Summary

Grendel’s discussion with the dragon has begun to affect his thinking. Rather than enjoying the Shaper’s songs, he grows angry that the listeners derive self-satisfaction from the egocentric words. He then turns around and sees a Danish guard behind him. The guard tries to kill Grendel, but the spear is unable to pierce Grendel’s skin. Grendel realizes the dragon has placed an enchantment on him, which makes Grendel impervious to harm. He surges with both excitement and anger, killing the guards. Days later, Grendel comes to Hart and attacks. He later learns even though many men always die during his raids, the humans still sing about their heroism and bravery against Grendel.

One night during an attack, a young thane named Unferth stands up and poetically declares he will kill Grendel in Hrothgar’s name. Grendel begins to talk back and debates the...