Year 9 - Myths and Legends
Beowulf
Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic poem of unknown authorship, dating as recorded in the Nowell Codex manuscript from between the 8th and the early 11th century,set in Denmark and Sweden. Commonly cited as one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature, Beowulf has been the subject of much scholarly study, theory, speculation, discourse, and, at 3182 lines, has been noted for its length.
In the poem, Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, battles three antagonists: Grendel, who has been attacking the resident warriors of a mead hall called Heorot in Denmark; Grendel's mother; and an unnamed dragon. The last battle takes place later in life, after returning to Geatland (modern southern Sweden), where Beowulf has become king. In the final battle, Beowulf is fatally wounded. After his death his retainers bury him in a tumulus in Geatland.
The Adventures of BeowulfClick here to view a translated version of the original epic poem of "Beowulf". The poem is divided into twelve parts and tells the tale of all of Beowulf's adventures - his battles with the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon, and the episode of his eventual death. |
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Old English Reading of the Opening Lines of "Beowulf"One of Europe's greatest epics, the story of King Hrothgar, the monster Grendel and the hero Beowulf has been passed down in written form for hundreds of generations. In this remarkable one-man tour de force, Benjamin Bagby (co-founder and director of the Sequentia ensemble for medieval music), accompanying himself on an Anglo-Saxon harp, delivers this gripping tale — in the original Old English — as it could have been experienced more than 1000 years ago.
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Beowulf (2007)View the trailer for the Robert Zemeckis' 2007 film "Beowulf". |
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The Making of "Beowulf"Click here to view videos of behind-the-scenes footage during the making of "Beowulf". You will see the revolutionary film-making techniques explained by director Robert Zemeckis, and see interviews with the cast. |
"Beowulf" Advertising Campaign Posters
(Click on the posters below to view an enlarged version).
Film Education - Beowulf Clip AnalysisFilm Education is a British charity organisation that offer study guides, resources, and activities to help study film. Follow the link to access a range of clips from the film "Beowulf" and accompanying questions to help you to analyse the film. |