#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.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 54 episodes

Mentioned by
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Tyler Cowen
as a post-antiquity book.
58 snips
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Mentioned by
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Thomas Banks
as part of the tradition of heroic poetry, alongside Homer.
51 snips
Episode 293: The Literary Tradition
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Rob Watts
in the context of runes and old English.
50 snips
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Melvyn Bragg
as an example of a national epic appearing around Europe between 1800 and 1850.
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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Katherine Mangu-Ward
as a classic work of literature, recently translated by Maria Headley.
44 snips
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Angelina Stanford
in comparison with Dracula's narrative structure and themes.
29 snips
Episode 150: "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, Ch. 18-End
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Chris Ferguson
as an example of what the re-enactors were reading in the footprint of the great halls.
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
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Gordon White
as an Anglo-Saxon story that reflects the culture's views on fate and co-creation.
24 snips
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