LINES 1,914 – 2,199 : Beowulf’s Return

Summary

When Beowulf left the land of the Geats, he was without great fame in an empty ship.

He now returns a hero, with a ship laden with treasure, and he is warmly welcomed by Hygelac and his young wife Hygd.

Here the poet digresses, and tells the story of Thryth.  She was Hygelac’s beautiful daughter, but untamed, and her father sent her away to be married to the Angle, King Offa. He is a good King and soon Thryth respects her husband and Offa’s court flourishes.

Great celebrations are held in Hygelac’s court at which Beowulf recounts his adventures in Denmark. Hygelac was of the opinion that the Danes should have handled their own problems, but Beowulf points out that Hrothgar still has a longstanding feud with the Heathobards, a Germanic tribe, but hopes that a marriage between his daughter Freawaru and King Ingeld will resolve the dispute.

Interpretation

So far as Beowulf is concerned, his expedition to Denmark has been a complete success.

He returns to Geatland as a hero with a ship laden with treasure and his reputation enhanced.

We also have reference to the low status of females in this society, being used as peace brokers between feuding tribes.

Much of this section deals with the retelling of Beowulf’s adventures in case any members of the audience missed the details first time round.