Beowulf is an Old English Epic poem written between the 8th and the 11th century in Anglo-Saxon times.
It is the story of Beowulf, a Scandinavian hero.
Beowulf comes to the aid of King Hrothgar, whose great hall is plagued by the monster Grendel.
Traditionally, an epic poem is a long,
serious, poetic narrative about a significant event, often featuring a hero.
Before the development of writing, epic poems were memorized and played an
important part in maintaining a record of the great deeds and history of a
culture. Later, they were written down and the tradition for this kind of poem
continued. Epics often feature the following: a hero who embodies the values of
a culture or ethnic group; something vital that depends on the success of the
hero's actions; a broad setting, sometimes encompassing the entire world;
intervention by supernatural beings. Can you think of any other examples?
Beowulf was originally written in Old English, which would be very difficult to understand.
You can listen to a fragment here.
But don't worry, you can read a short adapted version here: Beowulf
To learn more about the poem, the Angle-Saxons and the history of English, watch the video
...and have a look at this presentation:
The Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf from k8would
Beowulf has been adapted into film several times. There is even a game!
Watch an animated version here.
Beowulf has been adapted into film several times. There is even a game!
Watch an animated version here.
