The inclusion of the story of Finnsburh is interesting partly because it gives us an idea of how a story like the Beowulf epic might have been presented. Although a modern audience might think that the Beowulf poet is interrupting the story, the scop’s performance, or something like it, probably would have taken place. Our only knowledge of the Finnsburh episode comes from two sources: Beowulf (lines 1068–1159 of the epic) and The Finnsburh Fragment, a short (47 lines) heroic ballad by another poet. The latter consists of an account of a single battle that supposedly took place in the Danes’ past but recently enough to stir passions and reflect on current feuds. Critics differ on motivation of the major characters; but, considering both sources, we can make a fair assessment of the action and how it fits in Beowulf.
As the story begins, about 60 warriors of the Half-Danes, a division of the Danes, are visiting King Finn of Frisia at his fortress or burh. King Hnaef leads the Half-Danes. Hnaef’s sister, Hildeburh, is married to King Finn. The marriage was probably arranged to settle a feud, which relates to Beowulf in that it anticipates Hrothgar’s plans for his daughter (Freawaru) and may echo the reason for Hrothgar’s own marriage to Wealhtheow. Queen Hildeburh and King Finn have at least one son. With the Half-Danes is Hnaef’s top retainer, Hengest. These are the major players.
For motives that are not made clear, the Frisians attack the hall where the Half-Danes are sleeping. Many warriors are killed, including Hildeburh’s brother, King Hnaef (leader of the Half-Danes), and her son (a Frisian). The queen’s grief is immense. This had been a place of great happiness for her. Finn’s troops are so decimated that he cannot continue to attack the hall; the Danes, on the other hand, are on foreign soil and unable to break out to victory.
