Beowulf, heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest

European vernacular epic. The work deals with events of the early 6th century, and, while the date of
its composition is uncertain, some scholars believe that it was written in the 8th century. Although originally
untitled, the poem was later named after the Scandinavian hero Beowulf, whose exploits and character provide
its connecting theme. There is no evidence of a historical Beowulf, but some characters, sites, and events in the
poem can be historically verified. The poem did not appear in print until 1815. It is preserved in a single
manuscript that dates to circa 1000 and is known as the Beowulf manuscript .

Plot
Beowulf falls into two parts. It opens in Denmark, where King Hrothgar has a splendid mead hall known as
Heorot, a place of celebration and much merriment. However, the joyous noise angers Grendel, an evil monster
living in a nearby swamp. For 12 years the creature terrorizes Heorot with nightly visits in which he carries off
Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them.

After learning of the Danes’ trouble, young Beowulf, a prince of the Geats in what is now southern Sweden,
arrives with a small band of retainers and offers to rid Heorot of its monster. Hrothgar is astonished at the little-
known hero’s daring but welcomes him. After an evening of feasting, much courtesy, and some discourtesy—at
one point, one of Hrothgar’s men insults Beowulf—the king retires, leaving Beowulf in charge. During the night,
Grendel comes from the moors, rips open the heavy doors, and devours one of the sleeping Geats. He then
grapples with Beowulf, who refuses to use a weapon. Beowulf grips one of Grendel’s hands with such force that
the monster finally wrenches himself free only when his arm is torn off at the shoulder. Mortally wounded,
Grendel returns to his swamp and dies. Beowulf then displays the monster’s arm in Heorot for all to see.

The next day is one of rejoicing in Heorot, and a feast is thrown in Beowulf’s honour. However, as the warriors
sleep that night, Grendel’s mother, another swamp monster, comes to avenge her son’s death, and she kills one
of Hrothgar’s men. In the morning Beowulf dives into her mere (lake) to search for her, and she attacks him.
They struggle in her dry cave at the mere’s bottom, and Beowulf finally kills her with a sword. In the cave,
Beowulf discovers Grendel’s corpse, whose head he cuts off and takes back to Heorot. The Danes rejoice once
more. Hrothgar makes a farewell speech about the character of the true hero, and Beowulf, enriched with
honours and princely gifts, returns home to King Hygelac of the Geats.

Note: Heroic poetry is a form of narrative verse that tells the story of a hero. These poems often utilize elevated, poetic-
sounding language, including allusions to historical events, Kings and Queens, ancient battles, and sometimes fantastical
elements.