Legends That Every Child Should Know

ading up to it. It was bigger than any hall men had ever heard of, and there Hrothgar sat on his throne to share with m

the hall, which immediately sprang open. Then, with his eyes shooting out flame, he spied the knights sleeping after battle. With his steel finger nails th

nster, he was too strong, too horrible for any one to conquer. For twelve long years Grendel warred against Hrothgar; like a dark shadow of death h

ad made ready a strong ship, and with fourteen friends set sail to visit Hrothgar, as he was in need of help. The good ship flew over the swelling ocean like a bird, till in due time the v

wer. He set off to the shore, riding on

friends, to rid Hrothgar of his wicked enemy Grendel, and at that the coastguard led them on to guide them to the King's palace. Downhill they ran together, with a rushing sound of voices and armed tread, until they saw the

ar speedily bade them welcome. They entered the great hall with measured tread, Beowulf leading the way. His armour shone like a golden net-work, and his look was high and noble, as he said, "Hail, O King! To fight against Grendel single-handed have I come. Grant me this, that I may have this task alone, I and my little band of men. I know that t

rel sang with a clear voice. The Queen, in cloth of gold, moved down the hall and handed the jewelled cup of mead to the King and all the warriors, old and young. At the right

house, and watch for the foe. "Have courage," he said, "be watchful, resolve on suc

the hall, putting off from him hi

e stretched out his hand to seize Beowulf on his bed. Quickly did Beowulf grip his arm; he stood up full length and grappled with him with all his might, till his fingers cracked as though they would burst. Never had Grendel felt such a grip; he had a mind to go, but could not. He roared, and the hall resounded with his yells, as up and down he raged, with Beowulf holding him in a fast embrace. The benches were overtu

ing in troops, they tracked the monster's path, where he had fle

the terrace and gave thanks to God. "I have had much woe," he said, "but this lad, through God's might, has done the deed that we, with all our wisdom,

gold, the whole place was made fair and straight, for onl

ekplates were brought within the court; one of them was saddled with King Hrothgar's own saddle, decorated with silver. Hrothgar gave all to Beowulf, bidding him enjoy them well. To each of Beowulf's men he gave rich gifts. The minstrels sang;

the King, had his own bower this night to sleep in. The nobles lay down in the hall, at their heads they set their sh

tle dreaming what deep so

f her son, she crept to the great hall, and made her way in, clutched an earl, the King's dearest friend, and crushed him in his sleep. Great was the uproa

lain. He sent for Beowulf, who, like the King, had had his own sleeping bow

uge fiends to be seen stalking over the moors, one like a woman, as near as they could make out, the other had the form of a man, but was huger far. It was he they called Grendel. These two haunt a fearful spot, a land of untrodden bogs and windy cliffs. A waterfall plunges into the blackness below, and twisted t

Each of us must look for death, and he who has the chance should do mighty deeds before it comes. I p

his friends set out. They passed stony bank

, overhanging a dreary pool. A shudder ra

n the water were monstrous sea-snakes, and on jutting points of land were dragon

onster with his arrow, and pierced h

his head was a white helmet, decorated with figures of boars worked in silver. No weapon could hurt it. His s

end the rich gifts you have given me to my King. He will see that I had goo

years she had lived in those depths. She made a grab at him, and caught him in her talons, but his coat of mail saved him from her loathsome fingers. Still she clutched him tight,

ght began, but the sword would not bite-it failed its master in his need; for the first time its fame broke down. Away Beowu

ut. She sat on him, and drew her knife to take his life, but his good mail coat turned the point. He stood up again, and then truly God helped him, for he saw

led the hall. He scanned the vast chamber, and saw Grendel lying there dead. He cut o

spoke together of the brave Beowulf, saying they feared they would never see him again. The day was waning fast, so they and the King w

ght nothing more with him than the hilt and Grendel's head. Up he rose through the waters where the furious sea-beasts before had chased him. Now not one was to be seen; the depths were purified when t

head. On they went, all fourteen, their captain glorious in their midst. They entered the great

his courage, said that he would love him as his son, and bade him be a help to mankind, remembering not to glory in his own strength, for he held it from

the banquet, and well he li

me of need. Hrothgar with tears and embraces let him go, giving him fresh gifts of hoard

ip. The wind whistled in the sails, and a pleasant humming sound was heard as the good ship

King, and well he governed the land

e saw a dazzling hoard of gold, guarded by the dragon for three hundred winters. The treasure

anted to find the man who had done the mischief in his sleep. In his rage he swung around the treasure mound, dashing into it now and ag

e cheerful homes of men: his rage was felt far and wide. Before dawn he shot back

ound. It was a great grief to him, almost making him break o

ho, as a lad, had killed Grendel and his kin. As he armed for the fray, many thoughts filled his mind; he remembered the days of his youth and manho

in-side. They were to see which of the

answered with a hot breath of flame. Beowulf, with drawn sword, stood well up to his shield, when the burning dragon, curved like an arch, came headlong upon him. The shield sav

he woods to save their

hrough the smoke and f

th all your might defend life, I

own fell in ashes about him. The King remembered his strength of old, and he smote with his sword with such force that it stuck in the monster's h

h no thought for himself, rushed forward, though he was scorched with the flames, and smote the dragon lower down tha

ife. So these two together destroyed the enemy of the people. To Beowulf

cky pillars. Wiglaf, with tender care, unloosed his helmet and brought him water, Beowulf discoursing the while: "Now I would gladly have given my armour to my son, had God granted me one. I have ruled this people fifty years, and no King has dared attack them. I have held my own w

and bracelets, and over head, a marvellous banner, all golden, gleaming with light, so that he could scan the surface of the flo

r. "I thank God," said the dying King, "that I have been permitted to win this treasure for my people; now they will have all that they need. But I cannot be any longer here. Bid my men mak

and his coronet, and gave them to his true knight, Wiglaf. "Fate ha

soul departed from his bosom, t

aid his men, the gentlest to his kni