Section XIII

Beowulf is determined not to let Grendel escape alive, judging the monster's existence to be utterly worthless to mankind.

Beowulf's thanes are prepared to defend their lord with their swords, though they do not fully understand what will transpire in the fight.

No earthly weapon or war-bill can harm Grendel because he has sworn off conventional arms, and his death must come through another means—the monster will be delivered into the power of his enemies.

Grendel, who has harbored malice and wrought evil upon the human race, is hostile to God and fated to have his body fail him.

The monster suffers an incurable body-wound on his shoulder, his sinews are severed, and his body bursts open, giving Beowulf victory in battle.

Mortally wounded, Grendel flees to the fen-cliffs and marshes to die, fully aware that his death is approaching and his earthly life is ending.

With the slaughter over, Beowulf has fulfilled the Danes' wishes by cleansing Heorot of evil, saving them from the violence, misery, and oppression they had endured.

Beowulf suspends Grendel's hand, arm, and shoulder—the entire claw—beneath the roof of the great hall as a manifest token of his victory.