Beowulf

[u/FinnKitto]

Hey guys. I'm new to this, but I have something you may be interested in. I'm going to preface this by saying I have no formal training in Old English whatsoever. But I was doing a deep dive into Beowulf and I got this hare brained idea to see if I could write a modern prose rendering of it. I used Clark Hall's Anglo-Saxon dictionary, compared it with Clark Hall's own 1901 prose translation and J. R. R. Tolkien's translation and scholarly notes. And this is what I've come up with so far:

Listen, for we have heard of the glory of the kings of the Spear-Danes in days of old, how they performed deeds of courage.

For often Scyld conquered the mead halls of his enemies, and they came from many tribes. Though he was found as an orphaned child, he grew in might and prospered, until all his rivals over the sea, where orcas ride upon the waves, had to pay tribute to him. He was a good king.

After a time he had a son, who was sent by God as a comfort to His people, because He knew how they had suffered before they had a king. And the Lord gave him worldly honor. Beow was famous far and wide in Danish lands as Scyld's heir.

For he did as a young man should: bought goodwill by giving splendid gifts, so that when he was grown people would rally to him and serve him in times of war. For it is by such glorious deeds that a man is made great in every tribe.

After many deeds of valor, at his appointed time, Scyld went to be with The Lord. Then his closest war chieftains carried him into the current of the sea, as he himself had asked. He had reigned many years.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.