Beowulf

Chapter One THE MONSTER In the wild lands beyond the homes of the Spear-Danes a grim and powerful monster lived in the darkness. The creature's shape was not unlike a man's, but his hideous head was sunk between his hunched shoulders and his eyes were set deep into his skull. His lipless mouth was wide with sharp and vicious teeth. His matted hair smelled foul, and his skin was blistered with festering sores. His long arms hung loosely at his sides. On each hand and foot were curved and terrible iron claws. During the day, when the sky was filled with light, he would stay hidden away in the marshes. He hated the brightness and preferred to stay hidden from the sight of humans. But when night fell, he would creep out from his lair and sniff the air like an animal, peering around to make sure that he wasn't seen. Then he would go hunting, killing anything or anyone in his way. This evil creature lived a savage life. His name was Grendel. Hrothgar, the great-grandson of Shield Sheafing, was now the king of the Spear-Danes. Like his ancestor, he was a wise and much- loved king. Under his rule, the Spear-Danes had become happy and prosperous. King Hrothgar's thanes had won several battles and gathered many treasures for the Spear-Danes. To celebrate these victories and riches, the king decided to build a great feast hall. "Spear-Danes," he said, "look around you! On this fine piece of land I order that a great hall be built. It shall be the greatest building ever seen! And when it is finished there will be feasting, merry-making, and singing, and I will reward everyone for their work." Spurred on by their king's speech, the men started work at once. Slowly the hall rose, high and lofty, built from the strongest trees in the forests. "Men from other lands will marvel at our hall!" they proclaimed. When the building was finished, the feast hall was decorated with spun-gold banners lining the walls. Golden cups and bowls were brought to the hall and placed on the long table that stood at the head of the hall. Attached to to the roof gables was a pair of stag's antlers. The hall was named "Heorot," which meant "stag." King Hrothgar called everyone to Heorot for a great feast and an evening of merry making. The hall smelled of roasting meats from the open spit and of strong mead brewed from sweet honey and pure water. Hrothgar was generous to his people. He gave them treasures-rings and collars, charms and brooches made of the finest twisted gold-as a reward for their work and for their bravery in battles. But not everyone was happy. When King Hrothgar's brave warriors sang about victory in the great feast hall, their voices and the music from the minstrels'harps echoed over the lands until it reached the monster Grendel's lair. Grendel hated hearing the laughter and singing. He hated the happiness and friendship of the Spear-Dane warriors. His hatred grew so strong that he could bear it no longer. One night, under the cover of darkness, he silently stalked from his marshy lair to Heorot. He crouched in the darkness, spying on the Spear-Danes and loathing them for the happiness that they were enjoying. After this first secret visit, he grew bolder, and on many nights he would creep up to Heorot's door. Slowly his anger and hatred grew until he decided that he would destroy the feast hall and all the people within it.Hicks, Penelope is the author of 'Beowulf ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780753461341 and ISBN 075346134X.