Grieving over the death of Beowulf, the man who was “dearest in his life” (2822), Wiglaf bends over the corpse, gently washing his king as if hoping to restore him. The other ten retainers come out of the woods and receive a harsh lecture from their new king. Wiglaf sends a messenger to speak to other Geats who are not far away, waiting for news of the battle. The messenger reports Beowulf’s death. Anticipating renewed problems with the Swedes, he recounts the history of their feud with the Geats. Sadly Wiglaf calls the company to visit Beowulf’s death site where they can see the huge (“fifty foot-paces” long, 3042) body of the dragon as well as Beowulf’s corpse.
Wiglaf speaks to the assembled Geats, informing them of the old king’s funeral directions and setting them to work on the pyre at Whale’s Cliff. With seven thanes, the new leader hauls the treasure out of the barrow. The audience learns that the cache had been cursed and is to be buried with Beowulf. The funeral pyre is immense; the grief of the old king’s people is profound. One nameless woman sings a lament for the fallen hero, expressing terror at the future of the Geats without his protection. Constructing the funeral barrow takes 10 days. In it are placed Beowulf’s ashes and the treasure for which he died. It is said that they lie there even now.
