# XL: The Messenger of Death explained — Beowulf

> Chapter companion for Beowulf by Anonymous.

## What happens

A messenger announces Beowulf's death to the Geatish warriors waiting at the cliff-edge, recounting the battle with the dragon and predicting strife with the Franks, Frisians, and Swedes, while recalling past conflicts involving Higelac and Ongentheow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Legacy

Beowulf's death is announced, and the messenger reflects on the legacy of the fallen king and the coming strife.

### Pride and Arrogance

The messenger attributes the Swedish attack to 'pride overweening' of the War-Scylfings.

## Character check-ins

### Beowulf

Reported dead, lying in death-bed after fighting the dragon.

### Wiglaf

Sitting over Beowulf, keeping watch over the slain hero.

### Higelac

Recalled as having fallen in battle against the Franks in Friesland.

### Ongentheow

Mentioned as the old and terrible Swedish king who killed Haethcyn at Ravenswood.

### Ohthere

Referenced as the son of Ongentheow, whose mother was rescued.

## Key lines

> Now the free-giving friend-lord of the folk of the Weders, The folk-prince of Geatmen, is fast in his death-bed, By the deeds of the dragon in death-bed abideth;

The generous lord of the Geats, their prince, lies dead because of the dragon's attack.

_The messenger announces Beowulf's death directly._

> The folk now expecteth A season of strife when the death of the folk-king To Frankmen and Frisians in far-lands is published.

The people anticipate war once the news of the king's death reaches the Franks and Frisians.

_The messenger predicts foreign invasions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xl-the-messenger-of-death
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters