Extra Credit Reading Beowulf Pt B

Beowulf lay still on the couch. A fog was creeping up outside. After some time there was a rustling in the trees. A deep grunt of a pig could be heard. The fog parted and a shadow loomed. Grendel stood at the entrance of the keep while Beowulf and the Earls slept soundly. He began to try and get the door open.

Grendel cast a spell to make those who were sleeping sleep even harder. Eventually Grendel got through the door of the keep. Beowulf came out of his dream spell and he saw Grendel. After Grendel devoured Hondscio he tuned his eyes to Beowulf. Beowulf, who was stung with loathing, leaped from the bed.

They fought silently in the fog filled hall. Beowulf gained the upper hand and flew at Grendel. He twisted Grendel's arm, and Grendel fell to the floor. Grendel oozed a slimy sap that smelled like vinegar and sickened Beowulf. Beowulf called on the strength of the Gods and he ripped off Grendel's arm.

Then the spell wore off on the rest of the Earls. Grendel ran out the door into the fog. The next morning men hoisted Grendel's arm from the ceiling. Men came from all around to view this trophy.

The king and queen thanked Beowulf. They had a feast that lasted for days. A messenger came and interrupted the celebration. He told them that Lord Aescher was dead. He said that he was murdered by some new fiend. Grendel's arm was missing.

Wealhtheow told Beowulf "this must be the work of Grendel's mother. Your work here is not done."

Beowulf told his men to come because they have a new monster to fight. Black Unferth stepped forward and told Beowulf that he was sorry for ever doubting him. He gave Beowulf his magic sword.

Photo by Ricardo Cruz on Unsplash

Bibliography
The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs, with illustrations by Henry Pitz (1933).