Composed about CE 1000, ""Beowulf"" is the longest known poem written in Old English. Considered one of the great epics, the Anglo-Saxon saga relates the heroic deeds of the warrior Beowulf, who kills the man-eating monster Grendel, and the monster's mother. Containing touches of Christian and pagan symbolism, ""Beowulf"" is the source of many medieval and Renaissance legends. It also influenced J.R.R. Tolkien, and helped spawn the fantasy genre so popular today in literature and film. Arm students for immersion in the study of this mythic adventure with ""Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations"". Newly updated, ""Beowulf"" includes full-length, interpretive essays that provide expert commentary, as well as introductions, a chronology, notes on the contributors, and a bibliography.
This book is part of a book series called Modern Critical Interpretations .
This book is aimed at children in secondary school.
There are 280 pages in this book. This is a reference book. This book was published 2006 by Chelsea House Publishers .
Harold Bloom is Sterling Professor of the Humanities at Yale University.
This book contains the following story:
Beowulf
For 12 years, an ogre named Grendel has menaced King Hrothgar, raiding his mead-hall and killing his men. Beowulf, a young warrior from neighbouring Geatland, comes to the king's aid, bringing with him 14 of his men. Beowulf and the Geats bed down in the mead-hall to wait for Grendel and in the ensuing battle, the monster is mortally wounded. The following day Grendel's mother comes to avenge her son, but Beowulf persues and kills her.
