A Companion to Beowulf is a guide to the ancient epic poem for students and general readers. The reader learns about the famous manuscript and its language, the poem's plot, and the religious and cultural background of the story. One chapter outlines connections between Beowulf and the works of Tolkien. A Companion to Beowulf serves as an introduction and easy learning guide for general readers, but also as a bridge to more advanced scholarship for college students. It was first published by Greenwood Press in 2005 as a library-bound volume.