Beowulf · Chapter
Rejoicing of the Danes explained
The morning after Beowulf's victory, warriors gather to marvel at Grendel's footprints and the bloody trail leading to his lair.
What happens
The morning after Beowulf's victory, warriors gather to marvel at Grendel's footprints and the bloody trail leading to his lair. Beowulf is widely praised, and a bard recounts the legendary deeds of Sigmund and Fitela, contrasting them with the failed king Heremod. Hrothgar and Wealhtheow emerge from their chambers to join the celebration.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Valor
Beowulf's victory is celebrated through praise and comparison to legendary heroes like Sigmund, emphasizing his exceptional courage and strength.
Good versus Evil
Grendel's defeat is depicted as the triumph of good over a 'heathenish spirit' that is sent to hell, reinforcing the moral dichotomy.
Mortality and Legacy
The bard's tale of Sigmund's death and Heremod's downfall underscores the fleeting nature of life and the importance of lasting fame.
Characters to notice
- Beowulf
Praised by many as the greatest warrior and most worthy to govern, compared favorably to Sigmund and Heremod.
- Hrothgar
Referred to as 'Hrothgar the gracious' and 'a good king'; he emerges from his wife-bower with his queen to view the wonder.
- Wealhtheow
The queen-wife accompanies Hrothgar as they walk the mead-ways with maidens attending.
- Sigmund
His mighty achievements, including slaying a dragon and claiming its hoard, are recounted by the bard as a parallel to Beowulf's deeds.
- Higelac
Beowulf is called 'Higelac's kinsman,' highlighting his loyalty and connection to his lord.
Key passages
“There in bloody billows bubbled the currents, The angry eddy was everywhere mingled And seething with gore, welling with sword-blood; He death-doomed had hid him, when reaved of his joyance He laid down his life in the lair he had fled to, His heathenish spirit, where hell did receive him.”
The water churned with blood as Grendel, mortally wounded, fled to his underwater lair and died, his pagan soul descending to hell.
Describes the aftermath of Grendel's fatal wound and his damnation.
“Oft the famed ones permitted their fallow-skinned horses To run in rivalry, racing and chasing, Where the fieldways appeared to them fair and inviting, Known for their excellence; oft a thane of the folk-lord, A man of celebrity, mindful of rhythms, Who ancient traditions treasured in memory, New word-groups found properly bound: The bard after ’gan then Beowulf’s venture Wisely to tell of, and words that were clever To utter skilfully, earnestly speaking, Everything told he that he heard as to Sigmund’s Mighty achievements...”
Warriors raced their horses on the inviting paths, and a skilled bard, drawing on ancient lore, composed a new song celebrating Beowulf's feat, comparing it to the legendary deeds of Sigmund.
Shows the oral composition of heroic poetry in response to Beowulf's victory.