Beowulf · Chapter
XVIII: The Finn Episode (Continued)—The Banquet Continues explained
The chapter recounts the conclusion of the Finn Episode, where Hengest, after a winter of enforced peace, avenges his fallen lord Hnaef by killing Finn and plundering his hall.
What happens
The chapter recounts the conclusion of the Finn Episode, where Hengest, after a winter of enforced peace, avenges his fallen lord Hnaef by killing Finn and plundering his hall. The scene then returns to Heorot, where the banquet continues. Queen Wealhtheow offers a cup to Hrothgar, urging him to be generous to Beowulf and to entrust the kingdom to Hrothulf, while she sits between her sons and Beowulf.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Kingship
Hengest's duty to avenge his lord Hnaef and Wealhtheow's concern for the succession highlight the bonds of loyalty and kingship.
Mortality and Legacy
Wealhtheow's advice to Hrothgar to bequeath his kingdom and the memory of past favors underscores mortality and legacy.
Generosity and Hospitality
Wealhtheow urges Hrothgar to be generous to the Geatmen, reflecting the value of hospitality and gift-giving.
Characters to notice
- Hengest
Bides with Finn through the winter, then avenges Hnaef by killing Finn.
- Finn
King of the Frisians, slain by Hengest's forces.
- Hrothgar
Addressed by Wealhtheow as lord and treasure-bestower; urged to be generous to Beowulf.
- Wealhtheow
Queen of the Scyldings, advances under gold-crown, offers cup to Hrothgar and speaks of peace and legacy.
- Unferth
Sits at Hrothgar's feet; noted for his courageous spirit despite past failure in faith to kinsmen.
- Hrothulf
Mentioned by Wealhtheow as one who will care for the young troopers after Hrothgar's death.
- Beowulf
Sits between Hrethric and Hrothmund, praised by Wealhtheow as a battle-brave hero.
- Hrethric
Son of Hrothgar, carousing with Hrothmund and Beowulf.
Key passages
“Then the building was covered With corpses of foemen, and Finn too was slaughtered, The king with his comrades, and the queen made a prisoner.”
The hall was filled with the bodies of enemies; Finn and his men were killed, and his queen was taken captive.
Describes the violent conclusion of the Finn Episode.
“Said the queen of the Scyldings: 'My lord and protector, Treasure-bestower, take thou this beaker; Joyance attend thee, gold-friend of heroes, And greet thou the Geatmen with gracious responses!'”
Queen Wealhtheow said: 'My lord and protector, treasure-giver, accept this cup; may joy be with you, gold-friend of heroes, and welcome the Geatmen kindly.'
Wealhtheow's formal address to Hrothgar during the banquet.