Lecture at Lejre Museum: Beowulf

Beowulf is one of world literature's great masterpieces - a magnificent tale of victory and sorrow, friendship and violence, bog monsters and dragon slaying, bloody feuds and festive feasts. The epic poem depicts the heroic deeds of the Gothic hero Beowulf, centered on his struggle against the monster Grendel, who terrorizes the great hall of the Danish king Roar. Along the way, Beowulf encounters the Scylding princes Helge and Rolf Krake. The poem's portrayal of the Scylding dynasty connects the narrative to Lejre, even though the place is never mentioned directly. Written in Old English and inscribed on parchment over a thousand years ago, Beowulf has inspired writers and poets worldwide since its rediscovery in the 19th century - notably J.R.R. Tolkien, who was an expert on the work, and George R.R. Martin.

This evening, cultural historian, translator, and PhD in literary studies Sophus Helle - who has retranslated Beowulf into Danish - discusses the poem, its history, and its significance today.

Date and time: 8 September 2026, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (doors open from 6:30 PM). Admission: 90 kr. (+ booking fee). Tickets available on Billetto. Free for members of Lejre Museum Association, but registration on Billetto is required. Venue: Lejre Museum, Orehøjvej 4B, 4320 Lejre.