Beowulf and Grendel

An extract from

Beowulf and Grendel

Grendel was a monster who hated all men and came out of his

swamp when he heard feasting in the King’s Hall. He loved the taste of

human flesh. Beowulf was the most powerful warrior on earth who

served the King and knew that his sword was useless against Grendel’s

scaly skin.

He decided on a plan and met the monster at night in the Great

Hall. He filled the Hall with candles to confuse Grendel who had

smashed down the door to taste the blood of men.

Beowulf tossed a tiny pebble along the floor.

“What’s that?” bellowed Grendel.

“Only a mouse,” whispered Beowulf.

“What kind of a mouse smells of human and talks like a man?”

“A mouse that will kill you,” whispered Beowulf as he silently

climbed up into the rafters of the Hall.

He dropped another pebble.

“What’s that?” roared Grendel.

“Only an owl,” whispered Beowulf and he dropped from the roof

like an armoured eagle onto its prey.

Long they fought, rolling and

clawing, smashing the tables and

chairs, pouring with blood until

Beowulf broke the monster’s right

arm. The monster howled but

Beowulf did not let go. Finally, the

monster wrenched himself free,

but his arm and shoulder had

been torn off.