1 oz Beowulf & Grendel – Myths and Legends Series 2024 (Coin 7; in Capsule)
Description
The 2024 Beowulf & Grendel 1oz silver coins are part of The Royal Mint’s Myths and Legends series, celebrating the legendary figures of British mythology. Beowulf is featured here locked in battle with the monster Grendel in the first of his battles from the epic old English poem.
Beowulf is a central figure in historic English literature and is the most studied and translated Anglo-Saxon story. The origins of the epic poem are lost in time with the author known only as the ‘Beowulf poet’ and scholars arguing about how far back the story goes before the manuscript was written some time around 1,000 AD. The story is set in 6th century Scandinavia where Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of King Hrothgar whose mead hall Heorot has been under attack by the monster Grendel. After Beowulf slays him, Grendel’s mother takes revenge and is in turn defeated. Victorious, Beowulf goes home to Geatland and becomes king of the Geats. Fifty years later, Beowulf defeats a dragon, but is mortally wounded in the battle.
