Beowulf

Beowulf stands at the head of English literature; a poem of historical interest and epic scope. Although the first manuscript of Beowulf dates from around the year 1000 CE, it is thought that the poem existed in its present form from the year 850. Beowulf's adventures themselves stand in front of the wide historical canvas of 5th and 6th century Scandinavia. Against this heroic background of feuding and feasting, Beowulf first kills the monster Grendel and her mother, and later defends his people against a dragon in a battle that leaves them both mortally wounded.

One of the most universally studied of the English classics, Beowulf is considered the finest heroic poem of Old English. Written ten centuries ago, it celebrates the character and exploits of Beowulf, a young nobleman of the Greats, a people of southern Sweden. Beowulf first rescues the royal house of Denmark from two marauding monsters, then returns to rule his people for 50 years, ultimately losing his life in a battle to defend the Greats from a dragon's rampage. The poem combines mythical elements, Christian and pagan sensibilities, and actual historical figures and events in a narrative that ranges from vivid descriptions of fierce fighting and detailed portrayals of court life to earnest considerations of social and moral dilemmas.

Composed toward the end of the first millennium of our era, Beowulf is the elegiac narrative of the adventures of Beowulf, a Scandinavian hero who saves the Danes from the seemingly invincible monster Grendel and later, from Grendel's mother. He returns to his own countries and dies in old age in a vivid fight against a dragon. This poem is about encountering the monstrous, defeating it, and then having to live on in the exhausted aftermath.

The earliest poem in the Anglo-Saxon language, Beowulf is often a challenge to even the most sophisticated reader. But in this edition, the gripping adventures of the great warrior Beowulf spring to life in a retold version woven of simple prose that children will be able to fully understand. With the skill of a master storyteller, H. E. Marshall offers a rousing adventure about a monster-slaying hero that is suitable for readers ages 8 and older.

Beowulf is one of the world's oldest classics, and is the oldest epic in the English language. Retold in more modern prose, this translation brings the memorable adventures of the hero to life. FRom his rescuing of Hrothgar the Dane to his victory over Grendel and his saving the Geats from the horror of the dragon. 64 pages, softcover.

The Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf marks the beginning of the English literature. Eighth-century in origin, composed to be recited aloud, it told its Anglo-Saxon listeners a story of their Scandinavian ancestors. It celebrates the hero Beowulf, who goes to Denmark and slays the monster Grendel and Grendel's mother.

In Beowulf, Beowulf travels to the great land of the Danes to free the people from Grendel, a monster, from his mighty grasp. With courage, boldness, and God's help, Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendal's mother when she comes with a strong need of vengenance, making Beowulf the great hero among the Geats and future king. After a long reign as king of the Geats, Beowulf comes face to face with a dragon in order to save his people. His name still lives on in history.

The Beowulf is a priceless heritage from the earliest age of English poetry. Forgotten for centuries and rediscovered, it has at last, by the devotion of many scholars, come into its own, unfolding before us its ancient excellence. Across the centuries from the England of Bede, it proclaims the ideal of gentleness united to strength, and valor ennobled by virtue.

More than one hundred glorious images, many of objects dating from the time of the story, enhance Seamus Heaney's masterful best-selling translation. Composed toward the end of the first millennium, Beowulf is the elegiac narrative of the Scandinavian hero who saves the Danes from the seemingly invincible monster Grendel and, later, from Grendel's mother.

Beowulf (probably composed in the 8th century A.D.) is our only native English heroic epic. It is written by a Christian poet addressing a Christian audience, but in the figure of Beowulf, the Scandinavian warrior, and his struggles against Monsters, he depicts the life and outlook of a pagan age.

Enjoy learning about one of the earliest English works, Beowulf, as you work through Progeny Press' Christian literature study guide on this epic poem.

Beowulf chronicles a hero's exploits as northern European clans teeter between Christianity and old religions. A monster, Grendel, has attacked the hall of King Hrothgar, bringing death and chaos for 12 years. With boldness and God's help, Beowulf, hero of the Geats, travels to the land of the Danes to repeatedly free them from evil's grasp, burning his name into the pages of history.

This Progeny Press guide includes features about:

• The author
• Vocabulary, critical thinking, & analysis
• Literary Techniques: context, alliteration, kennings, maxims, characterization, Anglo-Saxon boasts, foreshadowing, irony, allusions, comparison/contrast, tone, synonyms, structure, plots, and the role of the hero.
• Character Values/Concepts: leadership, authority, fate, boasting, fame, immortality, death, revenge, care for the needy, putting God first, wealth.
• Activities/Writing Assignments include mapwork, crosswords, essays, wordsearches, poetry assignments, art, drama, cooking, and other types of exercises. Topics covered include: manuscripts, music, folk heroes, burial mounds, mead halls, swords, runes, dragons, journalism, women in Anglo-Saxon history, architecture, and chain mail.
• A living reading list by the same author and other books like Beowulf

  This CD-ROM version contains PDFs (which work on Mac and Windows). With interactive features, students can enter their answers directly on the computer and save their work (Note: Mobile Devices/Tablets may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields). Conveniently print what you need, when you need it - great for use with multiple students! Answer key file included!

  PLEASE NOTE: the text references the edition of Beowulftranslated by Seamus Heaney, which is required and must be purchased separately.

  Genre: British Lit

  Grades: 9-12