Beowulf (/ ˈbeɪəwʊlf / ⓘ; [1] Old English: Bēowulf [ˈbeːowuɫf]) is an Old English poem, an epic in the tradition of Germanic heroic legend consisting of 3,182 alliterative lines, contained in the Nowell Codex. It is one of the most important and most often translated works of Old English literature.
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.
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.
Of all English translations of Beowulf, that of Professor Garnett alone gives any adequate idea of the chief characteristics of this great Teutonic epic. The measure used in the present translation is believed to be as near a reproduction of the original as modern English affords.
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Beowulf: Directed by Robert Zemeckis. With Ray Winstone, Crispin Glover, Angelina Jolie, Robin Wright. The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel, who is terrorizing Denmark, then Grendel's Mother, who begins killing out of revenge.
Wealhðeo maþelode, heo fore þæm werede spræc: Bruc ðisses beages, Beowulf leofa, hyse, mid hæle, ond þisses hrægles neot, þeodgestreona, ond geþeoh tela, cen þec mid cræfte ond þyssum cnyhtum wes