Beowulf begins with the story of the first king in the Danish dynasty, Scyld Sceafing. The king
             was abandoned as a baby and later went on become a successful, powerful leader of the Danish
             people. Following the death of Scyld Sceafing, his son Beowulf (not the Beowulf of this story)
             becomes ruler of the Spear-Danes and much like his father, Beowulf is respected and beloved by
             his subjects. After a reign of many years, Beowulf dies and his son Healfdene inherits the throne.
             Healfdene fathers four children including Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halfga. Hrothgar succeeds his
             father and after achieving much glory and fame as ruler of the Danes, he decides to build a great
             mead hall as a monument to his success and symbol of his greatness. He names it Heorot. After
             the completion of Heorot, Hrothgar holds a banquet for his subjects where scops sing of the
             creation of the Earth by God and the Danes celebrate the peaceful, festive times in which they
             After the festivities continue for many years, the singing and music awakens an evil, part-human
             monster named Grendel who is a descendant of the biblical Cain. Angered by the noise and
             apparent happiness of the Danes, Grendel travels to Heorot at night when the soldiers within are
             sound asleep after their day celebrations. Grendel kills thirty warriors and escapes into the night
             satisfied with his evil deed. Hrothgar is deeply saddened by the deaths and fears the attack may
             be the beginning of a long war with the monster. Grendel continues his murderous rampage the
             following night and a war with Grendel ensues which lasts twelve years. Stories of the Danes'
             suffering at the hands of Grendel spread to foreign lands. The Danes exhaust all means of
             defense against Grendel and attempts to pay the monster to cease his harassment are useless. The
             Danes' desperation becomes so great, they abandon their Christian beliefs and begin worshipping
             ancient deities...