In this thoroughly updated version of the Anglo Saxon poem, the battle-scarred Norse hero Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to help an old friend, King Hrothgar, whose kingdom is being ravaged by the marauding troll, Grendel. However, Beowulf's attempts to fight the troll are thwarted when Grendel refuses to engage him in battle. When Beowulf meets Selma, a mysterious and sensual witch, his understanding of revenge is further complicated.