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Beowulf was the first great work of the English national literature. It is one of the greatest epics known to mankind. An epic is a long, narrative poem relating to the great deeds of larger than life hero who undertakes a quest to achieve something of value for himself /herself or society. The epic tells the story of Beowulf, a Geat from Sweden who crosses the sea to Denmark in a quest to rescue people in the Land of the Danes from Grendel. Beowulf was written based in the 8th century, but most historians believe this piece of oral art dates back to the 6th century. The author of the oral art is unknown, but it is assumed that the poet of the version that has been handed down, with changes and embellishments from one minstrel to another, was a Christian Monk. The stories of Beowulf are traditional ones, familiar to the audiences who crowded around the harpist-bards in the communal halls at night (18). The tales in Beowulf epic are the stories of dream and legend, of monsters......

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Approximate Pages: 4 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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