Cartwright 1

Rashad Cartwright
Professor Douglas-Jones
English 230-6
5 April 2016
Beowulf
The epic poem Beowulf takes place in Denmark, A.D. 507. The realm of King Hrothgar is
threatened by the tormented demon Grendel that attacks the locals in their celebrations. The Danish
king offers a reward for the death of the creature, attracting to Herot the brave Geat warrior
Beowulf that seeks for glory. After a fierce battle, Beowulf defeats the demon and after receiving
an old relic as reward, he finds his men slaughtered in the party saloon of the castle. King Hrothgar
advises that the Grendel's mother was the responsible for the bloodshed and Beowulf chases her
in the lake where she lives. The creature takes the form of a seductive woman and seduces Beowulf
with a promise of becoming an invincible and wealthy king if he makes love to her and gives his
golden relic to her. Years later, King Beowulf feels the aftermath of his sin.
Beowulf exhibits Grendel's head to Hrothgar and quickly relates his fight with the mother.
Guaranteeing the lord of Heorot's wellbeing, he puts the gold handle of the mammoth sword in
Hrothgar's grasp. The ruler looks at the handle and afterward addresses Beowulf, giving a sermon
on the threats of acclaim and achievement and the changes of life. Hrothgar takes note of that he
himself had awesome fortune as a young fellow and governed effectively for a long time until
Grendel cut him down. Presently he says thanks to God for Beowulf's triumph. The warriors
devour and rest securely. In the morning, Beowulf returns Hrunting to Unferth and gets various
endowments before he and his men trade goodbyes with the Danes and sail for home.