Beowulf Lullaby

Hilla Stormbringer

Beowulf Lullaby

There was a king called Hrothgar
His name was known both near and far
And soon his fame would double
He built a glorious mead-hall
Alas, it led to his downfall
That made him govel-grubble
For monsters galore
Showed up on the shore
And gave him endless trouble.

A monster lived beside him
Named Grendel who could not abide him
Because he hated singing
He would be vengeance reaping
At night when warriors all were sleeping
Foul terror he was bringing
For in crept the beast
And made human feast
Sad funeral bells were ringing

Ring-giver filled with sorrow
It looked like there was no tomorrow
The King's men were all dying
All who gave Grendel battle
Were eaten up like sheep and cattle
Proud Spear-Danes fell to crying
The hearth-fire was cold
And Hrothgar grew old
By cruel fate horrifying

A hero from Geatland
With strong spear-men at his command
Bold Beowulf the fearless
He crossed the stormy whale-road
And came to Hrothgar's sad abode
Where everyone was cheerless
Vowed Grendel to fight
Yes that very night
In combat he was peerless

At night Beowulf waited
To meet the beast, see who was fated
And who would prove the stronger
Soon Grendel was a-wailing
Against this man his strength was failing
And he could fight no longer
For he lost his limb
As his sight grew dim
He knew he was a goner

Now, Grendel had a mother
Vowed Beowulf to drown and smother
Her justice would be meted
With teeth and claw to fight him
She found she could not wound or bite him
And soon she was defeated
For watery tomb
Would not be his doom
And fate will not be cheated

The moral of this story
Although you may love fame and glory
Please don't disturb your neighbors
For monsters just want quiet
But when annoyed they cause a riot
And they have teeth like sabers
Or make sure you have friends
Who'll fight to the end
And reward you for your labors

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