Beowulf: translated out of the Old English

Preface

The present translation of Beowulf is an attempt to make as simple and readable a version of the poem as is consistent with the character of the original. Archaic forms, which have been much in favor with translators of Old English, have been excluded, because it has been thought that vigor and variety are not incompatible with simple, idiomatic English. The extreme difficulty of choosing an adequate medium has prevented me from attempting a verse-translation. To modern readers, measures imitative of the Old English verse seem quite devoid of rhythm and beauty, while ballad measures and blank verse suggest almost any other period than that of Beowulf.

The principal ways in which the present version differs from a merely literal translation are the following: (i) in a rather broad interpretation of pregnant words and phrases; (2) in a conception of some of the Old English compounds as conventional phrases in which 5

PREFACE

the original metaphorical sense is dead ; (3) in a free treatment of connecting words ; (4) in frequent substitution of a proper name for an ambiguous pronoun.

The translation is based on the text of A. J. Wyatt (Cambridge, 1898); a few departures from his readings are enumerated in the Notes. The divisions of the translation are in general those of the manuscript, although in some cases I have combined two sections.

I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to preceding translations, from which I have at times taken a word or phrase. This translation was made before the appearance of Dr. Clark Hall's version in England; but I am indebted to his volume for the suggestion of printing the episodes in small type. I wish to thank those who have helped me from time to time, especially Prof. Albert S. Cook, for many timely suggestions and much encouragement.

Yale University, May i, 1902.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

The Old English poem Beowulf \% preserved in a single manuscript* in the Cottonian library of the British Museum. Aside from the internal evidence afforded by this manuscript, nothing is known of the origin or authorship of the poem. The handwriting of the manuscript appears to be of the tenth century, but the poem itself is certainly much older. This is evident from the fact that one of the events of the story (the expedition of King Hygelac against the Hetwaras) is historical, and occurred ca. 512. Allowing time for the later events of the story, for the growth of tradition and myth, for the introduction of the Christian coloring, it seems probable that the poem as we now have it is the work of the late seventh century.

All the events of the story take place in Denmark and southern Sweden. England is nowhere mentioned. It is therefore probable that the materials from which the story sprang

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

had been brought together before the last migrations of the Angles to England. However, the poem undoubtedly assumed its final form on English soil. Regarding this gradual growth of the story, there are a number of discrepant views. According to some scholars, the Beowulf is of strictly popular origin, like the later English ballads. But the view now generally current is that the poem is the work of one man — an Englishman — who recast the materials brought from the Continent. His work, however, may have been no more than the arrangement and editing of various well-known lays and sagas, and the addition of the Christian elements.

Apart from its literary interest as the oldest of the Germanic epics, the Beowulf v^ invaluable as almost the sole remaining trace of a civilization that preceded the migrations to England.

THE TALE OF BEOWULF

Prologue

Of the Danish kings, they who were ancestors to Hrothgar, and of the passing of Scyld.

Lo! we have learned of the glory of the kings who ruled the Spear-Danes in the olden time, how those princes wrought mighty deeds. Oft did Scyld of the Sheaf wrest the mead-benches from bands of warriors, from many a tribe. The hero terrified them from the time when first he was found helpless and outcast; for this he met with comfort, waxed great beneath the sky and throve in honors, until all the neighboring tribes beyond the ocean-paths were brought to serve him and pay him tribute. That was a good king!

In after-time a young heir was born to him in his hall, whom God sent for a comfort to that people. He saw their great distress, how in time past they had long suffered for lack of a chief. Therefore, the Lord of life, the King of glory, granted unto him honor in this world. Beowulf, son of Scyld, was renowned in the 9

Danish land ; his fame was spread abroad. So ought a youth to win favor by giving gifts unto his father's friends, that afterwards willing companions may attend him in his age, and the people serve him in time of war. It is by noble deeds that a man shall prosper in any land.

When at length the fated hour was come, Scyld, the valiant, departed unto the keeping of the Lord. Then his dear companions bore him down to the ocean-flood, e'en as he himself had bidden them, while as yet the friend of the Scyldings ruled them with his words and long did reign o'er them, dear prince of the land ! There at the harbor stood a ship with curving prow, all icy, eager to depart, — meet for a prince! And in the ship's bosom, hard by the mast, they laid their dear lord, the giver of treasure, that famous hero. Many treasures were there, abundance of ornaments brought from afar. Never have I heard men tell of a ship more splendidly laden with battle-weapons and war-harness, with swords and coats of mail. Upon his breast lay many precious things which were to go far out with him into the realm of the waters. Verily no fewer of their gifts and tribal treasures did this people bestow upon him than they who at his birth sent him forth alone over the wave, babe as he was. Moreover, they set up a golden banner, high o'er his head, and let the sea bear him away, giving him over to the deep. Sad at heart were they, sorrowful in spirit. No man can truly say — no lord of hall, or hero under heaven— into whose hands that burden fell.

[53-63]

Part I I

Of Hrothgar, son of Healfdene and king of the Seyldings, and how he built a fair mead-hall, which he named Heorot. How the merriment in the hall angered Grendel, an evil monster.

Then Beowulf of the Scyldings, dear king of the nation, was long famous in the cities and among the peoples — the prince, his father, had departed from his home — till high Healfdene was born to him in after-time. He, while he lived, old and fierce in war, ruled graciously over the Scyldings. Unto him there were born into the world four children after this order: Heorogar, leader of armies, Hrothgar, and Halga the Good; I have heard that Queen Elan was the dear wife of Ongentheow, the warlike Scylfing.

Then unto Hrothgar was given success in battle, glory in warfare, so that his loyal kinsmen gladly obeyed him, until the young warriors were grown, a mighty band. It came into his mind that he would command his men to build a hall, a mead-hall greater than any that the children of men had ever heard of, and that therein he would give gifts of all kinds unto old and young, as God had prospered him, save the people's land and the lives of men. _

And I heard men tell how the work of adorning the people's hall was allotted unto many a tribe, far and wide throughout this earth. After a season — quickly, as man's work prospereth, — it came to pass that it was completed for him, this greatest of halls. And he fashioned for it the name of Heorot^ he whose word had power far and near. He broke not the promise he had made, but gave out rings and treasure at the feast. High and pinnacled, the hall towered aloft. Yet it awaited the surging blaze of hostile fire; nor was it long thereafter that fatal hatred was destined to arise between father-in-law and son-in-law, after the deadly strife. 13

BEOWULF [86-IIO]

Then that mighty spirit who dwelt in darkness bore in his wrath for a season to hear each day the merriment, loud in the hall. There was the sound of the harp, the clear song of the gleeman. He spoke, who could recount from of old the creation of men, told how the Almighty made the earth, the fairfaced land, and the waters that compass it about; how, exultant in victory. He set the sun and moon as lights to lighten the dwellers in the land. He adorned all the regions of the earth with leaf and branch, and created life in everything that lives and moves.

Thus the king's men lived, bUssful and happy, until a certain one, a fiend of hell, began to plot mischief. This wrathful spirit was called Grendel, a mighty stalker of the marches, who haunted the moors, the fens and fastnesses. The wretched being had long inhabited the abode of the monster kind, e'er since the Creator had condemned him. The Lord eternal wreaked vengeance upon the kindred of Cain, because of the murder — the slaying of Abel. He got no pleasure in the feud, but the Lord banished him for that wicked deed far from mankind. From him 14

[III-I29] BEOWULF

there woke to life all the evil broods, monsters and elves and sea-beasts, and giants too, who long time strove with God. He gave them their reward !

II

Grendel falls upon Heorot and slays thirty heroes. Hrothgar and his men are helpless before the monster, and the destruction is continued for twelve winters.

As soon as night was come, he set out to visit the high-built hall, to see how the Ring- Danes were faring after the drinking of the mead. And he found therein a band of warrior-nobles sleeping after the feast. They knew naught of sorrow, that wretched lot of all mankind. The creature of destruction, fierce and greedy, wild and furious, was ready straight. He seized thirty thanes upon their bed. Then back he returned to his abode, exulting in his booty, back to his lair with his fill of slaughter.

Then at dawn, with break of day, Grendel's deeds were made manifest to men, and the voice of weeping was uplifted — a great cry in ^5 the morning, because of the slaughter. The great lord, the prince exceeding good, sat joyless, when they looked upon the track of the monster, the accursed foe; the mighty hero suffered, sorrowing for his thanes. Too great was that strife, too loathsome and lasting.

It was no longer than a single night ere he wrought more deeds of murder; he recked not of the feud and the crime — he was too fixed in them! Then, when the hatred of that thane of hell was fully known to them, truly told by tokens manifest, it was easy to find the man who sought him out a resting-place elsewhere more at large, a bed among the bowers of the hall. He kept himself thereafter further aloof and more secure, whosoever escaped the fiend.

Thus he tyrannized over them, and alone against them all fought accursedly, until that best of houses stood empty. Long was the time: for twelve winters the friend of the Scyldings suffered distress, yea, every woe, unbounded sorrow. And so it became known unto the children of men — sadly told in song — that Grendel had long been fighting against 16

Ilrothgar, and for many a season had waged a bitter war and wicked feud, an unending strife. He would not stay the waste of life out of compassion unto any of the Danish race, nor would he compound with them for tribute, and none of the wise men could look for a fair ransom from the destroyer's hands. The terrible monster, like a dark shadow of death, kept pursuing warrior and youth; he trapped and ensnared them. Night after night he haunted the misty moors. Men know not whither hell's sorcerers wander in their rounds.

Thus the enemy of man, the terrible lone wanderer, oft wrought many a foul deed, much grievous affliction. In the dark of the night-tide he took up his abode in Heorot, the hall brightly adorned. Yet he could not approach the throne, precious in the sight of God, nor did he know His love.

A great and heart-breaking sorrow was this for the kind lord of the Scyldings to bear. Many mighty men oft sat in council and deliberated together touching what it were best for great-hearted men to do against these fearful terrors. Sometimes they vowed sacrifices at their idol-fanes; the people prayed 17 aloud that the Destroying Spirit would aid them in the torment that had fallen upon them. Such was their custom, such their heathen faith ; the thoughts of their heart were turned on hell ; they knew not the Creator, the Judge of deeds; they wist not of the Lord God ; verily, they knew naught of the worship of the Ruler of heaven, the King of glory.

Woe unto him who through deadly hate is doomed to thrust his soul into the fiery abyss, to hope for no comfort, no change in anywise. But blessed is the man who at his death may go unto the Lord and find protection in his Father's bosom.

Ill

In the far country of the Geats one Beowulf hears of GrendeVs deeds, and resolves to go to the help of Hrothgar. He makes him ready a great ship and sails with his men to the country of the Danes. On landing he is accosted hy the shore-guard.

So the son of Healfdene kept ever brooding over his sorrow. The wise hero could not stay the suffering; too grievous, too long and 18 heart-sickening, was the struggle which had come upon that people, a cruel destruction, greatest of evils that walk by night.

A thane of Hygelac, great among the Geats, heard of these deeds of Grendel in his native land. In his strength he was the best of men in the day of this life, noble and mighty. He bade make ready for him a goodly ship, he said that he would go over the ocean-road unto that war-king, the great prince, since he had need of men. Little did his prudent thanes blame him for that journey, though he was dear to them ; they encouraged him in his high purpose, and looked for good omens. The hero had warriors, chosen from among the Geats, the keenest he could find. Fifteen in all went down unto the ship. A skilled mariner pointed out the landmarks unto them.

Time wore on. The ship was upon the waves, the boat under the cliff. The ready warriors mounted the prow. The ocean-streams dashed the waves upon the beach. The men bore rich armor into the bosom of the ship, splendid war-harness. The warriors pushed off their tight-fitted craft on the wished-for adventure. So, driven by the 19 wind, the bark most like unto a bird sped, foamy-necked, across the waves, until, about the same hour the second day, the curving prow had journeyed on so far that the sailors saw land, saw gleaming cliffs and lofty hills, broad ocean-headlands. Thus the sea was crossed, and the voyage ended. Then the Weder people went quickly up ashore, and made fast their ship, while their sarks and battle-armor clashed. Then they thanked God that their sea-paths had been easy.

The guard of the Scyldings, he who had been set to watch the headland, saw them from the cliff, bearing over the gangway their bright shields and ready weapons. His heart was urged with longing to know who the men were. And the thane of Hrothgar went down unto the shore, riding upon his horse. He shook his spear mightily with his hands, and asked in formal words: ''What warriors are ye, in coats of mail, who come hither, sailing your great ship, the ring-stemmed bark, over the sea, the ocean-paths? I have been warden of the coast and have kept watch by the sea that no foe with a ship-army might do harm in the Danish land. No shield-bearers have ever tried more openly to land here, nor did ye know at all the password, the agreement of the warriors who are our kinsmen. Never have I seen a mightier hero upon earth, a mightier man in armor, than is one of you. He is no mere retainer decked out with weapons, unless his face, his matchless countenance, belies him. But now I must know your lineage from you, ye false spies, ere ye go further in the land of the Danes. Now ye seafarers, strangers from afar, give ear to my plain counsel: it were best to make known forthwith whence ye are come."

IV

Beowulf makes answer touching the purpose of his coming, and is guided ly the coast-warden to Heorot.

The chieftain, leader of the band, answered him again and unlocked the treasure of his speech: **We ar£ men of the Geatish tribe, and Hygelac's hearth-companions. My father was well known among the people, a noble prince named Ecgtheow, He lived many winters ere, full of years, he went his way from home. Him, well nigh every wise man remembers, the wide world over. With friendly purpose we are come unto thy lord, the son of Healfdene, guardian of the people. Give us thy gracious counsel ; we have a great errand unto the mighty lord of the Danes. Naught secret shall there be in that which I intend. Thou knowest if it be, as we have heard for a truth, that some foe among the Scyldings, a secret destroyer, causes on dark nights by the terror of his coming evils untold, shame and slaughter. Now by my great mind I may perchance give counsel unto Hrothgar, how he, the wise and good, can overcome the foe; if this anguish of sorrows be ever destined to cease from him, release come once again, and the waves of care grow cooler; or else, ever after, he shall suffer a season of affliction, wretched misery, long as the noblest of houses stands there in its lofty place."

The warden spoke, the fearless servant, there where he sat upon his horse: "A keen shield-warrior, he who judges well, must know the difference between words and deeds. I learn that this is a band friendly to the lord of the Scyldings. Go forth, then, with your weapons and your armor. I will guide you. Likewise, I will command the thanes, my kinsmen, to guard your ship with honor against every foe, the new-tarred boat there upon the strand, until the bark with curving prow bear the dear master back over the ocean-streams to Wedermark. Unto so brave a man it shall be granted to endure unharmed the rush of battle."

Then they departed along their way; the boat lay quiet, the broad-bosomed ship rested on her moorings, fast at anchor. The boarimages above their cheek-guards glistened, gold-adorned, fair, and hardened in the fire, — there the boar kept guard. The men hurried on in warlike mood ; they hastened, marching on together, till they caught sight of the wellbuilt hall, stately and bright with gold. That was the greatest among the dwellings of men beneath the skies; in it dwelt the king, and its light shone over many lands. Then the bold chief pointed out to them that radiant dwelling of brave men that they might straightway go unto it. The war-hero turned his horse and spoke to them: *'It is time for me to go. May the Almighty Father by his 23 grace keep you safe in your adventures. I will down unto the sea to keep watcn against hostile bands."

V

Beowulf and his men come to Heorot. They are met by the herald, who tells their coming to King Hrothgar.

The street was bright with many-colored stones; and the path guided the band of men. The byrnie gleamed, hard and hand-locked, the bright iron rings sang in the armor, as they approached the hall in their battleharness. Weary of the sea, they placed their shields, bucklers wondrous hard, against the wall of the house; they sat down upon the benches. Their byrnies rang, harness of heroes. Their ashen spears stood together, the gray-tipped weapons of the seamen. This armored band was well adorned with weapons.

Then a proud warrior asked the heroes concerning their lineage: "Whence bring ye your plated shields, your gray war-shirts, and your visored helmets and this heap of spears? I am Hrothgar's servant and herald. Never have I seen so great a band of strangers of more courageous mood. I think that ye have sought out Hrothgar nowise as exiles, but from valor and out of the greatness of your hearts."

And the proud lord of the Weder people, famed for his strength, answered him again ; he spoke a word to him, bold under his helmet: "We are table-companions of Hygelac. Beowulf is my name. I will tell my errand unto the son of Healfdene, the great king thy lord, if he will grant us to approach him who is so good."

Wulfgar spoke (he was a chief of the Wendlas, his greatness was known unto many, his wisdom and might) : " I will ask the friend of the Danes, king of the Scyldings, giver of rings, the mighty lord, touching thy journey, as thou dost entreat, and will straightway make known to thee what answer the good king thinketh meet to give me."

And he turned quickly to where Hrothgar was sitting, old and very white-haired, with his company of thanes; the valiant man went until he stood before the face of the lord of the Danes, — he knew the custom of the court. 25

Wulfgar spoke to his friendly lord: '* Hither are come across the sea-waves travelers, Geatish men from a far country. Warriors call their chieftain Beowulf. They beg to speak with thee, my lord. Refuse not to converse with them, O gracious Hrothgar. In their equipment they seem worthy of the esteem of heroes, and verily the chief who led the warriors hither is a man of valor."

VI

Beowulf is graciously welcomed hy the king, and thereupon tells how he will fight with Grendel.

Then spoke Hrothgar, defence of the Scyldings: "I knew him when he was a child; his old father was called Ecgtheow, to whom at his home Hrethel the Geat gave his only daughter in marriage. His bold son is now come hither unto a loyal friend. Moreover, the seafarers, who carried thither rich gifts as good-will offerings to the Geats, have said that he, strong in battle, had in the grip of his hand the strength of thirty men. Him holy God hath sent unto us, as I hope, to be a gracious help to the West-Danes against the 26 terror of Grendel. I shall give the hero gifts for his boldness. Make haste and bid all the band of kinsmen come in together unto us. Say to them moreover that they are welcome among the Danish people."

Then Wulfgar came to the door of the hall and announced the word from within: "My victorious lord, prince of the East-Danes, bids me say that he knows your noble lineage, and that ye, as men of stout courage, are welcome unto him hither over the billows of the sea. Now ye may go in unto Hrothgar in your wararray, under your helmets ; but let your spears, shafts of slaughter, here await the issue of your words."

Then the mighty one arose with many a warrior round him, — it was a noble group of thanes! Some remained and guarded the armor as the chief bade them. The heroes hastened on, as the guide led them under the roof of Heorot. The great-hearted man, bold under his helmet, went on until he stood within the hall. Beowulf spoke, — on him gleamed his byrnie, his coat of mail linked by the smith's craft — : ''Hail to thee, Hrothgar! I am Hygelac's kinsman and thane. Many 27 an exploit have I undertaken in the days of my youth. In my native land I learned of Grendel's deeds; for seafarers say that this hall, this best of houses, stands empty and useless for all men, as soon as evening light is hidden under the vault of heaven. And my people, e'en the best and wisest men among them, urged me, king Hrothgar, to come unto thee, for they knew the strength of my might. They had themselves looked on when I came from the fight, stained with the blood of my foes. There I bound five of my enemies, destroyed a giant race, and slew by night the sea-beasts on the Wave. I endured great distress, avenged the affliction of the Weder people, — they who had suffered woes! I ground the angry foe in pieces. And now I alone will decide the fight with Grendel, the giant monster. One boon I beg of thee, prince of the Bright Danes, defence of the Scyldings: — Deny me not, thou shield of warriors, friend of the people, now I am come so far, that I alone, I and my band of thanes, this my brave company, may cleanse Heorot of the evil that has come upon it. I have learned, too, that the monster in his rashness 28 recks not of weapons. Therefore, so that the heart of Hygelac my lord may be gladdened because of me, I scorn to carry sword or broad shield, the yellow buckler, into the fight. But with my hands I will grapple the fiend and fight for life, foe against foe. He whom death taketh must rely upon the judgment of the Lord. I think that if he can prevail in the hall of war he will fearlessly devour the Geats e'en as he has often devoured the best of the Hrethmen. Thou shalt have no need to bury my head if death take me, for he will have me, all red with gore ; he will bear away the corpse to feast upon it; the lone wanderer will pitilessly eat it, staining his moor-haunts; thou needst not then take more thought for the sustenance of my body. But send thou to Hygelac, if the fight take me, the matchless mail, best of armors, that guards my breast; it is a relic of Hrethla, and the work of Weland. Wyrd ever goeth her destined course."

VII

Erothgar makes answer touching the deeds of Grendel. They feast in Heorot.

Then spoke Hrothgar, defence of the Scyldings: ''With kindly help, my friend Beowulf, thou hast come to fight in our defence. Thy father fought the greatest of feuds, for he slew with his hand Heatholaf among the Wylfings; wherefore the Weder people, in dread of war, could not harbor him. F. om there he fled to the South-Danes, the honored Scyldings, over the rolling of the waves; at the time when I first ruled the Danish folk, and in my youth held the wealthy city of heroes, rich in treasure, for Heregar, Healfdene's son, was dead, my elder brother lifeless; — he was a better man than I. Afterwards I settled that feud with money ; I sent olden treasures to the Wylfings across the ocean's back ; and Ecgtheow swore oaths to me.

Sorrowful am I in soul to tell unto any man what shame and sudden mischief Grendel has wrought for me in Heorot out of his hateful 30 thoughts. My hall-troop, my warrior-band, is melted away. Wyrd hath swept them away into the horrid clutch of Grendel. God alone can easily check the deeds of that mad foe. Full oft my warriors, when the beer was drunken, have boastfully vowed over their ale-cups to await with their terrible swords the onset of Grendel in the beer-hall. Then in the morning, when shone the day, this mead-hall, this lordly house, was all stained with blood, the benches reeking with gore, — the hall was drenched in blood. So, the fewer loyal men, beloved warriors, had I then because of those whom death did snatch away. Sit now to the feast, and unseal to men as thy mind moveth thee, the thoughts of thy heart, and all thy confidence of victory."

Then in the beer-hall a bench was made ready for the Geatmen, one and all. Thither the stout-hearted men went to sit in the pride of their strength. A thane did service, who bore a chased ale-flagon in his hand, and poured out the bright mead. At times a bard sang, clear-voiced in Heorot. There was merriment among the heroes, no little rejoicing of Danes and Weders. 31

VIII AND IX

Unferth, a thane of Hrothgar, grows jealous of Beowulf and taunts him, raking up old tales of a swimming-match with Breea. Beowulf is angered and boastfully tells the truth touching that adventure, and puts Unferth to silence. Queen Wealhtheow passes the cup. Hrothgar commends Heorot to the care of Beowulf.

Unferth, the son of Ecglaf, who sat at the feet of the lord of the Scyldings, spoke, and stirred up a quarrel ; the coming of Beowulf, the brave seafarer, vexed him sore, for he would not that any other man under heaven should ever win more glories in this world than he himself. ''Art thou that Beowulf who didst strive with Breca on the broad sea and didst contend with him in swimming, when ye two, foolhardy, made trial of the waves and for a mad boast risked your lives in the deep water ? None, friend or foe, could turn you from the sorry venture when ye two swam out upon the sea. But ye enfolded the ocean-streams with your arms, measured the sea-streets, buffeted the water with your hands, gliding over the deep. The ocean 32