Beowulf in Asgard

by kuaizi

This story takes place before the events of the first Thor movie. Thor is put in charge of ridding Asgard of a strange new monster, but gets unexpected help from a certain Beowulf, whom he resents at first. A study in motives, especially for Loki. (Rated T for violence only - the sort of violence you read about in Beowulf.)

1. The Monster

As the dawn broke, a terrible morning-cry went up from the Great Hall of Asgard.

The night before had heard the clinking of golden goblets, the laughter of half-drunk warriors, the hero-stories of the strong in battle, the harmony of the harp. Now the bodies of those who had fallen asleep after the revelry lay scattered between overturned benches and the remains of trampled food. Most of the weapons were still standing against the wall; there had not been time to get dressed for battle. In the dark before the dawn, a terror unknown had stolen into the Hall and laid it waste.

Odin stood at the entrance, dwarfed by the tall doors, which were faintly gleaming in the strengthening sunlight. He turned his head as he surveyed the destruction with one eye, slightly out of breath from hurrying to the scene. At the farthest end of the hall, his throne alone stood pristine. A trembling warrior, one of the few survivors, knelt before him.

"I had more in my royal guard than this, I thought," said Odin, gesturing towards the bodies with one hand and holding Gungnir in the other.

"My lord, they were carried off by the monster," replied the ashen-faced man. "There are thirty missing."

"Monster. Not a frost giant, not a berserker?"

"No, my lord. It was…" The warrior steadied himself. "It was nothing we had seen before."

"And what could you have seen with your mead-muddled eyes when you woke up in the middle of the night? Go to the healers, and bring the rest with you."

The man rose shakily, half-genuflecting and half-bowing at the same time, and led his companions out of the Hall. Frigga appeared at her husband's side, clutching the sides of her gown. She looked into the Great Hall. "What happened?" she whispered.

"I am going to speak to Heimdall," said Odin, tapping Gungnir on the ground reflexively. "When we find out what happened… if it is not too serious… tell the healers to begin the preparations for Odinsleep. I will not put it off for too long again, if I can help it. I will see Thor in my quarters." He turned towards the Bifrost.

Frigga hesitated momentarily before replying. "As you wish, my king. And Loki?"

Now it was Odin's turn to hesitate. "Yes, and Loki."