The 'Real' Beowulf

Since I gave the new Beowulf movie a less than wonderful review, I thought it would be a good idea to let readers know about the fairly recent (2001) and excellent verse translation of Beowulf by Seamus Heaney.  If you saw the movie and enjoyed it, or are just interested in the original source material, Heaney's translation is a great book to pick up.  Beowulf has had the reputation of being dry and dull over the years, and some translations certainly bear that out.  Heaney brings the original Old English to life, and vividly describes the emotions and action of this early medieval masterpiece.  The original Old English text is provided on facing pages for comparison.

Digg It!