Beowulf · Chapter
XXVII: Sorrow at Parting explained
Beowulf announces his intention to return to King Higelac, thanking Hrothgar for the hospitality.
What happens
Beowulf announces his intention to return to King Higelac, thanking Hrothgar for the hospitality. Hrothgar praises Beowulf's wisdom and strength, predicts a great future for him, and expresses hope for lasting peace between the Geats and Danes. He gifts Beowulf twelve jewels and bids him farewell with tears, sorrowful that they may never meet again.
Themes in this chapter
Generosity and Hospitality
Hrothgar's gift of twelve jewels to Beowulf exemplifies the reciprocal generosity expected of a good king.
Mortality and Legacy
Hrothgar's tears and sorrow at parting reflect his awareness of age and the likelihood that he will not see Beowulf again, highlighting the theme of mortality.
Loyalty and Kingship
Beowulf's offer to bring forces to aid Hrothgar and Hrothgar's praise of Beowulf as a future king emphasize the ideals of loyalty and good leadership.
Characters to notice
- Beowulf
Announces his departure to seek King Higelac, offers future aid to Hrothgar, and is praised for his wisdom and strength.
- Hrothgar
Replies to Beowulf with praise, gifts him twelve jewels, and bids a tearful farewell, sorrowful they may not meet again.
- Higelac
Mentioned as the Geatish king Beowulf intends to return to; Hrothgar notes Higelac will permit Beowulf to bring forces if needed.
- Hrethric
Mentioned by Beowulf as Hrothgar's son who would find friends among the Geats if he visits.
- Healfdene
Referenced as 'Kinsman of Healfdene' in the context of Hrothgar giving gifts.
Key passages
“We men of the water wish to declare now Fared from far-lands, we’re firmly determined To seek King Higelac.”
Beowulf announces his intention to return to his own king, Higelac.
Beowulf formally states his departure from Hrothgar's court.
“I count on the hope that, happen it ever That missile shall rob thee of Hrethel’s descendant, Edge-horrid battle, and illness or weapon Deprive thee of prince, of people’s protector, And life thou yet holdest, the Sea-Geats will never Find a more fitting folk-lord to choose them, Gem-ward of heroes, than thou mightest prove thee, If the kingdom of kinsmen thou carest to govern.”
Hrothgar predicts that if Higelac dies, Beowulf would be the best choice to become king of the Geats.
Hrothgar foresees Beowulf's future kingship.
“Then the noble-born king kissed the distinguished, Dear-lovèd liegeman, the Dane-prince saluted him, And claspèd his neck; tears from him fell, From the gray-headed man: he two things expected, Agèd and reverend, but rather the second, That bold in council they’d meet thereafter.”
Hrothgar kissed Beowulf and wept, knowing they would likely never meet again.
The emotional farewell highlights the deep bond and sorrow of parting.