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Beowulf Norseinfluenced Tradition

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem consisting of 3,182 alliterative long lines, set in Scandinavia, commonly cited as one of the most important works of Old English literature. The date of composition is a matter of contested debate among scholars; the only surviving manuscript of the poem is London, British Library, MS Cotton Vitellius A.xv. The poem is traditionally dated to the 8th to early 11th centuries. The work is commonly considered an example of a heroic elegy, and it is frequently cited as one of the most important works of Old English literature. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which centers on a battle against a different monstrous antagonist. The translation of Beowulf to Hebrew is ביאוולף (Beavulf). In Old Norse, it is Beowulf or Bóvulfur, and in modern Swedish, it is Beowulf or Beovulf. The poem's influence on later works of literature, particularly in the fantasy genre, is profound, with authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien drawing inspiration from its themes and narrative structure. The poem's exploration of themes such as heroism, fate, and the human condition continues to resonate with modern audiences and scholars alike.