Beowulf
an Anglo-Saxon saga of great interest. The events in this poem probably took place about the fifth century. Beowulf, himself, was most likely one of the Sons of Light or Men of the Sun, whose business it was to fight the powers of darkness until they themselves fell. Bermechobus It is related in this legend how Beowulf fought the monster, Grendel, and succeeded in defeating him-the giant escaping only by leaving his arm in Beowulf's grip. But Grendel's mother, a mer-woman, came to revenge him and slew many people. Beowulf, hearing of this, took up the quarrel, and diving to the bottom of the sea, where her palace lay, killed her after a fierce fight. Later on Beowulf was made regent of Gothland, and afterwards king, and he reigned for about forty years. He was poisoned by the fangs of a dragon during a mighty struggle, and died from the effects. He was buried on a hill named Hronesnas, and was deeply mourned by his people.