“Aye,” says Wiglaf. “But can you blame them? Your legend is known from the high seas and the snow barriers to the great island kingdom. The whole world knows the lay of Beowulf and Grendel. You are the monster slayer.” Beowulf shakes his head again and laughs, but there is not the least trace of humor in the sound. “We are the monsters now,” he says, making no effort to hide his disdain and self-loathing. “We are become the trolls and demons.”
