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Beowulf is born, prince of the Geats, son of Edgetho, nephew of Higlac.
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Beowulf, the strongest Geat, hears of the terror that Grendel has brought upon Herot and King Hrothgar's people.
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Beowulf, and his hand-picked entourage, arrive in Denmark before King Hrothgar. Beowulf requests permission to slay the beast, effectively paying off Edgetho's (Beowulf's father's) debt to said king.
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After Beowulf is given permission to take on this daunting task, he and his men hole up in Herot for the night, where Grendel comes in search for people to kill. He only takes one life before engaging in combat with Beowulf, and losing. In this process, Grendel not only lose the battle, but also an arm, plenty of blood, and his life.
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After defeating Grendel, all is believed to be well, and Beowulf is revered as a hero. Unfortunately, Grendel's Mother feels otherwise and goes on her own hunt, causing Beowulf to fight her. Naturally, Beowulf wins.
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Only during his fight with Grendel's mother does Beowulf find and use a unique sword, described as being "Hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons, but so massive that no ordianry man could lift its carved and decorated length." (lines 514-517.) After the battle, it melts.
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Beowulf has defeated and killed both Grendel and his mother; As a result, peace is brought the Danes, Beowulf is a true hero, Edgetho's debt is finally paid off, and Beowulf has more to add to his boast.
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Beowulf returns to Geatland with his men.
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Beowulf is now king. As a final battle, Beowulf goes to fight a dragon hat has been terrorizing the Geats. He wins, but dies alongside his foe.
