Beowulf Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Biblical References

Mythological References

  • Sigemund the Dragon-Slayer (Note: in Beowulf, the famous dragon-slayer is called Sigemund, but in Norse mythology Sigemund is just the father of the famous dragon-slayer, who is called Sigurd. If you're curious to know more you can read the Volsung Saga.) (873-914)
  • The Saga of Finn (1062-1158)