Section XX

The poet establishes that Grendel's mother, a devil-shaped woman living in cold waters, still exists and thirsts for vengeance after her son's death at Heorot.

The poet traces Grendel's mother's lineage back to Cain, establishing that her demonic nature descends from the biblical murderer and founding ancestor of monsters.

The poet identifies Grendel as one of the unnumbered demons born from Cain's cursed lineage, emphasizing his demonic nature and hatred.

The poet recalls how Beowulf, relying on God's strength and favor, conquered Grendel in hand-to-hand struggle, humbling the hell-spirit and sending him to death.

Grendel's mother, eager and gloomy, is determined to undertake a mournful mission of revenge for her son's death, journeying to Heorot.

The poet argues that Grendel's mother's attack produces less fear than Grendel's did, comparing a woman's war-strength unfavorably to a man's warrior prowess.

The poet describes how Grendel's mother wielded a bloody, well-forged blade and disregarded both helmets and broad armor-nets as she fought, showing her disregard for protective gear.

Upon being discovered, Grendel's mother hastily seizes one of Hrothgar's most valued retainers and flees toward the fen to save her own life.

The poet identifies the victim as Hrothgar's most beloved shield-warrior and battle-knight among retainers, a mighty and broadly-famed warrior whom Grendel's mother murdered in his sleep.

The poet notes that Beowulf was sleeping in a separate apartment assigned to him as the honored Geatish guest, not in the main hall where Grendel's mother struck.

The poet describes how grief is renewed throughout Heorot, with the gray-headed war-thane deeply distressed upon learning that his most trusted and dearest retainer is dead.

Hrothgar immediately calls for Beowulf to be brought to him, recognizing that the hero who defeated Grendel must now face the new crisis.

As dawn breaks, Beowulf the noble champion and his comrades proceed to the hall-building where Hrothgar awaits, hoping God will grant him success after his previous ordeal.

Beowulf and his retainers enter the groaning hall-building and reach the wise Hrothgar, where Beowulf inquires whether the night's rest has properly refreshed the aging king.