Then and Now: The Story of the Ultimate Warrior King

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With the support of Creative Europe - MEDIA Programme of the European Union.
Video essay examining the essence of Beowulf, the oldest poem in English literature, through its various cinematic adaptations.
Sources:
J.R.R. Tolkien - The Monsters and the Critics: amzn.to/2C74BKa
J.R.R. Tolkien - Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary: amzn.to/2N89Orn
Like Stories of Old - Complete Reading List: kit.co/likesto...
Business inquiries: [e-mail]
Music by Whitesand, check out his album ‘Fragments of Darkness’ at: whitesand.band...
Track names:
Poseidon
Honor
Circle of Life
I Am Strong Now
Fragments of Darkness

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Big thanks to Whitesand for letting me use some amazing tracks from his latest album 'Fragments of Darkness', check out his channel at: kzbin.info/door/e96JG5gdgSRtmqStx0isXA What other works of literature need a video like this? Let me know below!

[@superbrian7997]

Like Stories of Old Kratos of God of War fame would be a good character study. Kratos greatest sin was not his unbridled quest for revenge but rather his refusal to accept defeat... Thrice over he stole victory from Nike the Goddess of Victory and it always led him to more misery and suffering... 1. The Barbarian Warlord defeated Kratos the Spartan General fair and square on the battlefield and he cried out to Ares to save him. Which the God of War did. 2. Then later on. Ares kills Kratos fair and square in self-defense because Kratos was tasked by the gods to use Pandora’s Box to kill Ares. But Kratos is brought back to life by Zues himself and goes on to defeat Ares. 3. In God of War 2 Zues: King of the Gods is unable to bring Kratos the new God of War to heel. So Lord Zues cleverly tricks Kratos and slays the mad god once again. Fair and square but Gaia the Titan resurrects Kratos and leads him down a path to help him help her take revenge on Zues for his crimes during the war of Titans and Olympians... Kratos is literally just like Skynet from the Terminator franchise. He loses time and time again. Yet he’s always looking for some angle or loophole to avoid the consequences of his failures... It’s sad and tragic and unfortunately... This side of Kratos has yet to be explored.

[@TheBebuchis]

There is a cult classic film from South Korea called "Oldboy"(2003). Its very tragic and emotional, and the cinematography beautifully compliments the twisted tale. It also strangely philosophical.

[@stevelarouche1780]

Our Story is just about to take a different twist... The time of Heroes is crawling back on us... Everyone's unknown Inner Strength will necessarily burst Alive.The resurgence of Heroes is established by Considerable Changes in the reality of our environment, your environment changes... Consequently you Change... Inevitably so. ... And our Good Old MOTHER EARTH will make sure to keep us evolving and Growing in the right direction... Soon she will Speak and we'll have but only one choice... Very Attentively Listen to Her... After all... She's in charge. HerHis"story". HerooreH. Good video Bro, Thank YOU. 22:29 OldSouls It's Time Much Love. ✨💫💞🌎💞✨💫

[@anitaoomen8021]

Chrétien de Troyes' Arthur stories.

[@RamonThomas]

Dune by Frank Herbert

[@alexleo1991]

Man you could read the backside of a shampoo bottle and it would sound like the last great story of humanity.

[@paolobarboza1427]

as Lex Luthor said in Superman (1978): "Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it's a simple adventure story. Others can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe".

[@TheRealValus]

@@paolobarboza1427 "A wise man learns more from the questions of a fool than a fool learns from the answers of a wise man." I dunno who said it.

[@npc1172]

wearealltubes lmao

[@Goomatora]

@@TheRealValus god that was brilliant

[@TheMiddleWay]

Epically true comment 🤘🙌🤘

[@jamesswanson4085]

I've never seen any other youtuber put into perspective the stories of old and today, and the impact the old and new have. You sir, are truly an inspiration.

[@alias374]

Beowulf: "I am Bewoulf!" Automatic subtitles: " I am Bow Wow!" Love it

[@arziihussaini]

Putting Beowulf and Wolverine in parallel is genius. LSOO you managed to connect an ancient, even obscure, story so close to the current generation of superheroes. Linking 2 generations that might not even lived to see each other. Bravo as always!

[@nacurit]

Holy hell the Alien trilogy is Beowulf... the characters even call it a dragon in Alien 3 XD

[@wendtchr]

I always identified Predator as more of a Beowulf adaptation. If not completely. The hero even fights the beast without weapons.

[@STho205]

Of course it is, it always was, even the original 1950s film was. Ripley in the second film faces the Alien Mother in a cowardly or technologically armored way by wearing the loader. This draws from the trickery of Odysseus instead of the intense raw bravery of Agamemnon or Achilles... As a good modern film should borrow from several muses..to avoid just a bad rewrite of the original. And you thought your English Lit teacher made you read it for no reason. No it was to *make you think* In the cave find your destiny you will. Your weapons, you will not need. .....buckles up anyway ......stutter did I? .. .......oh crap.

[@LKRaider]

S Tho 1950s???

[@STho205]

LKRaider think about It. Yes it was an inspired remake.

[@stevelarouche1780]

ALL Stories Are InterConnected... And they ALL Deliver a Strong Message... The Queen of science is Mathematics...the King is Philosophy. Everything is Numbers... But only with an open minded philosophical approach One may analyse, comprehend and put words on Science... And Stories are amazing for this purpose. Who doesn't like a Good Story..? Especially OUR STORY. OldSouls It's Time. Much Love. 💫✨💞🌎💞✨💫

[@rickblaine9670]

The 2007 movie basically mixed Beowulf with King Arthur. The Mother of Grendel is Morgan/Morgause and the Dragon is Mordred.

[@HumansOfVR]

i'm ready from another dose of stories of old!

[@TallisKeeton]

The funny thing with LOTR production is that Edoras set, Rohan set was build from real wood, iron and straw, and that it was a copy of real, historic halls of vikings kings from 5-6th century Denmark. The reconstructions of them are now as heritage parks and historic excavations museums. And the depiction of poetic hall of Heoroth from "Beowulf" was based on 5-6th century Danish wooden architecture. :) And the golden sculptures and reliefs in Edoras set were real too - they were mostly the copies of Urnes style and Ringelike style - the styles of wood carving and vikings designs from 10 - 11th century. So the art directors and concept-artists were basicaly made their Rohan based upon viking architecture and "Beowulf" age architecture and style.

[@eldendynast]

I love the way he says Mubi.

[@MANA-YOOD-SUSHAI-1]

“Today and tomorrow you will be in your prime; but soon you will die, in battle or in bed; either fire or water, the fearsome elements, will embrace you, or you will succumb to the sword's flashing edge, or the arrow's flight, or terrible old age; then your eyes, once bright, will be clouded over; all too soon, O warrior, death will destroy you.” Hrothgar to Beowulf From the epic poem Beowulf

[@acuarionohyogaable]

You sir... Was the inspiration for muy first tattoo. Thx very much

[@TheBebuchis]

19:42 to 20:55 really touched me. Before watching this video I was having an existential crisis more or less, fuming and getting frustrated with the superficiality of my life and that of the others around me. I can't quite articulate it that well, but this section I just timestamped just made me feel 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣. That there is this common experience we all know and share despite any menial differences in how we speak or realize it. That even if there is no God or buddha or objective higher power, we all still feel something, we all do, and isn't this shared feeling, this collective feeling in our hearts and minds, real? I don't know if that made any sense, or if anyone even bothered reading this, but thank you for making this video.

[@Bungoooo]

Have to admit my favorite version of Beowulf has to be Eaters of The Dead. Crichton wrote a bittersweet story and a true moment is when Beowulf was gonna die and he stood strong in the face of these monsters

[@timgilbert3051]

Ditto. Love the 13th Warrior too.

[@berserkasaurusrex4233]

He actually embodies heroic archetypes, rather than being a modern shades-of-grey flawed man. So many modern works of fiction and film seem to be ashamed of letting a hero actually be simply heroic, always wanting to focus on how they fall short of perfection, and in the process usually missing the whole point of whatever myth they're copying from.

[@crozraven]

I just realized that "Berserk" (manga) series also retold the Beowulf story in the form of "Forest of The Demonic Beasts (Trolls) arc." It's pretty amazing really. The story is a mix of both Ahmad Ibnu Fadlan Journal (Eaters of Dead) & the old english poem, but of course with its proper twist & flavor of its own series. It's even putting a cultural aspects dilemma of old gods paganism with pseudo-Christianity (in its manga lore) in the front & center of the townspeople beliefs.

[@razorfett147]

Portraying heroes as flawed, or human....isnt meant to be a slight towards classic heroism. Rather its meant to help us better relate to the hero....to enable us all to see ourselves in thae role of that character. Making heroes more human allows us to be better inspired by them. A godlike figure that knows no fear, feels no temptation, and is infallible cannot know true courage. As the old saying goes....Superman isnt brave. He's honorable, compassionate, and decent...but not brave. Superman is indestructible, and you cant be brave if you are indestructible

[@MALICEM12]

While the 3D animated Beowulf shows him to be brash in his youth, it does service to create a contrast between him as a young and old man. As it is rare for an old man to have the brashness and overwhelming confidence that he had in his younger days. The "3rd act" of the story where he is an old king reminds me of King Conan and touches on similar themes. Conversely, it is worth noting how the original Conan the Barbarian movie has a similar core theme and spirit of the old Beowulf tale. As you say Beowulf was about will and courage, and that is the same for the Conan movie as it ties in with the central question, the riddle of steel. By the end of the movie it is shown that the indomitable Will is the strongest, not the steel sword, nor the mortal flesh that wields it. I contend that Conan the Barbarian is an example of a modern Beowulf style tale. Perhaps Robert E. Howard was also inspired by Beowulf as Tolkien was, interesting considering they are from the same era. As different as some story elements and themes were in the animated Beowulf movie from the original, I still very much enjoy it for it's own reasons and how it did something new with something old. Afterall, discovering new things with old tales is in and of itself a way to keep the old mythos alive.

[@Eragon10211]

Sooooo many chills!!!! Another fantastic and thoughtful piece from LSOO!!

[@jonahwiegand827]

Truly one of the greatest channels on KZbin. Your content is amazing man!

[@nageshchandranial9802]

Could you do one for Arthur Morgan from RDR2

[@aw1300]

Nagesh Nial yes fucking plz!

[@inakiiribarrenlineros8594]

That would be amazing

[@leecody5885]

I had to re-read that a half dozen times before I realized it didn’t say R2D2…

[@andrewburt525]

@Like Stories of Old thanks for these videos, and making a community of people that think like me, and the inspiration to extend my understanding as you do. You’re definitely accomplishing a lot of good!!

[@matthewmckenna248]

Beowulf is such a badass film. I have to read the poem someday.

[@TallisKeeton]

I've read it 8 times in one poetic version of modern English and long pieces of it in 10 or more other versions of modern English. And some bits of it in old English too - with a vocabulary. I've seen 5 different film adaptations. AFAIR the best is the islandic - canadian co-production - a big budget movie from about 2001. And the second best it "the 13th warrior" with Banderas which is also heavily based upon "Beowulf".

[@spencerthelizard]

The poem is so much better in my opinion

[@TallisKeeton]

@@spencerthelizard It depends I think :) The poem is so old that I m sure that our tastes in literature is much changed from its age :) But I guess that there are things which dont change much in the topics of good storytelling :)

[@Yesica1993]

@@TallisKeeton Which version do you think would be best for a 1st time reader?

[@TallisKeeton]

@@Yesica1993 Mostly I read the verse translation of Michael Alexander - from the 70ties I presume - about which I was informed by linguists that his version was a tool for students becouse its very similar to the original and also with line numbers. its very technical, linguistic version - though poetic. Thats why I chosen this version to be my base for translation into my language. I also read some new internet scholarly versions which were equipped with glosaries, notations and appendicses, but I dont remember whose they were :) becouse it was was years ago. But every such thing can be found by google I m sure and there are loads :) of scholarly versions of it. And of course as a fan of Tolkien I would have recomend his version also. :) Though I never read it becouse I dont want to be too much influenced by his version in my own translation :) But I heard from other Tolkien fans that its brilliant :) The only version I cant help but not liking :) is the version of a nobel prize winner whose name I just for the moment simply forgoten :)

[@OhevTorathMoshe]

This analysis really resonates with me. I find your perspective uplifting, refreshingly profound and authentic, and very well-articulated! I also had a deep fascination with Beowulf since childhood but couldn't put my finger on why until watching this. Good job.

[@Panna4life]

Can you make an essay on "The last samurai"?

[@joffy9373]

yes!

[@arturoballivaldes8546]

YES PLEASE !

[@deathstriker9076]

I'd love him to do The Leftovers.

[@oz542]

It's literally impossible for me to watch any of your videos without crying joyously to the beautiful truth of your observations

[@tiredman4540]

A really stimulating video! Regarding Beowulf, it must be borne in mind that the Christian elements were bolted on to a much older story, which is almost certainly why this ancient poem survived, whereas the other legends of the Anglo-Saxons, and also the Franks, probably were consigned to the fire by Christian scribes. Charlemagne specifically requested for his ancestral stories to be preserved, but none survived. Compare this with ancient Irish and Old Norse myths, which were preserved due to the different histories of those regions.

[@mirrormirage0]

I cannot stop watching your video essays. So poetic, so beautiful .... 🙏

[@kdub3871]

So inspiring. Thank you from a fan of "cinema". I would love for those who do not believe "superhero movies" are "cinema" to see this. Please continue in your great work!

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

As usual, sir, you found a new way to stir up my emotions. Bravo.

[@jooky87]

“And for praise, most eager.”

[@LightsCameraKonkle]

Oh I love your channel I love your writing I love your ideas your channel is my cinematic Zen

[@RPG_Angie]

This reminds me that Dwayne Johnson's Hercules is also an interesting reimagining of the myth where instead of the lonely superhero, you have a D&D-esque group of adventurers for hire, including a bard who does have an important role to play. From what I remember, the main message of the movie was that the main ingredients for success are teamwork and presentation (whether you're creating a myth, trying to get hired as a merc, making a movie, or pretty much anything else).

[@Themuffinwind]

So basically the Argonauts?

[@MapMan365]

I’m not crying, you’re crying. *sobs in beautiful tears*

[@idiomaxiom]

This had me thinking of Camus. The Rebel, and The Myth of Sisyphus. Beowulf will lose eventually, he fights because he must. But we should consider Beowulf happy.

[@hailanlguerd4139]

Another masterpiece video. There’s so many movies that deserves your attention. I hope you cover some or just one of them ( leftovers ). Thank you again for such amazing work.

[@Asehpe]

Beowulf was always also... one of my favorite pieces of ancient art. I felt an attraction to it despite its simple structure, and I could never put into words exactly why. Considering that your video has moved me to tears, I think you have succeeded in explaining my own experience better than I could. Thank you very much.

[@davidsirmons]

Thank you for this glowing discourse on the hero within us all.

[@Dexroid]

... my good God, man. When you likened Beowulf's repeating Norse mythos to our current superhero trend, and the music picked up, I legitimately teared up. Thank you for the excellent content, LSOO. You're one of the good ones.

[@askmeaboutfreewill5791]

I think that it's important to acknowledge that, while we can try to date an enduring myth like Beowulf, like every other myth its roots probably stretch much deeper. It's probably been grown and pruned over millennia, with new pieces changed as new gods and kings occupy mankind's thoughts. Nothing is ever created for the first time, only adapted to suit a new age and new audiences.

[@stepanmakarov1842]

After years of exploring and meditating on norse myths I finally found the best way to describe the essence of it: rage against despair. Thank you, it helped me a lot

[@manjitu4253]

Omg !!! when I read that there was a new video you were releasing I was anticipating, excited and waiting as if for the return of a long lost friend. I just love your passion to share the deep insights that reside in all the archetypes in all stories and how deeply they speak to us so that perhaps we may better understand ourselves. Thank you.

[@antonkarlsson818]

Watching your videos always leaves me full of hope and love for humanity. You are great at what you do.

[@peterharrison2473]

This is so epic! I bloody love your videos man!

[@pawacoteng]

I must say that last comparison to a more pure version of Beowulf caught me by surprise - and that revelation was quite sublime. I love this channel - never disappointed.

[@kurtdewittphoto]

2007 Beowulf is one of the only films to ever make me tear up from the awesomeness. It was my first modern 3D movie and that scene with the men on the boat in the rain blew my freaking mind.

[@4amwaj]

Waow... Now that I'm crying from such a stunning video... I am going to try to find a copy of Beowulf to read.. I loved this video thanks for making it.

[@tonyandriamanana4876]

This was beautiful. As always. You're doing such a great job.

[@jakob...]

This video made me see Beowulf in a new light. Thank you for this video.

[@coolieo2222]

I don't know what exactly you do but your ability to create emotion through the reverence your have for cinema and stories in general is astounding. Thank you for your insights and examinations of movies that others find distastful. I have bought the inner dragon, because of your spiderman 3 video and plan on watching these other beowulf movies.

[@sebastiansmith4945]

Every time I watch one of your videos it gives me shivers due to the truth and wisdom they contain.

[@Avi_Kaye]

The Marvel part made me cry. So beautiful, so epic!

[@dennisrydgren]

Great, just watched a documentary arguing that Beowulf is a Swedish / Nordic tale. This is a game changer. Good sources, no crazy doc.

[@niceguy1891]

Isn't it actually Swedish though?

[@felipeme9074]

Lol dude, I swear you and I have the exact same taste in movies. Feel like you'll cover all of my favorites in due time : ). Great work as always!

[@luisaguilar7997]

*Albert Camus likes this* Camus writes in the myth of Sisyphus that destiny is made a human thing, one of the oldest writings of Norse mythologies speaks of a man that did not involve himself with the faith of the gods, and recognized the futility of existence, in it he wrote thousands of years earlier, that “these men made of divine destiny an exclusively human thing” “Beowulf found purpose in momentary rebellion of all foes”.

[@BuenButter6211]

that was beautiful.

[@Nikelaos_Khristianos]

Such a beautiful video! I actually started writing an essay on Beowulf for college recenty, and your video was my immediate go-to font of inspiration. Thank you so much.

[@rasputinelciego1547]

Wholesome, as usual.

[@saintwabbajack]

Beautiful video, pure atmosphere, youre work is amazing

[@leightondawson5447]

Fantastic! What a wonderful surprise to have this released right as I was looking for stuff about Beowulf

[@morrismutunga7622]

Thank you for telling this story.

[@crozraven]

Eaters of The Dead, also known as movie 13th warrior is I think still the best Beowulf adaptation imo. Because, not only it has Norse & Christian perspectives, we also get Islamic perspectives the traveler, all wrapped up in thematically a classic hero's journey. I think the movie is a cult classic by some people as back then unfortunately the movie was bombed at box office.

[@farimasultani6138]

This was the best analysis I've heard on youtube! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@mohamedmostafa6014]

Your content is unique and beautiful With time your channel will go viral But I just hope that whatever the hardships you will face, never stop making these wonderful videos. Please😊

[@NachoRockatanskyT]

Thanks for making this one, I wasn't able to put it into words as kind as yours, why superheroes matter, and why I disagree with Scorsese and Coppola's recent comments about the MCU films, thanks for keeping this channel up, I always leave with a smile after watching you.

[@TheBookOfJawn]

You do an absolutely amazing job with your content. I always come away from your videos with chills.

[@HeatherHolt]

I can’t stop binging this channel 🙂

[@edgardocarrasquillo9]

Very nicely done, thank you.

[@KavzarTheBlind]

Another great video, boyo. Keep them comin'.

[@barkbarkbunny]

Absolutely stunning. Well done. I greatly enjoyed this.

[@patrickhandali]

I'm not even mad with the ad. Congratulations Mubi for picking the perfect influencer.

[@dannycooper8341]

Your videos are always beautifully crafted, so thoughtful and insightful. Thank you.

[@Werewolf914]

The 2007 adaptation of Beowulf is one of my favorite movies of all time, I could watch it everyday and never get bored of it, which I did do when I was younger and it just came out.

[@JimmyJammy97]

Imagine if Tarkovsky or Yorgos Lanthimos adapted this to film?

[@Alphagene93]

This is my LSOO all time classic even though the 'Heroes Journey'-Trilogy is also pretty damn good. I love your work man. Keep it up.

[@MaxHarden]

Animated Beowulf is so bad ass. I hope they polish up the CGI effects and re-release it.

[@theartofwar551]

BEST. HALLOWEEN. EVER.

[@moroii]

Loved it. Excellent work.

[@johndonne8657]

You handle the themes and philosophical underpinnings of the poem throughout its adaptations with great acumen. For me, the play between the values of Germanic paganism and Christianity, particularly with regard to human mortality, seems to be essential to its greatness.

[@jonbodhi]

Wish I’d seen this video before reading an abridged version of the poem with my class last week. I shall rewatch and take notes. Thanks.👍

[@jonbodhi]

I rewatched and took notes. There’s so much to take away about how another culture viewed the world. It’s why I became a patron.

[@spencerthelizard]

Brilliant as always

[@uncledolan9228]

Just seen this in my recommendations. Watched the video because it sounded interesting. ...and I think I´m in love with this channel. Great work! Really like your approach to story telling. Sub earned!!

[@pavel7576]

Absolutely Amazing work here.🤝

[@skellymom]

Got me right in the feels at the end. Thanks for posting!

[@alexanderdiazagudelo7693]

👍

[@ehllendil]

The work you do men...is outstanding for a lack of a better word!!!...

[@bernardheathaway9146]

Your videos are very well made and your subjects well chosen! Great job!

[@davidsirmons]

I'd love to hear your review of Braveheart, if you haven't already.

[@DX-oq6lh]

Wow... Absolutely incredible video.

[@pdzombie1906]

Some people still don't understand we just keep telling the same stories over and over again, the importance is the how not the what. Great as usual, you could have made the entire video based on the Alien Trilogy. Thanx!!!

[@danielbuchanan1564]

I ask myself, "How the Hell did you do that?"! This old poem. Really a tale. This is the basics of 3 tiered action drama. Tolkien praises that. Why do films like these fail because they do not get this? Thank you.

[@trafalgertradingcoyltd]

Would Love an analysis on Apocalypto, By Mel Gibson

[@thawdarta5548]

Aww man i swear to god, hearing his "lectures", as i like to call them, always gives me eargasms.

[@cheriontempo]

Really great video ! Good job !

[@kennethsatria6607]

This is so beautiful.

[@christianbjorck816]

According to new research the story is actually from Sweden, Gotland were the person called Beowulf lived and then the story moved from mouth to mouth to England were it was written down. Really cool!

[@niceguy1891]

Wrong! It's from Götaland.

[@christianbjorck816]

@Nice Guy Yes, I missed the ”a” there.

[@niceguy1891]

@@christianbjorck816 well gotland mis a competely different place

[@christianbjorck816]

@Nice Guy Exactly

[@niceguy1891]

@@christianbjorck816 yeah so consider editing your comment

[@5julk5]

You are one of my favorite creators 😺

[@orestmakar8562]

This channel shoul be publically funded and a part of school curiculum. It connects the old to the new and beings out universal truths about humanity.

[@jacksonw453]

Love these videos, always make me think about movies and stories in a new and interesting way

[@fornax4676]

I loved the 2007 Beowulf! I just finished that movie in full a few days ago. The awesome action and the struggles of Beowulf were really deep and something I can relate to.

[@Mdigi1982]

Excellent video; bravo!

[@zeppelinman1685]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@NoRoundBrown]

Great work!

[@beoxsgaming9388]

Beowulf is my favorite of all the known Heroic / Epic Poems. A lot of my online identity is centered on it. My online name, BeoXS, comes from my wife telling me that I read the poem "excessively." My avatar is Norse-ish, wearing a helmet similar to what the Anglo-Saxon wore. One of my goals in life is to be able to read Beowulf in it's original language.

[@Victor-EEE]

I was so happy to see a new video from you 😁😁