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Beowulf fights him unarmed, proving himself stronger than the demon, who is terrified. As Grendel struggles to escape, Beowulf tears the monster’s arm off. Mortally wounded, Grendel slinks back into the swamp to die.
- 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
First, the question of whether Beowulf should fight the...
- Protagonist
Beowulf’s death leaves his people vulnerable and afraid,...
- Character List
Character List - Beowulf: Full Poem Summary - SparkNotes
- Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz - Beowulf: Full Poem Summary - SparkNotes
- Analysis of Major Characters
Analysis of Major Characters - Beowulf: Full Poem Summary -...
- Flashcards
Prepare for your next exam with Beowulf flashcards. Test...
- Lines 1–300
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.
First, the question of whether Beowulf should fight the dragon catches him between two conflicting rules: the rule that requires a warrior to show unyielding courage and seek fame, and the rule that requires a king to remain alive so he can protect his people.
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...
Need help with Beowulf vs. Grendel (Lines 702–836) in Anonymous's Beowulf? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.
Across the sea in Geatland—a region which corresponds to southern Sweden—the warrior Beowulf hears of Grendel and resolves to take a company of men to kill the troll. Beowulf sails to the now-abandoned Heorot and awaits Grendel’s arrival. Without the use of weapons, Beowulf delivers a mortal wound to Grendel, who returns to his lair to die.
Inside, a dragon guards a treasure trove left there long ago by the last survivor of an extinct people. The thief steals a cup, but the dragon discovers the theft and burns the land, including Beowulf's mead-hall. Beowulf, knowing his death is near, decides to fight the dragon.