A Summary of the Epic of Beowulf

In the epic poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, we follow the heroic and adventurous life of a Geat warrior named Beowulf. The novel essentially begins when Beowulf arrives in Denmark to defend King Hrothgar’s (lord of the Danes) mead hall from a ferocious creature of the night named Grendel. After defeating Grendel and later his mother Beowulf is considered a hero by all. His name is known far and wide, and he pledges allegiance with Hrothgar and returns to his native country. Here his lord dies and he is named king. He rules well for 50 years until he meets his demise in a battle with a fire-breathing dragon. Throughout the poem the hero Beowulf uses his loyalty, strength, and his courage to embody the ideals of conduct stemming from the Anglo-Saxon culture.

In the beginning parts of the poem we learn why Beowulf comes to the aid of King Hrothgar. Ecgtheow, Beowulf’s father, had started an unwanted feud with the Wulfings. He came to the young king Hrothgar, and in Hrothgar's good will he stopped the feud by sending the Wulfings a treasure ship. It is hear we learn from Hrothgar that “Ecgtheow acknowledged me with oaths of allegiance”(p.33 Beowulf, Seamus Heaney). In this time period loyalty and allegiance were very strong and valued ideas. This allegiance would prove very useful to Hrothgar when Grendel begins to attack his mead hall. Making good on his fathers oath to Hrothgar, the Geat warrior Beowulf returns to the Danes with a band of men willing to fight for Hrothgar. After he arrives Beowulf arrives he shows a second example of loyalty. While speaking to the king he states “to heighten Hygelac’s fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and shelter of the broad shield”. In this pledge we see Beowulf’s strong loyalty to his King Hygelac. His loyalty is strong enough that he will risk more bodily injury by refusing weapons and shelter. Another prime example of loyalty comes as Beowulf is preparing to head back to his homeland. Here he states “If ever I hear from across the ocean that people on you your borders are threatening battle as attackers have done from time to time, I shall land with a thousand Thanes at my back to help your cause”(p125).