Beowulf

“Hwæt! We Gardena in geardagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon.” Say what? Welcome to Old English, the language of the first masterpiece of English literature: the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, believed to have been composed sometime between the 8th-10th centuries. Comprised of 3,182 lines, Beowulf is the subject of this Rocketbook DVD study guide, a kind of visual Cliffs Notes that breaks the poem down into bite-sized sections, featuring a summary, analysis, and pop quiz for each set of lines. The screen is divided into shifting panels depicting an onscreen host, relevant artwork, and major points underscored with creative use of text. Although student-friendly, the production is not superficial in its treatment of the epic story of the great warrior Beowulf, who travels from Geatland (Sweden) to Heorot—hall of the Danish King Hrothgar—where the monster Grendel is nightly feasting on the residents (Grendel is also the first instance in English literature of the lonely misunderstood adolescent male—see John Gardner's wonderful novel Grendel). In telling Beowulf's story (his legendary battles with Grendel, Grendel's mom, and much later, a fatal bout with a wily dragon), the host explains important concepts (such as the workings of “wyrd” or fate), while also drawing attention to the mixture of Christian (Grendel is thought to be a descendant of Cain) and pagan symbolism throughout the poem. While no substitute for reading Beowulf (and, frankly, I think students today should have to translate the whole bloody thing, just like I did in college), this smart overview makes for a fine study aid. DVD extras include character profiles and an art gallery. Recommended. [Note: also newly available in the Rocketbook DVD study guide series is Pride & Prejudice.] Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)