The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth

by J.R.R. Tolkien (Author & Narrator), Christopher Tolkien (Narrator)

This cassette was presented to attendees of the J.R.R. Tolkien Centenary Conference held in Oxford in 1992 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Tolkien's birth and the 1001st anniversary of the Battle of Maldon.

It includes readings of the three parts of Tolkien's contribution to Essays and Studies 1953:

1) Beorhtnoth's Death - Read by Christopher Tolkien.

2) The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son - Read by J.R.R. Tolkien.

3) Ofermod - Read by Christopher Tolkien.

Extracts from unpublished drafts of The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth can be found in Tolkien Studies 2007.

Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Plays

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien: writer, artist, scholar, linguist. Known to millions around the world as the author of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien spent most of his life teaching at the University of Oxford where he was a distinguished academic in the fields of Old and Middle English and Old Norse. His creativity, confined to his spare time, found its outlet in fantasy works, stories for children, poetry, illustration and invented languages and alphabets.

Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in Middle-earth, an imagined world with strangely familiar settings inhabited by ancient and extraordinary peoples. Through this secondary world Tolkien writes perceptively of universal human concerns – love and loss, courage and betrayal, humility and pride – giving his books a wide and enduring appeal.

Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist who painted for pleasure and relaxation. He excelled at landscapes and often drew inspiration from his own stories. He illustrated many scenes from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes drawing or painting as he was writing in order to visualize the imagined scene more clearly.

Tolkien was a professor at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford for almost forty years, teaching Old and Middle English, as well as Old Norse and Gothic. His illuminating lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem, Beowulf, illustrate his deep knowledge of ancient languages and at the same time provide new insights into peoples and legends from a remote past.

Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 to English parents. He came to England aged three and was brought up in and around Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1915 and saw active service in France during the First World War before being invalided home. After the war he pursued an academic career teaching Old and Middle English. Alongside his professional work, he invented his own languages and began to create what he called a mythology for England; it was this ‘legendarium’ that he would work on throughout his life. But his literary work did not start and end with Middle-earth, he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and fairy tales for adults. He died in 1973 and is buried in Oxford where he spent most of his adult life.

Reviews

[Marko Vasić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Tolkien’s professional publication, this alliterative verse drama is lesser known gem from professor’s legacy. It is published in “Essays and Studies” 1953 as a trisegmental article: “Beorhtnoth’s Death”, “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son” and “Ofermod”. In “Beorhtnoth’s Death” professor contemplated the Old-English poem The Battle of Maldon, and explained why and how 20 of its alliterative stanzas inspired him to write a sequel of the same manner. In “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son” he introduced its dramatis personae – merely two protagonists: a hoary farmer Tídwald (colloquial Tidda) and the youngster Torhthelm (colloquial Totta), minstrel’s son. Amidst the carcases on the battlefield, they are seeking for their lord, Earl Beorhtnoth who fell in the battle with Danish Vikings which crossed the causeway of the Blackwater River on his confirmation and made a carnage among the Anglo-Saxon host. It is interesting that Tolkien (I daresay deliberately) didn’t pick some of the thanes or from the higher class as protagonists, but two of a common folk, as well as he did in “The Lord of the Rings”, ordaining to Frodo, common Hobbit, but not to some Dunedain, Vala or Maia to convey the Ring to Amon Amarth. Seeking the Beorhtnoth body, Tidda and Totta discuss of some important things and Tidda is teaching Totta some wise words and deeds, for Totta is overwhelmed with poetry and infatuated with heroic and romantic presentations of the world, but still quite lack of life experience. When they finally find cruelly marred and mutilated Beorhtnoth's body, they loaded it into a cart to be buried in Ely Cathedral. At the finale, Tidda recites a verse of uttermost beauty regarding the transiency of life:

I hear mass chanted for master’s soul
in Ely isle. Thus ages pass,
and men after men. Mourning voices
of women weeping. So the world passes;
day follows day, and the dust gathers,
his tomb crumbles, as time gnaws it,
and his kith and kindred out of ken
dwindle.
So men flicker and in the mirk go out.
The world withers and the wind rises;
the candles are quenched. Cold falls the
night.

In the third part – “Ofermod” (an Old-English word-phase for overwhelmed, uncontrolled pride) Tolkien compared “The Battle of Maldon” and its sequel with Beowulf, “The Wanderer” and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and accentuated the significance of the preserved fragment of “The Battle of Maldon” as an important Old-English legacy.

[Roderick Vonhogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.R.R. Tolkien recorded The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth himself on a taperecorder and added soundeffects, singing and background noises to liven up the narrative. According to some, Tolkien's delivery could often be somewhat dry and monotonous, (not unlike that of his son Christopher, who also reads a couple of texts here), but in this recording, Tolkien is lively, passionate and creative. It's interesting to see that Tolkien choses two ordinary characters as the main focus, instead of knights and heroes. It reminds me of how he deliberately picked two Hobbits, Bilbo and Frodo, to be the main protagonists of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

If only we'd have a full recording of those works read by JRR Tolkien himself...

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

E' da un po' che mi son convinta che dovrei leggere Tolkien, nel senso che considero l'autore un "imprescindibile". Alla fine, non sapevo neanche bene i retroscena del suo ingresso in Italia, prima di questo testo curato da Wu Ming 4. Per prima cosa, ho avuto la possibilità di seguirne la presentazione a Roma (la mia prima volta di fronte ad un Wu Ming, emozionatissima, mi sentivo talmente ridicola che ho deciso di non avvicinarmi neanche a stringergli la mano per non fare la figura dell'ebete) e dopo la presentazione ho deciso che poteva essere un buon punto di partenza. Sarà un lavoro atipico nell'universo tolkeniano, ma mi ha incoraggiata. Mi è piaciuto al di là del contesto e mi ha invogliata ad approfondire Tolkien. Quando ne avrò il tempo, purtroppo.

[Norbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edizione assai ben fatta.
Contiene:
1) prefazione di Wu-Ming
2) Il poema "La battaglia di Maldon"
3) Il ritorno ... scritto da Tolkien in forma di poemetto in risposta alla "la battaglia di Maldon" e una parte di analisi comprendente anche alcune sue riflessioni
4)Un articolo di Tom Shippey su "Il ritorno ..."

(aggiunta, gennaio 2019)
Ho riletto la nuova edizione con la traduzione di Giampaolo Cazonieri - bella traduzione di una serie di testi molto interessanti

[Caroline Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, thought provoking tale considering the consequences of prioritizing valor above duty. The ruler who refuses to humble himself will fail his responsibility downwards and lead those loyal to him to ruin. Compare that to Christ, the King who did humble Himself and will lead those who love Him to ultimate victory.
Also very cool to hear Tolkien narrate and do his own sound effects. Really brings to life what a fun nerd he must have been lol.

[Devero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un componimento del Professore è lo spunto per una profonda riflessione sulla poesia medievale e sull'etica cavalleresca. Decisamente ben argomentato.

[Les Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was wonderful to hear such a classic narrated by the master himself. It must have been a truly exhilarating situation to listen to the master in his lectures. I must also add that I had re-read Beowulf before listening to this book.

[Frumenty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I experienced this as an audiobook borrowed from my local library. It’s only about an hour long, but excellent listening. JRR himself (Ron to his friends) reads the poem which he has rendered from Anglo-Saxon into intelligible English, and his son and literary executor Christopher reads some of his father’s writings about the poem.

The Homecoming poem, author unknown, is a dialogue between an old man and a young man, going to the battlefield to find their fallen master and bring him home. Tolkein’s commentary interprets the poem as a critique of the chivalric code, which is entirely plausible based on the materials presented.

Much Anglo-Saxon verse, perhaps all for all I know, is in a form called ‘alliterative verse’. Tolkein’s translation preserves this mode with great effect.

His head was higher than the helm of kings
with heathen crowns, his heart keener
and his soul clearer than swords of heroes
polished and proven: than plated gold
his worth was greater. From the world has passed
a prince peerless in peace and war,
just in judgment, generous-handed
as the golden lords of long ago.
He has gone to God glory seeking,
Beorhtnoth beloved.

“Brave words my lad!” adds the speaker’s elder, undercutting his bombast. Though set up to be challenged, it’s a very good demonstration of the rhetorical power of the alliterative mode. Try reading it aloud, keeping in mind that the pauses occur, more often than not, in the middle of lines. Imagine you’re reciting it in a mead hall.

[Gert Dal Pozzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fra i racconti minori di Tolkien, questo è sicuramente quello che mi ha colpito di più. Non il racconto in se, ma proprio questo libricino nero appena ristampato. Il racconto preso singolarmente infatti, non avrebbe quasi alcun senso. Ma considerato insieme alla prefazione di Wu Ming 4 e alla postfazione di Shippey, questo libro più di ogni altro spiega esattamente la concezione del fantasy per Tolkien. Dell'eroe pagano contrapposto all'eroe "cristiano", che, oggi, sarebbe da definire a tutti gli effetti Tolkieniano. Perché qui emerge una visione assolutamente inaspettata, quantomeno da me: Tolkien non è dalla parte di Beowulf, o da quella di Beorthnoth. Non è dalla parte dell'eroe che pur di salvaguardare il suo onore si è fatto ammazzare, o di quello che ha sacrificato il suo esercito. L'eroe di Tolkien è tutt'altro, è quello che abbiamo imparato ad apprezzare dalle sue grandi opere, è il Re che chiede al proprio esercito il permesso per andare in battaglia, così come un piccolo Hobbit che prende sulle sue spalle la sorte del mondo intero. E Tolkien, nella sua maestria, questo concetto non lo spiega in un saggio, ma in un piccolissimo poema, nel dialogo fra due ragazzi che devono raccogliere le spoglie mortali del loro signore che, probabilmente, fu troppo orgoglioso.

[Jacopo Piermattei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un'invettiva di Tolkien contro la massima espressione (secondo i critici) dell'eroismo cavalleresco e nordico così caro anche al professore. Attraverso un dialogo inventato Tolkien riprende "la battaglia di Maldon" capovolgendo il ruolo del protagonista che diviene da eroe massimo della storia un signorotto borioso, talmente orgoglioso e arrogante da sacrificare la vita del suo esercito oltre che la sua in nome dell'eroismo fine a se stesso. Il tutto viene arricchito da un'ottima prefazione di Wu Ming 4 e da un articolo di Tom Shippey (massimo studioso di Tolkien esistente) che parla di come questo scritto sia il simbolo di quella spaccatura che prova il professore. in bilico tra l'eroismo del Beowulf e quello cristiano, spaccatura che trova la propria sintesi in Lotr, in Aragorn, Sam e altri personaggi che raccolgono i valori cavallereschi e li mischiano alla pietà e morale cristiana. Forse questo libro racchiude proprio il passaggio da Feanor e Turin ad Aragorn,Frodo,Sam ecc. Consigliatissimo.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not very familiar with Beorhtnoth or Beowolf (or Old English poetry for that matter), but I absolutely loved this poem/play inspired by "The Battle of Maldon"! I thought it was beautiful, touching and witty. The introduction gave enough information to understand what the text is about, even for a lay person. I wish there was more!

[Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting piece.

[Brandt Vavricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version that was recorded by the man himself. 100% worth the listen.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poem being read by Tolkien made it feel like he was telling me a bedtime story. A quality experience, do recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

È un’opera particolare che mostra il lato più filologico e sperimentale di Tolkien. Lontano dalla narrativa epica de Il Signore degli Anelli, questo testo si presenta come una riflessione di eroismo, orgoglio e memoria storica. Il libro riprende gli eventi successivi alla Battaglia di Maldon, offrendo una rilettura critica dell’eroismo anglosassone. Tolkien non si limita a rievocare un episodio storico-letterario, ma lo usa per interrogarsi sul valore del coraggio e sul confine sottile tra nobiltà d’animo e superbia, rendendo l’opera densa di significato. La lettura non è immediata, il linguaggio e la forma poetica possono risultare impegnativi, soprattutto per chi non ha familiarità con la letteratura anglosassone o con il Tolkien più accademico. Proprio questa complessità, se da un lato arricchisce il testo, dall’altro lo limita. Nel complesso è un libro consigliato a lettori curiosi, studiosi o appassionati di Tolkien che desiderano esplorare il suo pensiero più profondo e meno conosciuto. Non è un’opera per tutti, ma per chi saprà apprezzarla rappresenta una lettura intensa e stimolante.

[Joseph Ficklen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of this audiobook is read by the man himself, which is worth four stars alone to hear Tolkien reading his own work in the very intonation in which he imagined it. But this book will probably be of very little interest to you if you have no familiarity with Anglo Saxon poetry like the Battle of Maldon and Beowulf. Which is a shame, because you should be familiar with those! But this is an example of what Tolkien was doing for his actual day job, being an Old English scholar and what not. When he wasn’t creating whole worlds in his head. “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth” is a humorous little work, written in an alliterative Anglo Saxon style, imaging what the gravediggers would say cleaning up the mess after the Battle of Maldon. “Ofermod” is an essay about the grim determination of warriors like Beorhtnoth and Beowulf to fight even against unassailable odds. His son Christopher Tolkien reads this latter work.

[Noah Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered what it would be like to hear JRR Tolkien dramatically read his own poetry... with sound effects ?!?! Answer... it is freaking awesome!!! I recently stumbled across an audiobook of his poem The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth and to my surprise it was a recording of Tolkien reading it himself, doing voices and making sound effects. Needless to say, it was pretty awesome. Highly recommend

[Koit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beorhtnoth... Who doesn't know of Beorhtnoth?An Anglo-Saxon noble of great renown for his part in the battle of Maldon, this take on the supposed hero is eye-opening. I went through it relatively fast, but like much of the commentary on Anglo-Saxon poetry, it's well worth a second and third visit. My first visit primarily concentrated on the thematic aspects that Mr Tolkien described and not as much on the fiction.

Why? Not only does the author investigate in good detail the story of Maldon from a different view, the essay on the most important word – the word that characterizes why Beorhtnoth made his stand – allows for a critical assessment of a translator's quality and the possible connotations of a statement.

In this case, Mr Tolkien describes how the only other cases where the word is used are negative, indicating that the poem's author did not mean to praise the Anglo-Saxon lord for his stand. For the casual reader of an unknown translation, this idea might remain absent – until of course, going through a helpful addendum.

This review was originally posted on my blog.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this but I really enjoyed the introduction and explanations by Christo[her Tolkien alongside the reading of the poem (plus sound effects) by J.R.R. Tolkien. The analysis of the heroic code versus a warriors responsibilities to others, his nation etc, were fascinating. Very enjoyable despite it's shortness.

[Jimgosailing · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Will shall be the sterner,
Heart the bolder,
Spirit the greater,
As our strength lessens.”

Preceded by, and read in conjunction with:
“Then the earl, in his over-mastery pride
actually yielded ground to the enemy
As he should not have done.”

Listening to this, you can hear how JRRT shaped his Rohirrim in the LotR. I like how the essay touches upon Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and even Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade.

[Nick H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolkien was an unbelievably impressive guy. Once again here he proves he’s able to write in pretty much any style imaginable. I wish there was more of it. An extra treat is hearing Tolkien himself doing the narration, and a very good narration too! [LIBRARY AUDIOBOOK]

トールキン作家いつもすごいね。彼はなんでもの作文スタイル書くのができた。これめっちゃ面白かった。持ったあったらよかったけど。オーディオのバージョンはトールキンの本物の声あるからすごくよかった！

[The Bauchler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected gem.

Not so much the poem, but the academic essay surrounding it, the two Tolkien’s reading aloud, and its homemade quality make it a fascinating thing to listen to.

[Luke Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting interpretation of the aftermath of the Battle of Maldon. Also some interesting reflections in the essay “Ofermod” about heroic old english poetry and the differences between the characters in the Battle of Maldon and those of Beowulf and Sir Gawain of the round table.

[Priscilla S. Bengtson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sure I would give this more stars, had I read Beowulf before reading this. Since I haven’t yet read Beowulf, I had a really hard time understanding this. I loved the references though to Hengist and Horsa and Vortigern, since we are reading about them in school right now.

[Jennie-Ann Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I love Tolkien's writing, this was a slow one. I liked part 2 though!

[Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

phoebe bridgers needs to narrate this aloud and then it would be incredible

[Amanda mcguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not 100% sure if this is a Tolkien original work or another of his translations, but it gets extra points for the performance, with singing and sound effects, by the author/translator.

[Idlyfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing listening to Tolkien's narration.

[emily pipet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea what happened in this audiobook but I enjoyed it! It was so cool hearing Tolkien’s voice!