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Beowulf · Chapter

XVIII: The Finn Episode (Continued)—The Banquet Continues explained

The chapter recounts the conclusion of the Finn Episode, where Hengest, after a winter of enforced peace, avenges his fallen lord Hnaef by killing Finn and plundering his hall.

What happens

The chapter recounts the conclusion of the Finn Episode, where Hengest, after a winter of enforced peace, avenges his fallen lord Hnaef by killing Finn and plundering his hall. The scene then returns to Heorot, where the banquet continues. Queen Wealhtheow offers a cup to Hrothgar, urging him to be generous to Beowulf and to entrust the kingdom to Hrothulf, while she sits between her sons and Beowulf.

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Wiglaf’s bitter t…

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Themes in this chapter

  • Loyalty and Kingship

    Hengest's duty to avenge his lord Hnaef and Wealhtheow's concern for the succession highlight the bonds of loyalty and kingship.

  • Mortality and Legacy

    Wealhtheow's advice to Hrothgar to bequeath his kingdom and the memory of past favors underscores mortality and legacy.

  • Generosity and Hospitality

    Wealhtheow urges Hrothgar to be generous to the Geatmen, reflecting the value of hospitality and gift-giving.

Characters to notice

  • Hengest

    Bides with Finn through the winter, then avenges Hnaef by killing Finn.

  • Finn

    King of the Frisians, slain by Hengest's forces.

  • Hrothgar

    Addressed by Wealhtheow as lord and treasure-bestower; urged to be generous to Beowulf.

  • Wealhtheow

    Queen of the Scyldings, advances under gold-crown, offers cup to Hrothgar and speaks of peace and legacy.

  • Unferth

    Sits at Hrothgar's feet; noted for his courageous spirit despite past failure in faith to kinsmen.

  • Hrothulf

    Mentioned by Wealhtheow as one who will care for the young troopers after Hrothgar's death.

  • Beowulf

    Sits between Hrethric and Hrothmund, praised by Wealhtheow as a battle-brave hero.

  • Hrethric

    Son of Hrothgar, carousing with Hrothmund and Beowulf.

Key passages

  • “Then the building was covered With corpses of foemen, and Finn too was slaughtered, The king with his comrades, and the queen made a prisoner.”

    The hall was filled with the bodies of enemies; Finn and his men were killed, and his queen was taken captive.

    Describes the violent conclusion of the Finn Episode.

  • “Said the queen of the Scyldings: 'My lord and protector, Treasure-bestower, take thou this beaker; Joyance attend thee, gold-friend of heroes, And greet thou the Geatmen with gracious responses!'”

    Queen Wealhtheow said: 'My lord and protector, treasure-giver, accept this cup; may joy be with you, gold-friend of heroes, and welcome the Geatmen kindly.'

    Wealhtheow's formal address to Hrothgar during the banquet.

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