2024 Beowulf & Grendel Gold & Silver Bullion Coins

Royal Mint Official Partner

Chards is an official partner of The Royal Mint. Our 2024 Beowulf & Grendel coin range, among other Royal Mint products, are sourced directly from their mint headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales.

Beowulf and Grendel in the Beowulf Tale

Beowulf is about a young prince of the Geats who is tasked by the Danish King Hrothgar with slaying the evil monster, Grendel. Beowulf accepts the task and gathers fourteen warriors, embarking on his quest to Heorot to assist Lord Hrothgar.

Together, the party of warriors and Beowulf slay Grendel. Beowulf returns to Heorot with the monster's arm as proof of his victory. However, their celebration is short-lived as the next day, Grendel's mother kills one of Lord Hrothgar's men in revenge for her fallen son.

Beowulf dives into the lake where Grendel died in search of his mother. She attacks him, but he manages to overcome her by killing her with his sword. Before leaving, Beowulf cuts off Grendel's head and returns once again as the hero of Heorot. The prince then returns home to be greeted by King Hygelac of the Geats.

Beowulf's Legacy

During the next segment of the Beowulf poem, some time passes, and King Hygelac is killed in battle alongside his son, which leads to Beowulf becoming King and bringing peace to the land for 50 years.

However, Beowulf finds himself now around 70 years old, and a fire-breathing dragon is ravaging his kingdom after a man steals from its lair full of treasure. Frail and old, Beowulf does not hesitate and decides he must fight the beast even if it means he will die.

During Beowulf's final battle, his trusted warriors do not join him as they are too scared to fight the dragon, but one stays by his side: Wiglaf, who stands by him for the first time in battle. The outcome is that together they kill the dragon, but Beowulf succumbs to his battle wounds as the dragon bites down on his neck before dying. Before Beowulf dies, he names Wiglaf as the new king since he was the one who fought by his side at the end.

What is the Myths and Legends Royal Mint Series?

Myths and Legends is a series of gold and silver bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint. The first series featured characters from Robin Hood, the second series included key characters from King Arthur, and the current third series showcases the most legendary mythical characters from Beowulf.