Beowulf
Anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet
Contributed by Karim Chandra
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Chapter Summaries
Timeline
Lines 1-63
Grendel, jealous of the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Mead Hall (Heorot), starts to menace and terrorize Hrothgar’s men.
Lines 64-193
On Hrothgar’s request, Beowulf arrives at Heorot.
Lines 194-661
Grendel attacks the Danes again at night. Beowulf lies still initially before aiming to engage Grendel with his bare hands in a display of heroism. Beowulf kills Grendel.
Lines 662-851
Grendel’s mother attacks the Danes in retaliation for the murder of her son.
Lines 852-1250
Beowulf gears up in armor, tracks Grendel’s mother to her watery dwelling, and kills her.
Lines 1251-1904
Hygelac dies in battle and Beowulf is crowned king in succession.
Lines 1905-2199
Later on, a dragon burns some villages that are a part of Beowulf’s territory as retribution for the theft of its goblet.
Lines 2510-2891
Beowulf takes a contingent up to battle the dragon, a fierce battle ensues and Beowulf successfully slays the dragon at the cost of his own life.
Lines 2892-3182
Beowulf dies and the Danes send him off into the sea as a burial.
Chapter Summaries Table
Chapter Summary
Lines 1-63
The story begins with a tale of a legendary Danish king as well as stating some of the heroic acts that he was able to engage in to bring a lot of val...
Lines 64-193
As the story depicted in the poem progresses, King Hrothgar grows very powerful. He has also obtained a lot of favor from his subjects as a result of ...
Lines 194-661
The section depicts the first time that Beowulf enters the scene. He is confident, powerful and handsome. He is also motivated by a high level of obli...
Lines 662-851
Once the festivities and the boating come to an end, Beowulf puts down his weapons and starts to prepare to meet Grendel. He is fully aware of the rol...
Lines 852-1250
Once it is clear that Grendel has been defeated, people begin to celebrate. A minstrel lavishes Beowulf with praises. He also gives the tales of the S...
Lines 1251-1904
Hrothgar and Beowulf had to leave the Heorot Hall after a long ceremonial evening to have a rest. However, their rest is short-lived as they realize t...
Lines 1905-2199
Beowulf and his men sail together towards home. They reach the stronghold of King Hygelac of the Geats. They are introduced to queen Hygd. The poet go...
Lines 2200-2509
In the section, the poet moves in rapidly in an attempt to describe Hygelac’s demise during the conflict that the Geats had with the Shylfings. Beow...
Lines 2510-2891
Beowulf also gives a story regarding the victories he had attained. He also gives a lot of praises to the warriors who had gone out with him with the ...
Lines 2892-3182
A messenger is given instructions to report on how the events had occurred and to deliver news regarding the death of the King. The messenger tells th...
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