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Why does Hrothgar ask Beowulf to fight Grendel's mother and what does Beowulf do afterwards?

Quick answer:

Hrothgar asks Beowulf to fight Grendel's mother because she has killed his close friend Aeschere, seeking revenge for her son's death. Hrothgar believes Beowulf, having previously defeated Grendel, is the only one capable of defeating her. After killing Grendel's mother with a giant-forged sword, Beowulf retrieves Grendel's head and the sword's hilt, presenting them to Hrothgar as proof of his victory, instilling awe among Hrothgar's people.

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The death caused by Grendel’s mother was far too close and personal for Hrothgar. Grendel’s mother took Aeschere, a warrior and close confidant of the king. Grendel’s mother was on a mission to avenge her son’s death in Heorot, and she escaped with her son’s arm, which was on display at the mead house. Hrothgar asked Beowulf to battle Grendel’s mother because the king believed he was the only man capable of dealing with such monsters. This was because Beowulf had earlier succeeded in mortally wounding Grendel. Further, Hrothgar wanted revenge for his close friend.

BEOWULF, SON OF Ecgtheow, spoke: “Do not lament, wise sire! It seems better that each man avenge his friends than to mourn them to no end."

After killing Grendel’s mother using a supernatural sword forged by giants, Beowulf sought Grendel’s body and severed its head. Beowulf made it out of the water carrying Grendel’s head and the sword’s hilt, which was the only part left after the blade supernaturally wasted away. Beowulf and his men presented Grendel’s head on a spear to Hrothgar.

Then that prince of thanes [Beowulf] proceeded to enter; the fearless fighting man of wide renown, the valiant hero, went to greet Hrothgar. After him, Grendel's head was borne into the hall where the men were drinking; it struck awe in the clansmen and queen alike, and the men looked upon this monstrous visage...

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Hrothgar is afraid and desperate.  Grendel's mother has desecrated his halland killed more warriors and his beloved friend. 

If Grendel's mother is not slain then there is no hope for Hrothgar and his people.  Nothing is stronger than the love a mother  has for her child and therefore, the revenge she seeks is furious and strong.

Their only hope lies in Beowulf because of his great strength and bravery.

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