Beowulf starts with the history of the royal Danish family for several generations. “So. the Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.” But it is mostly about the life of Beowulf himself. It is more than just the history of the Danes though. It is about the right way for a warrior to live and die.
The poem starts with Shield Sheafson, who was a great king. He was a foundling, who became a great king. When he died, he was given an elaborate funeral. His son, Beow inherited the throne, followed by his son ...