Summary
Highlights
Grendel's Reign of Terror and Beowulf's Arrival00:00:18
King Hrothgar of Daneland builds the mead hall Heorot, which incurs the jealousy of the monster Grendel. For 12 years, Grendel attacks Heorot, devouring Hrothgar's men. Hearing of this, Beowulf, a Geat warrior, sails to Daneland with 14 companions to defeat Grendel and aid Hrothgar.
Beowulf's Battle with Grendel00:01:13
Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf, who promises to fight Grendel unarmed. That night, Beowulf waits for Grendel. When Grendel attacks, Beowulf engages him in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, tearing off Grendel's arm. Grendel retreats to his lair, mortally wounded. The Danes celebrate, and Hrothgar gifts Beowulf.
Vengeance of Grendel's Mother00:02:16
Grendel's mother, filled with rage over her son's death, attacks Heorot the next night, killing Hrothgar's advisor. Beowulf journeys to her underwater lair, fights her in a desperate struggle, and kills her. He returns in triumph, bringing Grendel's head, and receives more treasures from Hrothgar before sailing home.
Beowulf's Reign and Final Battle with the Dragon00:03:19
Fifty years later, Beowulf is king of the Geats. When a slave steals from a dragon's treasure hoard, the dragon retaliates against the Geats. Beowulf, now elderly, fights and kills the dragon but is fatally wounded in the process.
Beowulf's Death and Legacy00:04:01
Fatally wounded, Beowulf's last thoughts are of the treasure for his people. The Geats mourn their king, building a great funeral pyre and a memorial barrow visible from afar to honor his memory. The poem concludes with a tribute to Beowulf's bravery, gentleness, goodness, and generosity.