I got off
the ship and was met by a "coast guard." He took us
to the hall. This man Unferth threatened me with a knife, but
I put him in his place by playing a little joke on him. He said
I killed Breca. Bah! I told Hrothgar the truth. Wealtheow seems
kind. She is smarter than her husband - that is for sure. I left
my sword on the hill. I do not need it against Grendel. I know
it wouldn't help me. For some reason I am worried. Well, I am
probably deep down scared to death. Hrothgar does not believe
any one can beat Grendel. I do not blame him; he has lost many
man. But I can do it... I know I can.
Beowulf
All my men are sleeping,
but Unferth is not. He's playing with this annoying chain. I
wish he'd stop playing with it! I wish Grendel would come and
we could all get this over with. I wonder if he knows who I am?
He better, or he's in for a real surprise. How long will it take?
In the past it has only taken a night, but he's up against someone
more difficult now.
This is really
boring. Hold that thought, I just heard a noise outside.
Beowulf
September 5, 629 A.D.
I won! I won, I won, I
won! It was marvelous. I ripped Grendel's arm off, and hung it
on the ceiling. Now I wish to tell my tale.
After I wrote to you last
night, I figured out what the noise was. It was Grendel. He burst
through the door after I insulted him. Boy, did he stink! He
had vipers and lots of coils. Grendel was filthy and scummy with
green eyes. He started to gobble my men with his sharp claws.
Then he saw Unferth and started toward him. I stopped him and
held him. I held him in the light. He struggled to get free,
and in doing so. He ripped his arm off. Then he crawled back
to the fen. I won because I am good.
Beowulf
September 5,
629 A.D.
After I killed Grendel,
I hung his arm on the ceiling. Then we had a celebration. A huge
feast with pounds of meat. At the celebration I got beautiful
gifts from Hrothgar and his wife. From Hrothgar I received a
banner of gold, a helmet that wouldn't break, a sword as a flame.
Also I got eight fast horses, each with a golden bridle, and
a saddle with jewels in crested into it. From Wealhtheow I was
given a gold ring and a gold collar. I like the ring the best
of all. It is the purest of all gold. I have defeated Grendel
and will now go home.
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Beowulf
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