Beowulf

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem of 3,182 lines, written between 975-1025 AD by an unknown poet. Set in pagan Scandinavia during the 5th and 6th centuries, the story follows Beowulf, a mighty warrior of the Geat people, who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, king of the Danes. For twelve years, Hrothgar's great mead hall Heorot has been terrorized by a Legendary Creature named Grendel. Beowulf faces Grendel in hand-to-hand combat and emerges victorious, but soon faces another challenge when Grendel's mother attacks seeking revenge. After defeating her as well, Beowulf returns home to Geatland, where he eventually becomes king.

The final part of the poem jumps forward fifty years. Now an aged king, Beowulf must defend his people from a dragon. Though he succeeds in slaying the beast, he receives a mortal wound in the battle. Following his death, his grieving people honor their fallen king with a funeral pyre and raise a great burial mound on a headland overlooking the sea. The poem, one of the most important works of Old English literature, blends elements of Germanic heroic legend with Christian influences from the time of its composition.