Beowulf

Title: Beowulf
Author: Unknown
Written around: 11th Century?
Country of Origin: England
Manuscript: Nowell Codex (British Library, MS Cotton Vitellius A.xv)
Notes of interest: It is noted that J.R.R. Tolkien's (author, Lord of the Rings) academic career was built around this poem

Pagan interest:
An Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry set in Scandinavian background, the origins and period which this poem was written has been shrouded in mystery. What is clear is the heavy pagan influences and references found throughout the poem. Though not completely free of other influences, this poem does give an interesting view into ancient pagan life.

The poem tells of the three major battles of Beowulf, a hero of the Geats. Mortally wounded in his final battle, he was buried in a pagan ritual by this retainers.

I have not finished reading this poem yet, (with 3183 in just the original text alone, it's going to take a while...) so any constructive comments will be great.

Online Resources:
Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf
Study Guide:
http://www.library.unr.edu/subjects/guides/beowulf.html
Original Text and translation:
http://www.heorot.dk/
Another Translation:
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/AnoBeow.html