Quotes Quiz

That this one favor you should not refuse me–that I, alone and with the help of my men, may purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that the monster’s scorn of men is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord Higlac might think less of me if I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid behind some broad linen shield: my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster. God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip.

Beowulf

When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the goodwill of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel’s fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death!

Beowulf

Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not, easy as it would be. This fiend is a bold and famous fighter, but his claws and teeth scratching at my shield, his clumsy fists beating at my sword blade, would be helpless. I will meet him with my hands empty–unless his heart fails him, seeing a soldier waiting weaponless, unafraid. Let God in His wisdom extend His hand where He wills, reward whom He chooses!

Beowulf

Let God be thanked! Grendel’s terrible anger hung over our heads too long, dropping down misery; but the Almighty makes miracles when he pleases, wonder and wonder, and this world rests in His hands.

Hrothgar

The monster would not have murdered again and again had not God, and the hero’s courage, turned fate aside. Then and now men must lie in their Maker’s holy hands, moved only as He wills: our hearts must seek out that will. The world, and its long days full of labor, brings good and evil; all who remain here meet both.

Narrator

Wear these bright jewels, beloved Beowulf; enjoy them, and the rings, and the gold, O fortunate young warrior; grow richer, let your fame and your strength go hand in hand; and lend these two boys your wise and gentle heart! I’ll remember your kindness. Your glory is too great to forget: it will last forever…

Welthow

Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever. Each of us will come to the end of this life on earth; he who can earn it should fight for the glory of his name; fame after death is the noblest of goals. Arise, guardian of this kingdom, let us go, as quickly as we can, and have a look at this lady monster. I promise you this: she’ll find no shelter, no hole in the ground, no towering tree, no deep bottom of a lake, where her sins can hide. Be patient for one more day of misery; I ask for no longer.

Beowulf

Only Beowulf would risk his life in that lake; Unferth was afraid, gave up on that chance to work wonders, win glory and a hero’s fame. But Beowulf and fear were strangers; he stood ready to dive into battle.

Narrator

Our eternal Lord grants some men wisdom, some wealth, makes others great. The world is God’s, He allows a man to grow famous, and his family rich, gives him the land and the towns to rule and delight in, lets his kingdom reach as far as the world runs–and who in human unwisdom, in the middle of such power, remembers that it all will end, and too soon?

Beowulf

With God’s good grace he helped himself, swung his sword alone, won his own revenge. The help I gave him was nothing, but all I was able to give; I went to him knowing that nothing but Beowulf’s strength could save us…

Wiglaf

I’d use no sword, no weapon, if this beast could be killed without it, crushed to death like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn limb from limb. But his breath will be burning hot, poison will pour from his tongue. I feel no shame, with shield and sword and armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not to run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which of us wins. My heart is firm, my hands calm: I need no hot words. Wait for me close by, my friends. We shall see, soon, who will survive this bloody battle, stand when the fighting is done. No one else could do what I mean to, here, no man but me could hope to defeat this monster. No one could try. And this dragon’s treasure, his gold and everything hidden in that tower, will be mine or war will sweep me to a bitter death!

Beowulf

Beloved Beowulf, remember how you boasted, once, that nothing in the world would ever destroy your fame: fight to keep it, now, be strong and brave, my noble king, protecting life and fame together. My sword will fight at your side!

Wiglaf