Back to Myth Atlas

Heroes & Prophecies · Anglo-Saxon England

Beowulf

The Old English hero who battles Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon.

Legend File

Beowulf is the great hero of the Old English poem that bears his name, though the story looks toward a Scandinavian legendary world. He defeats Grendel, dives into a haunted mere to face Grendel's mother, and later dies after fighting a dragon. His life turns heroism into a question about fame, duty, aging, and the cost of protecting a people.

Source Framing

Old English heroic poetry, especially Beowulf: an Anglo-Saxon poem set in a Scandinavian legendary world around Grendel, Grendel's mother, the dragon fight, kingship, feud, fame, and mortality.

Archival-style heroic saga plate showing Beowulf with hall, sea, mail, sword, and monster-shadow studies.
Source reference Beowulf reference plate Old English heroic poetry, especially Beowulf: an Anglo-Saxon poem set in a Scandinavian legendary world around Grendel, Grendel's mother, the dragon fight, kingship, feud, fame, and mortality. Codex art session / Myth Atlas