Chapter 2 Summary

Following the death of Grendel, Grendel's mother is understandably grief-stricken and set on revenge. She travels over the moors to Heorot where she snatches, not only her son's severed arm, but also a sleeping warrior. With her spoil she returns home. Unfortunately, an exhausted Beowulf slumbers straight through this.

The following morning when Beowulf and his companions go to give their usual morning greeting to Hrothgar the king tells them the terrible news. His description of Grendel's mother's home, the lair to which Beowulf will have to travel if he is to take on this second monster, is nothing short of terrifying. A mile across the dark and wolf-infested moors is a lake of fire, beneath which lives Beowulf's next challenge. The hero sets off without hesitation along with his warriors, the king, and his guard.

Because this monster does not come to...