A Response to Seamus Heaney's Translation of "Beowulf".
The praised epic poem "Beowulf" is the first great epic poem in English literature. The poem opens with a genealogy of the ruling Danes beginning with Shield, moving to his son Beow, then to Beow's son Halfdane, and on to Halfdane's three son's --- Heorogar, Hrothgar, and the good Halga. Hrothgar, as the ruling Danish king, builds an army, and constructs the enormous and beautiful hall known as Herot. The hellish, demonic, and evil monster known as Grendel, is awakened by the annoying noise of building and soldiers living in Herot. He enters the hall when the soldiers are sleeping and attacks killing thirty of them. Although there were tears and laments, Grendel attacked the following night as well. Much to Hrothgar's grief, the soldiers realized they must stay away from Herot in order to be safe, and did so for twelve years. .
Meanwhile, in Geatland, a courageous warrior known as Beowulf hears of King Hrothgar's troubles and vows to kill Grendel. Beowulf sails to the Danish shore with fourteen of his bravest men. Upon landing, Wulfgar, Hrothgar's herald, rushes to his king urging him to receive Beowulf and his men. Hrothgar happily accepts Beowulf's offer when he boasts about his previous conquests and promises to kill Grendel. After further explaining the situation with Grendel, Hrothgar orders a feast for the Geats. At the feast, Unferth taunts Beowulf with the stories he has heard of Beowulf's swimming contest with Brecca. Beowulf boastfully responds with his own version of the story, which highly pleases the King. .
The Geats sleep the following night when Grendel attacks and fights with Beowulf. During his battle with the monster, Beowulf pulls off his claw, arm and shoulder using his bare hands. This method of counter attack becomes a necessity when the Geats realize that their weapons are useless. They are bewitched into harmlessness by the monster himself.
