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Beowulf's Return

From Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race by M. I. Ebbutt

This text is drawn from M. I. Ebbutt's Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, a collection first published in 1910 that retold the great stories of British and Northern European tradition for a new generation. The Beowulf legend, originally an Old English epic poem from around the eighth century, tells of a Geatish hero who travels to Denmark to rid King Hrothgar's hall of the monster Grendel. This episode covers the hero's return home and the long years of his reign. The original poem is one of the foundational works of English literature, exploring themes of loyalty, courage, the responsibilities of leadership, and the tension between individual glory and communal duty. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised.

Band

Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14

Length

long · about 922 words in 3 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, M. I. Ebbutt

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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