The Feast of Joy
There was in the morning many a warrior in the gift hall. From far and near over distant ways they came to behold the wonder, the arm of Grendel the joy-killer. Away to the dark water, his home, had he gone with his death-wound.
All the warriors rode in gladness to the great hall. There was told the bravery of Beowulf. No other was so great, so worthy of honour, as he. Hrothgar, also, they praised as a good king and famous in war.
All the Danes and the Goths were happy that the terror of the land had been destroyed. Care was removed from their hearts. They were filled with joy and turned to games and sports. Some let their beautiful horses run in contest over the fair roads. Some who knew the famous stories of heroes told them to eager listeners. Laughter, song, and merry voices were heard once more in the hall. Soon one of the singers began a song in honour of this new deed, the victory of Beowulf.
Then over the meadow came the great king with many knights famed for their brave deeds. With them also walked the fair queen and a company of maidens.
When Hrothgar entered the gold-crowned hall and saw the great hand and arm of Grendel, he said: “Now let us give to the All-Father thanks! Wonder after wonder can God work. This one brave warrior has, through God’s might, performed a deed which the Danes could not. Happy is the mother of such a son! Now, Beowulf, as a dear son will I hold you in my heart. Nothing shall you want which I have power to give you. You have done a deed which will make your glory live through every age.”
Then replied Beowulf; “With great good-will we fought the fight. I seized the enemy quickly with hard hands and hoped to lay him on his death-bed. But I have his hand and arm, and he will surely die, for pain has him in its deadly grip.”
Hrothgar now gave the order that the hall should be adorned for the feast of joy. Men and women worked to make all clean and whole. Beautiful banners, a wonder to all who beheld them, decked the walls.
When all was ready, the king himself came to the feast in honour of Beowulf. Never had a larger or a nobler company sat in the gift hall. Merry at heart were they all, and they had a merry feast.
Then Hrothgar gave to Beowulf a golden banner in reward of victory; a sword, a cup, and a helmet he gave, four beautiful and wonderful gifts. These were most precious gifts, of which Beowulf need not be ashamed.
Then Hrothgar, the shield of warriors, eight warlike steeds brought into the hall as gifts to Beowulf. On one of the horses was the war-seat the king himself used when going to battle. So with steeds and treasures did the king of the Danes reward the brave prince.
To every man with the hero did the king give a precious gift. Then the song of praise was heard. “The wise God rules all, therefore is understanding everywhere best; wise forethought is best.”
When the song was ended, the queen took the mead-cup to the king, saying: “Accept this cup, my beloved lord; be thou happy, good friend of men, and to the Goths speak with kind words as one should do. Be cheerful to thy guests and mindful of gifts. The bright hall is made safe; be happy with thy sons and friends.”
Then the gracious queen said to Beowulf: “Receive as a gift this collar, dear prince. Thou hast done that which men will praise throughout all time. Be noble and happy! Be brave and gentle in deeds. Here in this hall is every man to each other true and to his lord faithful. The thanes unite to praise thee!”
Then the queen went to her seat, and all the court united in praise of Beowulf, who had driven Grendel from the great hall.
After the merry feast, all left the hall except a few warriors who slept rejoicing, thinking all their warfare was over.