SparkNotes: Free Study Guides No Fear Shakespeare: The Bard made easy SparkCharts: Just the facts TestPrep: SAT, ACT, and more 101s: College texts condensed Subject Finder: Browse by subject SparkCollege: Get in! SparkLife: 100% study-free home_bottom home_top BN_link
 
◄ PREVIOUS
Lines 2821–3182
NEXT ►
Key Facts
 

Beowulf

 
 

Important Quotations Explained

 
1. So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by
and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.
. . .
There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,
a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
. . .
A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on
. . .
In the end each clan on the outlying coasts
beyond the whale-road had to yield to him
and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king.
         (1–11)
 
 
2. And a young prince must be prudent like that,
giving freely while his father lives
so that afterwards in age when fighting starts
steadfast companions will stand by him
and hold the line. Behaviour that's admired
is the path to power among people everywhere.
         (20–25)
 
 
3. Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better
to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.
For every one of us, living in this world
means waiting for our end. Let whoever can
win glory before death. When a warrior is gone,
that will be his best and only bulwark.
         (1384–1389)
 
 
4. Beowulf got ready,
donned his war-gear, indifferent to death;
his mighty, hand-forged, fine-webbed mail
would soon meet with the menace underwater.
It would keep the bone-cage of his body safe:
. . .
[His helmet] was of beaten gold,
princely headgear hooped and hasped
by a weapon-smith who had worked wonders. . . .
         (1442–1452)
 
 
5. O flower of warriors, beware of that trap.
eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.
For a brief while your strength is in bloom
but it fades quickly; and soon there will follow
illness or the sword to lay you low,
or a sudden fire or surge of water
or jabbing blade or javelin from the air
or repellent age. Your piercing eye
will dim and darken; and death will arrive,
dear warrior, to sweep you away.
(1758–1768)
 
 
 
Help | Feedback | Make a request | Report an error | Send to a friend

◄ PREVIOUS
Lines 2821–3182
NEXT ►
Key Facts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Message Boards
Ask a question or start a discussion on the community boards.
  • Beowulf
  • Medieval Literature
  •  
     
     
     
    Printable PDF
    Download a printable version of this SparkNote.
     
    Read on Your iPod
    Download the text version of this SparkNote to view on your iPod.
     
    Listen on Your iPod
    Download and listen to this SparkNote at audible.com
     
     
     
    Classic Books
    Read the classic text for free online.
  • Beowulf
  •  
    SparkCharts
    A textbook's worth of information on an easy-to-read chart.
  • Literary Terms
  •  
     
     
     
     
    Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | About | Sitemap
    ©2008 SparkNotes LLC, All Rights Reserved.