
Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English, likely composed between the 8th and 11th centuries. It is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature, and tells the story of the hero Beowulf and his battles against the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. Beowulf, a prince of the Geats, travels to the land of the Danes to help King Hrothgar, who is being terrorized by Grendel. Beowulf defeats Grendel in a fierce battle and then kills Grendel's mother in her underwater lair. After returning home, Beowulf is made king of the Geats and rules for fifty years. In his old age, Beowulf is called upon to fight a dragon that is terrorizing his people. He defeats the dragon, but is mortally wounded in the process. Before he dies, Beowulf passes his kingdom to his nephew Wiglaf and is buried with great honor. The poem ends with a reflection on Beowulf's heroic deeds and his legacy.
By Anonymous · First published 1000 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Heroic Poetry, Mythology · 50 chapters · 34,273 words
The present work is a modest effort to reproduce approximately, in modern measures, the venerable epic, Beowulf. _Approximately_, I repeat; for a very close reproduction of Anglo-Saxon verse would, to a large extent, be prose to a modern ear.
The Heyne-Socin text and glossary have been closely followed. Occasionally a deviation has been made, but always for what seemed good and sufficient reason. The translator does not aim to be an editor. Once in a while, however, he has added a conjecture of his own to the emendations quoted from the criticisms of other students of the poem.
Beowulf is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anonymous, dated 1000 CE.
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'neath · Classics · Dragons · English (Old) · Epic heroic writing · Epic poetry · Epic poetry, English (Old) · Monsters · Poetry · armor · battle · beowulf