Beowulf

Beowulf

About

Beowulf was a hero who came to the aid of King Hrothgar of Denmark.

Beowulf was born in the 6th century in Geatland, a region in what is now Sweden, to Ecgtheow and his wife. Ecgtheow was a warrior who had fled to Geatland to escape punishment for a killing, and Beowulf grew up in his adopted homeland, becoming a great warrior himself.

After hearing of King Hrothgar’s troubles with the monster Grendel, Beowulf offered his help to defend the innocent. He defeated Grendel in battle and then also defeated Grendel’s mother. Beowulf then returned to his home in Geatland where he became a trusted advisor and warrior to his king.

Years later, Beowulf became king of Geatland himself, and during his reign, he defeated a dragon that had been terrorizing his people. The dragon was described in legend as nocturnal, treasure-hoarding, inquisitive, vengeful, fire-breathing creature. While Beowulf defeated the dragon who became known as “Beowulf’s Bane“, he was fatally wounded in the battle, and he died shortly afterwards. Beowulf was given a grand burial and remembered in legend as a great hero, defender and leader.