Posts Tagged ‘anglo-saxon’
Beowulf
I recently read Rebsamen’s verse translation of Beowulf. The translation attempts to preserve the Anglo-Saxon verse form: the alliteration, stress patterns, compound nouns, kennings, etc. The effect is quite remarkable. Here is a sample:
Through the high meadhall went Hrothgar’s queen
offering hall-joy to old and to young
with rich treasure-cups till time brought her
where Beowulf sat. She bore him a cup
with gold-gleaming hand held it before him
graciously greeted the Geat’s warleader
gave thanks to God for granting her will
sending her mercy a man to believe in
hope from abroad. He held the meadcup
high in his hands hailed the queen there
brought to Wealtheow battle-strong words.