hildedéor hond álegde
when the battle-bold one the hand placed,

earm ond eaxle — þaér wæs eal geador
arm and shoulder — there was all together

Grendles grápe— under géapne hróf.

836

the grip of Grendel— under the gaping roof.

Ðá wæs on morgen míne gefraége
Then was in the morning, as I heard tell,

ymb þá gifhealle gúðrinc monig
about the gift-hall many warriors,

férdon folctogan feorran ond néän
folk-chiefs arrived from far and near

geond wídwegas wundor scéawian
across wide regions to behold the wonder,

láþes lástas: nó his lífgedál

841

the foe's foot-prints; his parting from life did not

sárlíc þúhte secga aénegum
seem mournful to any man

þára þe tírléases trode scéawode:
of those who the gloryless foe's track observed,

hú hé wérigmód on weg þanon
how he weary away thence,

níða ofercumen on nicera mere
vanquished by violence, to the nicors' mere

faége ond geflýmed feorhlástas bær.

846

doomed and driven back left behind life-trails.

Ðaér wæs on blóde brim weallende,
There with blood was the water seething,

atol ýða geswing eal gemenged
terrible swirling of swells all mingled

háton heolfre heorodréore wéol:
with boiling gore, with sword-blood it welled,

déaðfaége déog siððan dréama léas
doomed to die he hid himself, then, bereft of pleasure,

in fenfreoðo feorh álegde

851

in his fen-refuge he laid down his life,

haéþene sáwle: þaér him hel onféng.
his heathen soul; there Hel embraced him.

Þanon eft gewiton ealdgesíðas
Thence returned old companions,

swylce geong manig of gomenwáþe
also many young, from the sport-chase,

fram mere módge méarum rídan
from the mere full-spirited, riding horses,

beornas on blancum: ðaér wæs Béowulfes

856

warriors on fair steeds, there was Beowulf's

maérðo maéned: monig oft gecwæð
glory proclaimed; many often said

þætte súð né norð be saém twéonum
that neither south nor north between the seas

ofer eormengrund óþer naénig
over the whole vast earth, no other

under swegles begong sélra naére
under the sky's expanse was ne're better

rondhæbbendra, ríces wyrðra:

861

shield-bearer, of a worthier kingdom;

né híe húru winedrihten wiht ne lógon
nor, however, the friend and lord, did they blame at all,

glædne Hróðgár ac þæt wæs gód cyning.
gracious Hrothgar, for he was a good king.

Hwílum heaþorófe hléapan léton
At times the brave warriors let leap,

on geflit faran fealwe méaras
in a contest raced fallow horses,

ðaér him foldwegas fægere þúhton

866

where to them the earth-roads seemed suitable,

cystum cúðe. Hwílum cyninges þegn
and known to be the best. At times the king's thane,

guma gilphlæden gidda gemyndig
a man laden with fine speech, remembering songs,

sé ðe ealfela ealdgesegena
he who very many of ancient traditions

worn gemunde word óþer fand
recalled scores, found new words

sóðe gebunden: secg eft ongan

871

bound in truth; the man then began

síð Béowulfes snyttrum styrian
Beowulf's exploit skilfully to recite,

ond on spéd wrecan spel geráde,
and artfully utter an adept tale,

wordum wrixlan: wélhwylc gecwæð
varying his words; he spoke of almost everything

þæt hé fram Sigemunde secgan hyrde
that he of Sigmund had heard said,

ellendaédum: uncúþes fela

876

of his deeds of glory: many uncanny things,

Wælsinges gewin wíde síðas
the striving of Wael's son, his great journeys;

þára þe gumena bearn gearwe ne wiston
those things of which the childen of men by no means knew,

faéhðe ond fyrena búton Fitela mid hine,
feuds and feats of arms, only Fitela with him,

þonne hé swulces hwæt secgan wolde
then he of such matters was wont to speak of,

éäm his nefan swá híe á waéron

881

uncle to his nephew, as they always were

æt níða gehwám nýdgesteallan:
in every conflict comrades in need;

hæfdon ealfela eotena cynnes
they had a great many of the giantkind

sweordum gesaéged: Sigemunde gesprong
laid low with swords; for Sigmund arose,

æfter déaðdæge dóm unlýtel
after the day of his death, no little fame,

syþðan wíges heard wyrm ácwealde

886

since the fierce warrior had quelled the great serpent,

hordes hyrde: hé under hárne stán
the keeper of a hoard; beneath the hoary grey stone he,

æþelinges bearn ána genéðde
the prince's son, alone ventured

frécne daéde ne waés him Fitela mid:
a dangerous deed, Fitela was not with him;

hwæþre him gesaélde ðæt þæt swurd þurhwód
however it was granted him that the sword pierced

wraétlícne wyrm þæt hit on wealle ætstód

891

the wondrous wyrm, so that it stood fixed in the wall,

dryhtlíc íren: draca morðre swealt:
the noble iron; the dragon perished in the slaughter;

hæfde áglaéca elne gegongen
the fearsome one had ensured by courage

þæt hé béahhordes brúcan móste
that he the ring-hoard might possess

selfes dóme: saébát gehléod:
at his own chosing; he loaded the sea-boat,

bær on bearm scipes beorhte frætwa

896

bore in the bosom of his ship the gleaming treasures,

Wælses eafera — wyrm hát gemealt—
Wael's son — the wyrm in its heat melted—

sé wæs wreccena wíde maérost
he was of adventurers the most widely famed

ofer werþéode wígendra hléo
among nations, the warriors' protector,

ellendaédum — hé þæs aér onðáh—
for deeds of valour — he had prospered by this—

siððan Heremódes hild sweðrode,

901

since Heremod's skirmishing had abated,

earfoð ond ellen: he mid eotenum wearð
affliction and spirit; he among the Etins was

on féonda geweald forð forlácen
into enemy hands given up,

snúde forsended: hine sorhwylmas
quickly despatched; the surgings of sorrow him

lemede tó lange: hé his léodum wearð
hindered too long; he to his people became,

eallum æþellingum tó aldorceare:

906

to all of the nobels, a great mortal sorrow;

swylce oft bemearn aérran maélum
moreover they often mourned, for in earlier times,

swíðferhþes síð snotor ceorl monig
the departure of the stouted-hearted king, many learnèd sages

sé þe him bealwa tó bóte gelýfde
who to him for miseries' remedy had trusted and believed

þæt þæt ðéodnes bearn geþéon scolde,
that that prince's son must prosper,

fæderæþelum onfón, folc gehealdan

911

take up his father's rank, rule the folk,

hord ond hléoburh hæleþa ríce
their treasury and citadel, the heroes' kingdom,

éðel Scyldinga: hé þaér eallum wearð
homeland of the Scyldings; he [Beowulf] by all became,

maég Higeláces manna cynne
the kinsman of Hygelac, by mankind,

fréondum gefægra: hine fyren onwód.
more esteemed; wickedness undid him [Heremod].

Hwílum flítende fealwe straéte

916

Now and then racing, dusky streets

méarum maéton. Ðá waés morgenléoht
on their mounts they traversed. Then was the morning light

scofen ond scynded: éode scealc monig
hurried and hastened; many retainers went

swíðhicgende tó sele þám héan
determined to the high hall

searowundor séon: swylce self cyning
to see the strange wonder; the king himself too

of brýdbúre béahhorda weard

921

from his wife's bower, the ward of the ring-hoard,

tryddode tírfæst getrume micle
stepped out splendid with his great troop,

cystum gecýþed ond his cwén mid him
famed for his excellence, and his queen with him,

medostigge mæt mægþa hóse.
passed down the meadhall-path, accompanied by maidens.

Hróðgár maþelode — hé to héalle géong:
Hrothgar spoke — he went to the hall,

stód on stapole: geseah stéapne hróf

926

stood on the steps, observed the steep roof

golde fáhne ond Grendles hond— :
adorned with gold and Grendel's hand— :

'Ðisse ansýne alwealdan þanc
'For this sight Thanks to the All-Ruler

lungre gelimpe! Fela ic láþes gebád,
be swiftly forthcoming! I have suffered many injuries,

grynna æt Grendle: á mæg god wyrcan
griefs from Grendel; God can always work

wunder æfter wundre, wuldres hyrde.

931

wonder after wonder, glory's Keeper.

Ðaét wæs ungeára þæt ic aénigra mé
It was not long past that I for me any

wéana ne wénde tó wídan feore
for woes not hoped for the bredth of my life,

bóte gebídan þonne blóde fáh
to experience remedy when adorned with blood

húsa sélest heorodréorig stód:
the most splendid house stood battle-gory:

wéa wídscofen witena gehwylcne

936

woe widespread for each of the sages

ðára þe ne wéndon þæt híe wídeferhð
those who did not hope that in the span of their lives

léoda landgeweorc láþum beweredon
the nation's fortress from foes they could protect,

scuccum ond scinnum: ná scealc hafað
from shucks and shines; now a warrior has,

þurh drihtnes miht daéd gefremede
through the Lord's power, performed a deed

ðe wé ealle aér ne meahton

941

which we all before could not

snyttrum besyrwan: hwæt, þæt secgan mæg
with schemes contrive; listen, that may say

efne swá hwylc mægþa swá ðone magan cende
even so whichever woman as that begot this man,

æfter gumcynnum gyf héo gýt lyfað
among mankind, if she yet lives,

þæt hyre ealdmetod éste waére
that to her the Old Measurer of Fate was gracious

bearngebyrdo. Nú ic, Béowulf, þec,

946

in child-bearing. Now, I, Beowulf, you,

secg betosta, mé for sunu wylle
the best of men, for me like a son would

fréogan on ferhþe: heald forð tela
love in life; keep well henceforth

níwe sibbe: ne bið þé aénigre gád
this new kinship; there will not be any want

worolde wilna þé ic geweald hæbbe:
of worldly wishes while I have power;

ful oft ic for laéssan léan teohhode

951

full oft I for less rewards have bestowed,

hordweorþunge hnáhran rince
honouring with treasure a humbler man,

saémran æt sæcce: þú þé self hafast
lesser at fighting; you for yourself have

daédum gefremed þæt þín dóm lyfað
by deeds ensured, that your fame lives

áwa tó aldre: alwalda þec
for ever and ever; may the All-Ruler you

góde forgylde swá hé nú gýt dyde!'

956

reward with good, as He has now yet done!'

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Wé þæt ellenweorc éstum miclum
'We the courage-works with great pleasure,

feohtan fremedon: frécne genéðdon
endeavoured to fight, boldly risked

eafoð uncúþes. Úþe ic swíþor
the strength of an unknown foe. I would rather

þæt ðú hine selfne geséon móste

961

that you him himself might have seen,

féond on frætewum fylwérigne:
the fiend in his full gear wearied by death;

ic him hrædlíce heardan clammum
I him quickly in hard clasp

on wælbedde wríþan þóhte
on the bed of slaughter thought to fetter,

þæt hé for handgripe mínum scolde
that he because of the hand-grip of mine must

licgean lífbysig bútan his líc swice:

966

lie struggling for life, lest his body slip away;

ic hine ne mihte þá metod nolde
I him could not, when the Measurer of Fate did not wish it,

ganges getwaéman: nó ic him þæs georne ætfealh
hinder departing; nor I so readily kept him close,

feorhgeníðlan: wæs tó foremihtig
that mortal foe; he was too overpowering,

féond on féþe: hwæþere, hé his folme forlét
the fiend in departing; however, he left his hand

tó lífwraþe lást weardian,

971

to save his life, remaining behind,

earm ond eaxle: nó þaér aénige swá þéah
arm and shoulder; not with it though any

féasceaft guma frófre gebohte:
the worthless creature, relief purchased;

nó þý leng leofað láðgetéona
not the longer does he live, the hateful spoiler,

synnum geswenced ac hyne sár hafað
struck down by sins but him the wound has

in níðgripe nearwe befongen

976

with violent grip narrowly enclosed

balwon bendum ðaér ábídan sceal
in baleful bonds, there he must await,

maga máne fáh miclan dómes:
the creature stained with crimes, the great judgement,

hú him scír metod scrífan wille.'
how him the glorious Measure of Fate wishes to decree.'

Ðá wæs swígra secg sunu Ecgláfes
Then the man was more silent, the son of Edgelaf,

on gylpspraéce gúðgeweorca

981

in boast-speech of war-works

siþðan æþelingas eorles cræfte
when the noble men, by the strength of the prince

ofer héanne hróf hand scéawedon
over the high roof saw the hand,

feondes fingras: foran aéghwylc wæs
the fiend's fingers; on the front of each was,

steda nægla gehwylc stýle gelícost
in the place of each nail very much like steel

haéþenes handsporu hilderinces

986

heathenish hand-spurs, the war-creature's

egl unhéoru: aéghwylc gecwæð
ungentle talon; everyone said

þæt him heardra nán hrínan wolde
that him no hard weapon would strike,

íren aérgód, þæt ðæs áhlaécan
pre-eminent iron, that of them (none) the demon's

blódge beadufolme onberan wolde.
bloody battle-hand would injure.

Ðá wæs háten hreþe Heort innanweard

991

Then the order was promptly given the interior of Heorot

folmum gefrætwod: fela þaéra wæs
to furnish by hands; many there were,

wera ond wífa þe þæt wínreced
of men and women, who the wine-hall,

gestsele gyredon: goldfág scinon
the guest-hall prepared; gold-glittering shone

web æfter wágum wundorsíona fela
woven tapestries along the walls, many wondrous sights

secga gehwylcum þára þe on swylc starað:

996

for each of the men, who on such stared;

wæs þæt beorhte bold tóbrocen swíðe
that bright building was badly broken up

eal inneweard írenbendum fæst,
all inside secure with iron-bands,

heorras tóhlidene: hróf ána genæs
hinges sprung open; the roof alone remained

ealles ansund þé se áglaéca
entirely sound, when the ogre,

fyrendaédum fág on fléam gewand

1001

guilty of wicked deeds turned in flight,

aldres orwéna. Nó þæt ýðe byð
despairing of life. That is not easy

to befléönne — fremme sé þe wille—
to flee from — try he who will—

ac gesacan sceal sáwlberendra
but he must gain by strife, those who have souls,

nýde genýdde, niþða bearna
compelled by necessity, the mens' sons',

grundbúendra gearwe stówe

1006

the ground-dwellers' ready place,

þaér his líchoma legerbedde fæst
there his body, fast in his death-bed,

swefeþ æfter symle. Þá wæs saél ond maél
sleeps after feasting. Then it was the time and occasion

þæt tó healle gang Healfdenes sunu:
that to the hall went Half-Dane's son;

wolde self cyning symbel þicgan:
the king himself wished to partake of the feast;

ne gefrægen ic þá maégþe máran weorode

1011

I have not heard when a tribe in a greater force

ymb hyra sincgyfan sél gebaéran:
around their treasure-giver comported themselves better;

bugon þá tó bence blaédágande
they then sank down on the bench, the fame-bearers,

fylle gefaégon: fægere geþaégon
rejoicing at the feast; they graciously received

medoful manig mágas þára
many full goblets of mead, their kinsmen,

swíðhicgende on sele þám héan

1016

stout-hearted, in the high hall

Hróðgár ond Hróþulf: Heorot innan wæs
Hrothgar and Hrothulf: the interior of Heorot was

fréondum áfylled: nalles fácenstafas
filled with friends; no treacherous-strokes

Þéod-Scyldingas þenden fremedon.
the Folk-Scyldings made as yet.

Forgeaf þá Béowulfe brand Healfdenes
Then Beowulf was given the brand of Half-Dane,

segen gyldenne sigores tó léane

1021

the golden banner in reward of victory,

hroden hiltecumbor, helm ond byrnan:
the adorned standard, helm and byrnie;

maére máðþumsweord manige gesáwon
the renowned treasure-sword many saw

beforan beorn beran: Béowulf geþah
brought before the hero; Beowulf took

ful on flette: nó hé þaére feohgyfte
the full flagon from the floor; of the reward-gift he did not,

for scótenum scamigan ðorfte:

1026

as payment, need to be ashamed;

ne gefrægn ic fréondlícor féower mádmas
I have not heard that more graciously four treasures,

golde gegyrede gummanna fela
adorned with gold, many men

in ealobence óðrum gesellan:
on ale-bench have given to others;

ymb þæs helmes hróf héafodbeorge
around the helmet's roof — the head-guard—

wírum bewunden walan útan héold

1031

was wound with wires the re-inforced crest guarded from without,

þæt him féla láf frécne ne meahton
that him what the files have left could not savagely,

scúrheard sceþðan þonne scyldfreca
(could not) harm the wondrously-tempered (helm), when the shield-fighter

ongéan gramum gangan scolde.
against enemies had to go.

Heht ðá eorla hléo eahta méaras
The defender of earls then ordered eight horses,

faétedhléore on flet téön

1036

with decorated head-gear, led onto the hall-floor

in under eoderas: þára ánum stód
in under the ramparts; one of them stood,

sadol searwum fáh since gewurþad:
saddle skilfully adorned, ennobled with jewels;

þæt wæs hildesetl héahcyninges
that was the battle-seat of the high king,

ðonne sweorda gelác sunu Healfdenes
when in sword-play the son of Half-Dane

efnan wolde: naéfre on óre læg

1041

wished to engage; in the vanguard it never failed

wídcúþes wíg ðonne walu féollon:
his warskill well-known, when the slain were falling;

ond ðá Béowulfe béga gehwæþres
and then to Beowulf both of the treasures

eodor Ingwina onweald getéah
the protector of the Friends of Ing bestowed possession,

wicga ond waépna: hét hine wél brúcan:
horses and weapons; he ordered him to make good use of (them);

swá manlíce maére þéoden

1046

so in a manly manner the famed chieftain,

hordweard hæleþa heaþoraésas geald
the hoard-ward of heroes, paid for war-clashes

méarum ond mádmum swá hý naéfre man lyhð
in horses and treasures; thus, one can never find fault in them

sé þe secgan wile sóð æfter rihte.
he who wishes to tell the truth according to what is right.

Gewiton him ðá wígend wíca néosian
The warriors returned then to seek their houses,

fréondum befeallen, Frýsland geséon,

1126

bereft of friends, to see Frisia,

hámas ond héaburh: Hengest ðá gýt
their homes and high fort; yet Hengest

wælfágne winter wunode mid Finn
the death-stained winter spent with Finn,

eal unhlitine: eard gemunde
in a place with no fellowship at all; he remembered his land,

þéah þe ne meahte on mere drífan
though he could not drive on the sea

hringedstefnan: holm storme wéol:

1131

the ring-prowed ship: the sea welled in storm,

won wið winde: winter ýþe beléac
fought against the wind; the winter locked the waves

ísgebinde oþ ðæt óþer cóm
in icy bonds, until came another

géar in geardas swá nú gýt déëð:
year to the courtyards, as it still does now,

þá ðe syngáles séle bewitiað
those which continuously carry out their seasons,

wuldortorhtan weder. Ðá wæs winter scacen,

1136

gloriously bright weathers. Then winter was gone,

fæger foldan bearm: fundode wrecca
fair was the Earth's breast; the exile was anxious to go,

gist of geardum: hé tó gyrnwræce
the guest of the dwellings; he of vengeance for grief

swíðor þóhte þonne tó saéláde:
sooner thought than of sea-path,

gif hé torngemót þurhtéon mihte
and whether he a bitter encounter could bring about,

þæt hé eotena bearn inne gemunde:

1141

for that he of the Eotens' sons inwardly remembered;

swá hé ne forwyrnde woroldraédenne
so he did not refuse the worldly practice,

þonne him Húnláfing, hildeléoman
when to him Hunlafing the battle-light,

billa sélest on bearm dyde:
the finest blade he placed on (Hnaef's) lap;

þæs waéron mid eotenum ecge cúðe.
among the Eotens its edges were known.

Swylce ferhðfrecan Fin eft begeat

1146

So too his mortal enemy's — Finn in turn received—

sweordbealo slíðen æt his selfes hám
dire sword-onslaught in his own home,

siþðan grimne gripe Gúðláf ond Ósláf
when concerning the fierce attack Guthlaf and Oslaf,

æfter saésíðe sorge maéndon:
following their sea-journey, declared their grief,

ætwiton wéana daél: ne meahte waéfre mód
blamed for their share of woes; he could not his restless spirit

forhabban in hreþre: ðá wæs heal hroden

1151

contain in his breast; then the hall were decorated

féonda féorum: swilce Fin slægen
with the foes' lives, so too Finn was slain,

cyning on corþre ond séo cwén numen:
the king amid his troop, and the queen was seized;

scéotend Scyldinga tó scypon feredon
Scylding shooters ferried to the ships

eal ingesteald eorðcyninges:
all of the house-goods of the nation's king,

swylce híe æt Finnes hám findan meahton

1156

which they at Finn's estate could find:

sigla searogimma: híe on saéláde
shining jewels and well-cut gems; they on the sea-path

drihtlíce wíf tó Denum feredon:
the noble lady ferried to the Danes,

laéddon tó léodum. Léoð wæs ásungen
led to the people. The lay was sung,

gléomannes gyd: gamen eft ástáh:
the gleeman's tale; joy again sprang up,

beorhtode bencswég: byrelas sealdon

1161

music rang out from the bench, cup-bearers served

wín of wunderfatum. Þá cwóm Wealhþéo forð
wine from wondrous vessels. Then Wealhtheow came forth,

gán under gyldnum béage þaér þá gódan twégen
walking in a golden neck-ring to where the good pair

sæton suhtergefæderan þá gýt wæs hiera sib ætgædere,
sat, uncle and nephew; then their kinship was still together,

aéghwylc óðrum trýwe: swylce þaér Hunferþ þyle
each to the other true; Unferth the þyle was also there

æt fótum sæt fréan Scyldinga: gehwylc hiora his ferhþe tréowde

1166

sitting at the feet of the Scylding lord; each of them trusted his spirit,

þæt hé hæfde mód micel þéah þe hé his mágum naére
and that he had great courage, though he to his kin was not

árfæst æt ecga gelácum: spræc ðá ides Scyldinga:
honourable in clash of blades; the Scylding lady then spoke:

'Onfóh þissum fulle, fréodrihten mín,
'Receive this full cup, my noble lord,

sinces brytta: þú on saélum wes,
dispenser of treasure; you— be joyful,

goldwine gumena, ond tó Géatum spræc
gold-friend of men, and to the Geats speak

mildum wordum swá sceal man dóön:
with gentle words so ought a man to do;

béo wið Géatas glæd, geofena gemyndig

1173

be gracious with the Geats, mindful of gifts

néan ond feorran þú nú hafast:
which from near and far you now have;

mé man sægde þæt þú ðé for sunu wolde
it has been said to me that you wish for a son,

hereric habban: Heorot is gefaélsod
to have this leader of armies; Heorot is cleansed,

béahsele beorhta: brúc þenden þú móte

the bright ring-hall; enjoy, while you may,

manigra médo ond þínum mágum laéf

1178

many rewards, and leave to your kinsmen

folc ond ríce þonne ðú forð scyle
folk and kingdom when you must go forth

metodsceaft séön: ic mínne can
to meet what is fated; I know my

glædne Hróþulf: þæt hé þá geogoðe wile
gracious Hrothulf, that he the youths wishes

árum healdan gyf þú aér þonne hé,
to hold in honour, if you earlier than he,

wine Scildinga, worold oflaétest

1183

friend of the Scyldings, leave behind the world,

wéne ic þæt hé mid góde gyldan wille
I think that he with good will repay

uncran eaferan gif hé þæt eal gemon:
our children, if he that at all remembers,

hwæt wit tó willan ond tó worðmyndum
what we for his sake and for his worldly renown,

umborwesendum aér árna gefremedon.'
before, in his youth, bestowed our favours.'

Hwearf þá bí bence þaér hyre byre waéron

1188

She turned then by the bench, where her boys were,

Hréðríc ond Hróðmund ond hæleþa bearn
Hrethric and Hrothmund, and heroes' sons,

giogoð æt gædere: þaér se góda sæt
the young company all together; there sat the good

Béowulf Géata be þaém gebróðrum twaém.
Beowulf of the Geats by the two brothers.

Him wæs ful boren ond fréondlaþu
The full cup was brought to him, and a friendly invitation

wordum bewægned ond wundengold

1193

proffered in words, and twisted gold

éstum geéawed: earmréade twá
kindly offered: two arm-ornaments,

hrægl ond hringas, healsbéaga maést
robe and rings, the largest necklace

þára þe ic on foldan gefrægen hæbbe:
of those which I on earth have heard of;

naénigne ic under swegle sélran hýrde
none under the sky I have heard of better

hordmádmum hæleþa syþðan Háma ætwæg

1198

from hoard-treasures of heroes, since Hama carried off

tó herebyrhtan byrig Brósinga mene
to the battle-bright stronghold the Brosings' necklet,

sigle ond sincfæt: searoníðas fealh
jewel and precious setting; he fled the cunning enmity

Eormenríces: gecéas écne raéd:
of Eormenric, chose eternal benefit;

þone hring hæfde Higelác Géata

That ring had Hygelac of the Geats,

nefa Swertinges nýhstan síðe

1203

grandson of Swerting, on his last adventure,

siðþan hé under segne sinc ealgode:
when under the banner he defended riches,

wælréaf werede: hyne wyrd fornam
warded slaughter-spoils; him Fate took away,

syþðan hé for wlenco wéan áhsode
after he from pride sought misery,

faéhðe tó Frýsum: hé þá frætwe wæg
feud with the Frisians; he then wore the ornament,

eorclanstánas ofer ýða ful

1208

the mysterious stone over the waves' cup,

ríce þéoden: hé under rande gecranc.
the mighty prince; he fell under the rimmed-shield.

Gehwearf þá in Francna fæþm feorh cyninges
Passed then into the Franks' grasp the body of the king,

bréostgewaédu ond se béah somod:
mail-coat and the ring together;

wyrsan wígfrecan wæl réafeden
lesser warrior rifled the corpses

æfter gúðsceare: Géata léode

1213

after the slaughter of battle; the people of the Geats

hréawíc héoldon. Heal swége onféng:
filled the field of corpses. The hall resounded with noise;

Wealhðéo maþelode: héo fore þaém werede spræc:
Wealhtheow spoke; she spoke before the retinue:

'Brúc ðisses béages, Béowulf léofa
'Make use of this ring, belovèd Beowulf,

hyse, mid haéle ond þisses hrægles néot
young man, with good fortune, and take benefit from this corslet,

þéod gestreona ond geþéoh tela:

1218

the wealth of a nation, and prosper well,

cen þec mid cræfte ond þyssum cnyhtum wes
prove yourself with strength, and to these lads be

lára líðe: ic þé þæs léan geman:
gentle in teaching; I shall remember you for this requital;

hafast þú geféred þæt ðé feor ond néah
you have brought it about that you far and near

ealne wídeferhþ weras ehtigað
always and forever men will praise,

efne swá síde swá saé bebúgeð,

1223

even as widely as the sea surrounds

windgeard, weallas: wes þenden þú lifige,
the home of the wind, walls; be while you live,

æþeling, éadig: ic þé an tela
prince, happy; I wish thee well,

sincgestréona: béo þú suna mínum
and rich in treasure; be you to my sons

daédum gedéfe, dréamhealdende:
indulgent in deeds, possessing joy;

hér is aéghwylc eorl óþrum getrýwe

1228

here is each of the men true to the others

módes milde mandrihtne hléo:
generous in mind, in the protetion of their liege-lord;

þegnas syndon geþwaére þéod ealgearo
the thanes are united, the people alert,

druncne dryhtguman dóð swá ic bidde.'
the warrior-retinue cheered by drink do as I bid.'

Éode þá tó setle: þaér wæs symbla cyst:
She went then to her seat; there was the finest feast,

druncon wín weras: wyrd ne cúþon

1233

the men drank wine; they did not know their fate,

geósceaft grimme swá hit ágangen wearð
horrific destiny, as it had happened

eorla manegum syþðan aéfen cwóm
to many heroes, after evening came,

ond him Hróþgár gewát tó hofe sínum
and Hrothgar went to his quarters,

ríce tó ræste reced weardode
the ruler to rest, the hall guarded

unrím eorla swá híe oft aér dydon

1238

countless earls, as they often had done before,

bencþelu beredon: hit geondbraéded wearð
they cleared away the benches from the floor; over it was spread

beddum ond bolstrum: béorscealca sum
bedding and bolsters; one of the beer-drinkers,

fús ond faége fletræste gebéag:
eager and doomed, lay down in his hall-couch;

setton him tó héafdon hilderandas
they set at their heads battle-bossed shields,

bordwudu beorhtan: þaér on bence wæs

1243

bright linden-wood; there on the bench was

ofer æþelinge ýþgeséne
over each nobleman easily seen

heaþostéapa helm hringed byrne
a battle-steep helm, ringed byrnie,

þrecwudu þrymlíc: wæs þéaw hyra
(and) glorious mighty shaft; their custom was

þæt híe oft waéron an wíg gearwe
that they were often ready for a battle

gé æt hám gé on herge gé gehwæþer þára

1248

both at home and out harrying, and either of these,

efne swylce maéla swylce hira mandryhtne
for just such times as for their liege-lord

þearf gesaélde: wæs séo þéod tilu.
the need arose; they were a good platoon.

Sigon þá tó slaépe: sum sáre angeald
They sank then into sleep; one paid sorely

æfenræste swá him ful oft gelamp
for his evening rest, as had quite often happened,

siþðan goldsele Grendel warode:

1253

when the gold-hall Grendel warded,

unriht æfnde oþ þæt ende becwóm,
inflict wrong until the end came,

swylt æfter synnum. Þæt gesýne wearþ
death for crimes. That became manifest,

wídcúþ werum þætte wrecend þá gýt
widely known by men, that an avenger still

lifde æfter láþum lange þráge
lived after the misfortunes, for a long time

æfter gúðceare Grendles módor

1258

after the war-trouble, Grendel's mother,

ides áglaécwíf yrmþe gemunde
lady troll-wife, remembered misery,

sé þe wæteregesan wunian scolde
she who the dreadful water had to inhabit,

cealde stréamas siþðan camp him wearð
the cold currents, after strife arose through him,

tó ecgbanan ángan bréþer
a sword-slayer to an only brother,

fæderenmaége: hé þá fág gewát

1263

father's kin; he went then stained,

morþre gemearcod mandréam fléön:
marked by the murder, fled human pleasures,

wésten warode. Þanon wóc fela
lived in the wilds. Then awoke many

geósceaftgásta: wæs þaéra Grendel sum,
fated spirits; Grendel was one of these,

heorowearh hetelíc: sé æt Heorote fand
the hateful sword-outlaw, who found at Heorot

wæccendne wer wíges bidan:

1268

a watching man biding for battle;

þaér him áglaéca ætgráepe wearð:
there with him the troll came at close grips;

hwæþre hé gemunde mægenes strenge
yet he remembered the great strength,

gimfæste gife ðe him god sealde
generous gift, which God gave him,

ond him tó anwaldan áre gelýfde
and he on the One-Ruler's favour relied,

frófre ond fultum: ðý hé þone féond ofercwóm:

1273

comfort and support; by this he overcame the fiend,

gehnaégde helle gást: þá hé héan gewát
subdued the spirit of hell; then wretched he went,

dréame bedaéled déaþwíc séön,
deprived of joy, to see his place of death,

mancynnes féond. Ond his módor þá gýt
that foe of mankind. And his mother even now,

gífre ond galgmód gegán wolde
greedy and gloomy-hearted wished to go forth,

sorhfulne síð, sunu déoð wrecan:

1278

a sorrowful journey, to avenge her son's death;

cóm þá to Heorote ðaér Hring-Dene
she came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes

geond þæt sæld swaéfun: þá ðaér sóna wearð
slept throught the hall; then there at once came about

edhwyrft eorlum siþðan inne fealh
the earl's reversal of fortune, when inside passed

Grendles módor: wæs se gryre laéssa
Grendel's mother; the horror was less

efne swá micle swá bið mægþa cræft

1283

by even so much, as is maid's strength,

wíggryre wífes bewaépned men
— the war-violence of woman— from an armed man,

þonne heoru bunden hamere geþuren
when adorned blade, by hammer forged,

sweord swáte fáh swín ofer helme
— sword stained with blood— the boar-crest

ecgum dyhttig andweard scireð.
by edges firm, the opposing (helmet) is sheared.

Þá wæs on healle heardecg togen

1288

Then in the hall was drawn a hard-edged

sweord ofer setlum, sídrand manig
sword above the seats, many a broad bossed-shield

hafen handa fæst: helm ne gemunde
held fast in hand; helmet was not heeded,

byrnan síde þá hine se bróga angeat:
(nor) broad byrnie, when the horror perceived him;

héo wæs on ofste: wolde út þanon,
she was in haste, wanted out of there,

féore beorgan þá héo onfunden wæs:

1293

to protect her life, when she was discovered;

hraðe héo æþelinga ánne hæfde
quickly she a noble one had

fæste befangen: þá héo tó fenne gang:
seized tightly, then she went to the fen;

sé wæs Hróþgáre hæleþa léofost
he was to Hrothgar the best-loved hero

on gesíðes hád be saém twéonum
in the retinue's rank between the two seas

ríce randwiga þone ðe héo on ræste ábréat

1298

mighty shield-warrior, whom she ripped from his rest,

blaédfæstne beorn — næs Béowulf ðaér
the glorious man — Beowulf was not there,

ac wæs óþer in aér geteohhod
but was in the other lodging assigned earlier

æfter máþðumgife maérum Géate—
after the treasure-giving to the mighty Geat—

hréam wearð in Heorote: héo under heolfre genam
a cry was in Heorot; she took from its gore

cúþe folme: cearu wæs geníwod,

1303

a well-known arm; sorrow was renewed,

geworden in wícun: ne wæs þæt gewrixle til
it returned to their dwellings; that exchange was not good,

þæt híe on bá healfa bicgan scoldon
which they on both sides were obliged to pay for

fréonda féorum: þá wæs fród cyning
with the lives of friends; then was the wise king,

hár hilderinc on hréonmóde
the grey battle-man, in a troubled spirit,

syðþan hé aldorþegn unlyfigendne

1308

when he the lordly thane unliving,

þone déorestan déadne wisse.
the dearest one, knew was dead.

Hraþe wæs tó búre Béowulf fetod
Quickly to the bower was Beowulf fetched

sigoréadig secg: samod aérdæge
the victorious warrior; at day-break

éode eorla sum æþele cempa
the notable earl went — noble champion—

self mid gesíðum þaér se snotera bád

1313

himself with his companions where the wise one awaited

hwæþre him Alfwalda aéfre wille
whether for him the Ruler of Elves ever would wish,

æfter wéaspelle wyrpe gefremman:
after the news of woe, to bring about a change for the better;

gang ðá æfter flóre fyrdwyrðe man
then over the floor went the war-worthy man

mid his handscale — healwudu dynede—
with his crowd of companions — the wood of the hall resounded—

þæt hé þone wísan wordum hnægde

1318

he the wise (king) humbled with words:

fréan Ingwina: frægn gif him waére
— the lord of the Ingwins— asked if it had been for him,

æfter néodlaðu niht getaése.
according to his hopes, a pleasing night.

Hróðgár maþelode helm Scyldinga:
Hrothgar spoke, the Helm of the Scyldings:

'Ne frín þú æfter saélum: sorh is geníwod
'Do not you ask after pleasures; sorrow is renewed

Denigea léodum: déad is Æschere

1323

for the Danish nation; Æschere is dead,

Yrmenláfes yldra bróþor
Yrmenlaf's elder brother,

mín rúnwita ond mín raédbora
my confident and my chief counsellor,

eaxlgestealla ðonne wé on orlege
shoulder-companion, when we in war

hafelan weredon þonne hniton féþan
protected the head, when clashed with foot-soldiers,

eoferas cnysedan: swylc eorl scolde

1328

dashed boars (atop helmets); so ought a man

wesan aérgód swylc Æschere wæs.
be experienced and noble, as Æschere was.

Wearð him on Heorote tó handbanan
In Heorot for him was a hand-slayer,

wælgaést waéfre: ic ne wát hwæþer
restless death-spirit; I know not whether,

atol aése wlanc eftsíðas téah
glorying in the carcass, she undertook a return journey,

fylle gefraégnod: héo þá faéhðe wræc

1333

contented by her feast; she avenged the feud

þe þú gystran niht Grendel cwealdest
in which you yester-night Grendel quelled

þurh haéstne hád heardum clammum
through violent means in harsh embrace,

forþan hé tó lange léode míne
because he for too long my people

wanode ond wyrde hé æt wíge gecrang
diminished and destroyed, he fell in the fight,

ealdres scyldig ond nú óþer cwóm

1338

having forfeited his life, and now the other has come,

mihtig mánscaða: wolde hyre maég wrecan:
the mighty crime-wreaker, she wants to avenge her kinsman,

gé feor hafað faéhðe gestaéled
and has very far carried her feud,

þæs þe þincean mæg þegne monegum
as it must seem to many a thane,

sé þe æfter sincgyfan on sefan gréoteþ:
who for the treasure-giver weeps in his heart:

hreþerbealo hearde: nú séo hand ligeð

1343

hard mind-grief! now the hand has fallen away,

sé þe éow wélhwylcra wilna dohte.
which in all of you had sustained wishes.

Ic þæt londbúend léode míne
I it, land-dwellers, my people,

seleraédende secgan hýrde
hall-counsellors have heard tell

þæt híe gesáwon swylce twégen
that they saw two such

micle mearcstapan móras healdan,

1348

massive marchers of no-man's land haunting the moors,

ellorgaéstas: ðaéra óðer wæs
alien spirits; one of them was,

þæs þe híe gewislícost gewitan meahton
as they most certainly were able to discern,

idese onlícnæs: óðer earmsceapen
of the likeness of a woman; the other one wretchedly shaped

on weres wæstmum wraéclástas træd
in the form of a man trod in the tracks of an exile,

næfne hé wæs mára þonne aénig man óðer:

1353

except he was larger than any other man;

þone on géardagum Grendel nemdon
in days of yore him 'Grendel' named

foldbúende: nó híe fæder cunnon:
the earth-dwellers; they did not know of his father,

hwæþer him aénig wæs aér ácenned
whether of them any were born previously

dyrnra gásta. Híe dýgel lond
of obscure spirits. They a secret land

warigeað wulfhleoþu windige næssas

1358

inhabited, wolf-slopes, windy water-capes,

frécne fengelád ðaér fyrgenstréam
a dangerous passage over the fen-waters, where mountain-stream

under næssa genipu niþer gewíteð
under the darkness of the headlands descended downward,

flód under foldan: nis þæt feor heonon
the flood under the earth; it is not that far hence

mílgemearces þæt se mere standeð:
in mile-marks, that the mere stands;

ofer þaém hongiað hrímge bearwas:

1363

over it hangs frost-covered groves,

wudu wyrtum fæst wæter oferhelmað:
tree held fast by its roots overshadows the water;

þaér mæg nihta gehwaém níðwundor séon
there one may every night a horrible marvel see:

fýr on flóde: nó þæs fród leofað
fire on the water; not even the wise of them lives,

gumena bearna þæt þone grund wite.
of men's sons, that knows the bottom.

Ðéah þe haéðstapa hundum geswenced

1368

Though the heath-stepper harrassed by hounds,

heorot hornum trum holtwudu séce
the hart with strong horns, seeks the forest,

feorran geflýmed: aér hé feorh seleð
put to flight from far, first he will give up his life,

aldor on ófre aér hé in wille
existence on the shore, before he will (leap) in

hafelan helan: nis þæt héoru stów:
to hide his head; it is not a pleasant place;

þonon ýðgeblond úp ástígeð

1373

thence a maelström of the waves rises up,

won tó wolcnum þonne wind styreþ
dark to the clouds, when the wind stirs

láð gewidru oð þæt lyft drysmaþ:
grievous storms, until the air grows dark,

roderas réotað. Nú is se raéd gelang
the skies weep. Now is the remedy dependent upon

eft æt þé ánum: eard gít ne const
you alone once again; you do not know the region yet,

frécne stówe ðaér þú findan miht

1378

terrible place where you might find

felasinnigne secg: séc gif þú dyrre:
the much-sinning creature; seek if you dare;

ic þé þá faéhðe féo léanige
for the feud you I would reward with wealth,

ealdgestréonum swá ic aér dyde,
with old treasures, as I did before,

wundungolde gyf þú on weg cymest.'
with twisted-gold, if you come away.'

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:

1383

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Ne sorga, snotor guma: sélre bið aéghwaém
'Do not sorrow, wise man: it is better for everyone

þæt hé his fréond wrece þonne hé fela murne:
that he his friend avenge, than he mourn over-much;

úre aéghwylc sceal ende gebídan
each of us must await the end

worolde lífes: wyrce sé þe móte
in the world of life: gain he who may

dómes aér déaþe: þæt bið drihtguman,

1388

glory before death; that is for the warrior,

unlifgendum æfter sélest.
unliving, afterwards the best.

Árís, ríces weard, uton hraþe féran
Arise, O guardian of the kingdom, let us go quickly,

Grendles mágan gang scéawigan:
Grendel's kin's trail survey;

ic hit þé geháte: nó hé on helm losaþ
I swear it to thee: she will not be lost in the cover,

né on foldan fæþm né on fyrgenholt

1393

nor in the embrace of the earth, nor in the mountain wood,

né on gyfenes grund: gá þaér hé wille:
nor in the ocean's depth, go where she will;

ðýs dógor þú geþyld hafa
this day you must have patience

wéana gehwylces swá ic þé wéne tó.'
in each of the woes, as I expect you to.'

Áhléop ðá se gomela, gode þancode
The agèd one leapt up, thanked God,

mihtigan drihtne þæs se man gespræc:

1398

mighty Lord, for what the man spoke;

þá wæs Hróðgáre hors gebaéted
then was for Hrothgar a horse was bridled,

wicg wundenfeax: wísa fengel
a mount with braided mane; the wise ruler

geatolíc gende: gumféþa stóp
rode well-equipped; the foot-soldiers marched

lindhæbbendra: lástas waéron
linden-wood bearers; tracks were

æfter waldswaþum wíde gesýne,

1403

along the forest-track widely seen,

gang ofer grundas gegnum for
the trail over the grounds, went straight-forward

ofer myrcan mór magoþegna bær
over the murky moor, she carried of the kin-thanes

þone sélestan sáwolléasne
the finest — without his soul—

þára þe mid Hróðgáre hám eahtode.
of those who with Hrothgar had defended their home.

Oferéode þá æþelinga bearn

1408

Traversed then the nobles' son

stéap stánhliðo stíge nearwe
the steap stone slopes, the narrow lane,

enge ánpaðas uncúð gelád
the tight single-file path, the unknown, uncertain water-crossing,

neowle næssas nicorhúsa fela:
precipitous headlands, the many homes of nicors;

hé féara sum beforan gengde
he with a few went ahead

wísra monna wong scéawian

1413

wise men surveying the field,

oþ þæt hé faéringa fyrgenbéamas
until he by chance mountain-trees

ofer hárne stán hleonian funde
over a silvery-grey stone found hanging,

wynléasne wudu: wæter under stód
the joyless forest; water stood below,

dréorig ond gedréfed: Denum eallum wæs
bloody and stirred-up; for all of the Danes was,

winum Scyldinga wærce on móde

1418

for the friends of the Scyldings, suffering in the heart

tó geþolianne, ðegne monegum
to endure, for many thanes,

oncýð eorla gehwaém syðþan Æscheres
awakening grief in each of the nobles, when Æschere's

on þám holmclife hafelan métton.
— on the sea-cliff— head encountered.

Flód blóde wéol — folc tó saégon—
The flood welled bloody — the folk stared at it—

hátan heolfre: horn stundum song

1423

with flaming gore; rapidly the horn sang,

fúslíc forðléoð: féþa eal gesæt:
urgent song of departure; the troop all sat down;

gesáwon ðá æfter wætere wyrmcynnes fela
they saw then through the water many of the race of serpents,

sellice saédracan sund cunnian,
strange sea-dragon exploring the lake,

swylce on næshleoðum nicras licgean
also on the cape-slopes were lounging nicors,

ðá on undernmaél oft bewitigað

1428

they in mid-morning often carry out

sorhfulne síð on seglráde,
grievous sorties on the sail-road,

wyrmas ond wildéor: híe on weg hruron
serpents and wild beasts; they rushed away

bitere ond gebolgne: bearhtm ongéaton
bitter and swollen with rage; they perceived the clear note,

gúðhorn galan: sumne Géata léod
war-horn wailing; one of the Geats' men

of flánbogan féores getwaéfde

1433

with a shaft and bow separated it from life,

ýðgewinnes þæt him on aldre stód
of wave-struggle that in its heart stood,

herestraél hearda: hé on holme wæs
a strong war-arrow; it in the water was

sundes þé saénra ðé hyne swylt fornam:
swimming the slower, when Death seized it;

hræþe wearð on ýðum mid eoferspréotum
fast it was in the waves against boar-pikes

heorohócyhtum hearde genearwod,

1438

savagely-hooked hard pressed,

níða genaéged ond on næs togen
viciously attacked, and from the cape dragged out,

wundorlíc waégbora: weras scéawedon
wondrous spawn of the waves; men stared at

gryrelícne gist. Gyrede hine Béowulf
the gruesome guest. Beowulf armed himself

eorlgewaédum: nalles for ealdre mearn:
in noble garments, feared not at all for his life;

scolde herebyrne hondum gebróden

1443

it was necessary that his army-byrnie, braided by hands,

síd ond searofáh sund cunnian
broad and cunningly adorned, explore the lake,

séo ðe báncofan beorgan cúþe
it the bone-chamber could protect,

þæt him hildegráp hreþre ne mihte
that him the battle-grip could not his heart,

eorres inwitfeng aldre gesceþðan
nor angry grasp of malice his life scathe,

ac se hwíta helm hafelan werede

1448

moreover the shining helm warded his head,

sé þe meregrundas mengan scolde,
that which the mere-depths must stir up,

sécan sundgebland since geweorðad
seek the mingling of waters adorned with riches,

befongen fréawrásnum swá hine fyrndagum
encircled with lordly-bands as in far-days it

worhte waépna smið wundrum téode:
was wrought by weapons' smith, wonderfully lengthened,

besette swínlícum þæt hine syðþan nó

1453

beset with swine-forms, so that it then no

brond né beadomécas bítan ne meahton.
brond-blade nor battle-maiches to bite were not able.

Næs þæt þonne maétost mægenfultuma
Not the least then of his mighty supports,

þæt him on ðearfe láh ðyle Hróðgáres
that him in need lent Hrothgar's þyle

— wæs þaém hæftméce Hrunting nama—
— was the long-hilted maiche-sword's name Hrunting—

þæt wæs án foran ealdgestréona:

1458

it was one above of ancient treasures;

ecg wæs íren átertánum fáh
edge was iron, with poison-twigs patterned,

áhyrded heaþoswáte: naéfre hit æt hilde ne swác
hardened with battle-blood; never had it in a fight failed

manna aéngum þára þe hit mid mundum bewand
any man, who it in hands brandished,

sé ðe gryresíðas gegán dorste
he who terrifying journeys dared to enter upon,

folcstede fára: næs þæt forma síð

1463

the domain of foes; it was not the first time

þæt hit ellenweorc æfnan scolde.
that it courage-work had been obliged to perform.

Húru ne gemunde mago Ecgláfes
Indeed he could not have recalled, the kin of Ecgelaf,

eafoþes cræftig þæt hé aér gespræc
mighty in strength, that which he had said before,

wíne druncen þá hé þæs waépnes onláh
drunk on wine, when he lent that the weapon

sélran sweordfrecan selfa ne dorste

1468

to a better swordsman, he himself did not dare

under ýða gewin aldre genéþan,
under the waves' turmoil to risk his life,

drihtscype dréogan: þaér hé dóme forléas
to carry out bravery; there he forfeited glory,

ellenmaérðum: ne wæs þaém óðrum swá
fame from valour; it was not so for the other,

syðþan hé hine tó gúðe gegyred hæfde.
when he himself for war had equipped.

Béowulf maðelode bearn Ecgþéowes:

1473

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Geþenc nú, se maéra maga Healfdenes
'Think now, glorious kinsman of Half-Dane,

snottra fengel: nú ic eom síðes fús:
wise chieftain, now I am eager for the adventure,

goldwine gumena, hwæt wit géo spraécon:
gold-friend of man, what we spoke of earlier:

gif ic æt þearfe þínre scolde
if I in employment of yours should

aldre linnan: þæt ðú mé á waére

1478

be parted from life, that you for me ever would be,

forðgewitenum on fæder staéle:
having passed on, in the place of a father;

wes þú mundbora mínum magoþegnum
be you hand-bearer to my young retainers,

hondgesellum gif mec hild nime
hand-companions, if battle takes me,

swylce þú ðá mádmas, þé þú mé sealdest,
so too you the treasures, those which you gave me,

Hróðgár léofa, Higeláce onsend:

1483

beloved Hrothgar, send on to Hygelac;

mæg þonne on þaém golde ongitan Géata dryhten,
he then will able to in the gold observe, the lord of the Geats,

geséon sunu Hraédles þonne hé on þæt sinc starað
to perceive, the son of Hrethel, when he on that treasures stares,

þæt ic gumcystum gódne funde
that I one of noble virtues, a good king, had found,

béaga bryttan bréac þonne móste.
dispenser of rings, enjoyed while I could.

Ond þú Hunferð laét ealde láfe

1488

And let Unferth the old heirloom,

wraétlíc waégsweord wídcúðne man
the glorious wave-sword, (let) the widely-known man

heardecg habban: ic mé mid Hruntinge
have that hard-edged (sword); I for myself with Hrunting

dóm gewyrce oþðe mec déað nimeð.'
will gain glory, unless Death takes me.'

Æfter þaém wordum Weder-Géata léod
After these words the man of the Weder-Geats

efste mid elne: nalas andsware

1493

hastened with courage; not in the least for a reply

bídan wolde: brimwylm onfeng
did he wish to await; the surging-lake enfolded

hilderince. Ðá wæs hwíl dæges,
the battle-warrior. Then it was a long part of a day,

aér hé þone grundwong ongytan mehte
ere he the bottom could perceive,

sóna þæt onfunde sé ðe flóda begong
at once she found it out, — she who the floods' expanse,

heorogífre behéold hund misséra

1498

fiercely-ravenous, held a hundred half-years,

grim ond graédig þæt þaér gumena sum
wrathful and greedy— that there one of the humans

ælwihta eard ufan cunnode:
the realm of strange being explored from above;

gráp þá tógéanes: gúðrinc geféng
then she groped towards, seized the warrior

atolan clommum: nó þý aér in gescód
in terrible clasps; Not the sooner she crushed inside

hálan líce: hring útan ymbbearh

1503

his hale body; the ring-mail gave him protection from without,

þæt héo þone fyrdhom ðurhfón ne mihte
that she the soldier-garment could not penetrate,

locene leoðosyrcan láþan fingrum.
the interlocked limb-coat, with her loathsome fingers.

Bær þá séo brimwylf þá héo tó botme cóm
Then the sea-wolf bore, when she had come to the bottom,

hringa þengel tó hofe sínum
the lord of those rings to her court,

swá hé ne mihte — nó hé þæs módig wæs—

1508

so he could not — no matter how brave he was—

waépna gewealdan ac hine wundra þæs fela
wield his weapon, but him so many bizarre things

swecte on sunde: saédéor monig
smelled in the deep, many sea-beasts

hildetúxum heresyrcan bræc:
with battle-tusks tore at his army-mail,

éhton áglaécan. Ðá se eorl ongeat

1512

the horrors attacked. Then the earl saw

þæt hé níðsele náthwylcum wæs

1513

that he in a hall of hatred — I know not which— was,

þaér him naénig wæter wihte ne sceþede
where not any water him oppressed at all,

né him for hrófsele hrínan ne mehte
nor him, due to the the hall's roof, was not able to reach

faérgripe flódes: fýrléoht geseah,
the sudden onrush of the flood; he saw firelight,

blácne léoman beorhte scínan:
a pale light shining vividly;

ongeat þá se góda grundwyrgenne

1518

then the good man saw the accursèd one of the deep,

merewíf mihtig: mægenraés forgeaf
the mighty mere-wife; he gave a powerful thrust

hildebille: hondswenge ne oftéah
to the battle-bill, did not withhold the swing of his hand,

þæt hire on hafelan hringmaél ágól
so that on her head the ring-marked sang out

graédig gúðléoð: ðá se gist onfand
a greedy war-song; then the guest discovered

þæt se beadoléoma bítan nolde,

1523

that the battle-brand did not wish to bite,

aldre sceþðan ac séo ecg geswác
to crush life, rather the edge failed

ðéodne æt þearfe: ðolode aér fela
the noble in his need; it had endured already many

hondgemóta: helm oft gescær
hand-to-hand encounters, often split helm,

faéges fyrdhrægl: ðá wæs forma síð
the war-garments of the doomed; this was the first time

déorum mádme þæt his dóm álæg.

1528

for the precious treasure that its glory failed.

Eft wæs anraéd, nalas elnes læt
Again was resolute, not at all slackening in courage,

maérða gemyndig maég Hýgláces
mindful of fame the kinsman of Hygelac

wearp ðá wundenmaél wraéttum gebunden
then he threw aside the twisting pattern (sword), adorned with ornaments,

yrre óretta þæt hit on eorðan læg
the angry warrior, so that it lay on the earth,

stíð ond stýlecg: strenge getrúwode,

1533

firm and steel-edged; he trusted to strength,

mundgripe mægenes: swá sceal man doön
his hand-grip of might; so must a man do,

þonne hé æt gúðe gegán þenceð
when he in war intends to gain

longsumne lof: ná ymb his líf cearað.
long-lasting praise; he cares not for his life.

sydaudioGeféng þá be eaxle — nalas for faéhðe mearn—
Grabbed her then by the shoulder — not in the least regretting the feud—

Gúð-Géata léod, Grendles módor:

1538

the prince of the War-Geats, Grendel's mother;

brægd þá beadwe heard þá hé gebolgen wæs
the hard man of conflict then heaved, now that he was enraged,

feorhgeníðlan þæt héo on flet gebéah:
the deadly foe, so that she fell to the floor;

héo him eft hraþe handlean forgeald
she again him quickly gave hand-reward

grimman grápum ond him tógéanes féng:
with wrathful grips and clutched him against herself;

oferwearp þá wérigmód wigena strengest

1543

then, weary in spirit, he stumbled, the strongest man,

féþecempa þæt hé on fylle wearð:
warrior on foot, so that he was in a fall;

ofsæt þá þone selegyst ond hyre seax getéah
then she bestrode the guest in her hall, and drew her dagger,

brád ond brúnecg: wolde hire bearn wrecan
broad and bright-edged; she wished to avenge her son,

ángan eaferan: him on eaxle læg
only offspring; on his shoulder lay

bréostnet bróden; þæt gebearh féore

1548

woven breast-net; it protected life,

wið ord ond wið ecge ingang forstód.
against point and against edge it withstood entry.

Hæfde ðá forsíðod sunu Ecgþéowes
Then he would have perished, the son of Edgetheow,

under gynne grund Géata cempa
under the yawning ground, the champion of the Geats,

nemne him heaðobyrne helpe gefremede
except that him the war-byrnie provided help,

herenet hearde— ond hálig god

1553

firm army-net— and holy God

gewéold wígsigor: wítig drihten
controlled the war-victory; the wise Lord,

rodera raédend hit on ryht gescéd
the Ruler of the heavens, decided it rightly,

ýðelíce syþðan hé eft ástód.
easily, thereupon he stood up again.

Geseah ðá on searwum sigeéadig bil
He saw then among the arms a victory-blessed bill,

ealdsweord eotenisc ecgum þýhtig

1558

an old giantish sword with firm edges,

wigena weorðmynd: þæt wæs waépna cyst
an honour of warriors, it was the choicest weapon,

búton hit wæs máre ðonne aénig mon óðer
but it was more than any other man

tó beaduláce ætberan meahte
to battle-play could carry,

gód ond geatolíc gíganta geweorc:
good and stately, the work of giants;

hé geféng þá fetelhilt: freca Scyldinga

1563

he seized then the ring-hilt, champion of the Scyldings

hréoh ond heorogrim hringmaél gebrægd
wild and furiously battle-fierce, he drew the ring-marked (sword)

aldres orwéna: yrringa slóh
without hope of life, angrily struck,

þæt hire wið halse heard grápode:
so that through her neck it clutched hard,

bánhringas bræc: bil eal ðurhwód
broke bone-rings; the bill passed entirely through

faégne flaéschoman: héo on flet gecrong:

1568

the doomed cloak of flesh; she fell on the floor;

sweord wæs swátig: secg weorce gefeh.
the sword was bloody, the warrior rejoiced in his work.

Líxte se léoma: léoht inne stód
The gleam flashed, the light stood within,

efne swá of hefene hádre scíneð
even as from heaven shines brightly

rodores candel: hé æfter recede wlát:
the sky's candle; he looked about the hall;

hwearf þá be wealle: waépen hafenade

1573

moved along the wall, weapon raised

heard be hiltum Higeláces ðegn
fierce with hilts, Hygelac's thane,

yrre ond anraéd: næs séo ecg fracod
angry and single-minded; nor was that edge useless

hilderince ac hé hraþe wolde
to the battle-man, but he quickly wished

Grendle forgyldan gúðraésa fela
to repay Grendel for the many war-raids

ðára þe hé geworhte tó West-Denum

1578

which he had carried out on the West-Danes

oftor micle ðonne on aénne síð
much more often than on a single venture,

þonne hé Hróðgáres heorðgenéatas
when he Hrothgar's hearth-companions

slóh on sweofote: slaépende fraét
slaughter in their slumber, devoured in their sleep,

folces Denigea fýftýne men
of the folk of the Danes fifteen men,

ond óðer swylc út offerede

1583

and other such had he carried out and off

láðlicu lác: sydaudio hé him þæs léan forgeald
hideous haul; he paid him the reward of that,

réþe cempa tó ðæs þe hé on ræste geseah
the fierce fighter, in that he saw in repose

gúðwérigne Grendel licgan
war-weary Grendel lying,

aldorléasne swá him aér gescód
lifeless, as he had injured him earlier

hild æt Heorote — hrá wíde sprong

1588

in the conflict at Heorot — the corpse burst wide open,

syþðan hé æfter déaðe drepe þrówade
when it after death suffered a blow,

heorosweng heardne— ond hine þá héafde becearf.
a hard sword-stroke— and then its head he cut off.

Sóna þæt gesáwon snottre ceorlas
Suddenly that saw the wise fellows,

þá ðe mid Hróðgáre on holm wliton:
who with Hrothgar looked at the lake,

þæt wæs ýðgeblond eal gemenged
that was turmoil of waves all stirred up

brim blóde fáh: blondenfeaxe

1593

the water coloured with blood; with blended-hair,

gomele ymb gódne ongeador spraécon
aged, about the good man, together they spoke,

þæt hig þæs æðelinges eft ne wéndon:
that they that noble one did not expect again

þæt hé sigehréðig sécean cóme
that he, triumphing in victory, would come to seek

maérne þéoden: þá ðæs monige gewearð

1598

the glorious ruler; then it many agreed,

þæt hine séo brimwylf ábreoten hæfde.
that the sea-wolf him had destroyed.

Ðá cóm nón dæges: næs ofgéafon
Then came then ninth hour of the day; they abandoned the cape,

hwate Scyldingas: gewát him hám þonon
the brave Scyldings; he went home hence,

goldwine gumena: gistas sécan
the gold-friend of men; the guests looked about

módes séoce ond on mere staredon:

1603

sick at heart, and stared into the mere,

wíston, ond ne wéndon þæt híe heora winedrihten
wished, and did not expect, that they their lord and friend

selfne gesáwon. Þá þæt sweord ongan
himself would see. Then that sword began

æfter heaþoswáte hildegicelum
caused by the gore of battle, in icicles of battle,

wígbil wanian: þæt wæs wundra sum
the war-bill to wane; that was a great wonder

þæt hit eal gemealt íse gelícost

1608

that it all melted, so like ice,

ðonne forstes bend fæder onlaéteð:
when frost's bond the Father loosens,

onwindeð waélrápas sé geweald hafað
unwinds water-ropes, who has control

saéla ond maéla: þæt is sóð metod.
of times and seaons; that is the true Creator.

Ne nóm hé in þaém wícum Weder-Géata léod
He did not take into those dwelling, the leader of the Weder-Geats,

máðmaéhta má þéh hé þaér monige geseah

1613

more treasures, though he there saw a great number,

búton þone hafelan ond þá hilt somod
but that head and the hilt as well

since fáge: sweord aér gemealt:
shining with ornament; the sword had already melted,

forbarn bródenmaél: wæs þæt blód tó þæs hát,
burned up the wavy-patterned (blade); that blood was so hot,

ættren ellorgaést sé þaér inne swealt.
the venomous foreign spirit who had perished there inside.

Sóna wæs on sunde sé þe aér æt sæcce gebád

1618

Straightaway he was in the water, he who survived in strife,

wíghryre wráðra wæter úp þurhdéaf:
the enemies' fall in war; he dove up through the water,

waéron ýðgebland eal gefaélsod
the turmoil of waves was all cleared,

éacne eardas þá se ellorgást
the vast regions, where the alien ghosts

oflét lífdagas ond þás laénan gesceaft:
gave up their life-days and this borrowed world;

cóm þá to lande lidmanna helm

1623

he came then to the land, the seafarer's leader,

swíðmód swymman: saéláce gefeah
swimming stout-hearted; he rejoiced in the sea-loot,

mægenbyrþenne, þára þe hé him mid hæfde.
the great burden, which he had with him.

Éodon him þá tógéanes: gode þancodon
They went towards him, thanked God,

ðrýðlíc þegna héap þéodnes gefégon
the mighty band of thanes, they rejoiced for their lord,

þæs þe hí hyne gesundne geséon móston:

1628

that they him sound were able to see;

ðá wæs of þaém hróran helm ond byrne
then the vigorous man was from helm and byrnie

lungre álýsed — lagu drúsade,
quickly loosened — the water grew still,

wæter under wolcnum wældréore fág—
the lake under the clouds, stained with the gore of death—

férdon forð þonon féþelástum
they fared forth thence along foot-paths

ferhþum fægne: foldweg maéton

1633

happy in their hearts, traversed the trail over the earth,

cúþe straéte: cyningbalde men
the familiar streets; the men, bold as kings,

from þaém holmclife hafelan baéron
from that lake-cliff bore the head

earfoðlíce heora aéghwæþrum
arduously, for all of them,

felamódigra — féower scoldon
full of spirit — four had to

on þaém wælstenge wærcum geferian

1638

on the pole of the slain to carry with difficulty

tó þaém goldsele Grendles héafod—
to the gold-hall Grendel's head—

oþ ðæt semninga tó sele cómon
until presently they came to the hall,

frome fyrdhwate féowertýne
brave army-keen fourteen

Géata gongan gumdryhten mid:
of the Geats moving, with their lord of men,

módig on gemonge meodowongas træd.

1643

proud in the throng, trod on the plain near the mead-hall.

Ðá cóm in gaän ealdor ðegna
Then came in marching the lord of the thanes,

daédcéne mon dóme gewurþad
the deed-bold man exalted by glory,

hæle hildedéor Hróðgár grétan:
the battle-brave hero, to greet Hrothgar;

þá wæs be feaxe on flet boren
then it was by the hair borne to the floor

Grendles héafod þaér guman druncon,

1648

the head of Grendel, where men were drinking,

egeslíc for eorlum ond þaére idese mid,
dreadful for the earls, and the ladies with them,

wliteséon wraétlíc: weras onsáwon.
a wondrous spectacle; the men stared.

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Hwæt, wé þé þás saélác, sunu Healfdenes
'Listen, we you these sea-spoils, son of Half-Dane,

léod Scyldinga, lustum bróhton

1653

lord of the Scyldings, gladly brought

tíres tó tácne þé þú hér tó lócast.
as token of glory, which you look at here.

Ic þæt unsófte ealdre gedígde
I it not easily survived with my life,

wigge under wætere: weorc genéþde
war under water, work risked

earfoðlíce: ætrihte wæs
with trouble; at once was

gúð getwaéfed nymðe mec god scylde:

1658

the warfare at an end, unless God shielded me;

ne meahte ic æt hilde mid Hruntinge
I could not in the battle with Hrunting

wiht gewyrcan þéah þæt waépen duge
bring about anything, though that weapon is excellent

ac mé geúðe ylda waldend
but to me granted men's Ruler

þæt ic on wáge geseah wlitig hangian
that I saw on the wall hanging fair

ealdsweord éacen — oftost wísode

1663

a mighty ancient sword — most often He has guided

winigea léasum— þæt ic ðý waépne gebraéd:
the one deprived of friend— that I the weapon drew,

ofslóh ðá æt þaére sæcce þá mé saél ageald
slew then in the strife, when an opportunity was yielded to me,

húses hyrdas: þá þæt hildebil
the house's guardians; then that battle-bill

forbarn brogdenmaél swá þæt blód gesprang
burned up, wavy-patterned, as the blood leapt out,

hátost heaþoswáta: ic þæt hilt þanan

1668

the hottest sweat of war; I that hilt thence

féondum ætferede: fyrendaéda wræc
carried back from the fiends, foul-deeds avenged,

déaðcwealm Denigea swá hit gedéfe wæs.
deadly slaughter of Danes, as it was fitting.

Ic hit þé þonne geháte þæt þú on Heorote móst
I promise it to you then, that you in Heorot may

sorhléas swefan mid þínra secga gedryht
sleep without sorrow with your company of soldiers,

ond þegna gehwylc þínra léoda

1673

and each thane of your nation,

duguðe ond iogoþe: þæt þú him ondraédan ne þearft,
veterans and youths, that you for them need not dread,

þéoden Scyldinga, on þá healfe
chieftain of the Scyldings, on that side,

aldorbealu eorlum swá þú aér dydest.'
life-bale for earls, as you did before.'

Ðá wæs gyldenhilt gamelum rince
Then was the golden hilt to the old king

hárum hildfruman on hand gyfen

1678

to the grey battle-leader, given into his hand,

enta aérgeweorc: hit on aéht gehwearf
the ancient work of giants; it had passed into the possession

æfter déofla hryre Denigea fréän
after the devils' fall of the lord of the Danes,

wundorsmiþa geweorc ond þá þás worold ofgeaf
the work of wondersmiths, and then this world gave up

gromheort guma godes andsaca
the angry-hearted creature, God's adversary

morðres scyldig ond his módor éac

1683

guilty of murder, and his mother also;

on geweald gehwearf woroldcyninga
it passed into the power of the earthly kings

ðaém sélestan be saém twéonum
the finest ones between the two seas,

ðára þe on Scedenigge sceattas daélde.
of those who in Scandinavia dealt out riches.

Hróðgár maðelode: hylt scéawode

Hrothgor spoke; he examined the hilt,

ealde lafe: on ðaém wæs ór writen

1688

the old heirloom, on which was engraved the origin

fyrngewinnes syðþan flód ofslóh
of ancient strife, when the flood slew

gifen géotende gíganta cyn—
the pouring ocean, the race of giants—

frécne geférdon: þæt wæs fremde þéod
they fared terribly; that was a tribe foreign

écean dryhtne: him þæs endeléan
to the eternal Lord; them the end-reward

þurh wæteres wylm waldend sealde—

1693

through the surging of waters the Ruler granted—

swá wæs on ðaém scennum scíran goldes
also was on the sword-hilt of shining gold

þurh rúnstafas rihte gemearcod
in rune-staves rightly marked,

geseted ond gesaéd hwám þæt sweord geworht
it was set down and said, for whom the sword wrought,

írena cyst aérest waére
— choicest of irons— had been first,

wreoþenhilt ond wyrmfáh: ðá se wísa spræc

1698

with a twisted-hilt and serpent-patterned; then the wise man spoke,

sunu Healfdenes swígedon ealle:
the son of Half-Dane all fell silent:

'Þæt, lá, mæg secgan sé þe sóð ond riht
'That, indeed, may say he who truth and right

fremeð on folce: feor eal gemon,
performs among the folk, remembers all from far-back,

eald éðel weard: þæt ðes eorl waére
old warden of the homeland; that this hero was

geboren betera: blaéd is áraéred

1703

born a greater man; the fame is established

geond wídwegas, wine mín Béowulf,
throughout the distant regions, Beowulf my friend,

ðín ofer þéoda gehwylce: eal þú hit geþyldum healdest,
over each of the nations, of you; all you it with patience hold,

mægen mid módes snyttrum: ic þé sceal míne gelaéstan
strength with the wisdom of the heart; to you I shall continue to give my

fréoðe swá wit furðum spraécon: ðú scealt tó frófre weorþan

1707

protection, as we spoke of before; you must be as a comfort

eal langtwídig léodum þínum
all long-lasting to your people,

hæleðum tó helpe. Ne wearð Heremód swá
to heroes a support. Heremod was not so

eaforum Ecgwelan Ár-Scyldingum:
to the sons of Edgewela, to the Honour-Scyldings;

ne gewéox hé him tó willan ac tó wælfealle
he grew not to their pleasure, but for slaughter

ond tó déaðcwalum Deniga léodum:

1712

and for annihilation of the people of the Danes;

bréat bolgenmód béodgenéatas
he felled in a furious spirit his companions at table,

eaxlgesteallan oþ þæt hé ána hwearf
shoulder-comrades, until he alone passed,

maére þéoden mondréamum from
famous king, from the joys of man

ðéah þe hine mihtig god mægenes wynnum
though him mighty God with joys of strength

eafeþum stépte ofer ealle men

1717

powerfully exalted over all men,

forð gefremede hwæþere him on ferhþe gréow
further advanced yet in his heart grew to him

bréosthord blódréow: nallas béagas geaf
the treasure of the breast eager for blood; not at all did he give rings

Denum æfter dóme: dréamléas gebád
to Danes for glory; he lived joylessly,

þæt hé þæs gewinnes wærc þrówade
so that he the strife's pain suffered,

léodbealo longsum. Ðú þé laér be þon:

1722

a great evil to the people for a long time. You learn by this,

gumcyste ongit: ic þis gid be þé
understand human virtue; I this tale for you

áwræc wintrum fród. Wundor is tó secganne
recited, old and wise in winters. Wonder is to say

hú mihtig god manna cynne
how mighty God to mankind

þurh sídne sefan snyttru bryttað
according to deep understanding dispenses wisdom,

eard ond eorlscipe: hé áh ealra geweald:

1727

land and noble qualities; he has control of all;

hwílum hé on lufan laéteð hworfan
at times He in delight lets go

monnes módgeþonc maéran cynnes
the heart's thought of some man of glorious kin

seleð him on éþle eorþan wynne
gives to him in his own homeland earthly bliss

tó healdanne hléoburh wera:
to command a stronghold of men,

gedéð him swá gewealdene worolde daélas

1732

makes subject to him from the world's portions,

síde ríce þæt hé his selfa ne mæg
a wide kingdom, that he himself can not

for his unsnyttrum ende geþencean:
in his ignorance conceive the end (of his rule);

wunað hé on wiste: nó hine wiht dweleð
he lives on in abundance; they hinder him not a bit,

ádl né yldo né him inwitsorh
sickness nor age, nor him evil sorrow

on sefan sweorceð né gesacu óhwaér

1737

darkens in his soul, nor strife anywhere

ecghete éoweð ac him eal worold
sharp-hate appears, but to him all the world

wendeð on willan: hé þæt wyrse ne con.
turns on his pleasure; he does not know it worse.

Oð þæt him on innan oferhygda daél
Until within him pride's portion

weaxeð ond wrídað þonne se weard swefeð
grows and flourishes then the warder sleeps,

sáwele hyrde: bið se slaép tó fæst,

1742

the soul's keeper; the sleep is too sound,

bisgum gebunden, bona swíðe néah
bound with troubles, the killer is very near,

sá þe of flánbogan fyrenum scéoteð:
he who from his shaft-bow foully fires;

þonne bið on hreþre under helm drepen
then it is in the heart struck beneath the helm

biteran straéle — him bebeorgan ne con—
by the bitter dart — he cannot protect himself—

wóm wundorbebodum wergan gástes:

1747

from the perversity of strange biddings of the wicked spirit;

þinceð him tó lýtel þæt hé tó lange héold:
it seems to him too little what he rules too long;

gýtsað gromhýdig: nallas on gylp seleð
cruel-mindedly covets, he in arrogance never gives

faédde béagas ond hé þá forðgesceaft
golden rings, and he then the future

forgyteð ond forgýmeð þæs þe him aér god sealde,
forgets and disregards, that which God gave him before,

wuldres waldend, weorðmynda daél:

1752

glory's Ruler, a share of honour:

hit on endestæf eft gelimpeð
it in the end finally comes to pass

þæt se líchoma laéne gedréoseð:
that the body, lent, fails;

faége gefealleð: féhð óþer tó
fated to death, it falls; another body takes up,

sé þe unmurnlíce mádmas daéleþ
who without regret shares out treasure,

eorles aérgestréon: egesan ne gýmeð.

1757

the earl's ancient wealth, and he heeds not fear.

Bebeorh þé ðone bealoníð, Beowulf léofa
Guard yourself against this wicked strife, beloved Beowulf,

secg betosta, ond þé þæt sélre gecéos
finest man, and for yourself choose the better,

éce raédas: oferhýda ne gým,
the eternal gains; do not pay heed to pride,

maére cempa: nú is þínes mægnes blaéd
renowned champion; now is the glory of your strength

áne hwíle: eft sóna bið

1762

for a while; presently in turn will be

þæt þec ádl oððe ecg eafoþes getwaéfeð
that you sickness or edge will part from strength,

oððe fýres feng oððe flódes wylm
or grasp of fire, or surge of flood,

oððe gripe méces oððe gáres fliht
or bite of blade, or flight of spear,

oððe atol yldo: oððe éagena bearhtm
or repulsive old-age; or the brightness of the eyes

forsiteð ond forsworceð: semninga bið

1767

weakens and dims; very soon will be

þæt ðec, dryhtguma, déað oferswýðeð.
that you, warrior, Death overpowers.

Swá ic Hring-Dena hund misséra
So I the Half-Danes a hundred seasons

wéold under wolcnum ond hig wigge beléac
have ruled under the skies and in war sheltered them,

manigum maégþa geond þysne middangeard
from many tribes throughout this middle-earth,

æscum ond ecgum þæt ic mé aénigne

1772

from ash-shafts and sword-edges, so that I for myself any,

under swegles begong gesacan ne tealde.
under the expanse of the heavens, adversary I did not account.

Hwæt, mé þæs on éþle edwendan cwóm,
Listen, to me in the homeland for that a reversal came,

gyrn æfter gomene seoþðan Grendel wearð
sorrow after joy, since Grendel became

ealdgewinna ingenga min
an old contender, invader of mine,

ic þaére sócne singáles wæg

1777

I from that persecution endured continually

módceare micle: þæs sig metode þanc
great sorrow of spirit; thanks be for that to the Measurer of Fate,

écean dryhtne þæs ðe ic on aldre gebád
eternal Lord, from that I survived alive,

þæt ic on þone hafelan heorodréorigne
so that I on the head sword-bloodied

ofer eald gewin éagum starige!
after ancient strife could gaze with my eyes!

Gá nú tó setle: symbelwynne dréoh

1782

Go now to the bench, join in the pleasure-banquet,

wíggeweorþad: unc sceal worn fela
honoured by your battle; we must very many

máþma gemaénra siþðan morgen bið.'
treasures share between us when it is morning.'

Géat wæs glædmód: géong sóna tó
The Geat was glad-hearted, went straightaway to

setles néosan swá se snottra heht:
seek the bench, as the wise one had commanded;

þá wæs eft swá aér ellenrófum

1787

then it was again as before for bold warriors,

fletsittendum fægere gereorded
for those sitting in the hall they prepared a fine feast

níowan stefne: nihthelm geswearc
once again; the helm of night darkened,

deorc ofer dryhtgumum: duguð eal árás:
dark over the company of warriors; the veterans all arose;

wolde blondenfeax beddes néosan,
the blended-haired one wishes to seek his bed,

gamela Scylding: Géat unigmetes wél

1792

the aged Scylding; the Geat exceedingly much,

rófne randwigan restan lyste:
valiant shield-warrior, desired rest;

sóna him seleþegn síðes wérgum
at once him the hall-thane the weary journeyer

feorrancundum orð wísade
from afar guided forth,

sé for andrysnum ealle beweotede
who for courtesy looked after everything

þegnes þearfe swylce þý dógore

1797

of the hero's needs, such as in those days

heaþolíðende habban scoldon:
warrior-sailors were obliged to have;

reste hine þá rúmheort: reced hlíuade
rested him then, the large-hearted man; the hall towered

géap ond goldfáh: gæst inne swæf
vaulted and gold-adorned; the guest slept inside

oþ þæt hrefn blaca heofones wynne
until the black raven, the joy of the sky

blíðheort bodode. Ðá cóm beorht scacan

1802

declared glad-heartedly. Then came bright hurrying,

scaþan ónetton:
fighters hastening;

waéron æþelingas eft tó léodum
the nobles were back to their people

fúse tó farenne: wolde feor þanon
eager to fare; he wished far thence,

cuma collenferhð céoles néosan.
the high-spirited visitor, to seek his ship.

Heht þá se hearda Hrunting beran

1807

He then directed the tough man to wear Hrunting

sunu Ecgláfes: heht his sweord niman
the son of Edgelaf, bid him take his sword,

léoflíc íren: sægde him þæs léanes þanc:
beloved iron; said thanks to him for the loan,

cwæð: hé þone gúðwine gódne tealde
quoth: he the war-friend marked well,

wígcræftigne: nales wordum lóg
skilled in war; he did not in words blame

méces ecge: þæt wæs módig secg.

1812

the maiche's edge; he was a proud man.

Ond þá síðfrome, searwum gearwe
And then, eager to be going, ready in arms,

wígend waéron éode weorð Denum
were the warriors, the one honoured by the Danes went,

æþeling tó yppan þaér se óþer wæs
noble to the high seat, where the other was,

hæle hildedéor Hróðgár grétte.
the battle-bold hero greeted Hrothgar.

Béowulf maþelode bearn Ecgþéowes:

1817

Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Nú wé saélíðend secgan wyllað
'Now we sea-farers wish to say

feorran cumene þæt wé fundiaþ
having come from afar, that we are anxious

Higelác sécan: waéron hér tela
to seek Hygelac; we here were well

willum bewenede: þú ús wél dohtest.
entertained in our desires; you have treated us well.

Gif ic þonne on eorþan ówihte mæg

1822

If then on earth I can (do) anything

þínre módlufan máran tilian,
of your affections earn more,

gumena dryhten, ðonne ic gýt dyde,
lord of men, than I have done yet,

gúðgeweorca ic béo gearo sóna
with feats of arms, I am ready at once,

gif ic þæt gefricge ofer flóda begang
if I find it out over the flood's expanse,

þæt þec ymbsittend egesan þýwað

1827

that you neighbouring-tribes oppress with terror,

swá þec hetende hwílum dydon
as enemies to you sometimes did,

ic ðé þúsenda þegna bringe
I to you a thousand thanes will bring,

hæleþa tó helpe. Ic on Higeláce wát,
heroes as help. I know of Hygelac,

Géata dryhten þéah ðe hé geong syÿ
the lord of the Geats, though he is young,

folces hyrde: þæt hé mec fremman wile

1832

the keeper of the folk, that he would support me

weordum ond worcum þæt ic þé wél herige
with words and with deeds, so that I might honour you rightly

ond þé tó géoce gárholt bere
and to you in aid bring a forest of spears,

mægenes fultum þaér ðé bið manna þearf.
the support of strength, where you be needful of men.

Gif him þonne Hréþrínc tó hofum Géata
If him, on the other hand, Hrethric to the Geatish court

geþingeð þéodnes bearn hé mæg þaér fela

1837

decides (to go), chieftain's son, he shall there be able many

fréonda findan: feorcýþðe béoð
friends to find; distant lands are

sélran gesóhte þaém þe him selfa déah.'
better sought by one who is powerful himself.'

Hróðgár maþelode him on andsware:
Hrothgar spoke to him in reply:

'Þé þá wordcwydas wigtig drihten
'To you these sayings of words the wise Lord

on sefan sende: ne hýrde ic snotorlícor

1842

has sent into mind; I have not heard more intelligently

on swá geongum feore guman þingian:
at such young age man make a speech;

þú eart mægenes strang ond on móde fród
you are strong in power and wise in your heart,

wís wordcwida: wén ic talige
judicious word-speaker; I consider it likely

gif þæt gegangeð þæt ðe gár nymeð
if it happens, that from you the spear takes,

hild heorugrimme Hréþles eaferan,

1847

a horrendous battle Hrethel's heir,

ádl oþðe íren ealdor ðínne
sickness or iron your ruler,

folces hyrde ond þú þín feorh hafast
the guardian of the folk, and you have your life,

þæt þe Saé-Géatas sélran næbben
that the Sea-Geats could not have better

tó gecéosenne cyning aénigne
by choosing any other king,

hordweard hæleþa gyf þú healdan wylt

1852

hoard-ward of heroes, if you wish to rule

mága ríce: mé þín módsefa
your kinsman's kingdom. Your spirit and heart me

lícað leng swá wél, léofa Béowulf:
pleases so well the longer (I know them), dear Beowulf;

hafast þú geféred þæt þám folcum sceal
you have achieved that for the folk shall

Géata léodum ond Gár-Denum
the people of the Geats and the Spear-Danes

sib gemaénum ond sacu restan,

1857

in mutual peace, and strife subside,

inwitníþas, þé híe aér drugon,
hostilities, which they endured before;

wesan þenden ic wealde wídan ríces
shall be, while I rule the wide kingdom,

máþmas gemaéne, manig óþerne
wealth in common, many an other

gódum gegréttan ofer ganotes bæð:
with good things will greet over the gannet's bath;

sceal hringnaca ofer heáþu bringan

1862

the ring-prowed ship shall bring over the high seas

lác ond luftácen: ic þá léode wát
offerings and tokens of friendship; I know these nations

gé wið féond gé wið fréond fæste geworhte
both towards foe and towards friend firmly disposed,

aéghwæs untaéle ealde wísan.'
blameless in everything, in the ancient manner.'

Ðá gít him eorla hléo hine gesealde
Then again to him the protector of earls gave to him,

mago Healfdenes máþmas twelf:

1867

the son of Half-Dane, twelve treasures;

hét inne mid þaém lácum léode swaése
he commanded him with these gifts his own dear nation

sécean on gesyntum, snúde eft cuman:
to seek in safety, to return quickly;

gecyste þá cyning æþelum gód,
kissed then, the king the upright noble,

þéoden Scyldinga ðegn betostan
the chieftain of the Scyldings, the best thane

ond be healse genam: hruron him téaras

1872

and took him by the neck; tears fell from him,

blondenfeaxum: him wæs béga wén
from the silver and gold whiskers; in him were both thoughts

ealdum infródum, óþres swíðor:
old and deeply wise, the second stronger,

þæt híe seoððan geséon móston
that they afterwards might meet,

módige on meþle: wæs him se man tó þon léof
brave in a formal summit; the man was so dear to him

þæt hé þone bréostwylm forberan ne mehte

1877

that he the welling of his breast could not hold back

ac him on hreþre hygebendum fæst
but him in his heart in firm bounds of thought

æfter déorum men dyrne langað
for the dear man a remote longing

beorn wið blóde. Him Béowulf þanan
burned in his blood. Him Beowulf thence,

gúðrinc goldwlanc græsmoldan træd
warrior proud with gold, trod the grass-mound,

since hrémig: saégenga bád

1882

triumphing in treasure. The sea-goer awaited

ágedfréän sé þe on ancre rád:
its lord and owner, which rode at its anchor;

þá wæs on gange gifu Hróðgáres
later on the journey was the gift of Hrothgar

oft geæhted: þæt wæs án cyning,
often praised; that was one king,

aéghwæs orleahtre oþ þæt hine yldo benam
in everything blameless, until age deprived him

mægenes wynnum sé þe oft manegum scód.

1887

of strength's delights, a thing which continually harms many.

Cwóm þá tó flóde fela módigra
They came than to the flood full of spirit

hægstealdra: hringnet baéron
of the young warriors; ring-mail they wore

locene leoðosyrcan: landweard onfand
interlocked limb-shirts; the land-guard perceived

eftsíð eorla, swá hé aér dyde:
the return of heroes, as he did before;

nó hé mid hearme of hliðes nósan

1892

he did not with insult from the cliff's promontory

gæstas grétte ac him tógéanes rád:
greet the guests, but rode towards them,

cwæð þæt wilcuman Wedera léodum
said that welcome to the people of the Wederas

scaþan scírhame tó scipe fóron:
the fighters with bright covering he went to the ship;

þá wæs on sande saégéap naca
then was on sand the sea-curved boat

hladen herewaédum hringedstefna

1897

laden with war-garments the ringed-prow

méarum ond máðmum: mæst hlífade
with horses and treasure; the mast towered

ofer Hróðgáres hordgestréonum:
over Hrothgar's hoard-wealth;

hé þaém bátwearde bunden golde
he to the boat-guard a bound gold

swurd gesealde þæt hé syðþan wæs
sword gave, so that he afterwards was

on meodubence máþma þý weorþre

1902

on the mead-bench by the treasure the worthier,

yrfeláfe. Gewát him on nacan
by the inherited relic. Departed him on the ship

dréfan déop wæter: Dena land ofgeaf:
to trouble deep water; he left the Danes' land;

þá wæs be mæste merehrægla sum
then was by the mast a mighty sea-garment,

segl sále fæst: sundwudu þunede:
sail fastened by rope; the sea-beam thundered;

nó þaér wégflotan wind ofer ýðum

1907

there the wave-floater was not (by) wind over the waves

síðes getwaéfde: saégenga fór:
hindered in its venture; the sea-goers went,

fléat fámigheals forð ofer ýðe
the foamy-necked floated forth over the waves,

bundenstefna ofer brimstréamas
bound prow over the ocean-streams,

þæt híe Géata clifu ongitan meahton
until they the Geatish cliffs could perceive,

cúþe næssas: céol úp geþrang

1912

the well-known headlands; the keel rushed up

lyftgeswenced: on lande stód.
weather-beaten, rested on the land.

Hraþe wæs æt holme hýðweard geara
Quickly was at the water the ready harbour-guard,

sé þe aér lange tíd léofra manna
he who already for a long time for the beloved men

fús æt faroðe feor wlátode:
eager at the current gazed far;

saélde tó sande sídfæþme scip

1917

moored in the sand the broad-bosomed ship

oncearbendum fæst þý laés hym ýþa ðrym
firm with anchor-bounds, lest the force of the waves

wudu wynsuman forwrecan meahte:
the winsome timbers might carry away;

hét þá úp beran æþelinga gestréon
he ordered then to carry up the nobles' treasure,

frætwe ond faétgold: næs him feor þanon
trappings and gold ornaments; it was not far thence for them

tó gesécanne sinces bryttan

1922

to seek the giver of treasures

Higelác Hréþling þaér æt hám wunað
Hygelac son of Hrethel, where he dwelt at home

selfa mid gesíðum saéwealle néah.
himself with his companions near the sea-wall.

Bold wæs betlíc, bregoróf cyning
The building was splendid, the king of princely valour,

héähealle, Hygd swíðe geong
the high hall, Hygd very young,

wís wélþungen þéah ðe wintra lýt

1927

wise, well-thriving, through few winters

under burhlocan gebiden hæbbe
in the walled town had lived,

Hæreþes dohtor næs hío hnáh swá þéah
Haereth's daughter was not mean though

né tó gnéað gifa Géata léodum
nor too grudging of gifts to the people of the Geats,

máþmgestréona. Mód þrýðo wæg
of treasure-wealth. She showed violent arrogance,

fremu folces cwén, firen' ondrysne:

1932

the lusty queen of the folk, terrible crimes;

naénig þæt dorste déor genéþan
dared not any of the bold to risk,

swaésra gesíða, nefne sinfréä:
of the dear companions, except her great lord,

þæt hire an dæges éagum starede
that on her by day stared with his eyes

ac him wælbende weotode tealde
but for him slaughter-bonds he might consider prescribed,

handgewriþene: hraþe seoþðan wæs

1937

woven by hands; quickly then was

æfter mundgripe méce geþinged
after seizure a maiche was appointed,

þæt hit sceádenmaél scýran móste,
that it, shadow-marked, was obliged to settle,

cwealmbealu cýðan: ne bið swylc cwénlic þéaw
make known the evil of the death; such queenly manner is not

idese tó efnanne þéah ðe hío aénlicu sý:
for a lady to perform, though she be matchless,

þætte freoðuwebbe féores onsaéce

1942

that peace-weaver deprives life,

æfter ligetorne léofne mannan.
owing to a false injury, of beloved man.

Húru þæt on hóh snod Hemninges maég:
However, it was cut off at the heel by Hemming's kinsman;

ealodrincende óðer saédan:
the ale-drinkers further told

þæt hío léodbealewa laés gefremede
that evil for the people she practised less,

inwitníða syððan aérest wearð

1947

malice and enmity, since she first was

gyfen goldhroden geongum cempan
given, gold-adorned, to the young champion,

æðelum díore syððan hío Offan flet
of noble ancestry, when she to Offa's hall

ofer fealone flód be fæder láre
over the dusky flood by her father's wisdom

síðe gesóhte ðaér hío syððan well
sought in her journey where she afterwards fully

in gumstóle góde maére

1952

on the throne, for goodness famed,

lífgesceafta lifigende bréac:
the fated span of her life her living she used well,

híold héahlufan wið hæleþa brego,
held high-love for the heroes' lord,

ealles moncynnes míne gefraége
of all mankind, I have heard,

þæs sélestan bí saém twéonum
the finest between the seas,

eormencynnes: Forðám Offa wæs

1957

of the mighty race. Because Offa was

geofum ond gúðum gárcéne man
in gifts and in war, a spear-keen man;

wíde geweorðod: wísdóme héold
widely honoured, ruled in wisdom

éðel sínne: þonon ongéomor wóc
his homeland; then, exceedingly sad, he arose

hæleðum tó helpe Heminges maég
a help to heroes, the kinsman of Hemming,

nefa Gármundes níða cræftig.

1962

grandson of Garmund, powerful over strife.

Gewát him ðá se hearda mid his hondscole
Then the hardy man went with his hand-picked retinue

sylf æfter sande saéwong tredan
himself along the sand treading the sea-plain,

wíde waroðas: woruldcandel scán
the wide strand; the world-candle shone,

sigel súðan fús: hí síð drugon:
the sun eagerly from the south; they had survived the journey,

elne geéodon, tó ðæs ðe eorla hléo

1967

strode quickly, to where the Shield of Heroes,

bonan Ongenþéoes burgum in innan,
— the bane of Ongentheow— inside his citadel,

geongne gúðcyning gódne gefrúnon
the young war-king, they heard (that there) the good man

hringas daélan. Higeláce wæs
alloted rings. To Hygelac was

síð Béowulfes snúde gecýðed:
Beowulf's journey promptly reported,

þæt ðaér on worðig wígendra hléo

1972

that there in enclosed homestead, the defender of warriors,

lindgestealla lifigende cwóm
shield-companion (still) living came,

heaðoláces hál tó hofe gongan:
from the war-play unharmed going to to the court;

hraðe wæs gerýmed swá se ríca bebéad
quickly was cleared, as the king bade,

féðegestum flet innanweard:
for the visitors on foot the floor within;

gesæt þá wið sylfne sé ðá sæcce genæs,

1977

then he sat down with the same man, he who had survived the fight,

maég wið maége syððan mandryhten
kinsman with kinsman, after the liege-lord

þurh hléoðorcwyde holdne gegrétte
through ceremonious speech his loyal subject had greeted,

méaglum wordum meoduscencum
in emphatic words, mead-draughts

hwearf geond þæt síde reced Hæreðes dohtor
passed round through that spacious room Haereth's daughter,

lufode ðá léode: liðwaége bær

1982

— she loved the people— bore goblets

haéum tó handa. Higelác ongan
to the hands of the illustrious ones. Hygelac began

sínne geseldan in sele þám héan
his hall-companion in that high hall

fægre fricgcean: hyne fyrwet bræc
to question courteously, his curiosity burst forth,

hwylce Saé-Géata síðas waéron:
whatever the Sea-Geats' adventures were:

'Hú lomp éow on láde, léofa Bíowulf,

1987

'How fared you on the way, dear Beowulf,

þá ðú faéringa feorr gehogodest
when you suddenly resolved far away

sæcce sécean ofer sealt wæter
to seek conflict over the salt water,

hilde tó Hiorote? Ac ðú Hróðgáre
combat in Heorot? Moreover, did you Hrothgar's

wídcúðne wéan wihte gebéttest
widely known woes at all ameliorate,

maérum ðéodne? Ic ðæs módceare

1992

for the famed chieftain? I of this with anxious care of the heart

sorhwylmum séað: síðe ne trúwode
seethed with wellings of sorrow, I did not trust the venture

léofes mannes: ic ðé lange bæd
of my dear man; I begged you at length,

þæt ðú þone wælgaést wihte ne grétte:
that you the slaughter-ghast would not challenge at all,

léte Súð-Dene sylfe geweorðan
let the South-Danes settle themselves

gúðe wið Grendel: gode ic þanc secge

1997

the war with Grendel; to God I speak thanks,

þæs ðe ic ðé gesundne geséon móste.'
for that I you sound am permitted to see.'

Bíowulf maðelode bearn Ecgðíoes:
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Þæt is undyrne, dryhten Higelác,
'It is not secret, lord Hygelac,

micel geméting monegum fíra:
that great meeting, to many men,

hwylc orleghwíl uncer Grendles

2002

what a time of struggle between the two of us, me and Grendel,

wearð on ðám wange þaér hé worna fela
occurred in that place where he great multitudes

Sige-Scyldingum sorge gefremede
for the Victory-Scyldings brought about sorrows,

yrmðe tó aldre: ic ðæt eall gewræc
lifelong misery; I avenged it all,

swá begylpan þearf Grendeles mága
thus there is need to boast — of Grendel's kinsmen,

yfel ofer eorðan úhthlem þone

2007

evil upon the earth— of that clash at dawn,

sé ðe lengest leofað láðan cynnes
he who lives the longest of that hateful race,

fáecne bifongen. Ic ðaér furðum cwóm
enveloped in malice. I first came there

tó ðám hringsele Hróðgár grétan:
to that ring-hall to greet Hrothgar;

sóna mé se maéra mago Healfdenes
straightaway to me the famed kinsman of Half-Dane,

syððan hé módsefan mínne cúðe

2012

after he the purpose of the heart of mine knew,

wið his sylfes sunu setl getaéhte:
with his own sons he appointed a seat;

weorod wæs on wynne: ne seah ic wídan feorh
The troop was joyful; I have not seen in my whole life

under heofones hwealf healsittendra
under heaven's vault a hall-sitters'

medudréam máran. Hwílum maéru cwén
mead-revelry greater. At times the renowned queen,

friðusibb folca flet eall geondhwearf:

2017

the peace-pledge of peoples, passed over all of the floor,

bædde byre geonge: oft hío béahwriðan
urged on the young boys; often twisted-rings she

secge sealde aér híe tó setle géong:
gave to the warriors, before she went to her seat;

hwílum for duguðe dohtor Hróðgáres
from time to time before the band of experienced warriors Hrothgar's daughter

eorlum on ende ealuwaége bær
to nobles continuously to the end bore the ale-flagon,

þá ic Fréaware fletsittende

2022

those I Freawaru the ones on the floor

nemnan hýrde þaér hío nægled sinc
I heard name her, when she the studded cup

hæleðum sealde Sío geháten is
gave to heroes, she is promised,

geong goldhroden, gladum suna Fródan:
young, gold-adorned, to gracious son of Froda;

hafað þæs geworden wine Scyldinga
this has arranged the Friend of the Scyldings,

ríces hyrde ond þæt raéd talað

2027

the kingdom's shepherd, and counsel reckons it

þæt hé mid ðý wífe wælfaéhða daél
that he with this woman a great part of the slaughter-feuds,

sæcca gesette. Oft seldan hwaér
conflicts will settle. Very seldom anywhere

æfter léodhryre lýtle hwíle
after the fall of a leader (even) a little while

bongár búgeð þéah séo brýd duge.
the murderous spear bends down, though the bride be good.

Mæg þæs þonne ofþyncan ðéoden Heaðo-Beardna

2032

This then may displease the chief of the Heatho-Bards

ond þegna gehwám þára léoda
and every thane of that people,

þonne hé mid faémnan on flett gaëð:
when he with the maiden walks on the floor:

dryhtbearn Dena duguða biwenede,
that the noble sons of the Danes, her veteran troop, are entertained,

on him gladiað gomelra láfe
on them glisten ancient heirlooms,

heard ond hringmaél Heaða-Bearna gestréon

2037

hard and ring-adorned, the Heatho-Bards' treasure,

þenden híe ðám waépnum wealdan móston.
so long as they those weapons were able to wield.

Oð ðæt híe forlaéddan tó ðám lindplegan
Until they had led to disaster in the shield-play

swaése gesíðas ond hyra sylfra feorh.
their dear companions and their own lives.

Þonne cwið æt béore sé ðe béahgesyhð
Then speaks at the beer-drinking, he who sees a ring-precious object,

eald æscwiga sé ðe eall geman

2042

the old ash-warrior, he who remembers all

gárcwealm gumena — him bið grim sefa—
the spear-death of men — in him is a fierce heart—

onginneð géomormód geongum cempan
he begins sad-spirited in a young champion,

þurh hreðra gehygd higes cunnian,
by the musing of his heart, to tempt his mind,

wígbealu weccean ond þæt word ácwyð:
to awaken war-horror, and speaks these words:

'Meaht ðú, mín wine, méce gecnáwan

2047

'Can you, my friend, recognise that weapon,

þone þín fæder tó gefeohte bær
which your father bore into the fight,

under heregríman hindeman síðe,
under his army-mask on the last campaign,

dýre íren, þaér hyne Dene slógon:
precious iron, there the Danes slew him,

wéoldon wælstówe syððan wiðergyld læg
controlled the slaying-field, when retribution failed,

æfter hæleþa hryre hwate Scyldungas?

2052

after the heroes' fall, the fierce Scyldings?

Nú hér þára banena byre náthwylces
Now here of those slayers the son of one or other of them,

frætwum hrémig on flet gaëð:
exultant in trappings, goes across the floor,

morðres gylpeð ond þone máðþum byreð
boasts of murder, and wears the treasure

þone þe ðú mid rihte raédan sceoldest."
which you by right ought to possess."

Manað swá ond myndgað maéla gehwylce

2057

Thus he incites and reminds every time

sárum wordum oð ðæt saél cymeð
with grievous words, until that time comes

þæt se faémnan þegn fore fæder daédum
that the woman's thane for his father's deeds

æfter billes bite blódfág swefeð
from the bite of a bill-blade sleeps, stained in blood,

ealdres scyldig: him se óðer þonan
having forfeited life; him the other thence

losað lifigende: con him land geare.

2062

escapes alive, the land is readily known to him.

Þonne bíoð brocene on bá healfe
Then are broken on both sides

áðsweorð eorla: syððan Ingelde
the sworn oaths of earls; then in Ingeld

weallað wælníðas ond him wíflufan
murderous hate will well up and in him the love of woman

æfter cearwælmum cólran weorðað:
surges of grief will become cooler;

þý ic Heaðo-Beardna hyldo ne telge

2067

Therefore I the Heathobards' loyalty do not consider,

dryhtsibbe daél Denum unfaécne,
the alliance's portion, for the Danes untreacherous,

fréondscipe fæstne. Ic sceal forð sprecan
enduring friendship. I ought speak further

gén ymbe Grendel þæt ðú geare cunne,
again about Grendel, that you may readily know,

sinces brytta, tó hwan syððan wearð
giver of treasure, what then happened,

hondraés hæleða syððan heofones gim

2072

the hand-fight of heroes when heaven's gem

glád ofer grundas gaést yrre cwóm
had glided over the earth, the ireful guest came,

eatol aéfengrom úser néosan
terrible, fierce in the evening to visit us,

ðaér wé gesunde sæl weardodon
where we, unharmed, warded the hall,

þaér wæs Hondsciö hilde onsaége
where was for Hondscio a sinking battle

feorhbealu faégum: hé fyrmest læg

2077

deadly evil for the doomed man; he fell first,

gyrded cempa: him Grendel wearð
the girded champion; for him Grendel was,

maérum maguþegne tó múðbonan:
the famed thane of distinction, a slayer by mouth,

léofes mannes líc eall forswealg:
the belovèd man's body swallowed up completely;

nó ðý aér út ðá gén ídelhende
not the sooner out yet empty-handed,

bona blódigtóð bealewa gemyndig

2082

the slayer bloody-toothed, wickedness in mind,

of ðám goldsele gongan wolde
from the gold-hall did he wish to go

ac hé mægnes róf mín costode:
but he, famed for his strength, tested me,

grápode gearofolm: glóf hangode
gripped with an eager hand; a pouch hung down

síd ond syllíc searobendum fæst
spacious and strange, with cleverly-wrought clasps held fast,

sío wæs orðoncum eall gegyrwed

2087

it was cunningly all devised

déofles cræftum ond dracan fellum:
with devil's crafts and dragon's skins;

hé mec þaér on innan unsynnigne
he me there inside, guiltless,

díor daédfruma gedón wolde
the daring instigator wished to stuff,

manigra sumne: hyt ne mihte swá
as one of many; he could not do so,

syððan ic on yrre upprihte ástód.

2092

since I in anger stood erect.

Tó lang ys tó reccenne hú ic ðám léodsceaðan
It is too long to recount how I the scourge of the people

yfla gehwylces hondléan forgeald
for each of his evils paid in hand-requital

þaér ic, þéoden mín, þíne léode
where I, my lord, your people

weorðode weorcum: he on weg losade
honoured by acts; he escaped away

lýtle hwíle lífwynna bréac:

2097

for a little while, enjoyed the joy of life;

hwæþre him sío swíðre swaðe weardade
yet from him the right, a vestige, remainded behind

hand on Hiorte ond hé héan ðonan
hand in Heorot, and he wretched thence,

módes geómor meregrund geféoll.
gloomy in his heart, sank into the depths of the mere.

Mé þone wælraés wine Scildunga
To me for the bloody battle the Friend of the Scyldings

faéttan golde fela léanode

2102

with objects of plated gold in plenty rewarded,

manegum máðmum syððan mergen cóm
many treasures, when morning came,

ond wé tó symble geseten hæfdon
and we to the feast had sat down

þaér wæs gidd ond gléo: gomela Scilding
where was song and glee: old Scylding

felafricgende feorran rehte:
who has heard tell of many things, from long ago narrated;

hwílum hildedéor hearpan wynne

2107

at times this battle-daring one the harp for pleasure

gomelwudu grétte: hwílum gyd áwræc
the old-wood played; sometimes recited a song,

sóð ond sárlíc: hwílum syllíc spell
true and tragic; sometimes strange tales

rehte æfter rihte rúmheort cyning:
he related rightly, the open-hearted king;

hwílum eft ongan eldo gebunden
at times he began again, bound in his age,

gomel gúðwiga gioguðe cwíðan

2112

the ancient war-soldier, to mourn for his youth,

hildestrengo: hreðer inne wéoll
his battle-strength; his heart welled inside,

þonne hé wintrum fród, worn gemunde.
when he, wise in winter, recalled many things.

Swá wé þaér inne andlangne dæg
So we there inside a whole long day

níode náman oð ðæt niht becwóm
took pleasure, until came night

óðer tó yldum: Þá wæs eft hraðe

2117

another to men; then was again swiftly

gearo gyrnwræce Grendeles módor
ready for grief-revenge Grendel's mother,

síðode sorhfull: sunu déað fornam,
she journeyed full of sorrow; Death had taken her son,

wíghete Wedra: wíf unhýre
the war-hate of the Wederas; the horrible woman

hyre bearn gewræc: beorn ácwealde
avenged her child, killed a warrior

ellenlíce: þaér wæs Æschere

2122

savagely; there was from Æschere,

fródan fyrnwitan feorh úðgenge.
the old, wise lore-counsellor, life departed.

Nóðer hý hine ne móston syððan mergen cwóm
Nor could they him, when morning came,

déaðwérigne Denia léode
weary of death the Danish people

bronde forbærnan né on baél hladan
cremate in fire, nor lay on the funeral bale,

léofne mannan: hío þæt líc ætbær

2127

the beloved man; she had carried off the corpse

féondes fæðme under firgenstréam:
in fiend's embrace beneath the mountain stream;

þæt wæs Hróðgáre hréowa tornost
that was for Hrothgar the most bitter grief

þára þe léodfruman lange begéate.
which the ruler of the people long had received.

Þá se ðéoden mec ðíne lífe
Then me the chieftain, by your life,

healsode hréohmód þæt ic on holma geþring

2132

implored with troubled mind, that I in the waters' tumult

eorlscipe efnde: ealdre genéðde:
perform a noble act, risk life,

maérðo fremede: hé mé méde gehét.
accomplish glory; he promised me rewards.

Ic ðá ðæs wælmes þé is wíde cúð
Then I the welling waters', as is widely known,

grimme gryrelícne grundhyrde fond:
wrathful ghastly guard of the deep found;

þaér unc hwíle wæs hand gemaéne:

2137

there a while we were sharing a hand;

holm heolfre wéoll ond ic héafde becearf
the water welled with gore, and I cut off the head

in ðám grundsele Grendeles módor
in that deep-hall of Grendel's mother

éacnum ecgum: unsófte þonan
with mighty edges, not easily thence

feorh oðferede: næs ic faége þá gýt
I carried off my life; I was not doomed yet

ac mé eorla hléo eft gesealde

2142

but to me the protector of heroes again gave

máðma menigeo maga Healfdenes.'
many treasures, the kinsman of Half-Dane.'

Swá se ðéodkyning þéawum lyfde:
So the king of the people lived according to proper custom;

nealles ic ðám léanum forloren hæfde
I by no means the gifts had lost,

mægnes méde ac hé mé maðma geaf
strength's reward, but he gave me treasures,

sunu Healfdenes on mínne sylfes dóm

2147

the son of Half-Dane, according to my own glory,

ðá ic ðé, beorncyning, bringan wylle,
these I to thee, warrior-king, wish to bring,

éstum geýwan: gén is eall æt ðé
graciously to offer; still is all in thee

lissa gelong: ic lýt hafo
dependent upon your favour; I have few

héafodmága nefne, Hygelác, ðec.'
near kinsmen except you Hygelac.'

Hét ðá in beran eafor héafodsegn

2152

Then he commanded to be brought in the boar-crested standard,

heaðostéapne helm háre byrnan
the battle-steep helm, hoar-silver byrnie,

gúðsweord geatolíc: gyd æfter wræc:
the beautiful war-sword; the tale thereafter uttered:

'Mé ðis hildesceorp Hróðgár sealde
'To me this battle-equipment Hrothgar gave,

snotra fengel: sume worde hét
the clever ruler; with some words he ordered,

þæt ic his aérest ðé ést gesægde:

2157

that I first you its legacy relate;

cwæð þæt hyt hæfde Hiorogár cyning
he said it owned King Heorogar,

léod Scyldunga lange hwíle:
the leader of the Scyldings a long time;

nó ðý aér suna sínum syllan wolde
no sooner for that to his son did he wish to give,

hwatum Heorowearde þéah hé him hold waére
to bold Heoroweard, though he was loyal to him,

bréostgewaédu. Brúc ealles well.'

2162

the breast-armour. Use it all well.'

Hýrde ic þæt þám frætwum féower méaras
I heard that with the treasure four mares

lungre gelíce lást weardode
swift, all alike, followed behind,

æppelfealuwe: hé him ést getéah
apple-yellow; he to him offered the gifts,

méara ond máðma. Swá sceal maég dön:
horses and riches. So should a kinsman act:

nealles inwitnet óðrum bregdon

2167

not at all malice-nets weave for others,

dyrnum cræfte déað rénian
with hidden arts contrive death

hondgesteallan. Hygeláce wæs
of hand-companions. To Hygelac was

níða heardum nefa swýðe hold
in fierce strife his nephew very loyal,

ond gehwæðer óðrum hróþra gemyndig:
and each the other's benefit remembered;

hýrde ic þæt hé ðone healsbéah Hygde gesealde

2172

I heard that he the neck-ring gave to Hygd,

wraétlicne wundurmáððum ðone þe him Wealhðéo geaf
the exquisite marvel-jewel, which Wealhtheow gave him,

ðéodnes dohtor þrío wicg somod
chieftain's daughter, three horses also

swancor ond sadolbeorht: hyre syððan wæs
supple and bright with saddles; then was her,

æfter béahðege bréost geweorðod.
after receiving the ring, breast adorned.

Swá bealdode bearn Ecgðéowes

2177

Thus he was bold, the son of Edgetheow,

guma gúðum cúð gódum daédum:
man famed in war, for good deeds;

dréah æfter dóme: nealles druncne slóg
he led his life for glory, never, having drunk, slew

heorðgenéatas: næs him hréoh sefa
his hearth-companions; a troubled heart was not in him,

ac hé mancynnes maéste cræfte
but he mankind's greatest strength,

ginfæstan gife þé him god sealde

2182

— that ample gift, which God gave him—

héold hildedéor. Héan wæs lange
he held, battle-daring. Long had he been abject

swá hyne Géata bearn gódne ne tealdon
so the sons of the Geats did not reckon him good,

né hyne on medobence micles wyrðne
nor to him on the mead-bench much honour

drihten wereda gedón wolde:
the commander of the troops would grant;

swýðe sægdon þæt hé sléac waére

2187

they especially said, that he was slack,

æðeling unfrom: edwenden cwóm
no bold noble; a turn-around came

tíréadigum menn torna gehwylces.
to the glory-blessed man for each of these miseries.

Hét ðá eorla hléo in gefetian,
Then the protector of heroes ordered to be fetched in,

heaðoróf cyning, Hréðles láfe
the war-noble king, Hrethel's heirloom,

golde gegyrede: næs mid Géatum ðá

2192

fitted out in gold; there was not among the Geats then

sincmáðþum sélra on sweordes hád:
a better precious treasure in the manner of a sword;

þæt hé on Bíowulfes bearm álegde
that he in Beowulf's lap layed,

ond him gesealde seofan þúsendo,
and gave him seven thousand hides of land,

bold ond bregostól. Him wæs bám samod
residence and ruler's seat. Theirs was both together

on ðám léodscipe lond gecynde

2197

in that nation inherited land,

eard éðelriht, óðrum swíðor
earth by ancestral privelege, to the second more

síde ríce þám ðaér sélra wæs.
of that broad kingdom to him who was higher.

Eft þæt geíode ufaran dógrum
After that it came to pass in later days

hildehlæmmum: syððan Hygelác læg
in battle-clashes, when Hygelac lay dead,

ond Heardréde hildeméceas

2202

and for Heardred battle-maiches,

under bordhréoðan tó bonan wurdon
under the cover of his shield, became the instruments of his death,

ðá hyne gesóhtan on sigeþéode
when they sought him out in the victory-tribe,

hearde hildefrecan Heaðo-Scilfingas:
the fierce battle-ready warriors, the Battle-Scilfings,

níða genaégdan nefan Hereríces:
with enmity they attacked the nephew of Hereric;

syððan Béowulfe braéde ríce

2207

thereupon to Beowulf the broad kingdom

on hand gehwearf: hé gehéold tela
passed into his hands; he ruled well

fiftig wintra — wæs ðá fród cyning
for fifty winters — then he was a wise king,

eald éþelweard— oð ðæt ón ongan
an old warden of the fatherland— until one began

deorcum nihtum draca rícsian
in the dark nights, a dragon to rule,

sé ðe on héaum hofe hord beweotode

2212

he who in a high house watched over a hoard,

stánbeorh stéarcne: stíg under læg
a stark stone barrow; the path below lay

eldum uncúð. Þaér on innan gíong
unknown to men. There went inside

niða náthwylc ond néah geféng
a man, I know not which, and he groped near

haéðnum horde: hond gewríþenne
the heathen hoard, his hands wrapped round

since fáhne hé þæt syððan bohte

2217

an ornamented bauble, he paid for that afterwards;

þéah ðe hé slaépende besyred hæfde
though he who sleeping had been tricked

þéofes cræfte: þæt síe ðíod onfand
by thief's cunning; the people discovered that,

búfolc beorna þæt hé gebolgen wæs.
the neighbouring folk of men, that he was enraged.

Nealles næs geweoldum wyrmhordan cræft
He was not at all in control of the skill of the worm-hoard,

sylfes willum sé ðe him sáre gesceód

2222

of his own desire, he who sorely injured him,

ac for þréanédlan þéof náthwylces
because of dire-distress a thief of I know not which

hæleða bearna heteswengeas fléoh
sons of men fled hostile blows,

ærnesþearfe ond ðaér inne weall
in need of a hall and there within raged,

secg synbysig sóna onwacade:
a man haunted by guilt, immediately watched over;

þæt géan ðám gyste gryrebróga stód:

2227

then against the stranger stood horror and terror;

hwæðre fyrensceapen
nevertheless upon the wicked one se faér begeat:

2230

poured peril.

sincfæt sóhte: þaér wæs swylcra fela
He sought treasure-gold, there was many such,

in ðám eorðsele aérgestréona
in that earth-hall, ancient treasures,

swá hý on géardagum gumena náthwylc
as they in former days some man,

eormenláfe æþelan cynnes

2234

this great legacy of a noble kind,

þanchycgende þaér gehýdde
full of thought, had hid there

déore máðmas: ealle híe déað fornam
these dear treasures; all of them Death took

aérran maélum ond sí án ðá gén
in earlier times, and then were yet one

léoda duguðe sé ðaér lengest hwearf
of the old warriors of that people, the one who moved about there longest,

weard winegeómor wénde þæs yldan:

2239

the friend-grieving warden, he hoped to delay that much,

þæt hé lýtel fæc longgestréona
so that he for a little while the long-kept treasure

brúcan móste. Beorh eallgearo
would be able to enjoy. The barrow all-ready

wunode on wonge wæterýðum néah
occupied the plain near the water-waves,

níwe be næsse nearocræftum fæst:
new on the headland, made secure by difficult-craft;

þaér on innan bær eorlgestréona

2244

there inside bore of the treasure of earls

hringa hyrde handwyrðne daél
a hoard of rings a hand-fashioned share

faéttan goldes: féa worda cwæð:
of plated gold; some words he spoke:

'Heald þú nú, hrúse, nú hæleð ne móstan
'Now hold you, Earth, now the heroes cannot,

eorla aéhte. Hwæt, hyt aér on ðé
earls' possessions. Listen, it formerly from you

góde begéaton: gúðdéað fornam

2249

was obtained by good men; war-death has taken away,

feorhbeale frécne fyrena gehwylcne
terrible murder of life, of crimes each one,

léoda mínra þá mé ðe þis ofgeaf:
my belovèd people, they gave this up to me:

gesáwon seledréam: hé náh hwá sweord wege
they had seen joy in the hall; he I have not, who might wield sword

oððe fægrie faéted waége
or make beautiful this gilded flagon,

dryncfæt déore: duguð ellor séoc:

2254

this precious drinking vessel; the veteran warriors are ill elsewhere;

sceal se hearda helm hyrstedgolde
must the stern helmet adorned with gold

faétum befeallen: feormynd swefað
stripped of its ornaments; the burnishers slumbers,

þá ðe beadogríman býwan sceoldon:
they who war-masks ought to brighten;

gé swylce séo herepád sío æt hilde gebád
also so the army's coats of mail, which in battle endured

ofer borda gebræc bite írena

2259

over the shattering of shield-boards the bite of iron,

brosnað æfter beorne: ne mæg byrnan hring
decays along with the men; byrnie's ring may not

æfter wígfruman wíde féran
with war-fighter fare widely,

hæleðum be healfe: næs hearpan wyn
alongside heroes; there was not harp's joy,

gomen gléobéames né gód hafoc
delight of glee-wood, nor good hawk

geond sæl swingeð né se swifta mearh

2264

soaring through the hall, nor swift horse

burhstede béateð: bealocwealm hafað
trampling the courtyard; baleful death has

fela feorhcynna forð onsended.'
many of my living kin sent forth.'

Swá giómormód giohðo maénde
Thus sad at heart in grief he bemoaned

án æfter eallum: unbliðe hwearf
one after all, unhappily passed

dæges ond nihtes oð ðæt déaðes wylm

2269

days and nights, until the flood of Death

hrán æt heortan. Hordwynne fond
reached to his heart. Hoard-joy he found,

eald úhtsceaða opene standan
the old twilight-scather, standing open,

sé ðe byrnende biorgas séceð
he who, burning, seeks barrows,

nacod níðdraca: nihtes fléogeð
the naked malevolent dragon; he flies by night,

fýre befangen: hyne foldbúend

2274

encircled in fire; him earth-dwellers :

: : : : : : : : : : :nan. Hé gesécean sceall
……………… He has to seek

hearm on hrúsan þaér hé haéðen gold
harm in the ground, where he heathen gold

warað wintrum fród: ne byð him wihte ðý sél.
guards, wise in winters; he is not a bit better for that.

Swá se ðéodsceaða þréo hund wintra
So the people-scather three hundred winters

héold on hrúsan hordærna sum

2279

ruled in the earth of one of the hoard-halls,

éacencræftig oð ðæt hyne án ábealch
vastly powerful, until one angered him,

mon on móde: mandryhtne bær
a man in pride: he bore to his liege-lord

faéted waége: frioðowaére bæd
the gold-adorned cup, begged peace-truce

hláford sínne: ðá wæs hord rásod,
from his lord; then was the hoard ransacked,

onboren béaga hord, béne getíðad

2284

rings' hoard borne off, a boon was granted

féasceaftum men: fréa scéawode
to the wretched man; a lord examined

fíra fyrngeweorc forman síðe.
the ancient work of men for the first time.

Þá se wyrm onwóc — wróht wæs geníwad—
then the worm awoke, — quarrel was renewed—

stonc ðá æfter stáne: stearcheort onfand
he sniffed along the stone, the harsh-hearted one found

féondes fótlást: hé tó forð gestóp

2289

the foot-print of his foe; he too far forward had stepped

dyrnan cræfte dracan héafde néah.
in his stealthy craft near the dragon's head.

Swá mæg unfaége éaðe gedígan
Provided that, one not doomed may easily survive

wéan ond wraécsíð sé ðe waldendes
woe and hardship, he who the Ruler's

hyldo gehealdeþ. Hordweard sóhte
grace protects. The hoard-ward sought

georne æfter grunde: wolde guman findan

2294

eagerly along the ground, he wished to find the man,

þone þe him on sweofote sáre getéode:
the one who him in his slumber had sorely harmed;

hát ond hréohmód hlaéwum oft ymbehwearf
hot and fierce-minded, he often circled among the mounds

ealne útanweardne — né ðaér aénig mon
all round the outside — not any man there

on þám wéstenne hwæðre hilde gefeh
in that wilderness, but he rejoiced in battle,

beadu weorces — hwílum on beorh æthwearf:

2299

of battle-work — sometimes he turned back to the barrow,

sincfæt sóhte: hé þaét sóna onfand:
sought the treasure-cup; he suddenly discovered,

ðæt hæfde gumena sum goldes gefandod
that a certain man had distrubed the gold,

héahgestréona: hordweard onbád
the high treasures; the hoard-ward waited

earfoðlíce oð ðæt aéfen cwóm:
with great difficulty, until evening came;

wæs ðá gebolgen beorges hyrde:

2304

then was enraged the keeper of the barrow,

wolde se láða líge forgyldan
he wished the injury to repay with flame,

drincfæt dýre. Þá wæs dæg sceacen
the dear drinking-vessel. Then the day was departed

wyrme on willan: nó on wealle læg
to the joy of the wyrm; he did not lie within the wall,

bídan wolde ac mid baéle fór
(nor) wished to wait, but with bale-fire set forth,

fýre gefýsed: wæs se fruma egeslíc

2309

infused with flame; this beginning was terrible

léodum on lande swá hyt lungre wearð
for the people in the land, as it soon was

on hyra sincgifan sáre geendod.
upon their treasure-giver painfully ended.

Ðá se gæst ongan glédum spíwan,
Then the demon began to spew flames,

beorht hofu bærnan: bryneléoma stód
to burn bright houses; the gleam of fire rose

eldum on andan: nó ðaér áht cwices

2314

to the horror of the men; nor there anything alive

láð lyftfloga laéfan wolde:
the hateful air-flier wished to leave;

wæs þæs wyrmes wíg wíde gesýne
the war-strength of that wyrm was widely seen,

nearofáges níð néan ond feorran:
the malice of the darkly cunning one near and far,

hú se gúðsceaða Géata léode
how the war-scather the people of the Geats

hatode ond hýnde: hord eft gescéat

2319

hated and humiliated; back to his hoard he shot,

dryhtsele dyrnne aér dæges hwíle:
the hidden lord-hall ere the time of day;

hæfde landwara líge befangen
the inhabitants of the land had been seized by flame,

baéle ond bronde: beorges getrúwode
in blaze and in fire; his barrow he trusted,

wíges ond wealles: him séo wén geléah.
his war-skill and his walls; him this belief deceived.

Þá wæs Bíowulfe bróga gecýðed

2324

Then was to Beowulf the danger made known

snúde tó sóðe þæt his sylfes hám
quickly in truth, that his own home,

bolda sélest brynewylmum mealt
the finest of dwellings, in waves of heat melted,

gifstól Géata: þæt ðám gódan wæs
the throne of the Geats; that was to the good man

hréow on hreðre hygesorga maést:
a grief in his heart, of the mind-sorrows the greatest;

wénde se wísa þæt hé wealdende

2329

the wise man thought that he the Ruler

ofer ealde riht écean dryhtne
against ancient law eternal Lord

bitre gebulge: bréost innan wéoll
had bitterly angered; inside his breast welled

þéostrum geþoncum swá him geþýwe ne wæs.
with thoughts of gloom, such was not usual for him.

Hæfde lígdraca léoda fæsten
The fire-drake had the fortress of the people,

éalond útan eorðweard ðone

2334

by the coast-land, the stronghold

glédum forgrunden: him ðæs gúðkyning
ground down with flames; him for that the war-king,

Wedera þíoden wræce leornode:
the chief of the Wederas, studied vengeance;

heht him þá gewyrcean, wígendra hléo
then he ordered to be made for him, a warriors' protector,

eallírenne, eorla dryhten,
all of iron, the lord of earls,

wígbord wraétlíc: wisse hé gearwe

2339

a wonderous war-board; he readily knew,

þæt him holtwudu helpan ne meahte
that him tree-wood could not help,

lind wið líge. Sceolde líþenddaga
linden-wood against fire. He had to his seafaring-days,

æþeling aérgód ende gebídan
the old, good noble, abide the end

worulde lífes ond se wyrm somod
of life in the world, and the wyrm together,

þéah ðe hordwelan héolde lange.

2344

though the hoard-wealth he had held long.

Oferhogode ðá hringa fengel
Then he scorned, the rings' lord,

þæt hé þone wídflogan weorode gesóhte
that he the wide-flier would seek out with a troop,

sídan herge: nó hé him þám sæcce ondréd
a large army; he did not the strife dread for himself,

né him þæs wyrmes wíg for wiht dyde
nor him the wyrm's fire esteem a bit,

eafoð ond ellen forðon hé aér fela

2349

power and courage, for that he before many,

nearo néðende níða gedígde
narrowly risking, hostilities survived,

hildehlemma syððan hé Hróðgáres
battle-clashes, since he Hrothgar's,

sigoréadig secg sele faélsode
— victory-favoured man— hall cleansed,

ond æt gúðe forgráp Grendeles maégum
and in war overwhelmed Grendel's race,

láðan cynnes. Nó þæt laésest wæs

2354

hateful kind. Not the least was

hondgemóta þaér mon Hygelác slóh
the hand-to-hand encounter, where one slew Hygelac,

syððan Géata cyning gúðe raésum
after the Geats' king, in war's rushes,

fréawine folca Fréslondum on
the lord and friend of the folk, in Frisia,

Hréðles eafora hiorodryncum swealt
Hrethel's heir, died in the drink of sword,

bille gebéaten: þonan Bíowulf cóm

2359

beaten down by bill-blades. Then Beowulf came

sylfes cræfte: sundnytte dréah:
by his own strength, he made use of the sea;

hæfde him on earme eorla þrítig
he had in his arms thirty warriors'

hildegeatwa þá hé tó holme stág:
battle-gear, when he mounted the ocean;

nealles Hetware hrémge þorfton
not at all did the Hetwares had need to be exaulting

féðewíges þé him foran ongéan

2364

over the fighting on foot, who forth against him

linde baéron: lýt eft becwóm
bore linden-wood shields; few came back

fram þám hildfrecan hámes níosan.
from that warrior to visit their homes.

Oferswam ðá sioleða bigong sunu Ecgðéowes
He crossed over then the flowing expanse of waters, the son of of Edgetheow,

earm ánhaga eft tó léodum
wretched and solitary, back to the people,

þaér him Hygd gebéad hord ond ríce

2369

there Hygd bade him hoard and kingdom,

béagas ond bregostól: bearne ne trúwode
rings and throne: in her son she did not trust

þæt hé wið ælfylcum éþelstólas
that he against foreign peoples the ancestral throne

healdan cúðe ðá wæs Hygelác déad:
had the power to hold when Hygelac was dead;

nó ðý aér féasceafte findan meahton
not the sooner the destitute ones could find

æt ðám æðelinge aénige ðinga

2374

in the noble one by any means,

þæt hé Heardréde hláford waére
that he to Heardred would be a lord,

oððe þone cynedóm cíosan wolde:
or the kingdom wished to accept;

hwæðre hé him on folce fréondlárum héold
yet he to him among the folk upheld with the counsels of a friend,

éstum mid áre oð ðæt hé yldra wearð:
graciously in honour, until he grew older,

Weder-Géatum wéold. Hyne wræcmæcgas

2379

ruled the Weder-Geats. Him banished men

ofer saé sóhtan, suna Óhteres:
from across the sea sought, sons of Ohthere;

hæfdon hý forhealden helm Scylfinga
they had rebelled against the Helm of the Scylfings,

þone sélestan saécyninga
the finest of sea-kings

þára ðe in Swíoríce sinc brytnade,
who there in Sweden dispensed treasure,

maérne þéoden: him þæt tó mearce wearð:

2384

famed chieftain; to him it became the end;

hé þaér for feorme feorhwunde hléat
there he for his hospitality received a mortal-wound,

sweordes swengum sunu Hygeláces
from sword's swing, the son of Hygelac;

ond him eft gewát Ongenðioes bearn
and he went back, Ongentheow's son

hámes níosan syððan Heardréd læg:
to seek his home, after Heardred lay dead;

lét ðone bregostól Bíowulf healdan,

2389

the throne he let Beowulf hold,

Géatum wealdan: þæt wæs gód cyning.
to rule the Geats; that was a good king.

Sé ðæs léodhryres léan gemunde
He for the prince's fall requital remembered

uferan dógrum: Éadgilse wearð
in later days, to Eadgils he became

féasceaftum fréond: folce gestépte
a friend in his plight; with men he supported

ofer saé síde sunu Óhteres

2394

over the wide sea the son of Ohtere,

wigum ond waépnum: hé gewræc syððan
with warriors and weapons; he had vengeance then

cealdum cearsiðum: cyning ealdre binéat:
in cold grief-bringing ventures, he deprived the king of his life:

swá hé níða gehwane genesen hæfde
so he each of the enmities had survived,

slíðra geslyhta, sunu Ecgðíowes,
dire conflicts, the son of Ecgetheow,

ellenweorca oð ðone ánne dæg

2399

deeds of courage, until the one day,

þé hé wið þám wyrme gewegan sceolde.
when he with the serpent must struggle.

Gewát þá twelfa sum torne gebolgen
Then he went, one of twelve, swollen with anger,

dryhten Géata, dracan scéawian:
the lord of the Geats, to behold the dragon;

hæfde þá gefrúnen hwanan sío faéhð árás
he had heard then whence this feud arose,

bealoníð biorna: him tó bearme cwóm

2404

wicked hostility for men: to his bosom came

máðþumfæt maére, þurh ðæs meldan hond:
the precious vessel, through the informer's hand;

sé wæs on ðám ðréate þreottéoða secg
he was in that group the thirteenth men,

sé ðæs orleges ór onstealde
he who this strife's origin brought about,

hæft hygegiómor: sceolde héan ðonon
the gloomy-minded captive; he was obliged, humbly, thence

wong wísian: hé ofer willan gíong

2409

to lead the way to the place; he went against his will

tó ðæs ðe hé eorðsele ánne wisse
to where the earth-hall he alone knew,

hlaéw under hrúsan holmwylme néh
the cairn under the ground near the surging of the sea,

ýðgewinne: sé wæs innan full
the struggle of the waves; it was full inside

wraétta ond wíra: weard unhíore
of jewels and intricate metal-work; an unpleasant guard,

gearo gúðfreca goldmáðmas héold

2414

ready, eager war-fighter held golden treasures

eald under eorðan: næs þæt ýðe céap
old under the earth; that was not an easy bargain,

tó gegangenne gumena aénigum.
to obtain for any man.

Gesæt ðá on næsse níðheard cyning:
Then on the headland sat the violence-hard king,

þenden haélo ábéad heorðgenéatum
while prosperity bid to his hearth-companions,

goldwine Géata: him wæs geómor sefa

2419

the gold-friend of the Geats; in him his heart was sad,

waéfre ond wælfús, wyrd ungemete néah
restless and slaughter-eager, fate all too near

sé ðone gomelan grétan sceolde,
which the old man must greet,

sécean sáwle hord, sundur gedaélan
seeking the treasure of his soul, sever asunder

líf wið líce: nó þon lange wæs
life from limb; it was not for long then

feorh æþelinges flaésce bewunden.

2424

the nobleman's life would be wound in his flesh.

Bíowulf maþelade bearn Ecgðéowes:
Beowulf spoke, the son of Edgetheow:

'Fela ic on giogoðe gúðraésa genæs
'In youth I many war-storms survived,

orleghwíla: ic þæt eall gemon:
in battle-times; I remember all of that;

ic wæs syfanwintre þá mec sinca baldor
I was seven-winters (old) when me the lord of treasure,

fréawine folca æt mínum fæder genam:

2429

the lord and friend of the folk, took from my father;

héold mec ond hæfde Hréðel cyning:
held and had me King Hrethel,

geaf mé sinc ond symbel: sibbe gemunde:
gave me treasure and feast, recalled kinship;

næs ic him tó life láðra ówihte
I was not by him in life less in aught,

beorn in burgum þonne his bearna hwylc
a man in citadel, than each of his own sons,

Herebeald ond Hæðcyn oððe Hygelác mín.

2434

Herebeald and Haethcyn or my Hygelac.

Wæs þám yldestan ungedéfelice
For the eldest was, unfittingly,

maéges daédum morþorbed strëd
by a kinsman's deeds a death-bed strewed,

syððan hyne Hæðcyn of hornbogan
when him Haethcyn from a horn-bow

his fréawine fláne geswencte:
his friend and lord struck down with an arrow,

miste mercelses ond his maég ofscét

2439

missed his mark and his kinsman shot dead,

bróðor óðerne blódigan gáre:
the one brother the other with a bloody bolt;

þæt wæs feohléas gefeoht fyrenum gesyngad,
that was an irreparable fight, grieviously wronged,

hreðre hygeméðe: sceolde hwæðre swá þéah
heart-wearying in the breast; yet must though

æðeling unwrecen ealdres linnan.
the noble unavenged be parted from life.

Swá bið geómorlíc gomelum ceorle

2444

In the same way it is tragic for an old man

tó gebídanne þæt his byre ríde
to abide that his son rides

giong on galgan: þonne hé gyd wrece,
young on the gallows: then he utters a dirge,

sárigne sang þonne his sunu hangað
a sorrowing song, that his son hangs

hrefne tó hróðre ond hé him helpan ne mæg
for the pleasure of the raven, and he can not him help,

eald ond infród aénige gefremman:

2449

old and experienced, any provide;

symble bið gemyndgad morna gehwylce
ever is reminded each morning,

eaforan ellorsíð: óðres ne gýmeð
of the other-world journey of his son; another he heeds not

tó gebídanne burgum in innan
to wait for within the strongholds,

yrfeweardas þonne se án hafað
guardian of inheritance, when the one he has

þurh déaðes nýd daéda gefondad:

2454

through Death's compulsion experienced deeds;

gesyhð sorhcearig on his suna búre
he sees, sad and sorrowful, in his son's dwelling

wínsele wéstne windge reste
a wine-hall wasted, a wind-swept resting place

réote berofene: rídend swefað
bereft of joy; the riders sleep,

hæleð in hoðman: nis þaér hearpan swég
heroes hidden in graves; there is not sound of harp,

gomen in geardum swylce ðaér iú waéron.

2459

revelry in the courts, such as long ago there was.

Gewíteð þonne on sealman: sorhléoð gæleð
He goes then to his bed, sings a song of sorrow,

án æfter ánum: þúhte him eall tó rúm
one man on account of one man; it seemed to him all too roomy,

wongas ond wícstede. Swá Wedra helm
the fields and the dwelling-place. Thus the Helm of the Wederas

æfter Herebealde heortan sorge
on account of Herebeald heart's sorrow,

weallinde, wæg: wihte ne meahte

2464

welling, endured: not a whit could he

on ðám feorhbonan faéghðe gebétan:
on that life-slayer settle a feud;

nó ðý aér hé þone heaðorinc hatian ne meahte
nor the more for that warrior could he show hatred

láðum daédum þéah him léof ne wæs:
with hostile acts, though he by him was not loved;

hé ðá mid þaére sorhge þé him sío sár belamp
he then with that sorrow, which on him that sorely befell,

gumdréam ofgeaf: godes léoht gecéas:

2469

he gave over human joys, choose God's light;

eaferum laéfde swá déð éadig mon
to his heirs he left, as does a fortunate man,

lond ond léodbyrig þá hé of lífe gewát.
the land and the folk-citadel, when he departed from life.

Þá wæs synn ond sacu Swéona ond Géata
Then was injury and strife of the Swedes and the Geats

ofer wíd wæter wróht gemaéne
over the wide water a quarrel shared,

hereníð hearda syððan Hréðel swealt

2474

hard military-spite, after Hrethel died,

oððe him Ongenðéowes eaferan waéran
and to him Ongentheow's heirs were

frome fyrdhwate: fréode ne woldon
vigorous and martial; they did not wish friendship

ofer heafo healdan ac ymb Hréosnabeorh
to hold across the ocean, but around Hreosnabeorh

eatolne inwitscear oft gefremedon
horrible, malicious raiding often committed

þæt maégwine míne gewraécan,

2479

that kin-friends of mine avenged,

faéhðe ond fyrene swá hyt gefraége wæs
feud and crime, as it was famous,

þéah ðe óðer his ealdre gebohte
though one of the two with his life paid,

heardan céape: Hæðcynne wearð
a hard bargain; for Hathcyn was,

Géata dryhtne gúð onsaége.
the Geats' lord, war impending.

Þá ic on morgne gefrægn maég óðerne

2484

Then I heard in the morning that one kinsman the other

billes ecgum on bonan staélan
with bill's edges took vengeance on the slayer,

þaér Ongenþéow Eofores níosað:
there Ongentheow is attacked by Eofor;

gúðhelm tóglád: gomela Scylfing
the war-helm slipped asunder, the agèd Scylfing

hréas heaþoblác: hond gemunde
fell battle-pale. The hand remembered

faéhðo genóge: feorhsweng ne oftéah.

2489

feuds a-plenty, did not withhold life-blow.

Ic him þá máðmas þé hé mé sealde
I to him the treasures, which he had given me,

geald æt gúðe swá mé gifeðe wæs
repaid in war, as was granted to me,

léohtan sweorde: hé mé lond forgeaf
with flashing sword; he gave me land,

eard éðelwyn: næs him aénig þearf
earth, the joy of homeland; there was not for him any need,

þæt hé tó Gifðum oððe tó Gár-Denum

2494

that he among the Gifthas or the Spear-Danes

oððe in Swíoríce sécean þurfe
or in the Swedish Kingdom needed to seek

wyrsan wígfrecan, weorðe gecýpan:
a worse war-eager fighter, to buy with wealth:

symle ic him on féðan beforan wolde
always, in the foot-troop, I him wished to go before,

ána on orde ond swá tó aldre sceall
alone in the vanguard, and thus must I always

sæcce fremman þenden þis sweord þolað

2499

act in battle, while this sword endures

þæt mec aér ond síð oft gelaéste
that which me, early and later, has often served,

syððan ic for dugeðum Dæghrefne wearð
since I, in front of the legions, of Daeghrefn was

tó handbonan, Húga cempan:
his slayer by hand, the champion of the Hugas;

nalles hé ðá frætwe Fréscyninge
in no way the precious ornaments to the Frisian king,

bréostweorðunge bringan móste

2504

breast-adorning, was he able to bring,

ac in cempan gecrong cumbles hyrde
but rather with his contingent fell the banner's keeper,

æþeling on elne: ne wæs ecg bona
the noble in courage; blade's edge was not the killer

ac him hildegráp heortan wylmas
but my battle-grip on him his heart's beats,

bánhús gebræc. Nú sceall billes ecg
his bone-house, broke. Now I must with bill's edge,

hond ond heard sweord ymb hord wígan.'

2509

hand and hard sword fight for the hoard.'

Béowulf maðelode béotwordum spræc
Beowulf declared, spoke vow-words

níehstan síðe: 'Ic genéðde fela
for the last time: 'I have risked many

gúða on geogoðe: gýt ic wylle
wars in my youth; yet I wish,

fród folces weard faéhðe sécan,
old, wise warden of the folk, to seek vendetta,

maérðum fremman gif mec se mánsceaða

2514

to earn renown, if me that wreaker of evil

of eorðsele út geséceð.'
from his earth-hall ventures out to greet.'

Gegrétte ðá gumena gehwylcne

2516

He then saluted each of the men,

hwate helmberend hindeman síðe
bold helm-bearers for the final time,

swaése gesíðas: 'Nolde ic sweord beran
dear companions: 'I would not bear a sword,

waépen tó wyrme gif ic wiste hú

2519

a weapon against the wyrm, if I knew how

wið ðám áglaécean elles meahte
against the monster else I might

gylpe wiðgrípan swá ic gió wið Grendle dyde
grapple for glory, as I did before with Grendel

ac ic ðaér heaðufýres hátes wéne
but I there furious fire's heat expect,

réðes ond hattres: forðon ic mé on hafu
fierce and poisonous; therefore I have on me

bord ond byrnan: nelle ic beorges weard

2524

shield-board and byrnie; nor will I from the barrow's guard

oferfléön fótes trem ac unc sceal
flee a foot but for us it must

weorðan æt wealle swá unc wyrd getéoð
happen at the wall as Fate allots us,

metod manna gehwæs: ic eom on móde from
the Creator of all men; I am bold in spirit

þæt ic wið þone gúðflogan gylp ofersitte.
that I against the war-flier forbear from boast.

Gebíde gé on beorge byrnum werede

2529

You, await here on the barrow, clad in byrnies,

secgas on searwum hwæðer sél mæge
warriors in war-gear, which better can

æfter wælraése wunde gedýgan
during the slaughter-clash survive wound

uncer twéga: nis þæt éower síð
of the two of us; it is not your adventure,

né gemet mannes nefne mín ánes:
nor in the power of men, save mine alone.'

Wát he wíð áglaécean eofoðo daéle:

2534

He knew that against the beast he would deal out his strength,

eorlscype efne: 'Ic mid elne sceall
achieve noble rank; 'I must with courage

gold gegangan oððe gúð nimeð
gain the gold, or war takes,

feorhbealu frécne fréan éowerne.'
terrible deadly wound, your lord.'

Árás ðá bí ronde róf óretta
Then he arose by means of his shield, the bold warrior,

heard under helme: hiorosercean bær

2539

severe under his helm, he wore sword-shirt

under stáncleofu strengo getrúwode
under stone cliffs, trusted in the strength

ánes mannes: ne bið swylc earges síð.
of a single man; such is not the coward's way.

Geseah ðá be wealle sé ðe worna fela
He saw then by the wall, he who a great number,

gumcystum gód gúða gedígde
nobly good, wars survived,

hildehlemma þonne hnitan féðan:

2544

battle-clashes, when armies collided;

stódan stánbogan, stréam út þonan
it stood by the stone-arch, a stream out from there

brecan of beorge: wæs þaére burnan wælm
breaking out of the barrow; there was the brook's surge

heaðofýrum hát: ne meahte horde néah
hot with deadly fire, he could not near the hoard

unbyrnende aénige hwíle
without burning for any space of time

déop gedýgan for dracan lége.

2549

endure the depths on account of the dragon's fire.

Lét ðá of bréostum ðá hé gebolgen wæs
Then he let from his breast, when he was angered,

Weder-Géata léod word út faran:
the Weder-Geat's leader, a word burst out,

stearcheort styrmde: stefn in becóm
the staunch-hearted one roared; his voice came in,

heaðotorht hlynnan under hárne stán:
ringing battle-clear beneath the hoary grey stone;

hete wæs onhréred: hordweard oncníow

2554

hate was aroused, the hoard-guard knew

mannes reorde: næs ðaér mára fyrst
man's voice; there was not more time

fréode tó friclan: from aérest cwóm
to ask for peace; first came forth

oruð áglaécean út of stáne
the monster's breath out of the stone,

hát hildeswát: hrúse dynede:
hot battle-vapour; the earth thundered;

biorn under beorge bordrand onswáf

2559

the warrior below the barrow swung his shield-boss

wið ðám gryregieste Géata dryhten:
against the terror-guest, the Geats' lord;

ðá wæs hringbogan heorte gefýsed
then was the ring-coiled one's heart incited

sæcce tó séceanne: sweord aér gebraéd
to seek strife; his sword before drew

gód gúðcyning gomele láfe
the good war-king, ancient heirloom,

ecgum ungléaw: aéghwæðrum wæs

2564

imprudent with sword-edges; was in each

bealohycgendra bróga fram óðrum:
of the harm-intending ones terror of the other;

stíðmód gestód wið stéapne rond
firm-spirited stood with his steep bossed-shield

winia bealdor ðá se wyrm gebéah
the brave leader of the friends, while the serpent coiled

snúde tósomne hé on searwum bád:
together swiftly; He in war-gear waited;

gewát ðá byrnende gebogen scríðan,

2569

went then burning gliding coiled,

tó gescipe scyndan: scyld wél gebearg
hastening to his destiny; the shield defended well

lífe ond líce laéssan hwíle
life and body for a lesser time

maérum þéodne þonne his myne sóhte:
the famed chieftain, then his mind desired,

ðaér hé þý fyrste forman dógore
where he that time for the first day

wealdan móste swá him wyrd ne gescráf

2574

had to wield it, as Fate had not decreed for him

hréð æt hilde: hond úp ábraéd
glory in battle: he raised up his hand,

Géata dryhten: gryrefáhne slóh
the Geatish lord; the ghastly-hued one he struck

incgeláfe þæt sío ecg gewác
with his ancestoral sword, so that the edge weakened

brún on báne: bát unswíðor
bright on bone, bit less fiercely

þonne his ðíodcyning þearfe hæfde

2579

than its tribe-king had need

bysigum gebaéded. Þá wæs beorges weard
driven in distress. Then the barrow's ward was

æfter heaðuswenge on hréoum móde:
after the war-blow in a fierce spirit;

wearp wælfýre: wíde sprungon
he spewed slaughter-fire; widely spread

hildeléoman. Hréðsigora ne gealp
battle-light. Of war-victory did not boast

goldwine Géata: gúðbill geswác

2584

the gold-friend of the Geats; his war-bill failed,

nacod æt níðe swá hyt nó sceolde
naked in the violence, as it should not have,

íren aérgód: ne wæs þæt éðe síð
the excellent old iron; that was not an easy accomplishment,

þæt se maéra maga Ecgðéowes
that the famed son of Edgetheow

grundwong þone ofgyfan wolde:
this earth should be willing to give up;

sceolde willan wíc eardian

2589

he was obliged to be about to inhabit a dwelling

elles hwergen: swá sceal aéghwylc mon
elsewhere, as must every man

álaétan laéndagas. Næs ðá long tó ðon
abandon loaned-days. It was not long to when

þæt ðá áglaécean hý eft gemétton:
that the fierce enemies again met each other:

hyrte hyne hordweard: hreðer aéðme wéoll
the hoard-guardian heartened himself, his breast swelled with breath,

níwan stefne: nearo ðrówode

2594

another time; cruelly suffered,

fýre befongen sé ðe aér folce wéold.
encircled in fire, he who had once ruled a nation.

Nealles him on héape handgesteallan
Not at all him in a troop the hand-companions,

æðelinga bearn ymbe gestódon
nobles' sons, around him stood

hildecystum ac hý on holt bugon:
with valour in battle, but they sunk to the forest,

ealdre burgan: hiora in ánum wéoll

2599

to protect life; in one of them surged

sefa wið sorgum: sibb' aéfre ne mæg
his heart with sorrows; kinship can never