Beowulf · Chapter
XX: The Mother of Grendel explained
After Grendel's defeat, his mother, a monstrous being, attacks Heorot in vengeance.
What happens
After Grendel's defeat, his mother, a monstrous being, attacks Heorot in vengeance. She kills one of Hrothgar's most trusted warriors and escapes. Beowulf is summoned, and the aged king mourns his loss.
Themes in this chapter
Monstrosity and the Other
Grendel's mother is described as a 'devil-shaped woman' and a 'hell-spirit,' emphasizing her monstrous nature.
Fate and Divine Providence
Beowulf's victory over Grendel is attributed to God's gift of might and the Father's favor.
Mortality and Legacy
The death of Hrothgar's trusted warrior underscores the fragility of life and the grief of loss.
Characters to notice
- Grendel's Mother
Devil-shaped woman who attacks Heorot to avenge her son's death.
- Hrothgar
The aged ruler who grieves the loss of his beloved liegeman.
- Beowulf
The Geatish hero who was absent during the attack but is summoned afterward.
- Grendel
The slain monster whose mother now seeks vengeance.
Key passages
“She came then to Heorot Where the Armor-Dane earlmen all through the building Were lying in slumber.”
She arrived at Heorot while all the Danish warriors were asleep.
Describes Grendel's mother's stealthy approach to the hall.
“Soon she had grappled one of the athelings Fast and firmly, when fenward she hied her; That one to Hrothgar was liefest of heroes In rank of retainer where waters encircle, A mighty shield-warrior, whom she murdered at slumber.”
She quickly seized one of the noble warriors, Hrothgar's most beloved retainer, and killed him as he slept, then fled toward the fen.
Details the murder of Hrothgar's trusted liegeman.