The basis of the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf can be summarized in the beginning when a lord, Healfdene, reigned over the proud Sycldings. Healfdene's son Hrothgar was eventually granted to rule because of his loyalty to the armies, and glory in battle. Hrothgar came to the decision to build a great mead-hall, or Heorot. The Heorot, however, developed a concern among the Sycldings because of what happened often at night, when they slept. An evil …showed first 75 words of 387 total…

…showed last 75 words of 387 total…on the creature, as it scratched and tore into the man's body, just tearing it apart and consuming every last bit of flesh. The watchman alerted everyone to wake up, and attack the creature. The earls attempted to help defend Beowulf from the fight between him and Grendel, but all the earls focused their attention on Grendel, and were determined to eradicate him- and they did. The glory of the fight was granted to Beowulf.