Beowulf could well be the oldest surviving long poem in Old English and simultaneously one of the most important works of Old English literature. The action is set in Scandinavia, where Beowulf comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, who is under attack by a monster known as Grendel. Beowulf conquers Grendel and finally also his mother.Later he also defeats a dragon, but is fatally wounded in the battle.