The Introduction

Now we have heard, by inquiry, of the glory of the kings of the people, they of the Spear-Danes, how the Athelings were doing deeds of courage.¹ Full often Scyld, the son of Scef, with troops of warriors, withheld the drinking-stools from many a tribe. This earl caused terror when at first he was found in a miserable case. Afterwards he gave help when he grew up under the welkin, and worshipfully he flourished until all his neighbours over the sea gave him obedience, and yielded him tribute. He was a good king. In after-time there was born to him a son in the Court, whom God sent thither as a saviour of the people. He saw the dire distress that they formerly suffered when for a long while they were without a prince. Then it was that the Lord of Life, the Wielder of glory, gave to him glory. Famous was Beowulf.² Far and wide spread his fame. Heir was he of Scyld in the land of the Danes. Thus should a young man be doing good deeds, with rich gifts to the friends of his father, so that in later days, when war shall come upon them, boon companions may stand at his side, helping their liege lord. For in all nations, by praiseworthy deeds, shall a man be thriving.

Now we have heard of the glory of the kings of the Spear-Danes and the brave deeds of their Athelings.¹ Often Scyld, son of Scef, led bands of warriors and deprived many tribes of their seats in the drinking halls. This nobleman inspired terror, though he was first found in a wretched state. Later, as he grew up under the sky, he gave help to others and rose to honor. He prospered until all his neighbors across the sea obeyed him and paid him tribute. He was a good king. In time, a son was born to him at court. God sent the child there to save the people. God saw the terrible suffering the people had endured during their long years without a prince. Then the Lord of Life, the Ruler of glory, gave him glory. Beowulf was famous.² His fame spread far and wide. He was Scyld’s heir in the land of the Danes. So a young man should do good deeds and give rich gifts to his father’s friends. Then, in later days, when war comes upon them, loyal companions may stand beside him and help their lord. For among all nations, a man will prosper through praiseworthy deeds.

At the fated hour Scyld passed away, very vigorous in spirit, to the keeping of his Lord. Then his pleasant companions carried him down to the ocean flood, as he himself had bidden them, whilst the friend of the Scyldings was wielding words, he who as the dear Lord of the Land had ruled it a long time. And there, in the haven, stood the ship, with rings at the prow, icy, and eager for the journey, the ferry of the Atheling.

At his destined hour, Scyld died, still strong in spirit, and passed into his Lord’s care. Then his dear companions carried him down to the sea, as he himself had ordered while he could still speak. This friend of the Scyldings had ruled the land for a long time as its beloved lord. And there in the harbor stood the ship, with rings at its prow, icy and eager for the journey. It was the vessel of the Atheling, the prince.

Then they laid down their dear Lord the giver of rings, the famous man, on the bosom of the ship, close to the mast, where were heaps of treasures, armour trappings that had been brought from far ways. Never heard I of a comelier ship, decked out with battle-weapons and weeds of war, with swords and byrnies. In his bosom they laid many a treasure when he was going on a far journey, into the power of the sea. Nor did they provide for him less of booty and of national treasures than they had done, who at the first had sent him forth, all alone o’er the waves, when he was but a child. Then moreover they set a golden standard high o’er his head, and let the sea take him, and gave all to the man of the sea. Full sad were their minds, and all sorrowing were they. No man can say soothly, no, not any hall-ruler, nor hero under heaven, who took in that lading.³

Then they laid their beloved lord, the famous giver of rings, in the ship beside the mast. Around him lay heaps of treasure and armor brought from distant lands. I have never heard of a finer ship, fitted with weapons and battle gear, with swords and mail shirts. They laid many treasures on his chest as he set out on a long journey into the sea’s power. They gave him no less plunder and treasure from his people than those who had first sent him away. Those people had sent him alone across the waves when he was only a child. Then they raised a golden banner high above his head and let the sea take him. They entrusted everything to the man of the sea. Their hearts were heavy, and all of them mourned. No one can truly say, not any ruler of a hall or any hero under heaven, who received that cargo.³