num_pages: 159
description: Song of the Battle and KingsBeowulf is the earliest extant poem in a modern European language. It was composed in England four centuries before the Norman Conquest. As a social document this great epic poem is invaluable- reflecting a feudal, newly Christian world of heroes and monsters, blood and victory, life and death. As a work of art it is quite unique; Beowulf rings with a beaut, power, and artistry that have kept it alive for more than twelve centuries. The noble simplicity of Beowulf's anonymous Anglo-Saxon singer is recaptured in this vivid translation by Burton Raffel.
language: English
title: Beowulf
titlecomplete: Beowulf
characters: Wealhtheow, Unferth, Onela, Grendel, Wiglaf, Hrothgar, Breca, Beowulf
genres: Read For School, Mythology, School, Medieval, Poetry, Literature, High School, Fantasy, Classics, Fiction
ratings_count: 295503
places: Denmark, Geatland, Sweden
publisher: Signet Classic