Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

16328

Title

Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This translation presents Beowulf, the oldest surviving epic poem in Old English, recounting the heroic deeds of the Geatish warrior. Hall's version balances archaic flavor with modern readability, preserving the poem's martial rhythm and alliterative spirit while offering a faithful narrative of courage, loyalty, and fate.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in a legendary age of Teutonic heroes, *Beowulf* chronicles the life of a mighty warrior from Geatland who becomes the embodiment of courage and loyalty. The narrative begins with the Danish king Hrothgar, who has built the magnificent mead-hall Heorot, only to find it terrorized for twelve years by Grendel, a monstrous descendant of Cain driven by hateful jealousy. When the Geatish hero Beowulf arrives with fourteen companions to aid the aged king, he engages in a contest of pure strength. In a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, Beowulf rips Grendel's arm from its socket, killing the beast and ending its reign of terror. However, vengeance follows; Grendel's mother descends from her underwater lair to avenge her son, dragging Beowulf into her dark dwelling. There, he slays the female monster and retrieves her head, cleansing Heorot once and for all. Upon returning home, Beowulf serves as a loyal retainer to his uncle, King Higelac, before eventually ascending to the throne of the Geats himself. Fifty years later, his reign is threatened by a fire-spewing dragon, provoked by a thief who stole a hoard of treasure. In his final battle, Beowulf kills the dragon but suffers a mortal wound. His young kinsman Wiglaf, the only one who remains faithful when others flee, aids him in the struggle. Though Beowulf dies from his injuries, his people honor his bravery, generosity, and enduring legacy with a magnificent funeral pyre and a burial mound visible from the sea. The poem serves as an epitomized history of the Teutonic races, celebrating the virtues of war, adventure, and the profound sorrow of loss that defines the heroic age.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry
• Horror