Beowulf's Splendid Bash: a Party Twelve Years in the Making

By the Hrerald's own social commentator and insider, Hrerez Hrilton

The golden days (and nights!) of Hrothgar’s Heorot have once again returned – last night’s bash at the great mead-hall served testament to that. All the King’s men and especially his ladies celebrated the defeat of the most dreaded descendant of Cain in style with jewels glimmering and the mead glowing at what will certainly be the “see-and-be-seen” event of the year (probably the last twelve). The guest of honor – the brave and dazzling (and reportedly single – maidens, take note!) Beowulf simply glowed in the candlelight as he received praise and thanks from every man in the hall. For those of you who’ve spent the last few days in some corner of a swamp, Beowulf traveled with his men from his home to our land to defeat Grendel, which up until now has been both impossible and fatal for all who attempt. The god-like Beowulf, however, had little trouble slaying the horrendous beast with his bare hands and even retained a “trophy” of the monster’s severed arm. The peace he has brought the kingdom served as more than enough reason to re-christen the mead-hall last night.

Besides the heroic son of Ecgtheow, the star of the show last night was undoubtedly the lovely queen. Wealhtheow was smashing as always in a fabulous custom gown from the Hraus of Hresace, and her demure laugh tinkled throughout the hall above the raucous noise of the men. She made quite the statement by serving Beowulf from the mead-cup second only to Hrothgar, revealing how quickly the young Geat’s star has risen. The evening took a slightly solemn turn when she asked Beowulf to promise to protect her sons (who both appear to be well on their way to status as the kingdom’s most eligible bachelors) in the event of the death of Hrothgar. Beowulf, always the perfect gentleman, gallantly accepted, and the hall quickly returned to its high-energy party atmosphere. Wealhtheow and her venerable hubby, Hrothgar, followed up their request with a few fabulous tokens of appreciation: a magnificent set of chainmail and what we think is the most glorious torque ever made. All present at the gala followed the King and Queen’s shining example and gave Beowulf the respect and gratitude he deserves. Notably silent was Unferth, whose lack of participation was a marked improvement from his behavior towards Beowulf upon his arrival (see yesterday’s piece for the full story).

No mead-hall merrymaking would be complete without an appearance by the king’s own storyteller, and last night was no exception. Always a bit wordy in our opinion, the carrier of tales outdid himself with the famous story of Sigemund’s defeat of the dragon. Although we felt quite a few details could have been eliminated, the story was perfectly fitting as a comparison for Beowulf’s own admirable bravery. All in all, the evening was a smashing success, impressing upon us even more the glamour of Hrothgar’s court and the greatness of the Danes. Even more important, we got another chance to truly appreciate the greatness of character (and form – what a stud!) of the great Beowulf. You heard it here first – that Geat is destined for great things. (525)