Silver coin £2 UK 2024 – British Myths and Legends: Beowulf and Grendel

According to scholars, Beowulf originated between the eighth and eleventh centuries, and is the longest surviving poem in Old English. Aspects of Christian allegory can also be found in the poem: the protagonist Beowulf represents the struggle between good and evil, and the tale’s first villain, Grendel, is said to be descended from the biblical Cain, the first murderer.
The main content lies in the tales of Beowulf’s victory over the terrible monsters Grendel and his mother, and over the dragon that devastated the country. The action takes place in Scandinavia (Denmark and the south of what is now Sweden). The poem glorifies pagan virtues – fearlessness in battle, loyalty to the tribe and leader, merciless revenge on enemies. The world described in Beowulf is historically accurate, although Beowulf himself is not mentioned in any other source.

Obverse: Beowulf and his first enemy Grendel in an epic battle.
Reverse: portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.

Series: British Myths and Legends
Denomination: 2 pounds
Weight: 1oz (31.1g)
Diameter: 38.61mm
Metal: silver 999
Circulation: not specified
Packaging: capsule