The story in one page
The Danish king Hrothgar builds a magnificent mead-hall called Heorot, but a swamp-dwelling creature named Grendel objects to the noise and begins a nightly slaughter. Beowulf, a Geatish warrior, arrives with a small group of men to offer his services. After a wrestling match, Beowulf tears the creature's arm off, but Grendel's mother arrives to avenge her son. Beowulf pursues her into an underwater lair and kills her, winning gold and glory. He eventually returns to Geatland, becomes a long-reigning king, and finally perishes while defending his people from a dragon, securing a reputation for bravery that outlasts the kingdom itself.
Who's who
- Beowulf
The Geatish hero who wrestles monsters with his bare hands.
- Hrothgar
A Danish king whose mead-hall suffers a major pest problem.
- Grendel
A nocturnal murderer who dislikes the sound of human celebration.
- Wiglaf
The only companion brave enough to aid in the final fight.
- Higelac
The Geatish king and Beowulf's uncle who rewards his nephew's success.
What it's really about
- Social obligation
- Heroes are expected to deliver tangible results.
- Treasure distribution
- Kings define their worth by how much gold they dispense.
Why it's memorable
- A hero tearing a monster's arm off in a dark mead-hall.
- A sword made by giants found in a monster's underwater cave.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The hero meets his end fighting a dragon, and his body is mourned by his people as the gentlest of men.
For your book club
- Why every warrior needs a reliable suit of ring-mail armor.
- How to politely introduce yourself to a king before fighting monsters.