Beowulf Essay, Research Paper

Grendel a spawn on Cain living in the dark and suffering from pain. In disguise Grendel goes to Herot, which was the golden guest hall. While there he slaughters thirty men. After the loss of the thirty men everyone becomes frighten leaving Herot empty for twelve years. Hearing about the tragic Beowulf of the Geats and fourteen of his men goes to Hrothgar to explain how his cleverness has brought him to save the Danes. He brags of his accomplishment. Beowulf plea to fight Grendel, without using his sword, because he wants to prove that he is the strongest man. Replying to Beowulf?s boast, Hrothgar tells how as a new king, he had assist Beowulf?s father and in return Beowulf wanted to repay the favor. Hrothgar describes the terror of Grendel?s attack on Herot. Unferth, a younger warrior, is furious of Beowulf?s bragging and challenges him. Beowulf responds to the challenge by telling how in Brecca he fought beast of the sea with his bare sword. As night falls, Herot empties and Hrothgar wishes Beowulf luck in his battle with Grendel. Grendel leaves quietly from his den to Herot. After killing his first Geat, Grendel finds himself in Beowulf?s grip and realizes that he has met his death. Beowulf?s men attempt to come to his aid, but find that their weapons are useless, and the battle is between Grendel and Beowulf. Clinched in mortal combat, Beowulf rips off Grendel?s arm and hangs it from the rafter of Herot. Grendel then escapes to his den. Warriors return to Herot to observe Grendel?s solitude and to celebrate the defeat. Beowulf is called once again to rescue the Danes from Grendel?s mother, who has attacked Herot and carried with Hrothgar?s closet friend. Beowulf confronts Grendel?s mother. Neither the sword nor the helmet protects Beowulf as Grendel?s mother tear and claws at him. Beowulf ends up on his back where the she-monster dagger would have killed him if he had not worn his mail shirt. Getting fed up with the battle, Beowulf notices a sword, which he uses to decapitate Grendel?s mother. Beowulf announces his intention to battle the dragon and recover his treasure using shield and sword. The dragon?s flames melt the iron shield. Wiglaf, Beowulf?s warrior remembers the kindness and treasures his family has given him, comes to assist Beowulf. As Beowulf lies dying, Wiglaf brings the treasure for him to see. Beowulf then passes on the leadership of the Geats to Wiglaf and gives him the golden necklace, his helmet, his mail shirt, and his rings. Beowulf request that the Geats build a funeral pyre so that passing ships could see and remember Beowulf.