J. Lesslie Hall
English
Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, hears of the suffering of Hrothgar, king of the Danes, who is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf sails to Dane-land with fourteen companions and offers his aid. After Hrothgar accepts his help, Beowulf prepares to fight Grendel. In a fierce hand-to-hand combat, Beowulf tears off Grendel's arm, mortally wounding him. The Danes rejoice, but Grendel's mother arrives to avenge her son. She kills one of Hrothgar's counselors and carries off Grendel's arm. Beowulf pursues her to her underwater lair and, after a difficult battle, kills her. He returns with Grendel's head and the hilt of a giant's sword. Hrothgar lavishes gifts upon Beowulf, and he returns to Geatland, where he is honored by his uncle Higelac. Years later, Beowulf becomes king of the Geats. When an old man, he faces a dragon that is terrorizing his people. In the ensuing battle, Beowulf and the dragon kill each other. Beowulf is cremated with great honors.
