14
Beowulf had no help he slaughtered Grendel on his own in the fen.
15
Beowulf assembles a group of fourteen men to accompany him on his journey to fight Grendel.
Grendel is able to kill 30 of Beowulf's men in the mead-hall, Heorot.
14 men went with him
It takes Beowulf and his men five days to reach Hrothgar.
Beowulf is accompanied by fourteen of his bravest warriors to hunt for Grendel.
30
Grendel eats 30 men. According to Beowulf, Grendel eats only one man.
13. This is a set up so there are 12 later, reflecting the twelve disciples.
a dozen men followed Beowulf to the Dragon's lair.
All of Beowulf's men desert him except Wiglaf in his final battle against the dragon. The narrator chastises them for their cowardice and so does Wiglaf in a speech. Beowulf kills the dragon but he is assisted by Wiglaf. Beowulf receives a mortal wound and orders Wiglaf to bring him treasure they had won from the dragon's tower lair. Beowulf also instructs the thane on his burial wishes which he executes very well.