Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic poem of anonymous authorship. This work of Anglo-Saxon literature dates to between
the 8th and the 11th century, the only surviving manuscript dating to circa 1010.At 3183 lines, it is notable for its length. It has risen to national epic status in England.
In the poem, Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, battles three antagonists: Grendel, who is attacking the Danish mead hall called Heorot and its inhabitants; Grendel''s mother; and, later in life after returning to Geatland (modern southern Sweden) and becoming a king, an unnamed dragon. He is mortally wounded in the final battle, and after his death he is buried in a barrow in Geatland by his retainers.
Beowulf begins with the story of King Hroðgar, who built the great hall Heorot for his people. In it he, his wife Wealhþeow, and his warriors spend their time singing and celebrating, until Grendel, an outcast from society who is angered by the singing, attacks the hall and kills and devours many of Hroðgar''s warriors while they sleep. But Grendel dares not touch the throne of Hroðgar, because he is described as protected by God. Hroðgar and his people, helpless against Grendel''s attacks, abandon Heorot.
Beowulf, a young warrior from Geatland, hears of Hroðgar''s troubles and with his king''s permission then leaves his homeland to help Hroðgar.
Beowulf and his men spend the night in Heorot. After they fall asleep, Grendel enters the hall and attacks, devouring one of Beowulf''s men. Beowulf, who has been feigning sleep, leaps up and clenches Grendel''s hand, and the two battle until it seems as though the hall might fall down from their fighting. Beowulf''s men draw their swords and rush to his help, but their swords do not pierce Grendel''s skin, because he put a charm on all human weapons. Finally, Beowulf tears Grendel''s arm from his body at the shoulder and Grendel runs to his home in the marshes to die.