Beowulf Resources

Beowulf is a classic poem about the journey of an epic hero.  One of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature, Beowulf was first written in Old English.  The actual history of this poem is almost as interesting as the story itself.

Follow Beowulf through his battles, and learn a great deal more about this great story and its history with the links below. 

Why is Beowulf Important?

  • NEH: The National Endowment for the Humanities is a government program whose purpose is to support and preserve programs in the humanities.  Robert F. Yeager writes on their site about the importance of Beowulf and discusses its history. 
  • CSULA: CSULA Professor Jim Garrett outlines the most important aspects of Beowulf.  To get a better understanding of the story before you read it, look through this professor's outline.
  • The University of Aberdeen: Beowulf for Beginners.  If you're new to the story of Beowulf, the University of Aberdeen walks you through the basics of Beowulf, from detailed character outlines to the various storylines.
  • My Mega Verse: This is an essay written on the important aspects of life that are highlighted in Beowulf.  Kinship and loyalty play a major role in this story -- read this if you're curious about why.
  • Classical Literature: Classical Literature gives an in-depth synopsis of this epic story.  See why this character and story play such an important role in literature.

Language of Beowulf

  • ReadWriteThink: ReadWriteThink is an extensive site for learning all you need to know about the language of Beowulf.  After you're done reading the introduction, browse through their resources or search their list of printable documents for more great information.
  • British Library: The British Library's Learning Changing Language section dives into the language of Beowulf.  Learn about the history of the story and the language in which the original manuscript was written.
  • University of Virginia: An actual look at the original language in which Beowulf was written.  Be sure to click on the "Old English Icon" at the bottom to search for Old English words.
  • University of Texas: Beowulf was first written in Old English.  The University of Texas gives us an "Old English Online Master Glossary."  Search through all the different words and learn the language here.
  • Fordham University: Fordham University has the entire poem written out in its original Old English Language.  Also, near the top, be sure to click on the "Modern English" link to see the differences between Old English and Modern English.

Editions and Translations

  • BeowulfTranslations: A great site with over 100 different translations of this epic poem.  The left side of the page makes this site easy to navigate as it breaks everything up into sections.
  • eBeowulf: Download and research the original manuscript on your own computer!  eBeowulf walks you through how to not only download the manuscript but also goes step by step to help you look through different translations.
  • Lone-Star: An adaptation of the popular poem by Dr. David Breeden.  Dr. Breeden takes the original poem and translates it as though a modern-day poet had written the story.
  • Heorot: An Old English translation of Beowulf.  Heorot is a great site for so much more than just its translation. At the top of the right side, you'll find a great navigation tool to get you where you need to be.
  • SLU: St. Louis University tackles the Beowulf story and translates it into Latin.  Even if you don't know Latin, you're sure to enjoy and appreciate this translation.

Beowulf as Inspiration

  • Shadowed Realm: Does Christianity play a major role in story of Beowulf?  Shadowed Realm makes very valid points as to why the story was written for and about Christians.
  • Pace University: Pace University writes about the importance of the Anglo-Saxon Hero.  Beowulf can be considered as a main definition as the Anglo-Saxon Hero.
  • The Valar Guild: Much has been made of the impact that Beowulf had on J.R.R. Tolkien.  The Valar Guild illustrates the impact that Beowulf had on Tolkien's writings.
  • Beowulf Book: A good leader is an important aspect of life no matter the time is. Beowulf is often described as an epic story, and that has much to do with the type of leader he was.
  • St. Johns: Beowulf in Star Wars?  Find out the similarities between the two and how the story may have inspired certain elements in the Star Wars franchise.

Back to top

Find a School