The sons and grandsons of the great Sheaf ruled the country of the
Danes until the time of Hrothgar. Hrothgar was king of the Danes when
Beowulf, the hero of our story, was a prince in the country of the
Goths.
The young Beowulf grew up in the court of his uncle, Hygelac, king of
the Goths. Fond of all games and manly sports was he, and he learned
to throw the heavy hammer, to shoot, to row, to swim, and to ride.
Running, wrestling, and hunting were daily exercises of the young men,
and Beowulf could excel them all in every trial of skill. Soon the men
at court called Beowulf their leader, and they loved and honoured him.
Although Beowulf had won many victories at home, and his people knew
him to be brave and strong, yet he longed to do some great deed which
should make his name known over other lands. The time came when he had
his wish and when all his strength and courage were tested. For a
harper from the land of the Danes came to the court of Hygelac and told
a sad story.