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Description
Winner of the Whitbread Prize, Seamus Heaney's translation "accomplishes what before now had seemed impossible: a faithful rendering that is simultaneously an original and gripping poem in its own right" ( New York Times Book Review ). The translation that "rides boldly through the reefs of... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis
Summary
King Hrothgar of Denmark builds a fabulous meadhall called Heorot. A monster called Grendel besets the hall and wages a murderous war against Hrothgar's people for twelve years. Beowulf, proud Geatish warrior, hears of Hrothgar's plight and decides to help. He travels to Denmark, and is... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Cast of Characters/Important People
- Beowulf: Geatish hero of the epic.
- Grendel: Primary antagonist, descendant of Cain. Monster terrorizing Heorot.
- Hrothgar: King of the Danes, lord of Heorot.
- Wealtheow: Queen of the Danes and consort of Hrothgar.
- Unferth: Proud Danish warrior who challenges Beowulf.
- Wiglaf: Beowulf successor as King of Geats.
- Grendel's mother: Monstrous mother of Grendel who Beowulf fights in her lair at the bottom of a lake.
First Sentence
So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by and the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.
Table of Contents
Authors & Contributors
Other Contributors:
- Burton Raffel (Translator)
- Burton Raffel (Introduction)
- Michael Alexander
- Kevin Crossley-Holland
- Robert Nye
- Seamus Heaney (Translator)
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