The Mead -hall is referred to many times in the story. It continuously reminds the reader of the cultural setting of the story. What is the importance of the Mead-hall, and what is significance of its being attacked ?

The Mead Hall serves as a meeting place. It is means to be a place of socialization and refuge.... a safe place to gather and be merry. The attack upon the Mead Hall proves it to be unsafe.... Hrothgar's "kingdom" is at risk.