| Episodes XXI-XXXI |
| Beowulf's next action was to completely rid the Danes (Hrothgars kin) from peril by attacking Grendel's mother in her lair. He and Hrothgrar set out to find her. They traveled on horseback with many warriors. But when they reached the mere were Grendel's dam abided, Beowulf was the only one to approach her. She lived in a cave at the bottom of a lake, which is said to have taken "...a day's while ere he might see the bottom-level." to reach. When Beowulf entered the dam's dwelling place, he attempted to engage in hand to hand combat with her. However she was very strong, and through her trickery she subdued Beowulf and started to squeeze his life out of his body. Despairing, Beowulf looked around the cave at the spoil of Grendel's dam. "He saw then among the war-gear a blade oft victorious, an old sword of the eotens, doughty of edge, oone prized by warriors; it was the choicest of weapons, save that it was greater than any other man might bear out to the battle-play, good and brave to see, the work of giants." So he grasped the hilt and in his dieing rage struck Grendel's mother through the body and she fell limp beside him. Then Beowulf finds the body of Grendel in the cave and cuts the head off for a trophy. Also he finds five suits of armour that are very valuable and caries them back up to the surface of the mere. When he arrives at Heorot, their is much more rejoicing and feasting. Hrothgar says to Beowulf,"Go now to thy mead-bench, honored warrior; taste of the joy of the feast; treasures full many shall be between us twain, when morn shall come." After the celebrating Beowulf and his group of Geats left the land of the Danes, for their work was done. They sailed over the sea back to Geatland and to their admiring king, Hygelac. There they told Hygelac of the adventures, and also gave him the treasures they had recieved from Hrothgar. Recieving the gifts, Hygelac gave them many valuable gifts in return. Becuase of Beowulf's valor and courage, he became king after Hygelac, and ruled a long time in peace and honor. However... |
 |
 |
 |