Grendel had been an evil monster who wreaked havoc on the city of Heorot for many years. People were being killed and their property destroyed because no one had been able to defeat this mighty beast, until Beowulf. Beowulf was a great and strong warrior who came from the Land of the Geats; this brave warrior was the only one to fight such a powerful beast and win. King Hrothgar ordered a feast in Beowulf's honor because of the great burden he had lifted off of the city. After the feat celebrating Grendel's defeat the army settled down in their bunks to sleep peacefully for the first time in years; the city was finally safe.
As you may have guessed the city did not stay safe for long because as soon as word had spread about the defeat of Grendel his mother came to avenge his death. Grendel's Mother breaks into the bunks where the men are sleeping and killed one of the king's greatest friends, Esher. When the king is told the news he is distraught and realizes that their city is in danger once again.
Luckily for Hrothgar, Beowulf is ready to save the day! He goes with some of the King's men to defeat this awful monster. Once they arrive at the swamp where Grendel's mother lives Beowulf tells the men to wait here for him to come back. Taking a deep breath Beowulf dives into the lair, and the men are sure that this is the last time they will ever see this great warrior.
It doesn't take long for the monster to find Beowulf and she snatches him up and takes him to her cave. Beowulf manages to escape and takes a swipe at the monster's neck. Beowulf's sword Hrunting harmlessly bounces off; Beowulf's sword has never failed him so what will he do now! Right before Beowulf is killed by Grendel's mother he spots a giant sword near him. The sword must have been made by giants and only someone as strong and brave a Beowulf could ever imagine lifting it. With one great swing he lifts the sword and beheads the evil monster. After Grendel's mother is killed Beowulf explores the lair where he finds the dying and armless Grendel. Beowulf decides that he should kill Grendel so that he cannot regain anymore strength. So for good measure Beowulf whacks off Grendel's head as well.
After making sure there was nothing else in the cave Beowulf picks up his favorite and most prized sword, the Great Hrunting, and exits the lair. When he arrived back on the surface the army began celebrating telling the great hero that they thought he would have surely died down there. They began to sing songs about the great Beowulf on the way back to the palace. After arriving at Hrothgar's palace Beowulf tells the king all about the epic fight and how he defeated both Grendel and his mother. Hrothgar is overjoyed and gives Beowulf many great treasures and honors.
After the warriors have a chance to sleep they depart the next day for their homeland but they tell the king that they will be happy to assist him again if ever he needs it.