It is the late viking age. An escaped prisoner wanders into a mysterious rocky defile on the windswept coast of Geatland. Inside, he discovers an ancient barrow, heaped high with decaying riches and sparkling gems. Sleeping atop the treasure is a 50-foot winged fire-drake, an ancient creature who has guarded the hoard for untold centuries. The prisoner, hypnotized by the sight of the treasure, steals a single golden goblet and flees in terror.
Beowulf has ruled his people well for 50 years, shielding them from all threats and giving unstintingly of his treasure. In a single night, his peaceful reign is ended. The enraged dragon flies to Beowulf's village, where it burns his throne-hall and the homes of many of his people to the ground. Even in his old age, Beowulf is still by far the strongest of the Geats, and so he goes forth with a band of warriors to seek out and destroy the dragon. This will be Beowulf's most desperate battle, and the fate of the entire Geatish tribe hangs in the balance.
