Beowulf: Grendel's Evil Mother

After Grendel was killed off by Beowulf, Grendel's evil mother came lurking to avenge for his death. She attacked the hall and killed Aeshere, elder brother of Yrmenlaf. He was a very important person to this community. Beowulf was nowhere to be found when this occurred. The people rely heavily on Beowulf's strength and bravery. Beowulf spoke to those mourning Aeshere's death and reassuring to them that Grendel's mother will not get away with what she had done. Hrothgar and a few others set out to find where this haggard beast was hiding, "suddenly discovered the dismal wood." (Pg.99 Beowulf) They had found where the monsters and evil things lived, and even saw Aeshere's head near the cliff. Beowulf was gearing up for his underwater fight with Grendel's mother.

Unferth lent Beowulf a sacred sword named Hrunting.

This sword had been used many times before to fight in battle and it had been said that it had never failed as a weapon. Before Beowulf left to battle, he spoke to the Kings that if he were to die, he wished that all of his treasures would be given to Hygelac. After speaking he left diving into the snake infested waters to avenge Grendel's mother. Beowulf was soon captured but yet untouched and unscathed by these evil creatures. Hrunting, the sword failed to do its job. Beowulf did not fear and fought with his bare arms. "Life doesn't cost him a thought."(pg.107 Beowulf.) Beowulf is not scared of death and will fulfill his duty no matter the circumstance. Beowulf saw in sight a heroic sword only fit for a man like him. Beowulf is always true to his word and he defeated Grendel's mother. Soon after defeating Grendel's mother, he cut off Grendel's head.

Hrothgar and other's doubted Beowulf's return and believed that he was gone forever. Beowulf proved everyone wrong and returned with Grendel's head as a souvenir. The people thanked God for his return, "his courage was proven, his glory was secure." (Pg.113 Beowulf) Beowulf gave his account of the battle and gave the sword to Hrothgar. Hrothgar gave a big speech comparing Beowulf with King Heremod. He talks much about God and how life is not immune to danger. Happiness once again entered the hall and things were returning back to normal. After the feast, Beowulf prepared to leave and told everyone that he would gladly come back if he ever heard that the people were in danger. Hrothgar spoke to Beowulf saying he is fit to be a king of his people. Gifts were given to Beowulf and he set off to his homeland.

Two quotes:
"It is a great wonder how Almighty God in His magnificence favors our race with rank and scope and the gift of wisdom; His swag is wide." (Pg. 119 Beowulf) (spoken by Hrothgar)
"For help depends again on you, and on you alone." (Pg. 97 Beowulf)
This society very much values God and they deeply rely on Him and his powers. It is evident that Beowulf is helped by God and He gives Beowulf the strength and wisdom to defeat just about anything. Fate is a big theme throughout this poem and God has a lot to do with fate, well in this case God controls the fate of the people. These people rely on God because they were always in fear of Grendel and his demons. Before Beowulf came along and defeated them they lived in fear and terror. Beowulf with the assistance of God helped to rid of this danger and fear the people were living in. Beowulf had said time and again how important God is in determining his fate. The people look up to Beowulf immensely, for he had came into their land willing to fight off evil without even knowing anything about these people. Hrothgar and his people put all of their trust into Beowulf and into God, and it is no doubt what is important to these people. The author is telling this story in order to show readers reliance on God and Beowulf and how one person can change a whole community of people. The events of this poem are put in this order to show a theme of fate, defeat, faith, and courage.