Beowulf strode into Heorot as though the sun itself would help him defeat the mighty and fearsome beast of the Danes, Grendel. The king Hrothgar sat on his throne, face pale with worry, a hand on his brow. It seemed as though dread had manifested itself through his hair. Beowulf 's metal boots echoed throughout the hall, and all looked at his coming.
"I am Beowulf, son of Ecglaf." He proclaimed loudly "I have come to slay the demon Grendel that haunts this very hall."
The king simply sighed. "You are not the first, and you will most likely not be the last. All who have been brave enough to face Grendel are now strewn across the brushes of my servants."
Beowulf proceeded towards the king, and did not stop until he was on a step equal to the kings throne. He then proceeded to sit down and munch on an apple. "Would you like one," he said between bites "These are truly delicious." That is when Unferth showed himself. He walked down the steps but did not sit, instead he looked down at Beowulf with disgust swimming through his eyes.
"These apples grow in a spot where an old witch spat her teeth out. They were old and green and they grew into a grove of apple trees."
"I do not feel any trickery or accursedness." said Beowulf.
"Only vile beings can eat witches apples!" Unferth declared with a smile on his face.
"Let your king decide that." Beowulf handed the king an apple. He looked at it with large eyes and did not take it. At this point Wealtheow reached over and bit into the apple. The entire hall held it's breath.
"These truly are delicious." she said, and began to eat more. Unferth boild with anger and drew his dagger.
"You have spread your vile to our queen! I know she will become sick later today." The day dre on and all enjoyed the feast except Unferth, who sulked in the background, watching queen Wealtheow intently. She never grew ill.
"You and your men may stay the night Beowulf, the best of luck to you." declared the king over the commotion in the hall.
"I shall stay as well," said Unferth in a threateningly soft tone, "to watch this 'hero' become Grendel 's next snack!"
The night dragged on and on. Unferth had the ever stronger urge to make water, but he dared not go into the night. Beowulf sat still, never blinking, watching the doorway. And all at once, Grendel was upon them! The stench hit like a toxic gas, making the Geats retch from their sleep. Unferth cowered in a corner, his own water dripping down his leg. Before Beowulf could move, one of the Geats was snatched up. Grendel ripped him limb from limb, licking eagerly at his flesh and entrails. His green eyes then locked onto Unferth. But before Grendel could reach Unferth, Beowulf had him in his grasp. The Geats went into a panicked mess, trying to fetch their weapons to combat Grendel. Beowulf grabbed Grendel 's wrist and said in a booming voice, "Grendel, son of Cain. I do not fight you, I simply take from you what was given to you by hell's woman!" And at that he strained so hard that Grendel 's arm was pulled from it 's socket, gushing black, slimy, evil blood everywhere the monster hobbled. And when it finally fell, all let up a cheer to the might and goodness of Beowulf!
