The epic poem of BEOWULF was written during the Anglo-Saxon time period (449-1485). This time period is thought to be the start of English History, with the invasions of the Angles, Saxons and the Jutes by Germanic tribes. During the eighth and ninth centuries the Germanic people started to attack Britain. The Danes and Norsemen took to the sea in an attempt to take Britain by force, during the middle of the ninth century that was achieved, but in 875 King Alfred the Saxon king of Wessex, led an army to a victory over the Danes in the Battle of Edington. The epic poem Beowulf was written during this time. In this poem, King Hrothgar of Denmark enjoys a prosperous and successful reign. But the jubilant noise from Heorot angers Grendel, a horrible demon who lives in the swamplands of Hrothgar's kingdom. Grendel terrorizes the Danes every night, killing them and defeating their efforts to fight back. The Danes suffer many years of fear, danger, and death at the hands of Grendel. Eventually, however, a young Geatish warrior named Beowulf hears of the attacks by Grendel. Inspired by the challenge, Beowulf sails to Denmark with a small company of men, determined to defeat Grendel. Hrothgar, who had once done a great favor for Beowulf's father Ecgtheow accepts Beowulf's offer to fight Grendel and holds a feast in the hero's honor. His confidence cheers the Danish warriors, and the feast lasts merrily into the night. At last, however, Grendel arrives. Beowulf fights him unarmed, proving himself stronger than the demon, which is terrified. As Grendel struggles to escape, Beowulf tears the monster's arm off. Mortally wounded, Grendel slinks back into the swamp to die. The severed arm is hung high in the mead-hall as a trophy of victory. Overjoyed, Hrothgar showers Beowulf with gifts and treasure at a feast in his honor. Songs are sung in praise of Beowulf, and the celebration lasts late into the night. The night after Be...