When Hrothgar and his retinue accompany Beowulf to the mere, easily following the mother’s footprints, the poet’s description is again specific and forbidding as the party enters a cold, gray, “joyless wood” (1416). Adding to the horror is the discovery of Aeschere’s head on a cliff near the lake. The lake bubbles with Aeschere’s blood. The mother apparently has swum with the body to an underwater hideout, some sort of waterless cavern or den whose entrance is through the mere.
Unferth’s presentation of his treasured sword, Hrunting, to Beowulf is an admission of the Geat’s superior courage and ability. So insulting when full of mead at the earlier banquet, Unferth now is all humility. Despite his obnoxious behavior at Heorot when Beowulf first arrived, we have been told that Unferth cares as much about “famous deeds” (505) and his own fame as any warrior. Now his reputation is permanently damaged because he lacks the courage to pursue the mother: “he lost fame for that” (1470).
Beowulf is not as concerned with sportsmanship as he was in the battle with Grendel. He wears his mail-shirt and helmet and carries weapons. Although the mother is less powerful than Grendel, the battle will be on her turf, a strange environment. And she is highly motivated by revenge.
Beowulf’s final words before diving into the unknown of the lake are realistic. He has earlier said (1384–89) that it is better to avenge a friend than to mourn; each must face his mortality and win whatever reputation he can before death. Now (1474 ff.) he asks Hrothgar to send to Beowulf’s king, Hygelac, any treasure bestowed to the Geat if he should not return from this battle. Beowulf is ready for the battle. Again, he seeks the fame of victory or death.
