Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
- Approximate level
- C1
- Length
- 41,448 words
- Reading time
- 3 h 27 min
- Chapters
- 50
- Language
- English
- On Project Gutenberg since
- 2005
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This epic poem tells the story of Beowulf, a hero who travels to Denmark to defeat a terrifying monster named Grendel. Because this text is based on ancient Anglo Saxon legends, the vocabulary is often formal and archaic. You will encounter descriptive language that focuses on themes of bravery, loyalty, and conflict. The sentences are structured in a traditional narrative style, which can be challenging for modern readers. It is a demanding but rewarding exploration of early English literature and heroic mythology.
60,671 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
- Epic poetry, English (Old)
- Monsters -- Poetry
- Dragons -- Poetry
Questions about this book
What level of English do I need for this book?
The estimate is C1, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.
Is this book really free?
Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.
How does reading with a translation work?
Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 49 languages.
How long does it take to read?
About 3 h 27 min at a native pace, spread over 50 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.
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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.