Quotes from Beowulf

Quotations follow the Seamus Heaney translation (W. W. Norton, 2001) — our recommended edition.

1. 2

   Fate goes ever as fate must.

2. 3

   It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.

3. 4

   For every one of us, living in this world means waiting for our end. Let whoever can win glory before death.

4. 5

   So times were pleasant for the people there until finally one, a fiend out of hell, began to work his evil in the world.

5. 6

   They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.

6. 7

   In off the moors, down through the mist-bands God-cursed Grendel came greedily loping.

7. 8

   Lo, praise of the prowess of people-kings of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, we have heard, and what honor the athelings won!

8. 9

   O flower of warriors, beware of that trap. Choose, dear Beowulf, the better part, eternal rewards. Do not give way to pride.

9. 10

   Each of us all must his end abide in the ways of the world; so win who may glory ere death!

10. 11

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

11. 12

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

12. 13

    Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked.

13. 14

    Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest, best of men, and the better part choose, profit eternal; and temper thy pride!

14. 15

    Often when one man follows his own will many are hurt.