Beowulf & Other Stories was first conceived in the belief that the study of Old English – and its close cousins, Old Icelandic and Anglo-Norman – can be a genuine delight, covering a period as replete with wonder, creativity and magic as any other in literature. Now in a fully revised second edition, the collection of essays written by leading academics in the field is set to build upon its established reputation as the standard introduction to the literatures of the time.
Perhaps in anticipation of the forthcoming film, here is yet another Beowulf, this one packaged as a graphic novel in the Graphic Myths & Legends series. Jumping through the story at a rapid clip, the clean, vivid panels capture the high drama, whether in depictions of the brave, stern hero or the well-fanged monsters he bests. The abbreviated text nods to the original's style and tone, although readers new to the tale may have trouble with the myriad difficult-to-pronounce names, included even for minor characters. Still, this remains an easily digestible introduction to one of the earliest ogre-and-dragon tales.
Beowulf probably was composed in England sometime in the eighth century AD and written down circa 1000 AD by a literate scop (bard) or perhaps a Christian scribe who was possibly educated in a monastery. The poem was created in the oral-formulaic tradition (or oral poetic method), probably developing over a period of time with roots in folk tales and traditional stories until a single, very talented poet put it in something very near its current form.
Because once upon a time, well over a thousand years ago, people told the story of Beowulf. And then time passed and it was forgotten. It was like an animal that no one had noticed had gone extinct, or almost extinct. Forgotten in oral lore, it was preserved by only one manuscript. Manuscripts are fragile and easily destroyed by time or by fi re. The Beowulf manuscript has scorch marks on it. But it survived . . .
The great warrior Beowulf comes to the Danish court of King Hrothgar to help free his people from the terrible monster, Grendel, and his evil mother. Next, Beowulf will have to fight a fire-breathing dragon alone. But will his efforts cost him his life this time?
