The End Of Beowulf

“Wiglaf, t-this is my last vow.” I said. My breathing starts to become slow and deliberate. Blood is starting to spread around me. I can’t see Wiglaf very clearly. It is dark and blurry.  I never talked like this before. I was always strong and mighty, my words are firm, and persuasive that can encourage my men in an instant. Now, everything seems to turn around. Wiglaf pulled me into his arms, I can’t believe I can fold into unbelievably small space and can fit into his arms completely.

I cannot feel anything yet I can feel my soul slowly coming out from my dying body. All I can think about is my past. My achievements and challenges in life. But most of all, I remember how I fought the great demon that attacked Danes.

“My king,” said one of Ecgthow’s high-ranked men, “I believe that one of our comrades and ally, the kingdom of Danes, King Hrothgar is being attacked.”

“Do you wish to help them, your majesty?” asked another man.

“Of course, I do. We will help our friend. They helped us once and now we will repay them.” Replied King Ecgthow confidently. “Now who will come to be of assistance?”

No one answered, so this is my turn.

“My father king,” I interrupted and kneeled in front of King Ecgthow, “You said that we would help our friends. And there seems to be no other men who would dare, so in your recognition, I wish to go to Danes.”

The king smiled at me and seems impressed by my bravery. He acknowledged me, gave the rights to support Danes, and blessed me. He then called other strong men to assist my travel.

My men and I are now ready to go and fight.

We finally got to Danes after days of travelling to the sea. The people and the king welcomed us with all their hearts.

“I am very grateful to be assisted by our comrades. Bless you, the Geats and all of Danes!” Exclaimed King Hrothgar whose eyes are teary because of his joy and relief so is her wife Wealthow.

“I am too, glad of how us Geats will help you. Now tell me, your majesty, who is this enemy who constantly attacks your men at night?” I immediately asked.

The king held a deep breath and let it out with exasperation. “You wouldn’t believe me. You and your men might think that we are mad. But, it is all true that it’s a spawn of a demon with great strength. Grendel is his name.  We tried to pierce his skin with our swords but it didn’t work. It is impossible to kill it. Nevertheless, Beowulf, I believe in you. I will give you the right to kill it. I have never trusted a man this much before.”

“I believe what you say. Whatever happens, we must kill this demon. And I gladly accept it, my lord.” I replied bravely.

The king seems overwhelmed and held a big feast for us. The same night, we hide outside the mead-hall and waited for the monster Grendel to come.

And after hours of waiting. The monster finally came. Irritated by the noise coming from the feast. My hands are tingly, signs of being thrilled and energized by what is coming to us. I can’t hide no more, so I went out of our hiding place and attacked the disgusting monster. They were right, I tried to use my sword to slay the monster but it didn’t work. They were right, indeed. I threw my sword away since it’s no use anymore and fought Grendel with my bare hands. He tried running away but I wouldn’t let him. I pulled him inside the mead-hall, I can’t. But his arms are inside so I smashed his arms using the door until his arms got amputated. His screams were tremendously irritating and almost unbearable. However, knowing that I have slain the said unbeatable demon spawn makes his screeching unexplainably pleasant. And that’s when I let the disfigured creature go. Without his arms,  he ran back to his lair. Then I carried the amputated arms and hanged them to the walls of the king’s mead-hall.

I felt again the tremendous pain in my body that I stopped what I was thinking. I realized that Wiglaf still never left me. I can feel the poison killing my body. This is my last minutes. I can feel it. I must say my last words before I leave my body and Wiglaf.

“Wiglaf, I… I must say that I… will die happy and c-contended,” I said wearily. It’s terribly hard to speak but I must do my best, “I have always lived my life… to the fullest. I must thank you, too for helping and listening t-to me, Wiglaf.”

“I am glad to be at service, my lord.” Replied Wiglaf whose eyes are full of sadness and tears.

 “Before I die, I want to s-see some of… the dragon’s treasure.”

Wiglaf nodded and shifted his body and mine for me to see the treasure.

“B-beautiful. As beautiful as m-my life…” I can barely see a thing but I can see how it sparkles.

“Indeed, my king.”

“Wiglaf, don’t you leave my body behind. E-ensure that my body will be burned an--…”

I cannot talk, move, feel, see, smell, anything. Nothing.  

This is the end.

I am Beowulf of the Geats, the son of Ecgthow, says farewell to everyone from my heart.

Farewell, Wiglaf. I’m sorry.

Farewell, my kingdom.

Farewell, everyone.