Editing Beowulf (section)

=== First battle: Grendel ===

{{further|Grendel}}

''Beowulf'' begins with the story of [[Hrothgar]], who constructed the great hall, Heorot, for himself and his warriors. In it, he, his wife [[Wealhtheow]], and his warriors spend their time singing and celebrating. Grendel, a [[troll]]-like monster said to be descended from the biblical [[Cain]], is pained by the sounds of joy.<ref>''Beowulf'', 87–98</ref> Grendel attacks the hall and devours many of Hrothgar's warriors while they sleep. Hrothgar and his people, helpless against Grendel, abandon Heorot.

Beowulf, a young warrior from Geatland, hears of Hrothgar's troubles and with his king's permission leaves his homeland to assist Hrothgar.<ref>''Beowulf'', 199–203</ref>

Beowulf and his men spend the night in Heorot. Beowulf refuses to use any weapon because he holds himself to be Grendel's equal.<ref>''Beowulf'', 675–687</ref> When Grendel enters the hall and kills one of Beowulf's men, Beowulf, who has been feigning sleep, leaps up to clench Grendel's hand.<ref>''Beowulf'', 757–765</ref> Grendel and Beowulf battle each other violently.<ref>''Beowulf'', 766–789</ref> Beowulf's retainers draw their swords and rush to his aid, but their blades cannot pierce Grendel's skin.<ref>''Beowulf'', 793–804</ref> Finally, Beowulf tears Grendel's arm from his body at the shoulder. Fatally hurt, Grendel flees to his home in the marshes, where he dies.<ref>''Beowulf'', 808–823</ref> Beowulf displays "the whole of Grendel's shoulder and arm, his awesome grasp" for all to see at Heorot. This display fuelled Grendel's mother's anger in revenge.<ref>{{cite book |last=Simpson |first=James |title=The Norton Anthology of English Literature vol. A |date=2012 |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |location=New York |page=58}}</ref>