Overview
This is a structured summary of Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, focusing on the narrative's major events, key characters, and central themes from the epic poem.
Origins and Early Kings
- Shield Sheafson rises from foundling to revered king, uniting tribes and earning tribute.
- His son Beow, and then Halfdane, continue the royal lineage; Hrothgar, Halfdane’s son, becomes king.
- Hrothgar builds the great mead hall Heorot, symbolizing his power and generosity.
The Coming of Grendel
- Grendel, a descendant of Cain, attacks Heorot, killing many and leaving the hall deserted for twelve years.
- The Danes are unable to defeat Grendel and resort to ineffective pagan rituals for help.
Beowulf’s Arrival
- Beowulf, a renowned Geatish warrior, hears of Hrothgar’s plight and sails to Denmark with his men to help.
- He introduces himself, pledges to fight Grendel without weapons, and is welcomed by Hrothgar.
Battle with Grendel
- Grendel attacks Heorot again, but Beowulf engages him in hand-to-hand combat.
- Beowulf rips off Grendel’s arm, mortally wounding him; Grendel flees to the moors and dies.
- Beowulf’s victory is celebrated with feasting and gifts from Hrothgar.
Grendel’s Mother’s Revenge
- Grendel’s mother attacks Heorot in vengeance, killing Hrothgar’s advisor Aeschere and retrieving Grendel's arm.
- Hrothgar describes her lair, a haunted mere, and asks Beowulf for aid; Beowulf agrees.
Battle with Grendel’s Mother
- Beowulf dives into the mere, battles Grendel’s mother, and after a difficult fight, kills her with a giant’s sword.
- He finds Grendel’s corpse, beheads it, and returns with the heads as trophies.
- The Danes celebrate and reward Beowulf further.
Beowulf’s Return Home
- Beowulf and his men return to Geatland with treasures and recount their deeds to King Hygelac.
- Beowulf is honored and gifted land; he rules as king after Hygelac’s death.
The Dragon’s Attack
- Years later, a thief disturbs a dragon’s hoard, enraging the dragon, who ravages Geatland in retaliation.
- Beowulf, now an aged king, resolves to confront the dragon alone, with his thane Wiglaf joining him.
Beowulf’s Final Battle and Death
- Beowulf battles the dragon; his sword fails, and he is mortally wounded.
- Wiglaf assists, and together they kill the dragon, but Beowulf dies from his injuries.
- Beowulf’s last wishes include seeing the dragon’s treasure and having a great barrow built for his memory.
Aftermath and Legacy
- Wiglaf rebukes the other thanes for deserting their king.
- Beowulf’s body is burned on a funeral pyre, and a barrow is built by the sea as a memorial.
- The poem concludes by praising Beowulf’s fairness, kindness, and pursuit of fame.
Key Themes and Lessons
- Heroism, loyalty, and the pursuit of lasting fame are central values.
- The struggle between good and evil is personified through battles with monsters.
- The poem reflects on fate, mortality, and the responsibilities of kingship.