Beowulf Part 2: Grendel s Mother

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2 Beowulf Part 2: Grendel s Mother Written by: Mathieu Ackaouy, Simon Ackaouy, Tiffany Blatchford, Chris Bowman, Max Dalton, Eden Griffiths, Samara Keifer, Marlo Kennedy, Peter Kouroulis, Jacqui Lokum, Niamh Nolan and Lena Scally-Leprevost. Edited by: Niamh Nolan, Marlo Kennedy, Tiffany Blatchford, Mathieu Ackaouy and Eden Griffiths. Editor-in-Chief: Tiffany Blatchford. 2

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4 The happiness at the death of Grendel filled the midnight air. The finest foods were present and the richest grapes quenched the men s thirsts as they celebrated Grendel s death. With them, they kept a constant reminder of Grendel, his arm hung up, a well-earned accomplishment of the occupants in the hall. Not even with the destruction caused by the godly fight between the almighty Beowulf and the treacherous Grendel, had lessened the magnificence of the once beautiful hall. The outside of the building was shadowed of the work inside it. With elegant detail in the wood of this masterpiece, it was fair to say it was out of this world. As people entered this masterpiece, mouths dropped at the room bursting full of gold. Massive wooden posts shot up to support the ceiling. Benches filled up the room and rubble from the destruction was pushed to the side. The clean-up process shall begin tomorrow. Men that had been born with the sword, out of the routine had slept with their armour and their shields at their hand, for they were 4

5 ready for anything, at a moment s notice, for they were warriors. With helmets that limited vision and a spear that could pierce skins as thick as brick walls, they guarded the people and King Hrothgar. As the ludicrous night finally came to an end, people decided to take the best of the hall and sleep for the rest of the night. Although the hall was hell-ridden and wrecked, with chairs and tables flipped and walls with holes in them. The atmosphere had instantly changed from a magnified joyous feeling, to a safe and relaxed area. Finally everyone can rest without having to keep one eye open. A weight had been lifted from the villages shoulders, but, people start to doubt and think thoughts of an even worse creature, one that is so heartbreakingly ugly that people s eyes water as they look at it, the monster was none the less than, Grendel's mother. Her skin was a shade of red, and her eyes were so small they sank into her face, her nose was flicked upwards, making her look like a bat. She was as tall as an ancient oak tree, and her skin was a leathery looking apple green, her hands and claws were as big as Beowulf himself. As people begin to realise that there was a second avenger, havoc breaks loose. The word 'avenge' was whispered around the room like a never ending echo. The plump, pudgy, and pale looking king sat in his chair, and watched the people of his town with a sign of boredom in his eyes. He had as much expression in him as a piece of wood. All the village people looked to the blank, and dull King for a split second, and then flicked their heads to the earl with concern and fear reflecting off of them, and like a foul stench, it followed him as he went around the room. The earl, strutted around the room, with a 5

6 look of certainty on his small face. Grendel's mother, an ugly, pus filled creature, was even worse than the monster himself, both descendants of Cain. When Cain killed his own brother with his icy sword, they had been isolated into the cold depths of fear, banished from the world. Cain had been banished, and cast as an outlaw, he backed away into the woods, hidden away from civilisation. The woods were a place that no one wanted to explore, monstrous beings that were beyond compare lived there, the dark, and emotionless woods were a place where only Cain would belong. Evil spirits started to appear, among them was Grendel, the uncivilised and unwanted, waiting to savage the town of Heorot. The ugly, bulgy, disgusting and leathery brute known as Grendel fought and wrestled, but Beowulf knew his strength. The awe-mighty gifts that God had rained on him, he leaned on The Lord, and His supervision. He overcame the hell ridden hound. Destroyed, hopeless and bloody, the dull and bland enemy of mankind, made his way back to his stench-ridden den. But now the hell-bride was out for revenge, she lusted for the taste of Beowulf's blood on her lips, and was desperately driven to havoc. As the celebrations came to an end, the men were giving another place to endure their stay in which they were welcome to sleep for the next night. As the warriors from Geatland trekked down the path towards the hall, their spines tingles, creating deep fear of a creature lurking, and peering upon them. The warriors waiting for the mysterious being to appear. Hour after hour they stood, awaiting, until a brave soldier offered to give his life in order to see what the rest could not. He ran into the blackness of the night, only to notice 6

7 the Geats most treasured trophy, gone. Grendel s fresh bloodied arm, suspected to have been taken after the attack of Grendel s mother, along with the lives of man warriors and the lives of many wise and loyal men towards the King. This warrior spread the word to any man he could find, until soon, the words he spoke had reached the King himself, Hrothgar. The King shed a thousand tears at the news, he beckoned for Beowulf and his rightful warriors. Beowulf ran with his men to Hrothgar s chambers, where the King awaited them, wondering if the almighty God would ever turn the tides of his misfortunes. Have you rested well sir? Rest? What is this rest you speak of Beowulf? Sorrow has returned. Aeschere is now deceased. He was Yrmenlaf s elder brother and a soul mate to me, a true mentor and my right-hand man Aeschere was everything the world admires in a wise man and a friend. Then his roaming killer came in a fury and slaughtered him in my own town, and the reason for this, you Beowulf, killed Grendel and took his arm as a token. Where she is hiding, glutting on the corpse and glorying her escape, I cannot tell. Aeschere died in battle, paid with his life; and now this powerful other arrives, this force for even has been driven to avenge her son s murder. Or so it seems Beowulf could see the burning flames in his eyes which portrayed the great anger and sadness that the King felt. When King spoke, his voice trembled rage and courage that now burned deeply inside of him and which would only be quenched at the death of Grendel s mother; the foul hell demon which had taken from him his greatest friend and comrade. 7

8 We have had rumours of a foul creature that dwells deep within the Devils lands. It is said that she roams the forests and bogs that the demons of hell inhabit. In these forests and marshes there lies evils of which would make any warrior on edge. The marshes and forests themselves are just as dark and cold as the creatures who inhabit them. Those who have ventured in and managed to escape say that it is place where sunlight shall never touch and that all the land is coated in a grey colour that would tarnish any joy a man has. It has been seen that the water in these marshes burn and no man has ever set foot into them. They say that there is no warmth of any kind and that the ground itself is dap, soggy and that your feet squelch into it with every step. But by far the worst part is the silence, for this is a silence as still as death. This creature of which I spoke of is believed to be the mother of Grendel. It is said that she has a home within those lands. Those who have seen her and have lived, say that her strength and prowess in battle was match by none other than Grendel himself. We also believe she may have some kind of rule over some of the other demons. So is we are to attack her, we would do so with no less than 5 scores of men. However I fear that even that would not be enough to vanquish the beast. So now I am forced to ask for your help once more Beowulf, defeater of Grendel. If you do so choose to aid us I can promise you riches more than that of which your mind could conjure. Anything in my hold or in possession would be yours if you could rid us of this evil burden. Men would speak of this great deed for ages to come and they shall toast to your name in the great halls of all the lands. Word will be 8

9 heard in your land of the Geats of how you aided us in the purging of my lands Beowulf stood and looked out over the many men that still gathered in the hall as if they held the answer to if he would or wouldn t aid to the people. Following this came a long period of silence as Beowulf considered the invitation. The still newly damaged hall fell completely still with no man daring to breathe for the few seconds of everlasting silence whilst Beowulf thought to plea for aid over. Finally he looked up into the eyes of the King and spoke in a booming voice which shook the bones of every man in the hall and struck the courage into their hearts. I shall not come back without her head. Beowulf exclaimed grandly as a grin crept across his face and he struck his arm out to clasp it to the Kings in a sign of great remorse. With that the whole of the hall set about preparing themselves for the almighty battle. They grasped their shields, spears, swords and armour. With cries of blood and revenge lifting through the hall. It is better to avenge the deaths of close friends than to mourn. All people who are living are awaiting for their death, but the greatest people will achieve glory before they die. This is what people will be remembered by when their time has come and they live no more, proclaimed Beowulf, ordering that the king should summon the courage to find the hell demon. Beowulf promised the he would capture Grendel s mother and that she would not escape him, not to underground caves, forests or the ocean floor as Grendel s mother had the ability to. He told Hrothgar that he needed to endure his troubles and man-up. Hrothgar now knew that he had 9

10 to do something to punish Grendel s mother, so he stood up and thanked Beowulf for the promise he had been left to endure. The soldiers knew they were in for a tough journey and that not everyone was going to live beyond Grendel s mother s cave, but they wanted to claim their crowning glory as their possible last days alive. The bit and halter were brought for Hrothgar s horse and the king climbed onto the royal saddle and rode with his soldiers to fight the demon. The paths were lined with the tracked of the beast, dragging the body as Aeschere, Hrothgar s greatest closest friend. The need to kill the villain grew stronger and stronger, filling the hearts and souls of all, rising to a swell, along rocky footpaths, through the tight and narrow places that lay across the cliff. On and on they trudged through the tough, rocky country, but this didn t pose a problem as these men had a mission and their goal was to be achieved. This is it. This is where the dark monster from hell should be, announced Beowulf. He cautiously walked ahead with a few soldiers and found the dark wood with the trees growing out at different angles on top of the stones. Water rushed underneath the cliff; the water that belonged to the many sea monsters, including the mighty Grendel s mother, the greatest monster of them all. Beowulf stepped forward to get a better view of what was ahead of him, in an instant, his spine to tingle at the creep of this place. At this moment he knew that he was where he was meant to be. He beckoned Hrothgar forward. Beowulf knew that this would be a severe blow for him but he had to see it, he needed to see his friend in this state, he needed the motivation to drive this she-demon to her death. The King slowly peered over the 10

11 cliff and gave an inkling of a screech at the sight he had seen. At the foot of the cliff sat the still head of his recently deceased friend, Aeschere. At the base of the cliff, there was a dark and dreary forest with a lake that was filled to the edge with horrifyingly ugly and vile sea monsters, all of which were assumed to be the servants of Grendel s evil mother. The men all clustered around the edge like a herd of lost sheep awaiting a command to begin their fight. One man decided to investigate; as he neared the edge of the lake, a ginormous five-headed monster erupted from the water. He appeared with an earthquake splash and swallowed Aeschere. There was a gasp of silence in the air, the sound of the steel swords being drawn, and the shields of many men being raised. The brave and noble soldiers surged into battle, taking heavy casualties but inflicting much damage in return for the deaths of many others. Blood and gore flew through the dreary sky; the monsters were being beheaded and men were being devoured by vile creatures. The death of smell drifted through the air and a river of blood flowed down the battle site. The monsters, with large shiny scales and teeth a sharp as the blade of a knife, stripped the soldiers of life relentlessly. When the battle began to rise to its climax, the brave Beowulf began to dress himself with his own armour. Beowulf one by one put on his large gauntlets that were striped with dashes of gold and studs that covered the knuckles. His helmet, with rubies redder than blood, sapphires sparkling brighter than the ocean on a sunny day, and diamonds whiter than snow. His golden heavy chest plate etched with the head of a dragon and spikes erupting from his shoulder blades. Beowulf s boots, made of black 11

12 steel, thumped the ground as he walked. The sight of Beowulf was horrifying. With every step the ground shook. Unferth, the doubter of Beowulf s story of the swim race, trembled to the point where his knees collapsed to the ground, reached to the stars whilst holding Hrunting, a famous blade. Unferth handed this sword to Beowulf, with which he thought Beowulf deserved. Beowulf turned to Hrothgar, his face smeared with blood and grime from the battle. In his hand he clenched the famous sword, Hrunting, its steel shimmering and reflecting the sunlight. If I do not come back, take care of my men. They have served me well! And send my treasure back home to the Geats! They should know of what I have done. Out of the corner of Beowulf s eye spied Unferth, sitting at the edge of the battle, whom seemed to be grimacing. Beowulf strode over to him and handed him his old steel blade. Keep it, maybe it will stop your cowardice. Beowulf yelled over the battle. He dived into the carnage, slicing and chopping at the sea serpents grey skin, using the grand great-sword, blood splattering onto his legendary golden armour. * * * With only a moment of hesitation, Beowulf dove into the dead water and begun the long swim. The water was a dull grey whilst the different shades swirled around him. Fins surrounded him, knocking 12

13 him slightly off course, but Beowulf persisted. Bubbled drifted out of his mouth and there he began the long journey up to the surface. Beowulf was not sure how much time had passed, but he had left the churning water behind him, and he was now swimming in the deeper section of the lake, where few had ever dared to go. Around him swum the few signs of life. Odd animals moved silently in the water, with abnormally large fins and large, white, glassy eyes that held no life at all. A roar surrounded Beowulf and echoed in the drifts of wind, rippling the water as the roar took over the lake. The little signs of life that had been visible had disappeared for fear of the evil shedemon. Beowulf continued down, fearless to what may lay at the lake bed. Finally, Beowulf reached the end of the long swim, reaching the bottom of the lake. The lake bed was lined with smooth rock, worn down by the smallest of animals that fed on the seaweed which laid on the rock. A growl tore through the water and made its way towards Beowulf. He steeled himself and headed towards the demon from Hell. Suddenly Grendel s mother sensed a human circling above her. She had lurked in the murky depths for hundreds of years, hunting those unfortunate enough to find themselves in her presence. She ate anything and anyone, desperate always to feel satisfied, never in those hundred years had her hunger quenched. She knew the cave like she had known her son, any difference no matter how slight, reverberated inside her like the cry of a thousand soldiers. 13

14 Grendel s mother believed that Beowulf was different, that much she knew. He was more than a human and she felt instantaneously that he would satisfy her never-ending starvation. This filthy unnatural looking human had killed her son: it was a mother s intuition. She was ravenous nothing tastes better than a life taken to avenge another. Grendel s mother circled slowed, not wanting to alert Beowulf of her presence. Slowly she rose higher and higher, drifting amongst the murky waters. Finally able to wait no longer, clutching wildly with a desperation, she pierces Beowulf with her claw as he struggled to free himself. Capturing him in a death grip as she strained and struggled to finish the job. Die! she hissed menacingly Die! Beowulf remained unscathed, his battle armour protected him from her fierce grip. The she-devil refused to relent clawing and snatching at him, dragging him to the deadly floor, pulling him deeper into the pits of Hell. Not even his weapons could aid him as the monster rushed at him, tearing his armour. Beowulf became paralysed with fear, it was a sensation he had never felt before. He was in a place beyond even his own wild imagination. The sea monster tore at his armour and he was unable to fight them off in fear of losing his life. Grendel s mother continued to drag Beowulf further to her lair, despite the sea monsters around. He couldn t help notice how peculiar the space was. After all his swimming, he had reached a place of total dryness, where a monstrous fire could burn protected from the torrent of water above. 14

15 He marvelled at the ability to the roof to withstand the great pressure, and wished that he too had the ability to do so. Beowulf stared up at the she demon and felt truly repulsed. Her eyes bore the hatred of one thousand years of torturous existence. Her hair was matted, hanging limply and lifelessly around her thin, haggard face. Her jaws opened wide and her blackened, rotting teeth appeared, attempting to threaten Beowulf as if to tear a bite out of him. In a moment of desperation, Beowulf swung the heavy sword, poised for the killing blow. As arced towards the Devil born from Hell, the sword stopped in mid-strike and flew from Beowulf s hands, He was weapon less. This sword was his honour, granted by Unferth. The sword that had crushed flesh and smashed steel had finally met its match. The sword landed on the ground with an almighty crash of steel on the blunt hard surfaces of rocks. Beowulf, overcome with fury, charged forward towards his opponent with a determination that would make the Devil turn and flee. With nothing but his bare hands, Beowulf grasped his enemy and flung her to the ground with a tremendous roar. The she-demon retaliated instantly and screeched a terrible battle cry as she charged for Beowulf. Her savage talons scratched and scraped his back and shoulders. He was flown backwards against the wall where all that saved him was his chain mail armour. This fearsome enemy was relentless and savage. She grasped the rocks, smashed and slashed them at Beowulf, but he remained strong. Beowulf struck back with a force unimaginable on this earth; the weight of the attack drove Grendel s mothers to her heels, and 15

16 with this slight advantage, he threw punches, tore skin, and ripped the muscle off of her bones. Sweat and blood dripped off of Beowulf s brow, slowly running down his eye, clouding his vision. He wiped his eyes of blood and sweat, and when he had regained his sight, the she-demon was no-where to be seen. Within an instant she appeared from behind, slashing at his throat with her terrible talons. Luckily, Beowulf was too quick and he darted out of danger. The battle waged on, neither opponent showing any sign of remorse. When Beowulf sighted a weapon in her armoury, a weapon he had never seen before, something no man on earth could have the strength and power to create, but one only a giant could be able to manage. The sword was ginormous, the weight was only able to be handled by a man who had great strength, and only one man was strong enough in the world to hold this sword, Beowulf. He slid through the gap between Grendel s mothers legs and made room for the sword; the only sword he knew of that would have the power to destroy her once and for all, the only weapon that could bite or pierce her wrinkled flesh. He grasped the sword, gave an almighty effort, and all in one move he swung it at her neck bone and completely severed it. Blood, guts and gore exploded from the wound and the last sound this hell-demon made, was the scream of eternal pain and never-ending suffering. Never had this creature tasted defeat on her lips. Pools of deep red blood had formed on the ground. Beowulf splashed through the spoils of victory of the death of Grendel s 16

17 mother. Beowulf was triumphant, and he knew the Gods had praised him with their blessing. He was the representation of God on Earth. Though thrilled at having combatted and beaten Grendel and his mother, Beowulf acknowledged that there were more pressing issues awaiting his attention. He knew that the rest of his clan would be eagerly awaiting his return. However, Beowulf s curiosity got the better of him as he moved around the dank and dimly lit cavern. His boots a fine gift from the grateful Danes, who had been astounded by his bravery at confronting the now deceased beast Grendel made hollow taps on the solid floor of the caver as he ventured into the Mothers lair. The weapon would have to prove its strength, and protect the mass of its owner, if need be. Turning a corner created by an overhanging rock, Beowulf whistled in time to the beat of the dripping water, his sharp eyes scanned the new area and eventually came to rest on a dark shape, lying stretched on the floor. The warrior approached it, cautiously but without fear, and came to a halt, standing above the black figure. He crouched down with ease, reaching out a scarred arm as if making to turn the shape towards him. It clumsily rolled over, causing Beowulf to realise whoever, whatever this thing was, but it was definitely dead. It was only as he inspected the shape closer that he realised that he was looking at the remains of his previous enemy, and son of his most recent kill, Grendel. Though this monster was bloody and torn, Beowulf felt no pity. A sudden feeling dreadful anger rose inside him at the sight of the beast, who had murdered do many. He wanted revenge, a revenge that the death of Grendel did not satisfy. He raised the 17

18 gleaming sword high above his head and swung down with all the strength he possessed. The corpse s head glided through the air, leaving its dead cold shoulders to lie in the shadows. The sword hit the hard floor beneath the body. Breathing heavily, Beowulf placed one foot behind the other, slowly walking backwards, he snatched up the gruesome severed head of Grendel and smiled with great satisfaction. * * * Above the lake, King Hrothgar and his party had spoken of how great a fighter Beowulf had been, and the tragic nature of his loss. As they half-heartedly watched the water, the bubbles rose to the surface and the water began to ripple and break into waves. A few of the spectators gave a gasp, only to bow their heads in sorrow. Beowulf had not yet risen and so his ghastly death was clear to them. The wait for Beowulf s return had been long and wearing, and so the King and his people retired from their look out, leaving only Beowulf s faithful despairing army. Deep below the surface of the lake, Beowulf was inspecting the hordes of undoubtedly stolen treasure and artefacts that Grendel s mother had accumulated. However, being not a thief but an honest warrior, he left the hilt of the sword whose bade had melted from the poisonous blood that had run in Grendel s veins, the beast s gory head, which he carried in much the same way one might a trophy. With a last glance around the vast lair, Beowulf returned to the water and kicked his way up to the surface. 18

19 The roar of his comrades was deafening, their joy evident as he appeared above the water to them. Grinning and lugging his prize, he made his way towards them, head held high. They rushed to meet him and gathered him up, singing words of praise before helping him disentangle himself from his war gear. With high hearts, the men headed in the direction of King Hrothgar s mighty hall. On the way they managed to hoist Grendel s horrifying skull onto their sharpest spear and helped Beowulf to carry it high in the air. On the arrival at the Kings hall, Beowulf hefted the spear and confidently strode through the great oak doors, to address the people. Their initial shock was replaced by expressions of delight and at Beowulf s impossible return. The King, seated at the end of the hall bellowed and congratulated Beowulf loudly. Beowulf! The most awesome warrior of all time! The king knelt before Beowulf to show his appreciation for all that the warrior had don t for Hrothgar s kingdom. The crowd was quiet, as Beowulf rose to speak. King, I bring you a token of my victory, the spoils of the lake. I nearly died in the murky depths, and would have if I hadn t received help from the Gods. The outcome would have been far worse, but God gave me an ancient weapon, the sword of the giants. Beowulf gave the hilt of the sword to King Hrothgar. I struck the foe and as her blood filled the water, the sword melted. The King rose after him. Beowulf, you are very impressive in all aspects of life and If the heir of the throne of the Geats happens to die in battle or of disease, there is no greater man worth to taking his place than you 19

20 Beowulf. You have don t a wonderful deed in uniting two old enemies, and as long as I live, gifts with be passed across the sea. The King walked over to Beowulf and pulled him into an embrace and kissed him. Suddenly, overcome with emotion, the King broke into tears, for he realised this would be the last time he would ever see his greatest of friends. The embrace ended, and Beowulf with his band of mighty warriors, made their way back to the waves where they first set foot on the land. Beowulf s ship was at anchor, waiting for him. The coast guard pied the group, as he did when they first arrived, and saddled up to ride and say his final goodbyes. When he arrived, the men were climbing aboard the ship in their chain mail. The guard yelled over the roar of the waves. Beowulf, you and your crew will always be welcome in the land of the Geats, for you have ridden us of evil. May god always be in your favour! So long! The ship cast off, fully laden with treasure, horses and war gear, heading for Denmark. Strong wind powered the ship through the waves and as familiar land came to sight, a cheer went up through the men. A gigantic wave carried the ship into the shore, and Beowulf had the treasure sent into town. He used the treasure to build a house fit got a King on the cliffs where they first landed. The King of the Geats remained in mighty rule until age sapped him of strength. 20