Search results
A short summary of Anonymous's Beowulf. This free synopsis covers all the crucial plot points of Beowulf.
- Lines 1–300
A summary of Lines 1–300 in Anonymous's Beowulf. Learn...
- Suggestions for Further Reading
Beowulf and Grendel: The Truth Behind England’s Oldest...
- Beowulf
The central conflict of Beowulf arises as Beowulf, who...
- Protagonist
Beowulf’s death leaves his people vulnerable and afraid,...
- Character List
Take a quiz about the important details and events in of...
- Quick Quiz
Payment Summary. SparkNotes Plus . You'll be billed after...
- Analysis of Major Characters
SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year...
- Flashcards
Prepare for your next exam with Beowulf flashcards. Test...
- Lines 1–300
Need help with Beowulf vs. Grendel (Lines 702–836) in Anonymous's Beowulf? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.
The central conflict of Beowulf arises as Beowulf, who embodies the ancient Northern European warrior code, comes up against the limitations of that code. He encounters these limitations during a series of combats. The first is with Grendel, a creature who “nurse[s] a hard grievance” (l.87) against the successful warrior-king Hrothgar and ...
Beowulf Comes to Heorot and Battles Grendel (Lines 229–835): Across the sea in Geatland lives the strongest warrior in the world, Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, subject to King Hygelac. Beowulf...
Summary. The First Battle: Beowulf vs. Grendel. After the brief intro, the narrative shifts to the present, where King Hrothgar's mead hall, Heorot, a symbol of prosperity and communal harmony, is attacked by the monster Grendel. Beowulf hears of the troubles in the land of the Danes and decides to help King Hrothgar. Upon arriving in Denmark ...
Summary. With loyalty and heroism in mind, Beowulf comes to the rescue of the Danes and King Hrothgar. They have suffered at the hands of an evil monster, Grendel, who has pillaged their kingdom for more than 12 years and killed many men.
Plot in Beowulf. The poem begins with Hrothgar, king of the Danes, who has recently constructed the great hall of Heorot. Hrothgar and his men celebrate the new hall, but their festivities are disrupted by Grendel, a monster who overhears the sounds of joy and grows hostile. Grendel begins killing the Danes in droves.