Hrothgar builds the beautiful and lavishly decorated Heorot Hall.
Hrothgar's hall is continually attacked by the demon Grendel. Hrothgar and his people must abandon Heorot at night to avoid Grendel's attacks.
Hrothgar meets Beowulf, a Geatish warrior who has decided to take on Grendel.
He generously rewards Beowulf for killing Grendel.
Hrothgar is grieved to learn that Grendel's mother has killed his friend Aeschere, but he rejoices when he hears that Beowulf has killed Grendel's mother.
Hrothgar rewards Beowulf again, praises him, and even adopts him as a foster-son.