Beowulf presents Grendel’s head to Hrothgar and briefly recounts his battle with the mother. Assuring the king of Heorot’s safety, he places the gold hilt of the giant sword in Hrothgar’s hand. The king examines the hilt and then speaks to Beowulf, giving a sermon on the dangers of fame and success and the vicissitudes of life. Hrothgar notes that he himself had great fortune as a young man and ruled successfully for 50 years until Grendel brought him down. Now he thanks God for Beowulf’s victory. The warriors feast and sleep safely. In the morning, Beowulf returns Hrunting to Unferth and receives numerous gifts before he and his men exchange farewells with the Danes and sail for home.
