Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition)

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Book Reviews of Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition)

Book Review: Gripping narrative and beautiful language make this a must.
Summary: 5 Stars

"he had handled and removed a gem studded goblet; it gained him nothing, though with a thief's wiles he had outwitted the sleeping dragon and driven him to a fury, as the people of the country would soon discover."

The poem tells of the deeds of Beowulf, a mighty warrior who comes to the aid of a Danish king, Hrothgar. At night a man eating monster, Grendel comes out from his den and terrorises the population. Beowulf vows to fight the monster in single combat and slay him. He waits in the palace and mortally wounds Grendel, who slinks off to his swamp to die.

The king is well pleased but, " Grendel's mother, monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs," and "...had sallied forth on a savage journey, grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge.

Beowulf had been off carousing elsewhere but chases after her into her underwater lair and kills her. Then there is peace and eventually, "the wide kingdom reverted to Beowulf. He ruled it well for fifty winters" Until the dragon is awakened that is and Beowulf goes to meet him and his death. Verdict: on a first reading the only difficulty is some the character's names. The story is fabulous and the language beautiful. If you grudge the money put it on your Christmas list!

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