Stanza 1: The poem begins by depicting the land that Beowulf has arrived to rescue. The narrator, who remains unseen, describes the scene from the hero's perspective. There is an unnatural perfection to the landscape, resembling a theatrical backdrop. The flowers and grass seem to possess human traits, appearing "attentive," or overly courteous, and "garrulous," or excessively chatty. The lake is so calm that a bird's reflection lingers even after it has flown away. The road, a relic from the bygone Roman Empire, appears unused. These images of the natural world exude an ethereal quality, adding an air of mystery to this land.

Stanza 2: This stanza introduces the inhabitants of the land, who, like their environment, are peculiar, yet they welcome Beowulf warmly. The king mentions that he was acquainted with Beowulf’s father. In gratitude for his assistance, the queen offers the hero mead, a honey-based wine, in a gem-encrusted cup. These details echo elements found in the original epic.

The other inhabitants possess a "vagueness," suggesting either a lack of clear thought or an indistinct presence, akin to shadows. They live in constant fear of "daily harm," referring to Grendel's nightly assaults. This fear leads them to repeat themselves in conversation. The oddity of the people enhances the mysterious aura surrounding the land.

Stanza 3: The stanza opens by describing the "childish country," which seems to refer to the people's naive nature. However, the phrase "child / Grown monstrous" pertains to Grendel, a monstrous giant and the offspring of another monster. Since he attacks the castle nightly, the people live in perpetual fear. Additionally, because Grendel devours his victims, they dread being "owned to the bone." Beowulf resolves to confront the monster alone, sparing others from the threat of death.

The poet might be suggesting multiple interpretations. The people spend their days dreading what the night might bring. In the Old English poem, Grendel dwells in the wilderness beyond the kingdom's boundaries. Wilbur may be indicating that the people's "dream of fright" symbolizes their fear of the unknown. Yet, the hero is ready to face the enigma represented by the monster.

Stanza 4: In this stanza, Wilbur condenses much of the action from the original poem. Lines 19–20 depict the Danes retiring to bed, leaving Beowulf alone to confront the monster. The hall is "echoed" due to its expansive, high-ceilinged structure within the castle. When filled with a feasting and celebrating crowd, the noise is overwhelming. Once empty, even the slightest sound can echo. Beowulf stands as a solitary figure in this vast hall, waiting for the monster's approach. According to the epic, the joyful sounds of humans in this hall initially provoke Grendel's wrath, leading him to attack the castle's inhabitants.

Lines 21–22 illustrate the fierce battle between Beowulf and Grendel. The intense struggle causes the beams supporting the roof to tremble. Beowulf's immense strength allows him to defeat Grendel without weapons; he tears the monster's arm from its body. The "child"—Grendel—retreats, groaning and near death.

After the battle, the Danes discover Beowulf in a deep, exhausted sleep. His head is "sealed" as he remains asleep for a long time, leaving his thoughts and feelings unknown. In the original poem, Beowulf not only battles Grendel but also faces Grendel's mother, who seeks revenge for her son's death. The hero then falls into a profound sleep.

Stanza 5 : The speaker shifts back to describing the landscape, which appears changed by the monster's death. Though still "overmuch like scenery," as mentioned in the first stanza, it now feels unfriendly. The lark is free from...