Tags
ancient literature, beowulf, book review, epic poem, Grendel, gutenberg project, Medieval, poetry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
“Beloved Beowulf, remember how you boasted,
Once, that nothing in the world would ever
Destroy your fame; fight to keep it,
Now, be strong and brave, my noble
King, protecting life and fame
Together. My sword will fight at your side!”
Stirring stuff eh? Nothing but distilled epicness! When someone used to say ‘Beowulf’ to me I’d start thinking about epic soundtracks to films, especially ‘Lux Aeterna’. But not anymore…
No, there’s nothing to get excited about here, people. In fact, this might be my shortest review of a book yet. Basically ‘Beowulf’ is the story of a warrior called Beowulf (who comes across as a bit vainglorious, hence the quote above about him boasting!) and his epic battle with Grendel the monster, and said monsters mum. And you get to read the story TWICE. Once by the narrator, and a second time round by Beowulf himself (who was only trying to impress the ladies in court!)
My translated version was the Gutenberg e-book edition, and very unimaginative if I might say so. Ask around for a GOOD translation before you give it a go. If you know a good version, please let me know. I feel like a s*&% not diggin’ this piece of epic lit. And I don’t like that. It makes me feel dumb.
So please, convince me through another version this CAN be better and I’ll be a very grateful girl indeed!
To read my version of the text free, plesase visit ‘Beowulf’ at the Gutenberg Project.
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