“Beowulf” is the oldest piece of writing in Anglo-Saxon literature. It was initially passed down orally from generation to generation. The original work was written down sometime around the year 1000.
This epic poem tells of the adventures of Beowulf, the Geatish King, who, hearing about the slaughter of the Danes by the monster Grendal, resolves to rid them of the monster and set them free. He was a man of great strength and courage who had performed great feats in the past.
Beowulf and his group sail to Denmark. Early on, Beowulf meets Grendal in the hall of the Danish King and fights him, tearing off his arm. Grendal flees to his lair, only to be replaced by an even more fearsome monster, his mother. After wreaking havoc and death at the hall of the King, she goes back to her lair. Beowulf follows and, in an epic battle ended by a legendary sword he finds in her cave, kills her.
Returning to his own land, he is revered and rewarded. He becomes King and reigns with courage and wisdom for fifty years. Due to the misadventures of a servant, Beowulf is forced to fight a giant dragon. He fears it will be his last battle and takes the time to recount his past deeds, all the while gathering his strength. The battle ensued and only his kinsman, Wiglaf stood with him. Together they killed the dragon but Beowulf suffered mortal wounds. Before he dies, Beowulf gives Wiglaf his jewels and treasure, and then dies.
Based on oral tradition, the poem is filled with songs, chants, and memories of past battles, all intended to aid in the telling of the story. There appear to be both pagan and Christian elements in the poem, particularly in the contrast between good and evil. The hero, Beowulf, is a hero not because of his success, but because he willingly does what he ought to do.
