Beowulf

:This article describes Beowulf, the epic poem. For the character Beowulf, see Beowulf (hero). For other uses, see Beowulf (disambiguation).

Storyline

The story traces the life of a heroic king of the Geats, Beowulf himself, and his three great battles: first with Grendel, then with Grendles Modor (or Grendel's Mother-- she is never given a proper name in the poem), and finally a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately kills him.

Related Topics:
King of the Geats - Beowulf - Grendel - Grendel's Mother - Dragon

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The setting begins in Denmark, where Hrothgar's court is attacked by Grendel, and Beowulf arrives with a number of housecarls to help the Danes. Beowulf mortally wounds Grendel by tearing off his arm. Grendel then returns to his home in the water bleeding to death. The next night, Grendel's Mother returns and kills a Danish warrior. Beowulf descends into the mere and has a fierce battle with the powerful Grendel's Mother, ultimately killing her with a magic sword. Beowulf is richly recompensed by queen Wealhtheow, with for instance Brisingamen.

Related Topics:
Hrothgar - Grendel - Beowulf - Housecarl - Grendel's Mother - Wealhtheow - Brisingamen

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Beowulf then returns to Geatland, where he serves the Geatish kings. He accompanies king Hygelac in an early Viking raid against Frisia, a historic event which was recorded by Frankish scribes and can be dated to ca 516. Hygelac died during this raid, and having returned to Geatland, queen Hygd offers the throne to Beowulf. However, he declines and recommends the young prince Heardred instead. Two Swedish princes, Eadgils and Eanmund soon seek refuge with the Geats, having escaped their uncle Onela who had usurped the Swedish throne. Their desperation is augmented by the fact that the Geats had killed their grand-father Ongentheow. This caused a Swedish invasion in which both Eanmund and Heardred were killed. Beowulf then becomes king of Geatland, and returns the assault by attacking Sweden, and helps Eadgils become king (Eadgils would become one of the most famous of legendary Swedish kings and he is found in several Scandinavian legends). After having ruled for 50 years, a dragon attacks Geatland and the aged hero ventures to the Dragon's lair at Earnanæs to slay the beast. Among his warriors, only his Swedish kinsman Wiglaf dares join him, and after the fight, Wiglaf carries the dying Beowulf out of the lair and the hero prophesies that the cowardice of the Geats will be their undoing and that it will encourage the Swedes to renew their attacks. Beowulf is buried in a barrow, like the kings of contemporary Scandinavia, reminiscent of Sutton Hoo.

Related Topics:
Beowulf - Geatland - Hygelac - Frisia - 516 - Hygd - Heardred - Eadgils - Eanmund - Onela - Ongentheow - Earnanæs - Wiglaf - Barrow - Sutton Hoo

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