Beowulf by Anonymous (1000)

Name: Beowulf
Author: Anonymous

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

First lines

Several discrepancies and other oversights have been noticed in the H.-So. glossary. Of these a good part were avoided by Harrison and Sharp, the American editors of Beowulf, in their last edition, 1888. The rest will, I hope, be noticed in their fourth edition.

~From ham~ (194).--Notes and glossary conflict; the latter not having been altered to suit the conclusions accepted in the former.

What this Textopian page supports

Beowulf is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anonymous, dated 1000 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Anonymous
Date: 1000 CE
Language: English
Genres: Epic Poetry, Heroic Poetry, Mythology, Fantasy, Adventure
Length: 34,273 words
Structure: 50 chapters, 1,437 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Epic Poetry — Beowulf is an Old English epic poem, written in alliterative verse, and is considered one of the most important works of Old English literature.
Heroic Poetry — Beowulf follows the traditional heroic poem structure, with a hero who is larger than life and performs superhuman feats of strength and courage.
Mythology — Beowulf contains elements of Norse mythology, including references to gods and goddesses, as well as monsters and dragons.
Fantasy — Beowulf contains elements of fantasy, such as the supernatural creatures and magical weapons that the hero must battle.