What are some of the most famous pieces of Anglo-Saxon mythology that inspired Tolkien, and how did they influence his work?

 J.R.R. Tolkien was deeply influenced by Anglo-Saxon mythology and literature, and many elements of his works, including "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon sources. Here are a few examples of famous pieces of Anglo-Saxon mythology that inspired Tolkien and how they influenced his work:

The Epic of Beowulf: The Epic of Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that tells the story of a hero named Beowulf who fights against monsters and dragons to protect his people. Tolkien was an expert on Old English literature and was deeply influenced by the themes and motifs of Beowulf, which he incorporated into his own works.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a series of historical records that document the history of the Anglo-Saxons, a people who lived in England in the 5th to 11th centuries. Tolkien used the Chronicle as a source of inspiration for the historical and cultural background of his Middle-earth stories.

The Legend of Sigurd: The Legend of Sigurd is a Norse myth that tells the story of a hero named Sigurd who slays a dragon and gains great wisdom and power. Tolkien drew on the legend of Sigurd in creating the character of Smaug, the dragon in "The Hobbit," and also used elements of the story in his Silmarillion mythology.

The Mabinogion: The Mabinogion is a collection of Welsh myths and legends that tell the stories of gods, heroes, and magical creatures. Tolkien was familiar with the Mabinogion and drew on it for inspiration in creating the mythology of Middle-earth.

These are just a few examples of the many pieces of Anglo-Saxon mythology that influenced Tolkien's work. His deep knowledge and appreciation of these sources helped to shape the rich and complex world of Middle-earth and its inhabitants.