Beowulf

Author Anonymous (c.750), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

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Beowulf is an Old English epic poem, dated around the year 750, by an anonymous author. Written in alliterative verse, it is preserved in the Nowell Codex. The story is set in pagan Scandinavia in the 6th century and follows the heroic Germanic tradition. It recounts the deeds of Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, notably his battles against the monster Grendel, the creature’s mother, and the dragon that eventually mortally wounds him. The text blends pagan and Christian elements, reflecting a time of religious transition. The poem has been extensively studied for its literary craftsmanship, historical context, and mythological underpinnings. Notable for its complex structure and thematic depth, Beowulf holds a seminal place in the study of early English literature.

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Kline, A. S.

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