A new translation reimagines Beowulf, spotlighting female 'warrior'
Bookseller Anthony Ascione of Brilliant Books in Traverse City, Mich., is excited about a new translation of the classic epic poem “Beowulf,” translated by Maria Dahvana Headley. It’s being billed as both radical and feminist. Many high school English classes have battled their way through the story of the hero Beowulf, who (spoiler!) defeats the monster Grendel and the monster’s mother. Ascione recalls those classes clearly, saying, “my English teacher can tell you, I never thought Grendel’s mother got a fair shake.” In Headley’s new translation, Grendel’s mother gets credit as a warrior…
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