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Inspired by the challenge, Beowulf sails to Denmark with a small company of men, determined to defeat Grendel. Hrothgar, who had once done a great favor for Beowulf’s father Ecgtheow, accepts Beowulf’s offer to fight Grendel and holds a feast in the hero’s honor.
- 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
Although Beowulf defeats Grendel, the poem switches to the...
- Protagonist
Beowulf’s death leaves his people vulnerable and afraid,...
- Character List
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- Analysis of Major Characters
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- 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.
Plot Summary. We’ll start with a brief summary of Beowulf before proceeding to some textual analysis and critical reading. Beowulf is a classic ‘overcoming the monster’ story. Most people know that the poem documents the struggle of the title character in vanquishing a monster named Grendel.
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...
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.
Although Beowulf defeats Grendel, the poem switches to the defeated monster’s point of view to show us that Beowulf’s heroism has only caused further pain and suffering. Beowulf’s second combat is with Grendel’s mother.
The epic poem follows Beowulf, a hero who comes to aid Hrothgar, King of the Danes, in his fight against the vicious monster Grendel. Before the tale is over, Beowulf fights and defeats Grendel, Grendel’s mother, becomes king of the Geats, and vanquishes a dragon.