Beowulf Compared in Five Translations

Five different translations: Tolkien's, Chickering's, Morgan's, Heaney's and then my own. Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments, and if possible why! Also included is the original for comparison, both textual and oral. Enjoy!

[@cormarine9812]

This man constantly sounds like he's trying to say something as loud as possible without waking his parents up.

[@ABAlphaBeta]

I'm literally yelling into the mic mate

[@pocossamsamopoco6873]

Tolkien's translation is magnificent

[@absalondebarvac3715]

The others are easier to understand, but Tolkien's is beautiful

[@ABAlphaBeta]

@@absalondebarvac3715 I'd say it's actually the worst (except my own) because of the verbosity and inaccuracy

[@absalondebarvac3715]

@@ABAlphaBeta That, if you want to get into something like philology. If what you need is a practical use, then it's perfect. But then, if I myself am interested into kinda what you do, what should I start with?

[@ABAlphaBeta]

@@absalondebarvac3715 A good base in IPA is invaluable. Other than that, read, read, read all you can and basically accumulate knowledge in specific languages, how things work or how things can differ - case systems, conjugations, word order, syntax, differing phonologies.

[@absalondebarvac3715]

@@ABAlphaBeta Oh, I just noticed the response was regarding Tolkien's version of Béowulf and not the other Duolingo thing. But you answered just what I needed to know. Thanks!

[@Dunkle0steus]

Each translation takes liberties in some places while going for more literal translations on others. Tolkien and Chickering don't try to modernize Scyld Scefing, while Heaney goes directly for "Shield Sheafson". On the other hand, Tolkien and Chickering went for "grew under heaven" while Heaney went with "waxed" (or. "ƿēox" [waxed]), and "worth" (or. "ƿeorðmyndum" worthmint [worthiness]), as well as "whale road" (or. "hronrāde" [whale road]). Tolkien and Chickering seem more intent on preserving structure though. In the first few lines, the original structure of the words would have been like "What, we [of] spear Danes in yore-days, Thede-kings, [their] glory [we have] heard [tales], how those noblemen [did] elne (courage) frame (promote, construct, build)." Words in brackets are implied by conjugation or meaning. Words in parentheses are for uncommon words or uncommon uses of common words. Tried to use descendant words when possible, though words like "elne" are not common, but were apparently in use in modern English at one point. The meaning of words can change over time, so using descendant words is not always the best, but I think when translations try to remain faithful rather than taking liberties in meaning and adding flavour, it's more valuable for the reader.

[@franklinclinton3680]

Underrated channel tbh

[@ellemjay]

I love the phrase "waxed under welkin"

[@louisrharmony]

Hello! I think this video is suffering from KZbin search engine problems/ tagging. It seems to be caused by the “è” in Bèowulf. I was unable to find this vid in the search bar without changing the e to è and if you either changed the title or maybe changed the video tags I think this great video may become more widely seen!

[@ABAlphaBeta]

Good point, I changed it. Thanks for the tip!

[@penssuck6453]

Greatly appreciate this comparison and readings.

[@goatscream8345]

Do you plan to publish you translation of Beowulf?

[@SaintSemantic]

I love how whimsical your translation is

[@4gillman]

Morgan's has got to be my favorite out of all of them

[@danielokoro1800]

You deserve 1 million subs

[@KingOfAristonia]

The return of the king

[@abrahemsamander3967]

I like your translation. As well as Morgan’s.

[@julianmorales962]

I like the original

[@WestlehSeyweld]

I love the use of the obsolete words which are cognates with the ones used in the original, such as Wax for growth, Welkin for clouds and Gar for spear. Though why did you translate Eerolas (modern Earl) as Heruli?

[@blonded0532]

Well beany is the most recognizable in modern English, so I’ll go with that one.

[@Sams911]

all impressive, but I favor Heany and Tolkien's the most.. the former for it's ease of understanding and the latter for it's near old English tone.

[@stfu_cameron]

Hey mate, just wondering if you still have a discord server, the link is expired.

[@gonzalo8192]

I was gonna say the same

[@ABAlphaBeta]

discord.gg/qJzRZj

[@TrueNativeScot]

ABAlphaBeta This link has expired by now too. Can you share another link please?

[@unknownbrony93]

Now translate something from modern English to Old English. The opening scene to A Grand Day Out or the first episode of Thomas & Friends "Thomas & Gordon" maybe?

[@Wojak_who_games]

epic

[@stoopidphersun7436]

6th

[@jshimmy786]

Chickering and Heaney are the best for me. Can't stand the others especially Tolkein.