Final answer:
The statement is false; in the epic poem 'Beowulf,' the titular hero takes the head of Grendel but not Grendel's mother, despite defeating both.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: Beowulf takes the head of both Grendel and his mother. This statement is false. In the epic poem Beowulf, the hero Beowulf does indeed fight both Grendel and Grendel's mother, but he only takes the head of Grendel.
After defeating Grendel, Beowulf cuts off the monster's head as a trophy. Later, when he battles Grendel's mother, he kills her but does not take her head. Instead, he takes Grendel's head and the hilt of a magical sword back to King Hrothgar as proof of his victory.