About WULFCRÆFT
WULFCRÆFT helps curious readers explore Old English literature and the world of early medieval England through carefully researched stories, illustrated guides, and language learning.
Here, you can follow a poem into the landscape, examine the objects behind a story, and discover how surviving evidence changes our understanding of the past. No previous knowledge of Old English is needed to begin exploring.
Who I am
I’m Michael Riley, an Australia-based writer and independent researcher with a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies from James Cook University, where I studied Old and Middle English literature and language.
WULFCRÆFT grew out of my fascination with Beowulf, Old English poetry, and everyday life in early medieval England. I wanted to understand the people whose stories survive—and share the excitement of discovering their world.
I also wanted to create the kind of history resource I enjoy exploring: carefully researched, visually engaging, and full of stories that make you want to know more. There is excellent scholarship on this period. WULFCRÆFT draws on that work to help newcomers discover it for themselves.
Throughout, I aim to distinguish surviving evidence, scholarly interpretation, and imaginative reconstruction, so readers can see what supports an account and where uncertainty remains.
Explore WULFCRÆFT
Learn Old English
Begin recognising the words and patterns of Old English. The free five-day beginner course introduces the language’s sounds and grammar, with an interactive sample lesson you can try before signing up.
Explore the free five-day Old English course
Read the Journal
Why does Grendel’s mother seek revenge? How did belief shape Old English poetry? What did everyday life in Anglo-Saxon England look like? Explore these historical and literary questions through essays and close readings.
Read the history and literature essays
Watch the stories
Explore Old English poetry, riddles, and Anglo-Saxon lives through historically informed visual storytelling on Instagram.
Watch WULFCRÆFT’s stories on Instagram
Explore the study guides
Spend more time with a text through illustrated translations and reading guides that bring its language, themes, and historical setting into focus.
Explore WULFCRÆFT’s study guides on Payhip
Into the Mere: Why Does Beowulf Fight Grendel’s Mother?
Grendel’s mother attacks Heorot to avenge her son. Beowulf follows her into the mere, where his trusted sword fails. This close reading explores the encounter through kinship, revenge, heroic duty, and the limits of human strength.
Where to start
Start with the free Old English Glossary: 25 words with meanings, beginner-friendly pronunciation, and examples from the literature. From hwæt to wyrd, it offers a practical first step towards recognising the language behind the stories.
The PDF is delivered by email.
Get the free Old English Glossary by email
Prefer to begin with the stories? Browse the Journal.