There have been numerous translations, in verse and in prose, some aiming at literal fidelity, others at conveying the meaning in a modern manner. Tolkien's 1936 essay, Beowulf, the monsters and the critics, is that this is a major work of poetry, though allusive and difficult. What is not controversial ever since J.R.R. Many aspects of the poem are contentious: the approximate date of composition the nature and location of the anonymous poet whether it was intended for recital or is a purely literary work whether the original poet was Christian or whether someone made Christian additions to it. Hrothgar warns against pride and covetousness, praises generosity, speaks of a king's obligations to his people, and reminds Beowulf that old age and death come to all The ethical centre of the poem is Hrothgar's speech addressing Beowulf after the killing of Grendel's mother. The main plot is interspersed with other tales or allusions to them, intended to add to the theme and sentiment of the poem. He slays it with the help of Wiglaf, but dies from his wounds. In old age, Beowulf, now king of the Geats, has his lands ravaged by a dragon. Beowulf tracks her and dives into her lake to kill her.
Grendel's mother now comes out to avenge her son. When Grendel arrives on his foray, Beowulf wrenches off his arm, and the monster returns to his fen to die. Beowulf, a Geat, hears of this and comes to Hrothgar. To this comes a fen monster, Grendel, who each night eats one of Hrothgar's men. Hrothgar, king of the Danes, builds a great and wonderful hall, Heorot. In these respects it is a remarkable work. It has been said that "there is nothing comparable to be found among the Roman peoples in the West or in Italy". Very little other literature survives from the seventh and eighth centuries in western Europe, and certainly there is nothing on the same epic scale or of such quality.
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