

#587
Mentioned in 54 episodes
Beowulf
Book • 1892
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf.
The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel.
Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats.
After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death.
The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.
The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel.
Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats.
After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death.
The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.
Mentioned by













Mentioned in 54 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a post-antiquity book.


Tyler Cowen

58 snips
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as part of the tradition of heroic poetry, alongside Homer.

Thomas Banks

51 snips
Episode 293: The Literary Tradition
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in the context of runes and old English.

Rob Watts

50 snips
Is English a Germanic language?
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as an example of a national epic appearing around Europe between 1800 and 1850.


Melvyn Bragg

46 snips
The Kalevala
Mentioned as important in the context of British/Anglo mythology and folklore.

45 snips
Christmas Q&A, 2025
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as a classic work of literature, recently translated by Maria Headley.


Katherine Mangu-Ward

44 snips
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in comparison with Dracula's narrative structure and themes.

Angelina Stanford

29 snips
Episode 150: "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, Ch. 18-End
Mentioned by 

as an example of what the re-enactors were reading in the footprint of the great halls.


Chris Ferguson

27 snips
Ad Gefrin: Anglo-Saxon Palace
Mentioned in the podcast as a tale of heroism, monsters, and revenge, setting the scene for the Kingdom of Rohan in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

26 snips
The Anglo Saxons
Mentioned by 

as an Anglo-Saxon story that reflects the culture's views on fate and co-creation.


Gordon White

24 snips
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