Complex Anglo-Saxon Epic, Well Translated

I could live in this poem for weeks and write many essays exalting different aspects of its contents. "Beowulf" sets the standard for epic poetry in the English language, and Seamus Heaney's translation from the original Anglo-Saxon (aka: Old English) to a modern voice is poignantly refreshing. "Beowulf" may be recognized in popular adaptations for its monster fights, but there are also complicated discussions on honor, duty, legacy, greed, heredity, adoption, jealousy, revenge, piety, justice, goodness, and destiny. This Old English poem about an older Scandinavian culture captures our imagination and ignites the inherent longing for glory.



I tend to read "Beowulf" every few years, and this time I listened to the Recorded Books audio book (available on Audible) narrated by George Guidall. It was performed well, and concludes with a thought provoking essay by the translator. Heaney acknowledges the coincidental growth of "Beowulf"'s importance within the English canon and curriculum, recognizes how Tolkien's "Monsters and Critics" essay reinvigorated enjoyable readership of the poem, and reconciles the creative licenses he takes in his translation. Though most of his choices to avoid direct translation are justified and do not detract from the experience of the tale, it is important to understand when those choices have been made so we can appreciate the interpretation of this text as a continuous exercise. Tolkien's own "Beowulf" translation was published a few years ago; I'll have to read that one next.



While Grendel's reign and his mother's haunt are possibly the most remembered portions of the story, my favorite section is when Beowulf rules his home-country and must defend his people against the slumber-disturbed dragon. No longer is just Beowulf's life on the line, but now in jeopardy are his people's lives, the quality of his landholdings, and his legacy as a good king. The stakes are escalated for the climax, and the detailed descriptions of the battle and beast deliver equal degrees in intensity. "Beowulf" is a vexing marvel that deserves to be studied and fought over for centuries to follow.



Every speaker of the English language should read "Beowulf" in its entirety at least once in his lifetime. This should be required reading for every undergraduate English major and every Swedish or Anglo-Saxon historian. Every lover of fantasy, dragons or Vikings should reap this poem's linguistic spoils. Ideally, Old English studies would be offered in more universities to allow new scholars to delve into this world in its original.