Beowulf

Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic poem. Though it is seen as one of the most important Works of Anglo Saxon literature it tells about Scandinavians. Bard tells this story orally to the audience (the fighters) to the accompaniment of instrumental music.

Beowulf is the protagonist of the story. Beowulf, the hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar who is the king of Danes. “He builds a wondrous mead-hall, which be calls Heorot” (p. 27). There his warriors gather to drink, receive gifts from the lord. They also listen to stories told by the scops or bards. The revelry in the ball enrages Grendel the evil monster who lives in the swamplands of Hrothgar’s kingdom. Grendel frightens the Danes every night, killing them and defeating their efforts to fight back. Finally strong and brave Beowulf hears of Hrothgar’s plight. Beowulf sets sail to Denmark with a small company of men, decided to beat Grendel. Hrothgar gives a feast fort he honor of Beowulf. At the feast an envious Dane, Unferth annoyes Beowulf and accuses him of being unworthy of his reputation. Beowulf responds him by telling his past achievements. He is so confident that Danish warriors are pleased. At last Grendel arrives at night. Beowulf fights him unarmed. He proved himself stronger than the monster, who is scared. Beowulf pulls his arm off while he tries to escape. Grendel is wounded mortally and goes back into the swamp to die. His ruptured arm is hung high in the mead-hall as a trophy of victory. Hrothgar is very happy and he gives gifts and treasure to Beowulf. They celebrate the victory. But another thread is getting closer. Grendel’s mother, who lives in a desolate lake, come to Heorot seeking revenge for her son’s death. She kills one of the most trusted advisers of Hrothgar. To avenge the adviser’s death the warriors goes to the swamp. Beowulf dives into the water and kills her with a sword. He finds Grendel’s corpse and brings its head as a prize to Hrothgar. Beowulf’s fame spreads across the kingdom. Beowulf departs after a sorrowful farewell to Hrothgar. He goes back to Geatland. After a while, when Hygelac, the king of Geatland, is killed in a war against the Shylfings, and, after Hygelac’s son dies, Beowulf ascends to the throne of the Geats. He rules wisely for fifty years, bringing prosperity to Geatland. When Beowulf is an old man, a thief steals a golden cup from the lair of a dragon. The enraged dragon emerges from the barrow and begins unleasing fiery destruction upon the Geats. Beowulf and his warriors come to fight the dragon. Beowulf wants to fight the dragon alone. With the aid of Wiglaf, he achieves to kill the dragon. But the dragon bites his neck. He is wounded mortally. Beowulf is burried in Geatland. The dragon’s treasure is burried with him, too.  

-          El 101 Survey of English Literature, p: 25-53