
Beowulf
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Narrated by:
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Svanur Thorkelsson
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By:
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Anonymous
The Old English epic poem Beowulf, recorded in its original Saxon dialect for the first time.
Performed by Icelandic poet, playwright, professional storyteller and performer Svanur Thorkelsson, Audible’s production gives listeners the opportunity to experience how it might have felt to hear bards recite sections of the 3000-line poem from memory in Anglo Saxon dining halls. Audible’s Beowulf recaptures the heroic style and vast scale of what can be considered ‘England’s first native audiobook’.
Considered one of the most important pieces of English literature, Beowulf has gripped audiences for over 1,000 years. It has been hugely influential on English and world literature – in particular Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones – and has continued to be explored and reinterpreted through adaptations across mediums including novels, film, TV, opera, graphic novels and more.
About the narrator
Svanur Thorkelsson is a native Icelandic poet and a playwright. As a professional storyteller and a performer Svanur channels his passion for authentic Nordic and Anglo Saxon lore and legends. His work includes media such as radio, theatre and television as well as participation in public and private events. Svanur has also over the years worked to promote and partake in bardic events in the UK and Iceland.
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Ok, true, its not in modern English. Like most folks, I’m not a medieval scholar and I can’t understand the story. Nevertheless,I thoroughly enjoyed the whole performance. I’d like to listen again while reading a translation because the Thorkelsson makes the poetry so beautiful and alive. If you ever wondered how alliterative verse worked in real life, this is a beautiful way to experience it.
Thorkelsson’s voice is so warm and rich too — I kept thinking, it seems like you asked your great uncle — you know, the one from The Old Country who usually just sits in the corner smoking his pipe and smiling — to help you with a school project by reading a bit of this epic and a week later unexpectedly got a recording of the whole thing because he wasn't sure exactly which bit you needed. It just seems like he wants you to love it as much as he does, and it comes alive because for him, it IS alive.
So, give it a listen. Maybe light your own fire, or get out the candles. Get some mead or beer or the intoxicant of your choice and let it wash over you. Enjoy the experience that is Beowulf in the original.
Build a fire, pour some mead, and enjoy!
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Love the Sound
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Yay Old English!
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Other reviews aren't too bright
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Wonderful poetic reading of the classic.
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such a great experience
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Old englisc
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I’d give this a pass
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Recorded in Anglo-Saxon, not Modern English
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Thank You
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