Introduction of the Danes So. The Spear-Danes in days done by And the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness. We have heard of those prince's heroic campaigns. There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. This terror of the hall-troops had come far. A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on As his powers waxed and his worth was proved. In the end each clan on the outlying coats Beyond the whale-road had to yield to him 10 And begin to pay tribute. That was one good king. Afterwards a boy-child was born to Shield, A cub in the yard, a comfort sent By God to that nation. He knew what they had tholed*, The long times and troubles they'd come through Without a leader; so the Lord of Life, The glorious Almighty, made this man renowned. Shield had fathered a famous son: Beow's name was known through the north and a young prince must be prudent like that, 20 Giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behaviour that's admired is the path to power among people everywhere.

What impression are you left with of Beowulf after reading this excerpt? What do you predict about the Anglo-Saxon ideal of a hero? 

Does Beowulf seem like a war-monger or peace-maker?