# XVIII: The Finn Episode (Continued)—The Banquet Continues explained — Beowulf

> Chapter companion for Beowulf by Anonymous.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xviii-the-finn-episode-continued-the-banquet-continues
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters