Beowulf, Dragonslayer

In this thrilling re-telling of the Anglo-Saxon legend, Beowulf, the renowned children's historical fiction writer Rosemary Sutcliff recounts Beowulf's most terrifying quests:

against Grendel the man-wolf,

against the hideous sea-hag

and, most courageous of all - his fight to the death with the monstrous fire-drake.

This is Sutcliff's adaptation of the classic epic poem, written specifically for younger readers. The book maintains the heroic spirit and mythic elements of the original while making the story accessible to children. Sutcliff was known for her ability to bring historical and legendary figures to life, and this retelling preserves the essential battles and themes of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice that define the Beowulf story. The narrative follows the warrior's three great challenges in a way that captures both the adventure and the deeper meaning of this foundational work of English literature.