Introduction – Who is Beowulf
“Beowulf” is a heroic unbelievable poem compiled by an unknown copywriter in Dated English, a bit amongst the 8th together with 10th Century Ce. It is probably one of the most very important really works from Anglo-Saxon literary works, possesses already been the main topic of much scholarly studies, principle, speculation and you will commentary. It says to the story of champion Beowulf, and his awesome fights against the beast Grendel (and Grendel’s mom), and you can facing a keen unnamed dragon.
Outline – Beowulf Summary
Brand new poem starts with a history of the fresh new Danish kings, beginning with Shild (whose funeral service was revealed on Prologue) and you may leading up to this new rule of the latest king Hrothgar, Shild’s higher-grandson. Hrothgar are well-loved of the his anyone and you will successful for the war. He builds a luxurious hallway, entitled Herot (or Heorot), to accommodate their big military, of course, if the latest hall is finished the new Danish soldiers assemble not as much as its roof to help you commemorate.
not, provoked from the singing and you will carousing of Hrothgar’s followers, Grendel, a beast within the human shape who lifetime in the bottom out of the regional swamp, seems within hall later one-night and you will kills thirty out-of the newest warriors within bed. For the next several years worries of Grendel‘s possible outrage casts a shade across the existence of your own Danes. Hrothgar along with his advisors can think about absolutely nothing to appease the latest monster’s frustration.
Beowulf, prince of your Geats, hears about Hrothgar’s difficulties, and accumulates 14 out-of their bravest warriors, and you may kits sail out of his household for the southern Sweden.
