Here's why:
* Shared Themes: Both "Beowulf" and Tolkien's works (like "The Lord of the Rings") feature heroic battles against monstrous creatures, the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of courage and loyalty.
* Language: Tolkien was a scholar of Old English and deeply admired the language of "Beowulf." He even created his own invented languages (like Elvish) that were influenced by Old English and other ancient languages.
* Influence on Middle-earth: The epic structure, the use of alliteration, and even the names of some characters in Tolkien's works can be traced back to "Beowulf." For instance, the name "Beorn" in "The Hobbit" is a direct reference to the character of Beowulf.
Other Influential Works:
While "Beowulf" is the most prominent example, Tolkien was also inspired by other epic poems like:
* The Kalevala: Finnish epic poetry that influenced his use of mythology and folklore.
* The Nibelungenlied: A German epic poem that influenced his themes of treasure and destiny.
Ultimately, Tolkien's works were deeply influenced by a wide range of sources, but "Beowulf" stands out as a major inspiration for his epic narratives and creation of a rich mythical world.