--- product_id: 235777 title: "Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition)" price: "147.28 DT" currency: TND in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.tn/products/235777-beowulf-a-new-verse-translation-bilingual-edition store_origin: TN region: Tunisia --- # Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition) **Price:** 147.28 DT **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition) - **How much does it cost?** 147.28 DT with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.tn](https://www.desertcart.tn/products/235777-beowulf-a-new-verse-translation-bilingual-edition) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description New York Times bestseller and winner of the Costa Book Award. Composed toward the end of the first millennium, Beowulf is the elegiac narrative of the adventures of Beowulf, a Scandinavian hero who saves the Danes from the seemingly invincible monster Grendel and, later, from Grendel's mother. He then returns to his own country and dies in old age in a vivid fight against a dragon. The poem is about encountering the monstrous, defeating it, and then having to live on in the exhausted aftermath. In the contours of this story, at once remote and uncannily familiar at the beginning of the twenty-first century, Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney finds a resonance that summons power to the poetry from deep beneath its surface. Drawn to what he has called the "four-squareness of the utterance" in Beowulf and its immense emotional credibility, Heaney gives these epic qualities new and convincing reality for the contemporary reader. Review: An easy and enjoyable translation - I’m homeschooling my two youngest kiddos, and part of our reading this year was two sagas: the Volsunga saga and Beowulf. I chose Heaney’s translation of Beowulf because it’s known as easy reading while still keeping the poetic essence. I totally agree. One of my kiddos wrote her paper on what makes a good hero. Some things she pointed out were: they must prove their worth by being courageous, prudent, and giving. They should have “sharp minds” to measure “what’s said and what’s done” (21). They are to uphold their oaths and “boldly fulfill” their boasts (55). The hero has a “habit [of] always and everywhere to be ready for actions, at home or in the camp, in whatever case and at whatever time the need” arises (87). The hero must build a strong reputation, as Beowulf tells us: “Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark” (97). Regarding behavior, Beowulf is known to bare “himself with valour, […] behaved with honour and took no advantage; never cut down a comrade who was drunk, kept his temper and, […] watched and controlled his God-sent strength and his outstanding natural powers” (149). My kiddo ended her paper quoting Beowulf as he nears death: “I took what came, cared for and stood by things in my keeping, never fomented quarrels, never swore to lie. All this consoles me, doomed as I am and sickening for death; because of my right ways, the Ruler of mankind need never blame me when the breath leaves my body” (185). My other kiddo wrote her paper on the ritual observances of funerals and Sumbels (formal drinking ceremony). While there are multiple episodes dealing with death, there are only two major funeral rites talked about. The first is in the beginning when Shield is place in his ship with “Far-fetched treasures” being “piled upon him, and precious gear” such as battle tackle and weapons (5). His warriors then push his ship out to sea to “drift to wind and tide” (5). The second major funeral rite happens at the end with Beowulf, who is placed on a funeral pyre with much of the dragon’s hoard. After burning on the pyre, they constructed “a mound on a headland, high and imposing, a marker that sailors could see from far away,” and placed inside “torques in the barrow, and jewels and a trove of such things as trespassing men had once dared to drag from the hoard” (213). As to Sumbel, my kiddo pointed out three episodes in the saga. In the first episode there’s mention of a decorated pitcher where a “bright helping of mead” is served, while the minstrel sang to gladdened those present (35). During the feast, Unferth challenges Beowulf’s previous exploits out of jealousy. After refuting the challenge and shaming Unferth, Hrothgar’s queen entered, saluting the men, before handing the horn to Hrothgar to drink. Afterwards, she offers “the goblet to all ranks” (43). When Beowulf is offered the horn, he makes a “formal boast” to kill Grendel (43). Pleased with the boast, she ends the Sumbel by sitting next to Hrothgar. At the end of another feast, the queen wishes Beowulf a “lifetime [of] luck and blessings to enjoy this treasure” which was given to him for ripping Grendel’s arm off (87). In the final Sumbel, Haereth’s daughter offers “ale to older ranks, in order on the benches” (139). Together, each Sumbel points to certain aspects of the ceremony, such as high-ranking women offer the horn to the warriors by rank on the benches, blessings are spoken, sacred oaths are taken, and poems and stories are shared. In a final mention, Wiglaf remembers a “time when mead was flowing, how we pledged loyalty to our lord in the hall, promised our ring-giver we would be worth our price” and to be there “when his need required it” (179). By remembering his sacred oath, he remains behind with Beowulf to fight the dragon while everyone else ran away. ************ Check out my published books Coming Home to Heathenry Hávamál: Embodying Óðinn’s Wisdom Rune Yoga: Staða & Galdr Rune Correspondences Review: A classic translation by a master poet - "Beowulf" is justly regarded as a cornerstone of English literature, but those of us who do not read Anglo-Saxon must approach it through a translation. Certainly there is no shortage of translations; I have at least a dozen sitting on my bookshelf. However, I would eliminate half of them as adequate vehicles for really appreciating this grand poem because they are prose versions. While they may accurately convey the literal sense of the Old English words and provide a readily understood storyline, prose can never adequately render the poetic essence of the original. Verse translation, however, is of necessity an imprecise art; poetry is too tightly bound to the language of its creator for a valid direct transposition to another tongue. Anglo-Saxon verse relied upon strong alliteration and a balance of stressed syllables rather than the use of rhyme and formally patterned meter as in later English poetry. The contemporary translator has a formidable and delicate challenge to transform "Beowulf" into a poem suited for today while remaining loyal to its ancient timbre. Although I greatly admire Ruth P.M. Lehmann's 1988 translation for its steadfast replication of the tone and cadence of the Old English original, there is truth in what another "Alliteration is a key element in Old English metrics ... but long stretches of it in Modern English will stupefy the most ardent reader". At times the beat and alliteration of Lehmann's verse threatens to overwhelm the present-day listener, becoming a deadening drumbeat. Yet, if the translator strays too far from the Anglo-Saxon structure in attempting to create something palatable for present taste, then the result inevitably lacks the bardic flavor at the heart of the poem. Achieving a fitting balance between the vibrant aural core of the original and the requirements of a contemporary reader is a matter of subtle artistry. It may be that Seamus Heaney is an ideal poet to meet that challenge in this era. He has produced here a work which, in its four-beat line and tempered alliteration, keeps faith with its source, yet avoids excessive archaisms which would alienate a Y2K ear. Still, Heaney allows the voice of the past to emerge here and there to keep us fixed in time, resulting in a blend of contemporary language seasoned with ancient echoes. Beowulf the warrior, virtually a caricature of exaggerated, implausible heroism in some translations, is rescued in this new version to stand revealed as someone credibly human. Heaney's translation is eminently readable, but does not sacrifice the poem's true soul. The Farrar, Straus and Giroux edition is a markedly handsome volume, a bilingual presentation with the Anglo-Saxon original and Heaney's translation on facing pages. The US publication was delayed a few months, and I would not be surprised to learn that release was intentionally held until after announcement of the Whitbread Award in the UK. Heaney's "Beowulf" beat the latest "Harry Potter" novel for that prestigious honor by a single vote, proving the adolescent wizard to be as formidable an opponent as a grim monster from a mere. To anybody who has been promising him- or herself to get around to reading this classic poem "one of these days" but has been deterred by vague memories of awkward verse from "Beowulf" may finally be here. Seamus Heaney's translation reads as smoothly as any prose, yet the poetry can always be heard, whispering in your ear. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #6,560 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #4 in British & Irish Poetry #11 in Ancient & Classical Poetry #21 in Epic Poetry (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 4,202 Reviews | ## Images ![Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/712gzwVZYbL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An easy and enjoyable translation *by F***N on May 4, 2026* I’m homeschooling my two youngest kiddos, and part of our reading this year was two sagas: the Volsunga saga and Beowulf. I chose Heaney’s translation of Beowulf because it’s known as easy reading while still keeping the poetic essence. I totally agree. One of my kiddos wrote her paper on what makes a good hero. Some things she pointed out were: they must prove their worth by being courageous, prudent, and giving. They should have “sharp minds” to measure “what’s said and what’s done” (21). They are to uphold their oaths and “boldly fulfill” their boasts (55). The hero has a “habit [of] always and everywhere to be ready for actions, at home or in the camp, in whatever case and at whatever time the need” arises (87). The hero must build a strong reputation, as Beowulf tells us: “Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark” (97). Regarding behavior, Beowulf is known to bare “himself with valour, […] behaved with honour and took no advantage; never cut down a comrade who was drunk, kept his temper and, […] watched and controlled his God-sent strength and his outstanding natural powers” (149). My kiddo ended her paper quoting Beowulf as he nears death: “I took what came, cared for and stood by things in my keeping, never fomented quarrels, never swore to lie. All this consoles me, doomed as I am and sickening for death; because of my right ways, the Ruler of mankind need never blame me when the breath leaves my body” (185). My other kiddo wrote her paper on the ritual observances of funerals and Sumbels (formal drinking ceremony). While there are multiple episodes dealing with death, there are only two major funeral rites talked about. The first is in the beginning when Shield is place in his ship with “Far-fetched treasures” being “piled upon him, and precious gear” such as battle tackle and weapons (5). His warriors then push his ship out to sea to “drift to wind and tide” (5). The second major funeral rite happens at the end with Beowulf, who is placed on a funeral pyre with much of the dragon’s hoard. After burning on the pyre, they constructed “a mound on a headland, high and imposing, a marker that sailors could see from far away,” and placed inside “torques in the barrow, and jewels and a trove of such things as trespassing men had once dared to drag from the hoard” (213). As to Sumbel, my kiddo pointed out three episodes in the saga. In the first episode there’s mention of a decorated pitcher where a “bright helping of mead” is served, while the minstrel sang to gladdened those present (35). During the feast, Unferth challenges Beowulf’s previous exploits out of jealousy. After refuting the challenge and shaming Unferth, Hrothgar’s queen entered, saluting the men, before handing the horn to Hrothgar to drink. Afterwards, she offers “the goblet to all ranks” (43). When Beowulf is offered the horn, he makes a “formal boast” to kill Grendel (43). Pleased with the boast, she ends the Sumbel by sitting next to Hrothgar. At the end of another feast, the queen wishes Beowulf a “lifetime [of] luck and blessings to enjoy this treasure” which was given to him for ripping Grendel’s arm off (87). In the final Sumbel, Haereth’s daughter offers “ale to older ranks, in order on the benches” (139). Together, each Sumbel points to certain aspects of the ceremony, such as high-ranking women offer the horn to the warriors by rank on the benches, blessings are spoken, sacred oaths are taken, and poems and stories are shared. In a final mention, Wiglaf remembers a “time when mead was flowing, how we pledged loyalty to our lord in the hall, promised our ring-giver we would be worth our price” and to be there “when his need required it” (179). By remembering his sacred oath, he remains behind with Beowulf to fight the dragon while everyone else ran away. ************ Check out my published books Coming Home to Heathenry Hávamál: Embodying Óðinn’s Wisdom Rune Yoga: Staða & Galdr Rune Correspondences ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A classic translation by a master poet *by B***E on February 16, 2000* "Beowulf" is justly regarded as a cornerstone of English literature, but those of us who do not read Anglo-Saxon must approach it through a translation. Certainly there is no shortage of translations; I have at least a dozen sitting on my bookshelf. However, I would eliminate half of them as adequate vehicles for really appreciating this grand poem because they are prose versions. While they may accurately convey the literal sense of the Old English words and provide a readily understood storyline, prose can never adequately render the poetic essence of the original. Verse translation, however, is of necessity an imprecise art; poetry is too tightly bound to the language of its creator for a valid direct transposition to another tongue. Anglo-Saxon verse relied upon strong alliteration and a balance of stressed syllables rather than the use of rhyme and formally patterned meter as in later English poetry. The contemporary translator has a formidable and delicate challenge to transform "Beowulf" into a poem suited for today while remaining loyal to its ancient timbre. Although I greatly admire Ruth P.M. Lehmann's 1988 translation for its steadfast replication of the tone and cadence of the Old English original, there is truth in what another "Alliteration is a key element in Old English metrics ... but long stretches of it in Modern English will stupefy the most ardent reader". At times the beat and alliteration of Lehmann's verse threatens to overwhelm the present-day listener, becoming a deadening drumbeat. Yet, if the translator strays too far from the Anglo-Saxon structure in attempting to create something palatable for present taste, then the result inevitably lacks the bardic flavor at the heart of the poem. Achieving a fitting balance between the vibrant aural core of the original and the requirements of a contemporary reader is a matter of subtle artistry. It may be that Seamus Heaney is an ideal poet to meet that challenge in this era. He has produced here a work which, in its four-beat line and tempered alliteration, keeps faith with its source, yet avoids excessive archaisms which would alienate a Y2K ear. Still, Heaney allows the voice of the past to emerge here and there to keep us fixed in time, resulting in a blend of contemporary language seasoned with ancient echoes. Beowulf the warrior, virtually a caricature of exaggerated, implausible heroism in some translations, is rescued in this new version to stand revealed as someone credibly human. Heaney's translation is eminently readable, but does not sacrifice the poem's true soul. The Farrar, Straus and Giroux edition is a markedly handsome volume, a bilingual presentation with the Anglo-Saxon original and Heaney's translation on facing pages. The US publication was delayed a few months, and I would not be surprised to learn that release was intentionally held until after announcement of the Whitbread Award in the UK. Heaney's "Beowulf" beat the latest "Harry Potter" novel for that prestigious honor by a single vote, proving the adolescent wizard to be as formidable an opponent as a grim monster from a mere. To anybody who has been promising him- or herself to get around to reading this classic poem "one of these days" but has been deterred by vague memories of awkward verse from "Beowulf" may finally be here. Seamus Heaney's translation reads as smoothly as any prose, yet the poetry can always be heard, whispering in your ear. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beowulf and Grendel *by B***D on August 14, 2012* I have been wanting to read Grendel for years and to re-familiarize myself with the Beowulf legend. Grendel, however, by John Garner, first published in 1971, turned out to be one of the strangest books I have every read. It is the Beowulf story told from the point of view of Grendel, a seeming invincible monster and probably one of the first serial killers in English literature.(The tone of this novel reminded me of Joyce Carol Oates' novel Zombie, about a teenage serial killer.) Before reading this novel, I read Seamus Heaney 2000 translation of Beowulf : an epic poem which was originally written in Angelo-Saxon between the 8th and 11th centuries. I found it to be mostly readable and beautifully written. In brief, Beowulf, a Scandinavia superhero (he can swim for six or seven days and in the process kills water monsters) goes to Demark to help the king whose "mead hall," or feasting hall, has been terrorized for years by the monster Grendel, who has been killing his subjects by biting off their heads and eating them. Beowulf ultimately kills Grendel. Then he kills Grendel's mother who is out for her son's revenge, and then in old age Beowulf slays a dragon. This epic poem, an adventure story with loads of vivid action, is exciting to read. It pretty much focuses with Beowulf. Not too much is learned about Grendel. We learn, however, that he, his mother and other creatures were created by God after Cain killed Able. Grendel is told from the first-person point of view of the monster himself. He is an articulate creature. "Talking, talking, spinning a spell, pale skin of words that closes me in like a coffin." How he learned to speak so well - and become so educated - is never explained. In fact, Grendel himself glosses over those points. He can even speak to the Danes that he is killing and terrorizing. Grendel lives with his mother in a cave. She does not have any language; she grunts and groans, but she is a mother who loves her son. Also, dwelling in the cave are shadows , the creatures created after Cane slew Able. The novel humanizes (dehumanizes?) Grendel, shows how he became a killer, a mass murderer. He does have a soft side. He falls for the queen, whom he cannot kill. The novel also paints a not-too-rosy picture of the Danes: they are greedy, immoral, duplicitous war-mongers. In a way, Grendel kills because of his treatment by the Danes (they treat him like a monster!) and also because that is what he is expected to do. The most awesome character in the book is the Dragon. He is erudite and philosophical. "The laws of nature are large average effects which reign impersonally. But there is nothing average about expression: it is essentially individual." He lives in a cave and is surround by his pilfered gold, which is what he lives for. He says to Grendel, "My advice to you, my violent friend, is to seek out gold and sit on it." He also tells Grendel that killing is Grendel's purpose in life : "You improve them, (the Danes) my boy? Can't you see that yourself? You stimulate them! You make them think and scheme. You drive them to poetry, science, religion, all that makes them what they are for as long as they last. You are, so to speak, the brute existent by which they learn to define themselves." In the end, Grendel is killed by Beowulf, who is a shadowy figure in the novel and mentioned by name maybe only once. I recommend both Grendel and Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf. Both books are beautifully written, have depth, stay with you, but not always easy to read. Yet they are well worth the patience and time spent on them. ## Frequently Bought Together - Beowulf: A New Verse Translation (Bilingual Edition) - Frankenstein: The 1818 Text (Penguin Classics) - The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic (Penguin Classics) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.tn/products/235777-beowulf-a-new-verse-translation-bilingual-edition](https://www.desertcart.tn/products/235777-beowulf-a-new-verse-translation-bilingual-edition) --- *Product available on Desertcart Tunisia* *Store origin: TN* *Last updated: 2026-06-04*