A challenge to Beowulf's announced intention occurs next. The King's thyle, Unferth, steps forward to criticize Beowulf's character and ability to carry out his quest. This is a surpising developement in view of the fact that a thyle is a main advisor to a king. A thyle is supposed to be a magician and perceptive about what is best for a king and the kingdom's interest. Whether Unferth happens to be a flawed advisor or is using a challenge to support the King's interest is debatable. We know that Unferth comes forward to support Beowulf's battle later, so he at least had the strength of character to act beyond any petty differences.

Maybe this challenge represents how any worthwhile goal will be met with inevitable obstacles and criticism. Unferth represents those who say there can be no achievement. It could be debated whether the King's thyle was a worthy magician. Within the full environment of both suport and criticism Beowulf responds with firm resolve.

It must be remembered that Beowulf had magical skills as well as martial strenth. He had read the omens before making his journey to rescue Hrothgar's kingdom. He was up to the task of meeting Unferth's challenge at any level. Perhaps too much of a consistant pattern should not be made of Unferth's behavior. If Hrothgar would have had a more capable thyle, maybe he would have already been victorious. It might be good for a magician to have magical capability and also warrior skills.

Beouwulf responds not with anger but rather with facts. He calls Unferth a friend and says it may only be excessive inebriation doing the talking. He restates even more boastful facts about his previous deeds and speaks power into the future deed he intends to accomplish. He strenghtens his resolve and promises the people they will benifit. He says that after he wins all who want to may "to medo modig , liththen morgen-liht." (pg. 40 in Old English) that is, "go bravely to mead in the morning light." (pg. 41 in English translation).

King Hrothger is even more gladdened to hear how Beowulf states his "steadfastness and his word". (pg. 40). Beowulf has met the challenge by speaking even more power into his assurance of victory.