Beowulf is an Old English epic poem about a Geatish hero named Beowulf who comes to the aid of King Hrothgar of the Danes. Beowulf defeats Grendel, a monster who has been terrorizing the kingdom, and later Grendel's mother. Years later, as king of the Geats himself, Beowulf defeats a dragon but is fatally wounded in the battle. He is mourned by his people as a great leader.