Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part B - A New Misfortune

A New Misfortune

This is a sad point in Beowulf's story. He has slain Grendel, and is so proud of it, and the Danes are so relieved to be rid of him. But then, the next day, the king's advisor Aescher is found murdered, and Grendel's body is removed from where Beowulf and his men had hung it on top of the roof in Heorot. It seems that the king and queen have forgotten to mention Grendel's mother, who is also a fearsome monster. She's angry now, and will torment Hrothgar and his men until she is killed. This part is important, because it shows that Beowulf's story does not end with Grendel's death, but that isn't what stuck out to me about this part of the story. 

For one, it's weird that they forgot to mention Grendel's mother, because later on when Beowulf fights her, she seems pretty strong, and even harder to kill than Grendel was. But that could be because Grendel was the one actively terrorizing the people, and so was the more imminent threat. But, it's still weird that they forgot about her and how she might be angry if Grendel was killed.

Secondly, the important part of this part of the story to me personally is not necessarily the news of Grendel's mother, but what happens between Unferth and Beowulf. Unferth is Hrothgar's champion, who Beowulf looks down on because he has not even volunteered to battle Grendel. He and Beowulf get into a little argument when Beowulf first arrives at court. When Beowulf volunteers to go fight Grendel's mother, he steps forward and apologizes for doubting him, and offers his magical sword. He promises to follow him to the end of the world, and the two of them embrace as brothers. I found that a really meaningful moment because it showed great maturity on Unferth's part to apologize, and a fair amount on Beowulf's to forgive him. I like that they were able to put aside their differences like that.

A depiction of Unferth (Source: History of Beowulf)

Story Source: The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs with illustrations by Henry Pitz (1933)

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