Beowulf: A Novel Based Upon the Epic Christian Poem opens the world of one of literature's greatest heroes to the modern reader. Prince Beowulf, a moody warrior, flees from the wrath of his uncle, King Hygelac. With his small band of thanes, his odyssey takes him through perils and adventures to a distant kingdom beset by an ancient horror. Beowulf was a large part of J.R.R. Tolkien's inspiration for The Lord of the Rings and is now a major motion picture directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins. The movie strips the story of its profound Christian themes and allegories. Beowulf: A Novel Based Upon the Epic Christian Poem restores the Christian elements and greatly expands the original tale with new characters and conflicts and a terrific surprise ending.