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| Unferth, son of Ecglaf |
(500-510) Unferth, a son of Ecglaf becomes jealous of Beowulf and begins to try to show that Beowulf is not as splendid as he boasts being. Unferth begins to tell about a swimming contest that took place between Breca and Beowulf
(511-520) Unferth mocks Beowulf's performance in the swimming contest, calling him vain and a weak competitor.
(521-530) Unferth continues to talk about the swimming contest. He then tells Beowulf that there was no way that he would be able to defeat Grendel and that he would be destroyed when he attempted to fight him.
(531-540) Beowulf beings to tell about what actually happened during the swimming contest between himself and Breca. Beowulf points out that Unferth is rather drunk and the others should not pay any mind to his false retelling of the event.
(541-550) Beowulf continues to tell the about the swimming contest. He describes how Breca was not able to move any faster or farther than he was, but at one point, Beowulf was able pull ahead. He also talked about how they had to go against "whale beasts" and other "sea brutes".
(551-560) Beowulf continues on to tell about the epic swim contest that he was in. He tells that near the end of the swim contest, he was attacked by a sea beast. He was dragged under the water, but he used his sword to stab the monster and complete the competition.
(561-570) Beowulf continues to tell about all the various sea creatures that attacked him during his journey. He bravely boasts about all of the monsters that he killed during the time that he was at sea.
(571-580) Beowulf finishes his tale about the swimming contest and the nine sea monsters that he killed. He recalled being rather worn out, but he was still able to survive and complete the contest.
(581-590) Beowulf rebukes Unferth and tells him that he is not at all able to boast, because he has not done anything to get him glory, and neither has Breca. Beowulf tells Unferth that he has not accomplished anything in the field of swordsmanship or on the battle field. Beowulf also reaffirms his resolve to defeat Grendel.
(591-600) Beowulf continues on to tell how he, a Geat, will be able to defeat Grendel unlike any of the Danes, who have all been crushed when try to defeat the demon.
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| Hrothgar |
(195-209) While Hrothgar endured the terrors of Grendel, a warrior in Geatland heard about his unfortunate situation. He announced his plan to the elders, and they encouraged him with good omens. Enlisting fourteen men to journey with him, he set sail across the sea to the land of the Danes and to Hrothgar's aid.
(210-229) The crossing was quick; strong winds and calm seas speeded them on their way and they soon sighted the cliffs of Denmark. They thanked God for an easy time at sea.
(230-257) When they arrived on shore, the coast-guard, whose job it was to guard the cliffs from invaders, challenged them; remarking that they arrived very openly and had the bearings of noblemen.
(258-285) At this the leader of the men stepped forward and explained his intentions of coming to help Hrothgar defeat Grendel.
(286-319) The coast-guard believed what he said, and escorts them to Heorot. The guard then left them when they reached the magnificent stronghold.
(320-355) After a weary walk the group finally reached the mead-hall, and were challenged by Hrothgar's herald. The leader of the men announced his name, Beowulf, and and requested an audience with King Hrothgar. Wulfgar, a Wendel chief known for his wisdom, then went to Hrothgar to tell of Beowulf's coming.
(356-400) Wulfgar begged Hrothgar to hear them out, and Hrothgar replied that he had known Beowulf's father, Ecgtheow. He had heard great tales of Beowulf, and was overjoyed to know that he was here to save them from Grendel. He expressed his welcome, and Wulfgar relayed the message to Beowulf.
(401-455) Leaving their weapons, they advanced to Hrothgar, and Beowulf addressed him. He gave an account of his exploits, and and declared he would fight Grendel. Beowulf also stated that it would be a terrible day for the Geats if he died.
(456-500) Hrothgar then recollected the his friendship with Beowulf's father Ecgtheow, and told of Grendel's terrible raids. He also expressed how his Danish warriors and retainers dwindled in number until he had almost no followers left. Then the Geats and Danes feasted, with ministers filling the hall with rallying songs.
(1-10) The book begins by telling of a Dane king, Sheild Sheafson. It tells of the many heroic things that he had accomplished in his life and how great of a king he was.
(11-20) Sheild Sheafson hsa a son named Beow, who was an amirable prince for his behaviour and his fighting.
(21-30) The funeral of Sheild Sheafson was held. The body was placed onto his boat which was adorned with bladed weapons and coats of mail.
(31-40) The people left many treaures around and on the lifeless body of Sheild Sheafson before they placed him in the ocean and began to mourn their loss
(41-60) Beow was left in charge of the Danes after Sheild Sheafson dies. He had an heir named Halfdane. Halfdane has four children, Hrothgar, Heorogar, Halga, and a daughter who's name was never provided in the text.
(61-70) Hrothgar had good fortune and soon ordered for the construction of a great meadhall.
(71-80) Hrothgar continues the work on his grand meadhall. He names the place Heorot, and it became one of the most grand buildings ever created.
(81-90) The great meadhall, Heorot is threatened by a demon named Grendel. He is the descendant of Cain who has been stalking the hall and harming all of the hall thanes.
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| Inside Heorot |
(91-100) The bards continue to sing songs about God and how he created the earth at the start of time.
(101-110) Grendel is described in more detail. He was cursed because he was a descendant of Cain. According to the bards, the descendants of Cain were punished for having killed his brother, Abel.
(111-120) Grendel's curse is described in further detail before the demon attacks Heorot. He goes at night when the people were sleeping.
(121-130) Grendel viciously attacks the people in the hall, destroying all of them and wrecking a great deal of havoc on Heorot.
(131-140) Grendel takes over the kingdom, ruling by fear while King Hrothgar was left defenseless and unable to help his people.
(141-170) Hrothgar is not able to do anything to stop Grendel and his reign of terror over the people.
(171-195) The people, who are desperate now with the demon ruling them, turn to heathen gods for help. God did not assist the people because they had turned their back on him and were now turning themselves to the heathen gods. Grendel continued to attack and harm the people.
