A/N: Hi! This is a shortened version of Beowulf that I wrote for my British Liturature class. Read and Enjoy!
The new Beowulf:
The tale of Beo-wulf I will tell
So gather round and listen well
As Grendel stalked his house of mead,
Hrothgar now found himself in need.
Their hope sank like the setting sun,
Not knowing 'bout Edgtheow's son.
He heard the woes of old Hrothgar,
And upon the sea he traveled far.
The fearless Geat arrive on shore,
He gave his help, he's unlooked for.
....
The old Dane lord was called to judge,
But for Beo-wulf he held no grudge.
He knew Edgtheow his sire,
And paid his debt when need was dire.
Along with his fourteen good men,
Beowulf entered the mead den.
And throughout the night they would drink
With danger looming on the brink.
The deeds of Beo-wulf they did tell
With mead soaked minds their defense fell.
Their tongues grew lax and spoke in haste
But Beowulf was not abased
He told about his awesome feat
In youth, though by Brecca was beat.
Through water and waves he did fight
But overcame them with his might.
....
As all the men lay down their heads,
Beo-wulf would guard them in their beds.
The Spawn of Cain brought down the door,
He shook the house right to the core.
Grendel took men into his hands
But Beowulf had other plans.
Then, therefore did the fight ensue
And Grendel's arm was torn in two.
Grendel let out an awesome howl,
And gave Beo-wulf an awful scowl.
He ran away into the dark
But Beowulf had left his mark.
....
The arm Grendel had lost that day
Hung from the ceiling, it would sway.
The king would grant Beo-wulf great fame
For he had done what he had claimed.
The hero Beo-wulf though had said
He wished that he had Grendel's head.
They ate their food and made great merry
And yet they should have all been wary.
Then the scops told tales of warning
As the soldiers wait 'til morning.
Alas the morning was delayed
By Grendel's mother's monstrous raid.
A man she grabbed then ran in fright
And disappeared into the night.
....
The king sent Beowulf to kill
The beast who lived up on the hill.
Into the watery depths went he
And in the cavern there was she.
He fought her with all of his might
But her skin, the sword could not bite.
A sword of ancient Giant make
Did the deed, underneath the lake.
....
When Beowulf was home at last
He thought his hero days had passed
The years went by as he turned grey
Until he had some news one day.
A beast there was that roamed the land
Who's death did Beowulf command.
By now he had been made a king
He went to fight the loathsome thing.
A dragon's fire there did burn
His reputation he did earn.
....
All but one of his men did flee
As Beo-wulf fell down to his knee.
His bravery you could commend
The giant snake would be his end.
He gave his land to good Wiglaf
Who would rule it on his behalf
Placed upon a giant pyre
Beowulf is set on fire.
Although our hero is no more
His legend will live on in lore.
Lady of the Deep 11-29-08
A/N: So how did I do? Think I told the story well? Please review.