
audiobook
Preface to the Project Gutenberg Edition of Beowulf
I. BĒOWULF:
II. THE FIGHT AT FINNSBURH:
BĒOWULF.
I. THE PASSING OF SCYLD.
II. THE HALL HEOROT.
III. GRENDEL'S VISITS.
IV. HYGELAC'S THANE.
V. THE ERRAND.
VI. BĒOWULF'S SPEECH.
An enduring treasure of early medieval literature, this long‑ago composed epic follows a mighty warrior who journeys across the North Sea to aid a distant kingdom plagued by a terrifying beast. The poem blends vivid battle scenes with moments of feasting and counsel, revealing a world shaped by loyalty, fate, and the clash of supernatural forces.
The companion fragment, known as the fight at Finnsburh, offers a brief but intense glimpse of a later clash between rivals, echoing the heroic code of the main saga. Though much shorter, it captures the same rhythm of speech and the stark atmosphere of a warrior society, enriching the larger narrative with a fresh perspective.
This edition presents the original Old English text alongside a modernized version, with clear markings of long vowels and a helpful glossary. Listeners can follow the poem’s cadence while gaining insight into its language and cultural background, making the ancient tale both accessible and immersive.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (815K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

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