Synopsis

Old English epic poem about the life of the knight that slays Grendel, his mother and the dragon of Earnanaes.

History

First publication: Thorkelin, 1815

Written sometime between 700 and 1000 A.D. but the actual date is not certain. There is some archeologcal evidence that Heorot actually existed. J.R.R. Tolkein believed it to date from the 8th century.

Review

Along with Gilgamesh, the Homeric epics and the story of King Arthur, Beowulf stands as a major influence on modern fantasy literature. Even Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings is borrowed from Beowulf. The story is not as detailed as modern audiences would like, but it is an engaging tale of the life of a great knight and King. A must read for any true fantasy fans.