Beowulf — Monsters, Dragons, and the First English Epic episode artwork

EPISODE · May 8, 2026 · 11 MIN

Beowulf — Monsters, Dragons, and the First English Epic

from Have To Know History · host Jason Freewalt

Imagine a story so old it was told long before it was ever written down…A story of monsters, warriors, revenge—and one hero who decides to fight a creature with his bare hands.That’s Beowulf.In this episode of Have to Know History, we dive into one of the oldest surviving stories in the English language—a tale of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a final battle with a dragon that comes many years later.But this isn’t just a monster story.It’s about fame.It’s about legacy.And it’s about what happens when even the greatest hero grows old.Along the way, we explore how this ancient story connects to Viking culture, medieval beliefs, and even later works like those of J. R. R. Tolkien.Whether you're a student, a history fan, or just love a great story, this is one you have to know.🎧 Have to Know History is also available on YouTube for full video episodes.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 8, 2026

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Beowulf — Monsters, Dragons, and the First English Epic

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