Beowulf

Beowulf

Beowulf is poem that interlocks superhuman, almost magical powers around its hero, Beowulf. As he is the symbol of both strength and goodness, he does somewhat extraordinary accomplishments, but always with a powerful sense of social responsibility and morality.

Hrothgar, an old man and the King of the Danes, is anxious and worried. He has enjoyed many years of prosperity and joy, but the good times have come to a halt. Grendel, a gigantic bear-like monster, has attacked the King in his own hall and killed thirty of Hrothgar's thanes. Grendel's attack came out of jealousy and without warning; and he continues to inflict violence on the Danish world. It is rumored that Grendel is a descendant of Cain, a character from the Old Testament who committed the first murder by killing his own brother out of jealousy.

Beowulf, the nephew of King Hygelac of Geatland, is known as a great and brave man. He earned his reputation by swimming for seven days on the open sea and by using a sword to fight off sharks. When he hears about the attacks of the bloodthirsty Grendel, he sets sail for Danish shores in order to help Hrothgar master the monster. Beowulf plans to use his famous handgrip, which supposedly has the strength of thirty men, to conquer Grendel. Hrothgar has heard about Beowulf's feats and is well acquainted with his lineage. As the King of the Danes, Hrothgar had once protected Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, in a time of exile.

"They started out then - the spacious ship

remained behind, riding on its rope,

... Figures of boars, bright

and fire-hardened, gleamed gold-adorned

above the cheek-guards; in war the boar

helped guard those fierce men's lives ..."

When Beowulf arrives, Hrothgar invites him to his famous wine hall to join in a celebration. Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's gracious and noble queen, greets the men upon their arrival. Beowulf assures her that he will kill Grendel and bring peace back to the kingdom. The hall is filled with merriment and resounds with noise and laughter. Unferth, however, taunts Beowulf about a swimming defeat. Beowulf defends himself and explains that the swimming match was lost because he was attacked by a pack of monsters and also because he had saved Breca's life.

When the King and Queen retire for the night, Beowulf lies down and falls asleep. Grendel barges in, snatches one of Beowulf's thanes, and tears him apart. The monster then turns on Beowulf, starting a terrible battle with him. Grendel, realizing that he has never met such a tough opponent, tries to escape; but before he can get away, Beowulf pulls Grendel's arm from the socket. Grendel howls in pain as he leaves. The men try to follow Grendel, but find no trace of him.

Hrothgar is joyous over Beowulf's defeat of Grendel. He promises to cherish him forever as a son. After the interior of the Heorot is rebuilt, redecorated, and furnished, Hrothgar holds a great feast in Beowulf's honor. He presents him with a golden war banner, a helmet, a mailshirt (armor), a sword studded with jewels, and eight horses with golden bridles.