King Hrothgar of the Danes has long suffered attacks from the monster Grendel. The mighty warrior Beowulf comes from Geatland to help the Danes by battling Grendel. That night in Heorot hall, Grendel attacks but is engaged by Beowulf. They have a brutal fight until Beowulf is able to rip off Grendel's arm, causing the monster to flee wounded back to the swamp. However, Grendel has a mother who also lives in the swamp, so the story is not over.