One piece of literature, written over 1,000 years ago, 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…

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 monster bursts into the mead hall. He easily overpowers the Danes 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 in need of 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.

As Grendel bursts in, the men draw their swords. Beowulf, however, insists that he’s Grendel’s equal, and fights without weapons. After a fierce battle, he rips off the monster’s arm. Grendel flees and soon dies from his wounds, 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 still 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.

He fights and slays the dragon, but is killed in the process. The 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 believed this was a huge mistake — it should be studied as a profound work of art. More importantly, he said it is the MONSTERS that unlock the key to the story's meaning:

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. Tolkien formalized this argument in a famous 1936 lecture, “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics”. 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 consciousness, and it taught him what true heroism looks like. Heroism means fighting for the good, even — or better yet, especially — in the face of all odds. This became the guiding spirit of The Lord of the Rings.

Beowulf was written over 1,000 years ago, yet through Tolkien, it continues to inspire millions of readers. 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.