Beowulf

The Life and Death of Scyld, founder of the Scylding dynasty and ancestor of Hrothgar.

Scyld's successors including Hrothgar, who builds the great mead-hall Heorot to feast his warriors.

Grendel the Murderer attacks Heorot nightly, slaying Hrothgar's thanes for twelve years without mercy.

Beowulf, hearing of Hrothgar's plight, sails with fourteen companions to aid the Danish king.

The Geats reach Heorot after a day's voyage and are received kindly by the Danish coast guard.

Beowulf introduces himself at Hrothgar's palace and is recognized as a worthy warrior.

Hrothgar remembers Beowulf's father Ecgtheow and welcomes the young hero, who boasts of youthful feats.

Hrothgar continues speaking, recounting Grendel's horrors while heroes feast and make boasts.

Unferth taunts Beowulf about a swimming match with Breca, questioning his prowess.

Beowulf silences Unferth with details of his swimming match, and the hall fills with joy and celebration.

Warriors sleep in Heorot while Beowulf waits for Grendel, trusting in his own strength and God's aid.

Grendel comes from the moor and grapples with Beowulf in a desperate hand-to-hand struggle.

Beowulf tears Grendel's shoulder from its socket, and the monster flees mortally wounded.

The Danes rejoice at Grendel's defeat, and the gleeman sings of Beowulf's prowess and other heroes.

Hrothgar expresses profound gratitude to Beowulf for freeing his people from Grendel's terror.

Hrothgar lavishes gifts upon Beowulf: armor, gold, steeds, and treasures of great value.

The gleeman sings the tragic lay of Finn and Hnæf, a tale of betrayal and revenge.

The Finn episode continues with the tragedy's conclusion and the banquet resumes.

Queen Wealhtheow honors Beowulf with a priceless necklace and offers additional gifts.

Grendel's mother seeks vengeance for her son's death, attacking Heorot during the night.

Hrothgar laments the death of his beloved counselor Æschere and describes the monsters' dwelling.

Beowulf and Hrothgar pursue Grendel's mother to her lair beneath treacherous moorland waters.

Beowulf fights Grendel's mother in her underwater den, eventually slaying her with a giant sword.

Beowulf returns victorious, having slain both Grendel and his mother, and brings proof of his deeds.

Beowulf presents the trophies to Hrothgar, who praises him and offers lasting friendship.

Hrothgar moralizes on the fleeting nature of earthly strength and the danger of pride.

Beowulf prepares to return home, and Hrothgar weeps at parting with his beloved benefactor.

Beowulf journeys homeward by sea and learns of Higelac and his queen Hygd, contrasted with Thrytho.

Beowulf is received by King Higelac with great honor and recounts his adventures to the Geat lord.

Beowulf continues his narrative, detailing his combat with Grendel and Grendel's mother.

Mutual gift-giving follows; Higelac rewards Beowulf and eventually makes him king of the Geats.

The fire-dragon discovers that his hoard has been plundered and wreaks terrible vengeance on the Geats.

Beowulf, though aged, determines to fight the dragon despite his advancing years.

Beowulf reflects on his youth and past victories as he prepares to face the dragon.

Beowulf's memories of his family continue; he then boldly advances against the dragon.

Wiglaf alone remains faithful while other warriors flee; he comes to aid his dying lord.

In the fatal struggle, Beowulf and Wiglaf together slay the dragon, though Beowulf is mortally wounded.

Wiglaf plunders the dragon's den while Beowulf gazes on the hoard before his death.

The cowardly thanes return; Wiglaf rebukes them bitterly for abandoning their lord.

The messenger announces Beowulf's death to the awaiting warriors and predicts future attacks.

The messenger recounts the ancient feuds between Swedes and Geats, and Higelac's past battles.

Wiglaf directs the building of a funeral pyre and the carrying of the dragon's hoard.

Beowulf is cremated with honor; a memorial barrow is built and filled with precious treasures.