The basis of the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf can be summarized in the beginning when a lord, Healfdene, reigned over the proud Sycldings.
Healfdene's son Hrothgar was eventually granted to rule because of his loyalty to the armies, and glory in battle. Hrothgar came to the decision to build a great mead-hall, or Heorot. The Heorot, however, developed a concern among the Sycldings because of what happened often at night, when they slept. An evil creature referred to as Grendel liked to gouge and consume the soldiers, and other people who rested there in the darkness.
Beowulf was a good man among the Geats, and one of King Hygelac's followers. When he discovered what was happening to the people, he decided to venture out on the sea in search for a warrior king with burly troops who would help him destroy Grendel.
The Old English epic poem Beowulf is written in al...
English: An illustration of Beowulf fighting the d...
Beowulf & GrendelAfter a long while, Beowulf returned to the land of the Sycldings with troops from the country of the Geats to converse with Hrothgar. As Beowulf desired to complete his task, he and his troops ran into Wulfgar, a man who he addressed Hrothgar as master. Wulfgar escorted them to his master who gladly thanked them for their aid, and bid them welcome. Beowulf discussed to Hrothgar a plan to kill Grendel, unarmed, once and for all (with the help of his troops), since both Grendel and Hrothgar have been at war with each other. Unferth opposed Beowulf's plan, and realized it was not even possible to accomplish. But Beowulf responded to Unferth's opinion stating that he himself has killed many monsters before, and that only Unferth has killed his fellow man, realizing that Beowulf had great strength. Hrothgar agreed with Beowulf, and wished him luck.
That night, while all the men were sleeping in the Heorot,