C. The story begins after 12 years of Grendel's vicious acts toward the king. Explanation:
The story develops in Denmark, where the wonderful palace Heorot is being ruined by Grendel's deadly night attacks (a troll-look alike monster that is described as a progenitor of Cain). All the music and joy that can be heard in the room makes the monster angry, which dwells in the swamps.
Grendel constantly attacks and eats the servants and warrios of King Hrothgar. This monster's attacks force Hrothgart's court to leave the room at night. This situations takes place during 12 years (9 of which the story of the King's harsh situation is spread all over Nordic lands). Such story is heard by Beowulf, a brave hero who decides to help the King along with 14 other warriors.
