Impressive Strangers in Beowulf Excerpt

What is the excerpt about?

The speaker is impressed by the strangers' equipment and large assembly, and assumes that their bravery and stoutness of heart must have brought them to Hrothgar. The speaker is Hrothgar's herald and officer, and his curiosity about the strangers suggests that he is interested in meeting them and learning more about their origins.

Read the excerpt from Beowulf.

Then a proud warrior questioned the men concerning their origins:

“Where do you come from, carrying these decorated shields and shirts of mail, these (Can't Say Word) helmets and javelins?

I am Hrothgar’s herald and officer.

I have never seen so impressive or large an assembly of strangers. Stoutness of heart, bravery not banishment, must have brought you to Hrothgar.”

Based on this excerpt, the reader can infer that the speaker is in awe of the strangers.