Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English, believed to have been composed sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries, and it survives today in a single manuscript, making it one of the oldest and most significant works in the English literary tradition.
The poem tells the story of Beowulf, a Scandinavian hero who travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar defeat Grendel, a monster that has been terrorizing the king's mead hall by killing his warriors at night.
One of the Oldest Surviving English Poems
The Story: Grendel, His Mother, and a Dragon
After Beowulf kills Grendel in single combat, the monster's vengeful mother attacks the hall, and Beowulf must pursue and defeat her as well, deep within an underwater lair, before returning home a celebrated hero.
Decades later, as an aging king himself, Beowulf faces one final battle against a dragon that has been terrorizing his kingdom, a fight that costs him his life but cements his legacy as the poem's tragic, heroic conclusion.
Sources
- Wikipedia β overview of the Beowulf poem, its manuscript, and its plot
- British Library β background on the surviving Beowulf manuscript
- Encyclopaedia Britannica β literary and historical background on Beowulf
FAQ
What language was Beowulf originally written in?
It was written in Old English, believed to have been composed sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries.
Who are the three main monsters Beowulf fights?
Beowulf fights Grendel, Grendel's vengeful mother, and, decades later as an aging king, a dragon.
How many manuscripts of Beowulf survive today?
Only a single manuscript survives, making it an especially rare and significant artifact of early English literature.
About the Author
We reference Wikipedia, British Library, and Encyclopaedia Britannica to explain the background and current understanding of this topic.
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