Beowulf Audiobook By Robert K. Gordon, translator cover art

Beowulf

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Beowulf

By: Robert K. Gordon, translator
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
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Beowulf is considered the finest heroic poem in Old English. It celebrates the character and exploits of Beowulf, a young nobleman and warrior, as he proves his superhuman strength and endurance. He also represents the ideal lord and vassal, rewarding his men generously and accomplishing glorious deeds to honor his king.

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.

To supplement the full text version of Beowulf, listen to the SparkNotes Guide for Beowulf.©2004 Blackstone Audiobooks (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks Classics European Poetry World Literature Royalty

Editorial reviews

Why we think it's Essential: The oldest epic in the English language was passed down for hundreds of years as an oral tale, so there is no better way to experience the saga of Hrothgar and Beowulf and Grendel than by listening to it. Robertson Dean's narration is lively and admirable, and the production makes it more powerful than a 10th century bard ever could. — Chris Doheny
Epic Adventure • Heroic Language • Theatrical Narration • Ancient Treasure • Timeless Classic • Passionate Reading
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This is one of those books you just need to read. It’s a classic that requires little time to finish. It is packed with tales of glory and honor. Give it a read I think you will find it fun.

Timeless classic that should be read

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This is an excellent translation and performance by the reader. I highly recommend this recording.

Excellent

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While I would personally prefer the translation of Prof. J.R.R. Tolkien the Gordon translation is generally preferred and is quite excellent. Well read and presented by the reader this is a must read for those interested in early literature of the early Middle Ages. No one who's picked up at least a B.A. in English or the humanities has missed reading this classic of European literature, but it's interesting to revisit it in an audible format.

Translator Preferred

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Love this book, but the reader was so histrionic that I couldn't finish listening. Yeowch.

Had to stop listening.

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The translation of this ancient and exciting story is to an archaic form of English, making it hard to follow and less approachable for non-native English speakers.

Hard to follow

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Probably the best unabridged recording of "Beowulf" available. It's the whole thing, in an old-fashioned but easily-followed translation, read with force and emotion by Robertson Dean. I have only one small quibble: the pronunciation of "Geat" is inconsistent. It's not the easiest term to pin down; in readings by different people I've heard "geet," "gat," and "gay-at." (I believe the original pronunciation was something like "yat.") I don't care which one is right, but I heard two of the three in this recording (it finally settles on "gat"). The story does ramble a bit after Grendel's mother is killed, but neither translator nor reader should be faulted for that.

Clear and exciting narration

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if you are really into the story, characters or the style it's a great listen, but if you are just buying it and just need to kill 3 hours it will be very dry and difficult to follow. concentrating on whose talking and what's going on is a bit of a struggle at parts but can be managed.

great yet dry

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The narrator did a great job. As for the story, I believe most of the new video games, especially fantasy and slash and dash games, have taken inspiration from Beowlf.
Both the story and the narrator have made me feel like I'm watching and playing a video game, and it was a fun experience.
The only thing that was difficult to follow was the characters because the majority had unfamiliar names to me.

The narrator did a great job, good story, too.

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Easy to understand translation and very pleasing to listen to. I recommend listening to this audiobook.

Five Stars

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The speaking was very clear. He told a great story in a great way. This is a fantastic rendition.

Clear and Bold

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