Includes bibliographical references and index.

The structure and the unity of Beowulf / Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur -- Succession and glory in Beowulf / Richard J. Schrader -- Locating Beowulf in literary history / John D. Niles -- Grendel's glove / Seth Lerer -- Psychology and physicality: the monsters of Beowulf / Andy Orchard -- Christian and pagan elements / Edward B. Irving Jr. -- Myth and history / John D. Niles -- Theorizing irony in Beowulf: the case of Hrothgar / Scott DeGregorio -- Cycles and change in Beowulf / Phyllis R. Brown -- The fourth funeral: Beowulf's complex obsequies / Gale R. Owen-Crocker -- Launching the hero: the case of Scyld and Beowulf / Judy King.