Grendel

Grendel's History
The swamp creature known as Grendel was said to have been a direct descendent of Cain, the Biblical first murderer. Living in the marshes of Denmark, Grendel grew annoyed at the loud singing and celebration coming from the great hall of Heorot. One night, Grendel could take it no more, ventured into Heorot, and slew 30 men before leaving. Every night after this, Grendel would return, killing more and more, until King Hrothgar sent word of his plight to his neighboring kingdoms.

One of the men to answer this call was the hero Beowulf. When he arrived in Denmark, Beowulf told Hrothgar to arrange another feast in Heorot to draw the monster in. That night, when everyone was asleep, Grendel arrived once more to kill the revelers. This time, however, Beowulf engaged Grendel. After a bloody battle, Beowulf succeeded in ripping one of Grendel's arms off. Grendel stumbled back into the swamps to die, and Beowulf hung the arm in Heorot as a trophy.