# XXXV: Reminiscences (Continued)—Beowulf’s Last Battle explained — Beowulf

> Chapter companion for Beowulf by Anonymous.

## What happens

Beowulf recounts the sorrow of King Hrethel over Herebald's death and the ensuing feud between Swedes and Geatmen. He recalls his own past victories, including the slaying of Daeghrefn, and prepares for his final battle against the dragon. Despite his age, he insists on fighting alone, dons his armor, and confronts the dragon at the barrow. His sword fails him, and his companions flee, leaving him to face the monster alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Valor

Beowulf insists on facing the dragon alone, recalling his youthful deeds and boasting of his prowess.

### Fate and Divine Providence

Beowulf acknowledges that fate will decide the outcome of the battle: 'At the wall 'twill befall us as Fate decreeth.'

### Mortality and Legacy

Beowulf reflects on his past victories and prepares for his possible death, emphasizing the legacy of his deeds.

### Loyalty and Kingship

Beowulf's companions flee, contrasting with his own loyalty to his people and his role as king.

## Character check-ins

### Beowulf

Recounts past feuds and battles, prepares for his final fight against the dragon, insists on fighting alone.

### Hrethel

Mentioned as the Geatish king who grieved over Herebald's death and left his land and fortress to his sons.

### Ongentheow

Swedish king whose offspring were active in the feud; he is slain by Eofor in battle.

### Eofor

Geatish warrior who killed Ongentheow in battle.

### Ecgtheow

Beowulf's father, mentioned as the father of the famous offspring.

### Daeghrefn

Knight of the Hugmen slain by Beowulf in a past battle.

### Grendel

Referenced by Beowulf as a past monster he fought without a blade.

## Key lines

> He seeks then his chamber, singeth a woe-song One for the other; all too extensive Seemed homesteads and plains.

He retreats to his room and laments, feeling that his home and lands are now too vast and empty.

_Describes Hrethel's grief after Herebald's death._

> No weapon was slayer, but war-grapple broke then The surge of his spirit, his body destroying.

No sword killed him; instead, a hand-to-hand struggle crushed his life force and destroyed his body.

_Beowulf describes how he killed Daeghrefn without a weapon._

> I am eager in spirit, With the wingèd war-hero to away with all boasting.

I am eager to confront the flying warrior and put an end to all boasting.

_Beowulf expresses his readiness to fight the dragon._

> The breath of the monster issued forth first, Vapory war-sweat, out of the stone-cave: The earth re-echoed.

The dragon's fiery breath came first, like a vaporous war-sweat from the stone cave, and the earth echoed.

_Describes the dragon's initial attack._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxv-reminiscences-continued-beowulf-s-last-battle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters