# XXI: Hrothgar’s Account of the Monsters explained — Beowulf > Chapter companion for Beowulf by Anonymous. ## What happens Hrothgar, the Scylding king, sorrowfully recounts the death of his trusted counselor Aeschere at the hands of Grendel's mother. He describes the monstrous pair—Grendel and his mother—who haunt the moorlands and a terrifying mere surrounded by frost-covered forests. Hrothgar appeals to Beowulf for help, promising rich rewards if he dares to seek out and confront the vengeful creature. ## Themes in this chapter ### Good versus Evil Hrothgar's account frames Grendel and his mother as monstrous, evil forces that must be vanquished by the hero Beowulf. ### Loyalty and Kingship Hrothgar's grief for Aeschere underscores the bond between a king and his loyal thane, and the expectation of vengeance. ### Monstrosity and the Other The detailed description of Grendel and his mother as inhuman, exiled creatures haunting the fens emphasizes their otherness. ## Character check-ins ### Hrothgar Grieves the loss of Aeschere and recounts the monsters' lair, urging Beowulf to seek vengeance. ### Beowulf Implored by Hrothgar to confront Grendel's mother and avenge Aeschere's death. ### Grendel Mentioned as the monster killed by Beowulf, whose mother now seeks revenge. ### Grendel's Mother Described as the avenger who killed Aeschere and now lurks in the dangerous mere. ### Aeschere Hrothgar's slain counselor and shoulder-companion, killed by Grendel's mother. ## Key lines > Dead is Aeschere, Yrmenlaf's brother, older than he, My true-hearted counsellor, trusty adviser, Shoulder-companion, when fighting in battle Our heads we protected... Aeschere, my loyal advisor and battle-companion, is dead. _Hrothgar laments the loss of his closest counselor and warrior._ > One of them wore, as well they might notice, The image of woman, the other one wretched In guise of a man wandered in exile, Except he was huger than any of earthmen; Earth-dwelling people entitled him Grendel... One monster appears as a woman, the other as a man but larger than any human; the people call him Grendel. _Hrothgar describes the two monstrous beings haunting the moors._ > Now is help to be gotten From thee and thee only! The abode thou know'st not, The dangerous place where thou'rt able to meet with The sin-laden hero: seek if thou darest! Only you can help now. You don't know the dangerous place where you'll meet the sinful creature—seek it if you dare! _Hrothgar appeals directly to Beowulf, challenging him to confront Grendel's mother._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxi-hrothgar-s-account-of-the-monsters - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters