The sentry is described in the poem as the ward of the Scyldings, "sé þe holmclifu healdan scolde"—he who was tasked to guard the sea-cliffs. It is his responsibility to interrogate anyone who is landing, and ascertain that they do not pose a threat to his people. It is naturally of concern to him to see a ship full of "searohæbbendra," armor-wearers, landing, and he challenges the group as to their purpose. The poem states that the sentry is there to prevent others from being able to arrive with well-armed navies and attack.

The ward notices immediately that Beowulf is a strong and impressive warrior. He asks to hear his lineage, which Beowulf gladly provides. This reassures the ward, who says he has heard "that this is a legion loyal to the lord of the Scyldings." However, he would not be doing his duty if he did not escort Beowulf to Hrothgar. This is out of politeness to the visitors; he leads them to the hall "so that they could go to it directly"—that is, to make sure they find it. When he's sure of that, he tells them he is going to return now to his watch at the cliff. He doesn't actually wait with them until Hrothgar has confirmed that he knows Beowulf; he seems to take Beowulf at his word on that matter, having been convinced by his story.

The sentry are guarding the shores of Denmark, and at first challenge Beowulf  and his men as they approach the shores. There are a few possible reasons that the sentry accompany Beowulf to Herot, though the reasons are clear in the epic.The best reason is that there is always the possibility that Beowulf has lied about his reason in coming, and the sentry are still charged with protecting the land and the king. Beowulf and his men are heavily armed and very imposing, so its easy to understand why they would still be on guard. The sentry do not stand down until the king himself states that he has heard of Beowulf and welcomes him to Herot.