Section 1: The Wrath of Grendel
Lines 1 to 104
- Grendel, a monstrous creature descended from Cain, terrorizes King Hrothgar's mead hall, Heorot, killing and devouring warriors nightly.
- The joy of the Danes is overshadowed by fear of Grendel's attacks, leading to the hall being deserted.
- Hrothgar's suffering evokes lamentation throughout the kingdom.
- Quote: "Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his home in a hell."
Section 2: The Coming of Beowulf
Lines 105 to 284
- Beowulf, a noble warrior from Geatland, hears of Grendel's menace and decides to help Hrothgar.
- He gathers a band of fourteen warriors and sets sail for Denmark, confident in his abilities.
- Upon arrival, they are greeted by a Danish coastguard, who questions their intentions.
- Beowulf asserts his purpose, stating, "I have come to the aid of Hrothgar," showcasing his valor and determination.
Section 3: The Battle with Grendel
Lines 285 to 409
- Beowulf confronts Grendel in Heorot, emphasizing he will fight the monster without weapons.
- The battle begins with Grendel attacking, but Beowulf manages to grapple with him.
- With his immense strength, Beowulf tears off Grendel’s arm, mortally wounding him, sending him fleeing to die in his lair.
- The Danes celebrate their victory, and Hrothgar praises Beowulf: "You have fulfilled your word."
Section 4: The Monster’s Lair
Lines 410 to 449
- Grendel retreats to his underwater abode, where his mother seeks revenge for her son’s death.
- She attacks Heorot, killing one of Hrothgar’s closest friends.
- Hrothgar informs Beowulf of the new threat, prompting Beowulf to volunteer to confront Grendel’s mother in her lair.
- Quote: "She is a fierce avenger."
Section 5: The Battle with Grendel’s Mother
Lines 450 to 625
- Beowulf dives into the dark, murky waters to find Grendel’s mother in her underwater lair.
- In a fierce battle, Beowulf struggles against her but ultimately finds a giant sword, Hrunting, left by a slain warrior.
- He decapitates her, avenging Grendel.
- Upon further search, he discovers Grendel's lifeless body, and he beheads it as well to bring back as a trophy.
- Quote: "Now I shall show my valor."
Section 6: The Last Battle
Lines 625 to 775
- Years later, an aging Beowulf becomes king of the Geats but faces a new threat: a dragon awakened by a thief.
- Despite his old age, Beowulf resolves to confront the dragon, seeking to protect his people.
- With a small band of warriors, he engages in battle with the dragon but realizes he is outmatched.
- His loyalty is tested as many flee, but Wiglaf, a young warrior, stands by him.
- Quote: "Fate will often spare the man who is not fated to die."
Section 7: The Spoils
Lines 775 to 840
- After slaying the dragon, Beowulf is mortally wounded and requests a tomb to be built for him.
- Wiglaf retrieves the dragon's treasure as Beowulf wanted to leave a legacy for his people.
- The wealth is presented to Beowulf; he bestows riches to Wiglaf, declaring him the new king.
- With his final breaths, Beowulf expresses pride in his legacy of bravery and loyalty.
- Quote: "I fought with fate, I could not have asked for more."
Section 8: The Farewell
Lines 845 to 865
- Beowulf dies, and mourners gather to honor their fallen king, lamenting his loss.
- The Geats build a barrow overlooking the sea as a tribute, filling it with treasure and celebrating his heroic deeds.
- They praise him for his courage and leadership, and Wiglaf vows to uphold Beowulf's values.
- Quote: "He was the greatest of the Geats."