39 pages • 1 hour read
Beowulf
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Book Brief
215
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Scandinavia • Medieval
1000
Adult
16+ years
1090L
Super Short Summary
In Beowulf, King Hrothgar's mead-hall Heorot is terrorized by the monster Grendel, who is later defeated by the heroic Geat Beowulf. Rejoicing is cut short by Grendel's mother's revenge, prompting Beowulf to slay her too. Celebrated for his deeds, Beowulf ascends as King of the Geats, ruling for 50 years until a dragon menace arises. Beowulf kills the dragon with the aid of Wiglaf but succumbs to his injuries, leaving his people to mourn their vulnerable future. The text includes violent battles and descriptions of gore.
Gritty
Mysterious
Dark
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf reinvigorates the Old English epic with poetic grace and accessibility. Praised for its lyrical beauty and modern readability, the translation remains true to the original's spirit. Some critics argue it loses some of the ancient text's rawness, but it stands as a monumental achievement in literary translation.
Who Should Read Beowulf?
A reader captivated by epic poetry, heroic tales, and rich linguistic heritage would enjoy Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney. Fans of The Odyssey by Homer or The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, with their intense narratives and mythical settings, will likely appreciate Heaney's masterful rendition of this classic epic.
215
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Scandinavia • Medieval
1000
Adult
16+ years
1090L
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