One-fifth of BW revised

The first fifth of the Beowulf translation is complete, and further revisions are being made to the rest as we speak. Yes, it will take a long time, if I continue to go at the pace of my faculty reading group, but they’re suggestions are so helpful and the process of preparing my words for … Continue reading One-fifth of BW revised

On “duguþe ond geogoþe,” line 621a

Another interesting thing came up during our BW translation group, which I wanted to discuss briefly. When Wealhtheow enters the hall to pass the ale-horn around, she goes first to Hrothgar and then to the assembled warriors before reaching Beowulf: Ymbeode þa   ides Helmingaduguþe ond geogoþe   dæl æghwylcne,sincfato sealde… (ll. 620-22a) What is unusual about … Continue reading On “duguþe ond geogoþe,” line 621a

The subjunctive & Unferth

My Beowulf translation group has just passed the famous flyting scene between our hero & Unferth, and in checking and re-checking my translation and performing it in front of others I noticed something intriguing: the use of the subjunctive mood in the notorious “brother-killer” accusation. Here is the text (per Klaeber 4):                                  … Breca … Continue reading The subjunctive & Unferth

Most of the Fortunes of Men added

A good deal of the Fortunes of Men has been added to the list of pages on the site. Look for the translation at the top menu.  

Precepts is done

I’ve been enjoying the feeling of the Exeter Book wisdom poems, so I just posted “Precepts” and am working on “The Fortunes of Men” next.