The slaying of Grendel and its mother, harrower of the Danes, brought Beowulf much acclaim among them. Then Beowulf made his farewells, eager to return home, and promised King Hrothgar of the Danes his own aid and that of his people if trouble should ever come to him again. Hrothgar praised this pact of friendship, and embraced Beowulf fondly, yet he feared that they would never meet again.