GRENDEL broke from Beowulf’s grasp and made for his fen-land lair, but all knew that the wound he had suffered was mortal.

Hrothgar and his household celebrated many days. But their watch became careless, and they no longer kept their weapons handy.

So it was that, one night, something more stealthy than Grendel came, as a woman is quieter than a man, and took Aeschere, Hrothgar’s counsellor. It was Grendel’s mother, daring to revenge herself on Hrothgar for the hurt done to her son.

Hrothgar’s lords cried for Beowulf, who pursued her even to the fenland cave where she mourned beside Grendel’s broken body.

His own sword would not bite on her, but with wonder his eyes fell on a huge sword gleaming among her hoard of treasure. With it he slew her, and hewed off Grendel’s head as a trophy.

And at last, Hrothgar’s hall knew peace.