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Oxford World’s Classics Book Club: Beowulf

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By Andrew Varhol

Welcome, brave warriors to our monthly OWC discussion! I know that Rebecca is your regular poster, but I had to steal this one from her, just because I love this month’s pick… and also it gave me a good reason to go see Angelina Jolie looking all sexy. But that’s besides the point. Where was I? Oh yes! This month’s pick is drumrolll…wait for it… Beowulf!

One of the most famous epics ever written, Beowulf tells the story of 9780192833204.jpga legendary Geat and his heroic defeat over the terrible monster Grendel…and Grendel’s Mother… and oh yeah, that Dragon at the end (how old was Beowulf anyway when he killed that thing? Maybe he killed him with his walking cane. I kid!)
Anyway, let’s dive right in, shall we?

Christian Influence

Many believe Beowulf was written sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries, right before the arrival of the Crusades. Reading through it, one can’t help but notice that there are several allusions to Christianity throughout. Can you spot any references?

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