How do you plan to be buried? In a coffin? Cremated? How about burned on a massive funeral pyre, then buried with a pile of treasure in a barrow overlooking the sea? That is the way that fallen heroes were honoured in Anglo-Saxon legends.

Beowulf is a mythical and stirring saga which has been the inspiration for countless generations and authors including the beloved litterateur of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien. Not only is it the oldest surviving and most significant poem in the English language. Approximately 1000 years old! Its original pages are preserved on display in The British Library.

So what is it about? Everything that you could possibly want in a pulse-pounding epic. Originally passed on through the mouth of bards, the tale begins in a mead hall of Heorot a place of feasting and ballads. The people of the hall (the Danes) make such a clamor that the sound infuriates a demon who begins to slaughter and terrorize them. Many years of suffering ensue until one day a mighty warrior, and the book's namesake, Beowulf hears of their plight and sails overseas to lend them aid. Over the years he grows in influence and renown until he eventually encounters a dragon who stands watch over a hoard of treasure, does that sound familiar? I see you Tolkien.

A must read not only for the historical significance but for inspiration and adventure, you won't want to put it down!

"Great then was the hope of the grey-locked Hrothgar, warrior, giver of rings. Great was the trust of the Shield of the Danes, shepherd of the people, attending to Beowulf's determined resolve."

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