One piece of literature influenced The Lord of the Rings more than any other
Tolkien studied it for 25 years, convinced it had a hidden meaning
What he discovered changed the face of literature and helped him create his life’s masterpiece… 🧵
Tolkien studied it for 25 years, convinced it had a hidden meaning
What he discovered changed the face of literature and helped him create his life’s masterpiece… 🧵
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem set in 6th century Scandinavia
The story begins with a group of Danes partying in a mead hall
All is joyful in their kingdom — but an evil “shadow walker” named Grendel lurks nearby
He despises the sounds of joy and descends into the town…
The story begins with a group of Danes partying in a mead hall
All is joyful in their kingdom — but an evil “shadow walker” named Grendel lurks nearby
He despises the sounds of joy and descends into the town…
The monster bursts into the mead hall, attacking the Danes
He easily overpowers them and kills dozens before retreating back into the shadows
But this isn’t the last of Grendel — he returns often, dealing out death each time
The Danes are helpless, and need a hero…
He easily overpowers them and kills dozens before retreating back into the shadows
But this isn’t the last of Grendel — he returns often, dealing out death each time
The Danes are helpless, and need a hero…
Across the sea, Beowulf hears of the Danes’ troubles
He sails to help them, and promises to slay the monster
That night, he and his men lay a trap — they wait for Grendel in the mead hall
Beowulf pretends to sleep as the creature lurks closer…
He sails to help them, and promises to slay the monster
That night, he and his men lay a trap — they wait for Grendel in the mead hall
Beowulf pretends to sleep as the creature lurks closer…
As Grendel bursts in, the men draw their swords
But Beowulf says he’s Grendel’s equal, and fights without weapons
After a fierce battle, he rips off the monster’s arm
Grendel flees from the hall and dies from his wound — but Beowulf’s troubles are far from over...
But Beowulf says he’s Grendel’s equal, and fights without weapons
After a fierce battle, he rips off the monster’s arm
Grendel flees from the hall and dies from his wound — but Beowulf’s troubles are far from over...
The next night, Grendel’s mother attacks the Danes as they celebrate
Beowulf pursues her to her underwater lair, and another battle (packed w/ sexual & religious symbolism) ensues
Finally, Beowulf emerges triumphant
He returns home a rich man — but the worst is yet to come
Beowulf pursues her to her underwater lair, and another battle (packed w/ sexual & religious symbolism) ensues
Finally, Beowulf emerges triumphant
He returns home a rich man — but the worst is yet to come
50 years later, Beowulf is king of his people — but now he faces the ultimate crisis:
A dragon is on the rampage, burning everything in sight after gold was stolen from his lair
Though Beowulf is well past his prime, he sets out for one last battle…
A dragon is on the rampage, burning everything in sight after gold was stolen from his lair
Though Beowulf is well past his prime, he sets out for one last battle…
Beowulf fights and slays the dragon, but he’s killed in the process
His people mourn his loss and build a funeral pyre, dreading what will happen without his leadership
It’s a tragic ending — but where does Tolkien come into play?
His people mourn his loss and build a funeral pyre, dreading what will happen without his leadership
It’s a tragic ending — but where does Tolkien come into play?
In Tolkien’s time, Beowulf was studied mainly for its historical and linguistic value
Tolkien said this was a huge mistake — it should be studied as a profound work of art
But more importantly, he said it is the MONSTERS that unlock the key to the story's meaning…
Tolkien said this was a huge mistake — it should be studied as a profound work of art
But more importantly, he said it is the MONSTERS that unlock the key to the story's meaning…
Tolkien said:
“The monsters are symbols of the inevitable hostility of the world itself to mortal men…they do not only bring physical ruin but spiritual despair”
The story of Beowulf, then, teaches you how to triumph in the face of evil…
“The monsters are symbols of the inevitable hostility of the world itself to mortal men…they do not only bring physical ruin but spiritual despair”
The story of Beowulf, then, teaches you how to triumph in the face of evil…
Tolkien continues:
“Beowulf is not a hero because he wins but because he fights, even when he knows the battle will bring his doom. His death is the crown of his life.”
In other words, glory isn't won only in victory — it's won by giving your all to fight for the good
“Beowulf is not a hero because he wins but because he fights, even when he knows the battle will bring his doom. His death is the crown of his life.”
In other words, glory isn't won only in victory — it's won by giving your all to fight for the good
Tolkien formalized this argument in a famous 1936 lecture
One historian called it “one of the most influential works of literary criticism of that century”
Tolkien sparked a revolution that brought Beowulf back into the popular conscience
But the story doesn’t end there...
One historian called it “one of the most influential works of literary criticism of that century”
Tolkien sparked a revolution that brought Beowulf back into the popular conscience
But the story doesn’t end there...
Beowulf taught Tolkien what true heroism looks like
It means fighting for the good, even — or better yet, especially — in the face of all odds
This became the guiding spirit of his novel The Lord of the Rings
It means fighting for the good, even — or better yet, especially — in the face of all odds
This became the guiding spirit of his novel The Lord of the Rings
Beowulf was written 1,000 years ago
Yet through Tolkien, it continues to inspire millions
It proves that the values of adventure, honor, heroism, and sacrifice are truly timeless
They’re what make for the best stories — in literature, in film, and in your own life
Yet through Tolkien, it continues to inspire millions
It proves that the values of adventure, honor, heroism, and sacrifice are truly timeless
They’re what make for the best stories — in literature, in film, and in your own life
If you enjoyed this and want to dive deeper…
1) Follow & RT this thread
2) Join me live at 10am ET today for a conversation on Tolkien’s analysis of Beowulf — and how it can help you live like a hero
Replay is available if you can’t join us live:
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1) Follow & RT this thread
2) Join me live at 10am ET today for a conversation on Tolkien’s analysis of Beowulf — and how it can help you live like a hero
Replay is available if you can’t join us live:
x.com/i/spaces/1myxn…
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