Grendel Attacks

After having a festival night, the delighted Danes went to sleep. While then an evil being attacked them, killing thirty of their bravest warriors. And this evil creature went home with a satisfied laughing mood.

At daybreak the disaster was measured. The strength of Grendel left nothing but bitter weeping. The king shared his people their grave sorrow. Bloody tracks of footprints were spotted.

The catastrophe didn’t stop at that. Grendel, driven by a blind sin, committed more murders. The people changed their sleeping place, in order the escape the monster. Yet, Grendel was the master of the night. In fair fights he kills many and the greatest hall around the globe was left empty for ghosts to dwell at night.

For twelve years king Hrothgar was tormented by great sorrows. Songs of grieve were sung by poets. The wonder and anticipation flew around the kingdom’s air. Why Grendel is invincible, yet the bravest warriors tried to kill him? How the damage done by this monster could be ever stopped? Meanwhile Grendel still lurked in his lair, sending his evil through the vast land which drowned in an endless darkness.

But the greatest of all wounds happened when Grendel raided the sacred hall and stayed there every night till mornings came. The only place he couldn’t contaminate was the king’s throne, as God was its protector.

Hrothgar spirit was down. The seniors of the Danes gathered numerously to seek solutions. For Devil’s help they have asked, but how can a thirsty man seeks water in deserts? The curse could not be lifted, for there was no man who can face Grendel. Therefore, the dark clouds of sorrow covered the land of the Danes, stretching over the weeping sky.

Beowulf Hears of Grendel

There was a brave warrior of Hygelac’s descendant who came to his hearing Grendel’s crimes. No match was there for this noble fighter in his strength. He prepared a ship to cross the ever raging ocean to go and aid those who are in need. He consulted the omens and the signs came in favor for his quest. He was accompanied by fourteen of his fellow Geats who were masters in the art of sailing.

They won the first battle against the ocean and reached the Dane’s shore soundly. After proper introduction they were brought before king Hrothgar.

Beowulf Comes to Herot

The king’s messenger led the brave Geat and his men to the hall. Hrothgar when hearing of Beowulf presence spoke in good faith about him. Beowulf stood before the king in his full glamorous armor and spoke of his glorious deeds and promised Hrothgar to rid him from Grendel. Hrothgar blessed Beowulf and laid the matter of Grendle in his hands, promising him of a handsome reward if he killed the monster. So many, out of envy, had questioned Beowulf’s capability in fulfilling his promise.  But the great warrior returned their words in their face. Giving more proofs of his strength and bravery.

Everybody drank to the upcoming victory. The hall once more was opened for celebration. Beowulf, after hearing the queen singing, became more motivated and excited to terminate the beast.

Grendle Attacks Again

In the same night the monster raised again like a viper crossing the vast land in a fiery anger. Thirsty for blood and hungry for murder, came he, Grendle. Though life was in asleep, the eyes of the great Geat were awake, watching every move the devil makes. When Grendle drew nearer, Beowulf grabbed his arm like a thunder. The rains of fear fell in Grendle’s heart, and the fearful soul of this beast longed to escape. With bare hands Beowulf defeated the monster and Grendle cursed his luck that night for he made enemies with God.

Armless, Grendle fled home, mortally wounded. Victory played the tunes for Beowulf and glory sang his name. Peace was restored in the Danes land once more. Happiness slept with the people dreamful of merry and delights. Mornings woke up with misty smiles.