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As the first epic Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf holds a unique place in the history of English literature. Set in the warrior societies of dark age Denmark and Sweden, it tells of the hero Beowulf and his three victorious fights with the monstrous creature Grendel, with Grendel’s ferocious, vengeful mother, and with a venomous, fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding dragon.

Every translation of a work of literature is a new interpretation of the original and there have been many versions down the centuries. In this LitSalon Short, Tim Swinglehurst will discuss some of the more recent traditional translations of Beowulf and compare them to the acclaimed 2021 ‘feminist’ version translated by celebrated author and editor Maria Dahvana Headley, which focuses on themes of toxic masculinity, power dynamics and warrior-bonding while, in the words of Professor Carolyne Larrington, allowing “space for the poem’s women to stretch and breathe”. 

Tim will also explain why he has chosen this translation, described by The New Yorker as “a Beowulf for our moment” as the focus for a four-week study of Beowulf he will lead from 2-23 July 2026 (full details can be found here).

JOINING DETAILS:

• A one and a quarter hour LitSalon Short led by Tim Swinglehurst live on Zoom
• LitSalon Shorts are offered free of charge but places must be pre-booked using the form below.