Overview
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem recounting the heroic deeds of Beowulf, a Geatish warrior, who aids the Danish king Hrothgar by defeating the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and later, as king, a dragon. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, loyalty, and mortality.
Scyld and the Danish Line
- Scyld rises from orphaned foundling to respected king, establishing a noble Danish lineage.
- Hrothgar, a descendant, becomes renowned and builds the grand hall Heorot as a symbol of prosperity.
Grendel’s Attacks on Heorot
- Grendel, a monster descended from Cain, terrorizes Heorot, killing Hrothgar’s warriors for 12 years.
- The Danes are unable to defeat Grendel and resort to pagan rituals for relief.
Beowulf’s Arrival
- Beowulf, a renowned Geatish warrior, hears of Hrothgar’s plight and sails with 14 men to Denmark.
- Beowulf is granted audience with Hrothgar after declaring his purpose and lineage.
Beowulf’s Battle with Grendel
- During a banquet, Beowulf boasts of past deeds and vows to defeat Grendel weaponless.
- Unferth challenges Beowulf, but Beowulf defends his reputation.
- Grendel attacks; Beowulf fatally wounds him by tearing off his arm, which hangs as a trophy.
Celebrations and Rewards
- Hrothgar and the Danes celebrate Beowulf’s victory, showering him and his men with gifts.
- Songs and stories highlight Beowulf’s heroism and the value of loyalty and generosity.
Grendel’s Mother’s Revenge
- Grendel’s mother attacks Heorot in vengeance, killing Aeschere, Hrothgar’s trusted adviser.
- Beowulf agrees to pursue her to her underwater lair.
Battle with Grendel’s Mother
- Beowulf descends into the mere, fights Grendel’s mother, and kills her with a giant’s sword.
- He returns with Grendel’s head and the sword’s hilt as trophies.
Hrothgar’s Advice and Beowulf’s Departure
- Hrothgar praises Beowulf, warning him against pride and reminding him of mortality.
- Beowulf departs with further honors and promises mutual aid between Geats and Danes.
Return to Geatland and Beowulf’s Kingship
- Beowulf returns to Geatland, shares his treasures, and recounts his adventures to King Hygelac.
- After Hygelac and Heardred’s deaths, Beowulf becomes king and rules wisely for 50 years.
Beowulf and the Dragon
- A slave steals from a dragon's hoard, provoking the dragon to ravage Geatland.
- Beowulf prepares to confront the dragon in his old age, bringing eleven men.
Final Battle and Beowulf’s Death
- Beowulf fights the dragon but is mortally wounded; Wiglaf aids him in slaying it.
- Dying, Beowulf reflects on his reign and entrusts his people and treasures to Wiglaf.
Aftermath and Lament
- Wiglaf reproaches the cowardly retainers; predicts tribal strife following Beowulf’s death.
- Beowulf is cremated and buried in a grand barrow; his people mourn and praise his legacy.
Themes and Takeaways
- Heroic deeds and reputation are central to honor and legacy.
- Fate (Wyrd), loyalty, and the limits of human strength recur throughout.
- Leadership must balance pride with wisdom and generosity.