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Translated by Francis B. Gummere. LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings. of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, we have heard, and what honor the athelings won! Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes, from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore, awing the earls. Since erst he lay. friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him:
Jun 18, 2024 · Beowulf, heroic poem, the highest achievement of Old English literature and the earliest European vernacular epic. It deals with events of the early 6th century and is believed by some to have been composed in the 8th century. Learn more about Beowulf in this article.
Beowulf ( / ˈbeɪəwʊlf /; [1] Old English: Bēowulf [ˈbeːowuɫf]) is an Old English epic poem in the tradition of Germanic heroic legend consisting of 3,182 alliterative lines. It is one of the most important and most often translated works of Old English literature.
Beowulf departs after a sorrowful goodbye to Hrothgar, who has treated him like a son. He returns to Geatland, where he and his men are reunited with their king and queen, Hygelac and Hygd, to whom Beowulf recounts his adventures in Denmark.
The epic poem follows Beowulf, a hero who comes to aid Hrothgar, King of the Danes, in his fight against the vicious monster Grendel. Before the tale is over, Beowulf fights and defeats Grendel, Grendel’s mother, becomes king of the Geats, and vanquishes a dragon.
Beowulf. Prologue. Listen! We have gathered the glory in days of yore of the Spear-Danes, kings among men: how these warriors performed deeds of courage. (ll. 1-3) Often Scyld Scefing seized the mead-seats from hordes of harmers, from how many people, terrifying noble men, after he was found so needy at the start.
Jul 19, 2005 · For twelve years he persecutes Hrothgar and his vassals. Over sea, a day’s voyage off, Beowulf, of the Geats, nephew of Higelac, king of the Geats, hears of Grendel’s doings and of Hrothgar’s misery. He resolves to crush the fell monster and relieve the aged king.
