Seen through the eyes of Hrethric, son of the king and heir to the throne of the Scylding Kingdom, we learn that for twelve long years the monster Grendel has laid waste to the kingdom, devouring even the mightiest of its warriors. Tonight he will claim yet another victim. The blood debt is heavy, but few are left to avenge the dead in this bitterly one-sided feud.

Already much weakened by the marauder, the kingdom is also threatened from within. The King's nephew Hrothulf plans to seize the throne. Our hero, Hrethric, is young and has yet to prove his strength. The coming of the Geat hero, Beowulf, brings new hope but also new and terrifying dangers.

First published in 1979 by Abelard-Schuman Limited.