Plot Summary

The story begins telling the backstory of Beowulf which is the main character of the story. The story/poem speaks about Beowulfs father named Scyld. Overall is shows how good of a leader Scyld was. Eventually like all good leaders, he passed away. After Scyld death the poem presents Beowulf‘s adulthood. You then learn that he had a son named Healfdene. Healfdene then has a 3 sons and 1 daughter. One of Healfdene’s sons is very important to the plot. His son’s name is Hrothgar. After he is introduced, the story moves to Dane-Land. You find out Hrothgar is the King of the people there. You also find out that he has someone who is terrorizing them. You find out that Grendel is the culprit. The poem says that he has been causing trouble for 12 years. Even though Grendel is causing problems he opens the mead hall. Around the same time, he challenged Beowulf to kill Grendel. When Beowulf arrived from his home, he also met Grendel. When they both fought, Grednel retreated with a missing arm. When Grendel ran away the people of Dane land considred Beowulf to be a hero. The next day Beowulf set sail to Grendel’s mother’s lair. There he killed her and Grendel. 50 years later, he is the king of Dane Land and a theif upset a dragon. Even though Beowulf was old he didnt back down from the fight against the dragon. Tragically he died from the Dragon’s breath. When he died he had little regret and appreciated the life he lived.