The Defeat Of Grendel

Beowulf's men are sleeping, and he himself is waiting for Grendel to return. Grendel was already on his way to Herot. It was another night that he would feast on the men of Hrothgar's home. When he arrived, he saw that the hall was crowded with sleeping warriors.

Grendel grabbed one of the sleeping Geats with his claw. He ripped him apart and ate him. Then he grabbed at Beowulf with his claws, thinking that he to was asleep. But Beowulf instantly seized him with one strong arm and leaned up with the other. Grendel tried to flee, but Beowulf stopped him and strengthened his hold on his claws. The two battled in the mead hall as Beowulf's followers watched and the Danes listened in terror. Finally, Beowulf ripped Grandel's arm and shoulder from his body and Grendel fled back to his marsh to die. The battle was over; Beowulf had defeated and killed the evil monster Grendel.

In the morning, crowds surrounded Herot. High leaders and nobles from far away lands came to praise the mighty Beowulf's victory. And to prove this victory, Beowulf hung Grendels dead arm, shoulder, and claw from the rafters of Herot. Leaders and princes followed the bloody path of Grendel's footsteps. Once they reached their destination they found the water polluted and steaming red from the blood of Grendel, his dead corpse lying at the bottom of the dark resting-place. And so, all around Herot, merry folk rejoiced in excitement as poets told great stories of the bravery and strength of Beowulf.