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Beowulf
- Narrated by: Robertson Dean
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
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Beowulf
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Editor reviews
Summary
The narrative falls into two parts. Beowulf first rescues the royal house of Denmark from two marauding monsters; then, after having ruled his people for fifty years, he is called on to combat a dragon that is terrorizing the countryside.
The poem combines mythical elements, Christian and pagan sensibilities, and actual historical figures and events in a narrative that ranges from vivid descriptions of fierce fighting and detailed portrayals of court life to earnest considerations of social and moral dilemmas. Remarkable for its sustained grandeur of tone and its brilliance of style, it is presented here in an authoritative prose translation by Robert K. Gordon.
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What listeners say about Beowulf
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Leslie Read
- 10-09-21
Beautiful but slightly confusing
I love this story because it gives us a window into a forgotten world. it is I understand also the oldest surviving story in the English language. However, even with this well read excellent translation the hearer still may find the story a little confusing. all the same though it's a brilliant, heroic tale from the long forgotten dark ages. so it is worthy of the highest praise.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- S(ean)
- 08-08-12
One to read before you die
A great version of this classic.
Not sure if it would be easier to read than listen to as it is in old English/Anglo Saxon English.
Nevertheless one of the hundred titles to read before you die.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Arwen
- 24-02-22
Why always American (voice) actors for Beowulf?
Beowulf is of course a wonderful story. I'm not saying anything about that. And the performance is good too, that also is really not a problem. However... I have yet to find a performance of this magical story by an English (voice) actor. Every single one of the many different versions is by an American! Except for the translation by Heany, of course. And I have no problem with American voices, I really don't - for American stories. Not for English - or Old English - material. That really should be performed by an English voice, not an American one.
So if this is something you don't mind, then I'd definitely recommend this version, because the performance is good and felt. If the American pronunciation disturbs you like it does me, then maybe not for you.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- David
- 04-04-24
Why did I persevere?
Save yourself some time (and money/credit). I suggest you find a summary online and read it instead. Don’t waste your time listening to this.
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