The people are forced to flee Heorot every night because Grendel always attacks the hall at night and kills the people he finds.

Heorot is built at the request of Hrothgar, and he uses it as a meeting place for his people where he provides entertainment and presents gifts to his people. However, Grendel is distressed by the merrymaking and seeks to disturb the peace. The first night the monster attacks, he takes away thirty thanes as they sleep. Grendel continues his attacks on Heorot until the building is abandoned. The situation drags on for 12 years, and the stories about Grendel spread far and wide. The information reaches Beowulf, and he decides to go to the aid of King Hrothgar.

Beowulf faces off with the monster and emerges victorious, dealing a fatal blow to the beast. Grendel’s mother seeks revenge, but the valiant warrior deals her the same fate as the son. Ultimately, peace returns to Hrothgar and his people.