'Beowulf (Hall translation)' Summary

Beowulf, a young and valiant warrior from the Geats, journeys to the land of the Danes to aid King Hrothgar. The king's mead-hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monstrous Grendel, who devours the king's warriors. Beowulf, with his exceptional strength and courage, confronts Grendel in the hall and defeats him in a fierce battle, tearing off his arm. Grendel's vengeful mother then attacks Heorot, killing one of Hrothgar's most loyal warriors. Beowulf pursues her to her lair beneath a lake, where he engages her in a brutal battle and eventually slays her. He returns to the Geats, becomes their king, and later faces a formidable dragon that threatens his people. Although he ultimately defeats the dragon, he sustains a mortal wound. Beowulf's heroic legacy is cemented in the hearts of his people, and the poem concludes with a solemn elegy for the fallen king.