Beowulf: Includes New Illustrations and Biography
- ISBN-10
- 1973127121
- ISBN-13
- 9781973127123
- Series
- Beowulf
- Pages
- 123
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2017-10-22
- Author
- J. Lesslie Hall
Description
Hrothgar, king of the Danes, or Scyldings, builds a great mead-hall, orpalace, in which he hopes to feast his liegemen and to give them presents.The joy of king and retainers is, however, of short duration. Grendel, themonster, is seized with hateful jealousy. He cannot brook the sounds ofjoyance that reach him down in his fen-dwelling near the hall. Oft andanon he goes to the joyous building, bent on direful mischief. Thane afterthane is ruthlessly carried off and devoured, while no one is found strongenough and bold enough to cope with the monster. For twelve years hepersecutes Hrothgar and his vassals.__Over sea, a day's voyage off, Beowulf, of the Geats, nephew of Higelac,king of the Geats, hears of Grendel's doings and of Hrothgar's misery. Heresolves to crush the fell monster and relieve the aged king. Withfourteen chosen companions, he sets sail for Dane-land. Reaching thatcountry, he soon persuades Hrothgar of his ability to help him. The hoursthat elapse before night are spent in beer-drinking and conversation. WhenHrothgar's bedtime comes he leaves the hall in charge of Beowulf, tellinghim that never before has he given to another the absolute wardship of hispalace. All retire to rest, Beowulf, as it were, sleeping upon his arms.__Grendel comes, the great march-stepper, bearing God's anger. He seizesand kills one of the sleeping warriors. Then he advances towards Beowulf.A fierce and desperate hand-to-hand struggle ensues. No arms are used,both combatants trusting to strength and hand-grip. Beowulf tearsGrendel's shoulder from its socket, and the monster retreats to his den,howling and yelling with agony and fury. The wound is fatal.__The next morning, at early dawn, warriors in numbers flock to the hallHeorot, to hear the news. Joy is boundless. Glee runs high. Hrothgar andhis retainers are lavish of gratitude and of gifts._
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