What is Beowulf?

Beowulf is said to be the oldest text from Old English. It's title, given to the story because it was by an anonymous author, is the name of the main character, Beowulf.

The story is split into 3 sections. In the first part, the situation is introduced. Beowulf, a famous soldier during the medieval times, ventures to Danes, where a grief-stricken king, King Hrothgar, is plagued by a monster named Grendel. This monster visits the great hall of Herot daily to feast upon the king's soldiers.

In the 2nd part of the story, Beowulf kills Grendel with godly strength and the men of Danes celebrates. Soon afterwards, Grendel's mother comes to Herot to avenge her son's death, but Beowulf, once again, defeats the monster.

In the last part of the story, Beowulf is an aging king, and goes off to kill a famous dragon who has devastated the countryside. Against the fire-breathing lizard, Beowulf fends for himself as his other men desert him except young Wiglaf. Together, they slay the dragon, but at the cost of Beowulf's life. In the end, as Beowulf's last wish, Beowulf's subjects build a tower and place his ashes and the dragon's treasure in it.