Final answer:
Beowulf asks King Hrothgar for permission to fight Grendel, a monster terrorizing the mead hall, in the epic Old English poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf, a noble warrior from Geatland, approaches King Hrothgar to ask for permission to fight the monstrous creature Grendel, who has been terrorizing Hrothgar's mead hall, Heorot. The poem is a quintessential piece of Old English literature, showcasing the heroic code and the struggle between good and evil. Beowulf's request to Hrothgar is a significant moment that sets the stage for one of the most memorable battles in Anglo-Saxon epic poetry.