The Wrath of Grendel
The epic poem opens up with explaining the pleasure the warriors have at Hrothgar’s mead hall (Herot). Men were living happily. Until the Narrator introduces the antagonist (Grendel). The Narrator begins to explain who Grendel is; a monster, demon and a fiend. He was conceived by monsters who were born of cain (Raffel; 40,42). One night Grendel was curious of the actions of the warriors after drinking alcohol. He found them to be weak and tired, so Grendel slaughtered 30 men, showing is true evil spirit. Did this not for settlement or money, did not look for peace but rather for his own amusement. For twelve years he haunted Herot (Raffel,43). Making life with the King of the Danes and the Danish people joyless and scared, wondering what they could do to kill Grendel and bring back peace (Raffel,44)? The Coming of Beowulf Beowulf heard of Grendel filling the nights with horror. So Beowulf (the protagonist) sets off to see Hrothgar to help the Geats (Raffel, 44). When arrived the Geats believed that Beowulf and his men were here to raid their country. He then explains of his comings are for the good and are trying to help with the vicious creature that has been haunting their mead hall. Beowulf also speaks of his accomplishments so he can be trusted by the Danish people (Raffel, 46). When meeting Hrothgar he speaks of his great strength and asks the King for one request and that him and his men may kill Grendel and end the curse once and forall. Beowulf also tells Hrothgar of his plan to attack Grendel, by using no weapon but himself and kill him in the mead hall (Raffel, 48). The Battle with Grendel Grendel sees Beowulf’s men in the mead hall, he is eager and relishes at the sight of the number of men he may slaughter. The next night he comes ready to kill, he does so to the first Geat he grabs in the Mead Hall. But when he goes to kill the second man it was Beowulf. Grendel knew at once of his great strength (Raffel, 49). His only thought was to run back to his lair, but Beowulf wouldn’t let him go. As Beowulf and Grendel battled his men tried to help but swords did affect Grendel and could not help Beowulf, they showed more courage than the Danish warriors who did nothing because of their cowardness (Raffel,50). Grendel’s hatred began to arouse but he became too weak. Beowulf took advantage of this and snapped Grendel’s arm off. Grendel escaped and ran back to his lair where he eventually bled to death. The Danes celebrated but not for that long because that night Grendel’s mother killed Hrothgar’s best friend for revenge of killing her son (Raffel, 51). The Monster’s Lair Hrothgar explains about Grendel’s mother and the lair in which she lives in. She is a female creature who is stronger than any man. She gave birth to Grendel but no one knows of the father. Where she lives it is a place where many fear. As Beowulf is ready to go down in her lair to bring peace back to the Danish people. Hrothgar wishes good luck and hopes for the best of Beowulf (Raffel,52). The Battle with Grendel’s Mother Beowulf thanks Hrothgar for being generous to him. Beowulf then journeys to Grendel’s mother’s lair. When he arrives she discovers him, she snatches him up and takes him to someone’s battle hall. As they are fighting, Beowulf realizes that no ordinary sword could kill her. So he moves to using his own strength from his hands. This was enough to prevent her from killing him but it wasn't enough to kill her. Beowulf then saw a magical sword made by giants hanging on the wall. This sword could not be use by any ordinary human, it could kill Grendel’s mother. So he slices her neck and breaks bones until she is dead. He had defeated Grendel’s mother (Raffel, 55). Beowulf claimed his fame. His men and the Danish people were happy he came home alive and even unharmed. King Hrothgar and his people were finally free from the evil creatures and they gave their thanks to Beowulf for saving them (Raffel,56). The Last Battle Fifty years go by Beowulf is the leader of Geatland. There is a dragon that is menaces his kingdom, so he wants to face yet another monster even though he is old now. He still is not afraid and will not be a coward for this occasion but rather confident. He says goodbye to his people and tells that he will find a way to kill The Dragon. Him and his men arrive at the tower but because of the heat they cannot go inside, so Beowulf gets his attention by roaring out a battle cry. The Dragon comes out seeking only but war (Raffel,57). When Beowulf goes to stab The Dragon his sword is too old and it breaks. He had the odds against him, and his men left him with the swirling fire. Except for one warrior (Wiglaf) (Raffel, 58). Wiglaf had been waiting for the day when he would be called into battle, he was prepared to fight, having weapons that were passed down to him (Raffel, 60). He was ready to use. So Wiglaf helps Beowulf and they kill the dragon but Beowulf is mortally wounded and asks Wiglaf to bring him back the treasure The Dragon was guarding before his final hours left of life (Raffel, 61). The Spoils Wiglaf hurried and grabbed the treasure that was in the dark tower. He saw piles of treasure, Wiglaf took whatever that pleased his eye (Raffel, 61). He returned quickly back to Beowulf, where he found him on his last breathes. Beowulf tells Wiglaf how thankful he is and to lead his people. He also asks for a tomb that will be like a tower so everyone can see it far and wide and remember Beowulf. He thens gives all that is left of him to Wiglaf (Raffel,62). The Farewell The Geats build the tower and like Beowulf wanted people can see it far and wide (Raffel, 63). Twelve of the bravest Geats went around in horses telling stories of Beowulf, his people remember him for being the best KIng of Geatland (Raffel, 64). |
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