Beowulf (7thc/8thc AD) is a product of a Christian environment but explores the bleak heroism of the world of pre-Christian Denmark and Sweden, in which men are threatened not only by monsters but also, and more dangerously, by tribal warfare and human nature itself. The poem will be read in Swanton’s parallel text, supplemented by my reading original passages aloud, with detailed explanation of both text and historical and legendary/mythical background. Texts: Beowulf ed. Michael Swanton, essential. For anyone interested in the language Sweet's Old English Primer is useful. Heaney’s illustrated translation is also useful.