Beowulf Quotes

It is always betterto avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.For every one of us, living in this worldmeans waiting for our end. Let whoever canwin glory before death. When a warrior is gone,that will be his best and only bulwark.

Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.

Behaviour that's admiredis the path to power among people everywhere.

I shall gain glory or die.

Fate will unwind as it must!

Death is not easily escaped, try it who will; but every living soul among the children of men dwelling upon the earth goeth of necessity unto his destined place, where the body, fast in its narrow bed, sleepeth after feast.

I’ve never known fear; as a youth I fought/ In endless battles. I am old, now,/ But I will fight again, seek fame still,/ If the dragon hiding in his tower dares/ To face me

In off the moors, down through the mist beams, god-cursed Grendel came greedily loping.

And a young prince must be prudent like that,giving freely while his father livesso that afterwards, in age when fighting startssteadfast companions will stand by himand hold the line.

That was their way, their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell.

Beloved Beowulf, remember how you boasted,Once, that nothing in the world would everDestroy your fame; fight to keep it,Now, be strong and brave, my nobleKing, protecting life and fameTogether. My sword will fight at your side!

Meanwhile, the swordbegan to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw. It was a wonderful thing, the way it all melted as ice melts when the Father eases the fetters off the frostand unravels the water-ropes. He who wields powerover time and tide: He is the true Lord.

Many a man has a treasure in his hoard that he knows not the worth of. (Sellic Spell)

That struggle was too strong, hateful and long-lasting, which had come on the people,dire wrack and ruin - the greatest of night-evils.

Beowulf survives: for a time, for as long as learning keeps any honor in its land. And how long will that be? God ána wát. (Tolkien on the life and relevance of the Beowulf poem)

God knoweth that for my part far sweeter is it for me that glowing fire should embrace my body beside the lord that gave me gold.

Let whoever can win glory before death.

His poem is like a play in a room through the windows of which a distant view can be seen over a large part of the English traditions about the world of their original home. (Tolkien on the author of Beowulf)

Fate goes ever as fate must.

Sometimes at pagan shrines they vowedofferings to idols, swore oaths that the killer of souls might come to their aid and save the people. That was their way, their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell.

But to elude deathis not easy: attempt it who will,he shall go to the place prepared for eachof the sons of men, the soul-bearersdwelling on earth, ordained them by fate:laid fast in that bed, the body shall sleepwhen the feast is done.