succession

The arm the Beowulf can  bear, by right
he won in Europe at the wrestling meet
corporeal reminder of the night
all Denmark's honor rested on one Geat.
The finest Sheffield blade can't make a nick;
grim Grendel's hide was proof against such harm
but leverage and flexors did the trick.
His Geatish charm left enemies disarmed.
His gracious host and hostess have no son
to guard the realm when monsters stalk the moor
nor daughter to reward the doughty one
a surer ward than steel, or oaken door.
The Chaos dragon coils beneath all things
to strike when she detects infertile kings.