John Lesslie Hall

Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem John Lesslie Hall

Beowulf is one of the most important works of Old English literature. This epic poem is believed to have been composed between 700 and 750, its author is unknown. It tells the story of the hero Beowulf, and his battles against the monster Grendel (and Grendel's mother), and against an evil dragon. It tells mainly the mythical and to some extent the historical past of the Scandinavian Empire in the 6th century. Its diversity, complexity and profoundness, the timeless themes of power, courage, love and fidelity, together make Beowulf one of the most compelling and memorable works of world literature. As in the classical tradition of epic poetry (Homer's Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, Ferdowsi's The Epic of Kings) the poem is concerned with human values and moral choices. This book has entertained generations of readers, and it continues to be fascinating.