After vanquishing both the horrifying Grendel and his menacing mother, Beowulf and his men embark on their journey home to Geatland. Upon arriving in his land, Beowulf pays a visit to King Hygelac and Queen Hygd. Beowulf explains to Hygelac his reasons for traveling to Denmark. He tells his king that he has heard of trouble at King Hrothgar's prestigious mead-hall, Heorot. A terrible monster by the name of Grendel has been ravaging the hall and Beowulf is determined to put an end to the beast. He tells Hygelac that Hrothgar gave a celebration at the mead-hall to show his appreciation for Beowulf's intentions. Beowulf makes special mention of the way Hrothgar accepted him into his court during his first day in Denmark. Freawaru, the daughter of King Hrothgar, was a cupbearer to Beowulf and his men that night, passing around mead to all the soldiers.

Beowulf, wasting no more time on details, begins to discuss the hard-fought battle with the terrifying Grendel. He and his men stay in the hall on that first night in Denmark, and as expected, Grendel comes for his nightly raid on Heorot. Beowulf relays to his king the story of Hondscio, the monster's first victim. Beowulf watches as the vicious beast eats his victim whole, leaving no remains at all. The creature then has its sights on the great warrior Beowulf. Grendel wants the warrior's body as a trophy, but ironically, it is the monster that becomes the trophy. The strong and courageous warrior rips the beast's arm off, causing him to flee the hall, leaving his arm behind. Beowulf then speaks of the great rewards he receives from Hrothgar for his participation in ridding Heorot of the mysterious creature. He is given all types of necklaces and gold jewelry for his deeds. However, his task does not end at the moment Grendel leaves the hall. Grendel's mother, avenging her son's apparent death, is determined to cause more destruction and havoc. Beowulf bravely faces the new enemy on her own turf. He fights this wicked foe in her underwater lair. After nearly a day of battle, Beowulf is able to defeat Grendel's mother with the help of a sword he finds in her lair. Once again gracious gifts are bestowed upon Beowulf by Hrothgar. At this point Beowulf ends the tale of his voyage to Denmark. He turns over much of the treasure with which Hrothgar has rewarded him to King Hygelac. He does this to show his respect for his king. King Hygelac seems to be extremely pleased with the warrior's exploits. Through his actions in vanquishing the beasts Beowulf has created a bond between the two kingdoms like never before. Finally, King Hygelac bestows upon Beowulf the ultimate reward for his efforts. He is given land, a hall and a throne, and various luxuries for successfully defeating Grendel and his mother.