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 role that lies ahead of them. While the men are at sleep, Grendel goes on with plans to conduct murders. The monster breaks into Heorot Hall where the hero is waiting.

Right before Beowulf attacks Grendel, the monster attacks one of his fellow warriors and kills him. Grendel moves on to Beowulf, and a great battle between them begins. The war is loud and violent, causing people outside the hall to wake up. They are frightened and hope that Beowulf will manage to subdue the monster. The warriors of Beowulf try to cut the monster with their swords, but Grendel appears to have magical powers against them. Grendel finds it hard to fight over Beowulf and win. He, therefore, decides to retreat. Beowulf, therefore, gets the chance and tears the arm of the monster from his body. Grendel gets fatally injured. The monster goes back to his home which is located under the “fen-banks” where he succumbs to the injuries inflicted upon him by the hero.