In Beowulf, after the fight with Grendel's mother, and before the part where the messenger foretells the Doom of the Geats; I really need help understanding what's going on...

I am supposed to do an essay on the whole excerpt, in its entirety... The problem with this is that if I don't understand what I am reading then I cannot make a comprehensive essay for my A P English class... If someone could please give me some feedback on this section of the story that would be great! The section: as listed in the question area, is about the part after Beowulf & Grendel's mother fight, and before the messenger foretells the doom of the Geats!!... Thank you!