# XX: The Mother of Grendel explained — Beowulf

> Chapter companion for Beowulf by Anonymous.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xx-the-mother-of-grendel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters