Beowulf (3140–3170). "Beowulf" begins with the story of Hrothgar, who constructed the great hall Heorot for himself and his warriors. In it, he, his wife Wealhtheow, and his warriors spend their time singing and celebrating. Grendel, a troll-like monster said to be descended from the biblical Cain, is pained by the sounds of joy. Grendel attacks the hall and kills and devours many of Hrothgar's warriors while they sleep. Hrothgar and his people, helpless against Grendel, abandon Heorot. Beowulf, a young warrior from Geatland, hears of Hrothgar's troubles and with his king's permission leaves his homeland to assist Hrothgar. Beowulf and
Harald the Old Harald the Old Harald Valdarsson, also known as Harald the Old (, born circa 568) appears only by name in "Hversu Noregr byggðist", but his father, sons and their descendants played a central role in the politics of Scandinavian legends. "Hversu Noregr byggðist" tells that he was the son of Valdar, who was the son of Hróarr (i.e. king Hroðgar of "Beowulf"), and Harald was the father of Halfdan the Valiant and the grandfather of Ivar Vidfamne. "Skjöldunga saga" tells that the same Valdar (i.e. Harald's father) disputed that Rörek, the cousin of Hróarr (Hroðgar) should succeed Hrólfr Kraki (Hroðulf)