This passage is giving the background on Grendel. There are several things that are significant in this passage. One it lays down the pretence of one of the themes, good versus evil. Another significance is it shows the author is biased. It shows this i

"Time and again, when the goblets passed and seasoned fighters got flushed with beer they would pledge themselves to protect Heorot and wait for Grendel with their whetted swords. But when dawn broke and day crept in over each empty, blood-spattered bench, the floor of the mead-hall where they had feasted would be slick with slaughter. And so they died, faithful retainers, and my following dwindled. Now take your place at the table, relish the triumph of heroes to your heart's content."

The watcher is speaking to Beowulf in this passage. He is surprised to see a warship approaching his shores in such a manner as not trying to conceal their advancement. He says he is not expecting anybody. So, he is rather perplexed to the reason for such a ship to be approaching. The significance to this passage is it shows Beowulf's boldness and egotism. Beowulf did not send word to royals of his intentions. He just put together a w

Some common words found in the essay are:
Grendel Objectivity, Eternal Lord, , significance passage, beowulf actually,
Approximate Word count = 628
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)