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Beowulf
Anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet
Contributed by Karim Chandra
Content
Overview
Context
Characters
Motifs
Themes
Symbols
Plot Summary
Chapter Summaries
Lines 1-63
Lines 64-193
Lines 194-661
Lines 662-851
Lines 852-1250
Lines 1251-1904
Lines 1905-2199
Lines 2200-2509
Lines 2510-2891
Lines 2892-3182
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Lines 2892-3182
Summary

A messenger is given instructions to report on how the events had occurred and to deliver news regarding the death of the King. The messenger tells the warriors that he foresees war breaking out with the Frisians and the Franks. He maintains that people from the land had maintained peace with the Geats only because of the good relationship they enjoyed with Beowulf. The messenger also says that the Swedes are likely to attack Geats to avenge for the killing of King Ongentheow that occurred at Ravenswood. The messenger goes on to recount on the events that took place at Ravenswood to detail some of the activities that led to the death of the king. He states that Ongentheow had managed to corner the Geatish force. Hygelac was, therefore, forced to come to the rescue of his force. He, therefore, made Ongentheow withdraw from the war and do his best to save his own life. Eofor of the Geats, later on, ended up killing Ongentheow. The Geats had, after that, managed to win the battle. The messenger, therefore, foretold that the people of Ongentheow were likely to come for the revenge of their dead king, now that Beowulf is dead. The men went on to the cliff, where they found the bodies of the dragon and Beowulf.

Wiglaf relates to the men of the great courage that Beowulf had while fighting the dragon. He, however, questions the decision of his master in deciding the fight the dragon, in spite of his weakness. Wiglaf, thereby, gives orders for the men to build a funeral pyre. He, later on, goes to the hoard of the dragon with seven thanes to pick the treasures contained inside. They, later on, buried the treasure in a tall memorial to honor Beowulf. Wiglaf is, after that, left pondering about the fate of Beowulf. The poet, thereby, goes on to detail the grief that people have, while in the background, a woman sings of the doom and sadness that characterize the funeral of Beowulf.

Analysis

Wiglaf has ease of leading. He is, however, saddened by the death of Beowulf and wonders how the life of the Geats will be, now that he has died. He sends a messenger to the people to tell them that Beowulf has died. The messenger predicts that chaos will break out once people from other lands hear the news. The messenger also feels that because Beowulf has not left any heir to the throne, people may try to fight over leadership. The messenger ends his message with the mention of creatures that are likely to pick the bodies of the Geats once they have fought over the kingship in the land and many of them die in the end.

The foreboding that is detailed in the poem shows that Beowulf was an able king of the land. He was also able to make friends with the necessary people. His actions were, therefore, effective in ensuring that he can prevent any form of aggression that would be preferred by some of the people from other lands. The men of Beowulf lament bitterly as they look at the body of their master. They manage to build a large funeral pyre that is covered with helmets and armor. They also manage to reflect on the level of kindness and gentleness that Beowulf had as a king. The death of Beowulf and the death of the dragon also go on to boost on the theme of death and defeat that has been spelled out in the poem.

The section also manages to mention a lot about gold. There is also a conclusion that treasure needs to be burned alongside the body of Beowulf. The reason behind the case is that it has the burden of the death of their king. Eventually, there is a view that Beowulf went after fame. The need for fame was, however, built on the foundation of honor, loyalty, and responsibility. Just like any other man, Beowulf was equally human and was likely to make mistakes. One of the major mistakes he did include choosing the fight the dragon without having an heir in place to lead the Geats right after the death of the king. Nevertheless, it is no argument that Beowulf was an abled king and hero to his people.

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Lines 2510-2891
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