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Grendel's Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife
An amber bead. A gold and glass drinking horn. A ring engraved with Thor’s hammer – all artifacts from a Germanic tribe that carved a space for itself through brutality and violence on a windswept land . Brimhild weaves peace and conveys culture to the kingdom, until the secret of her birth threatens to tear apart the fragile political stability. This is her story – the tale of Grendel’s Mother. She is no monster as portrayed in the Old English epic, Beowulf. We learn her side of the story and that of her defamed child. We see the many passages of her life: the brine-baby who floated mysteriously to shore; the hall-queen presiding over the triumphant building of the golden hall Heorot and victim of sexual and political betrayal; the exiled mere-wife, who ekes out a marginal life by an uncanny bog as a healer and contends with the menacing Beowulf; and the seer, who prophesizes what will occur to her adopted people. We learn how the invasion by brutal men is not a fairy tale, but a disaster doomed to cycle relentlessly through human history. Only the surviving women can sing poignant laments, preserve a glittering culture, and provide hope for the future.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2015
18 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Susan Signe Morrison
8 books21 followersProfessor of English at Texas State University, Susan Signe Morrison lives in Austin, Texas, and writes on topics lurking in the margins of history, ranging from recently uncovered diaries of a teenaged girl in World War II to medieval women pilgrims, excrement in the Middle Ages, and waste.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 23, 2015
In Grendel's Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife, Susan Morrison has given us the story behind the Old English saga of Beowulf, an epic hero who saves his people from the monster Grendel and, later, from Grendel's mother. But in Morrison's telling--a powerful extension of the story and a deep and compelling glimpse into the culture that produced it--Grendel is a tragic hero and his mother a real and fascinating woman. Morrison names her Brimhild and portrays her throughout her life: the mysterious child who appears on the shore in a cradle-boat; the noble wife and exalted hall-queen of the Scylding king Hrothgar; the target of political intrigue and duplicity; and a banished healer and seer who is both eagerly sought-after and desperately feared, a witness to the destructive violence around her and to come.
A medieval scholar with an impressive command of her material, Morrison embellishes this powerful narrative of a medieval woman's rise and fall and with threads of Celtic and Germanic legend and myth--herbal medicines, mysterious charms, riddles, poetry, and lore--and sets it all within the context of overwhelming political and cultural change. Her richly evocative prose echoes the poetic structure of Old English alliterative verse. From the "Prologue," depicting Brimhild's arrival:
I wish I'd had Morrison's novel when I was teaching Beowulf; my students would have had a much stronger sense of the real-life struggles that lay behind and created the mythic poem. Those who don't know the poem will appreciate Morrison's work on other levels, for Grendel's Mother tells a universal story of heroic dimensions through the eyes of a woman who sees and understands and deeply feels everything that happens. It is a rare glimpse into a world that is both profoundly alien and surprisingly, wrenchingly, our own.
A medieval scholar with an impressive command of her material, Morrison embellishes this powerful narrative of a medieval woman's rise and fall and with threads of Celtic and Germanic legend and myth--herbal medicines, mysterious charms, riddles, poetry, and lore--and sets it all within the context of overwhelming political and cultural change. Her richly evocative prose echoes the poetic structure of Old English alliterative verse. From the "Prologue," depicting Brimhild's arrival:
Long after the frost ogres fought with the gods, before Rome was sacked, when our ancestors, the northmen, pillaged in their longships and plied the whale's path, a woven basket floated on the salt-rimed sea. The basket, woven wave-rider, rocked with the flood, moon messenger. Foamy white peaks washed the suckling to the shore, sandy beach haven. Salt-encrusted, the maiden slept, skin sun-tattered scarlet. Breathing in land wind, the girl-lady stirred, sensing the end of the flood, womb sheltered. That was an innocent child.
I wish I'd had Morrison's novel when I was teaching Beowulf; my students would have had a much stronger sense of the real-life struggles that lay behind and created the mythic poem. Those who don't know the poem will appreciate Morrison's work on other levels, for Grendel's Mother tells a universal story of heroic dimensions through the eyes of a woman who sees and understands and deeply feels everything that happens. It is a rare glimpse into a world that is both profoundly alien and surprisingly, wrenchingly, our own.
March 23, 2018
Grendel’s Mother is, simply put, a stunning achievement. The ancient story of Beowulf, retold from the perspective of Grendel’s Mother. Wait, wasn’t she a monster whose son terrorized Hrothgar’s hall until Beowulf tore his arm from the socket, and then she paid her own bloody visit to seek vengeance? Hard to remember, since nobody reads Beowulf on their own and high school English was a long time ago.
Not in this version. None of that.
Brimhild is a foundling, set adrift in a crude vessel by people unknown to wash up on the shores of the Kingdom of the Scyldings. There she rises from foster daughter to queen after Hrothgar falls for her. But she hates the destruction that their lifestyle—raiding surrounding country sides, killing and raping and plundering—brings to the innocent. She tries to instill new values in her son Grendel, Hrothgar’s heir. Instead, Hrothgar brings a new consort into the family and Brimhild’s position becomes more tenuous. And then the startling revelation (I won’t spoil the read by telling it here) that turns her life and that of her son upside down and drives them to their solitary life in the moors.
Not only is the story a delightful and captivating twist on the original tale, it is also richly steeped in the history of the period. The battle between the inroads of the new Christian religion with the older worship of the Norse gods, the struggles of the people living in constant danger with poor soil for farming, the traditions and heroic tales that keep them inspired—all woven throughout the narrative.
On top of that is the totally unexpected treat of the language. Grendel’s Mother is written partially in the style of Beowulf and the northern sagas, where lines are composed of two halves linked with alliteration and powerful stresses/beats, separated by a caesura. Morrison is brilliant in giving enough of that language and form to be true to the original without slowing the pace or making the novel difficult to read. Plus the descriptions are majestic, more suitable for an epic poem than a novel. The result is a delightful immersion into the language of the Norse.
Admittedly, this novel is not for everyone. Only those who have a heroic soul, who love the rich tragic lives of the Norsemen who battle adversity for their place in Valhalla. Those who didn’t hate Beowulf the first time, who perhaps have wondered if they didn’t judge it in haste from the perspective of easily-bored youth. But it was certainly for me. And perhaps for you as well.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book; thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Not in this version. None of that.
Brimhild is a foundling, set adrift in a crude vessel by people unknown to wash up on the shores of the Kingdom of the Scyldings. There she rises from foster daughter to queen after Hrothgar falls for her. But she hates the destruction that their lifestyle—raiding surrounding country sides, killing and raping and plundering—brings to the innocent. She tries to instill new values in her son Grendel, Hrothgar’s heir. Instead, Hrothgar brings a new consort into the family and Brimhild’s position becomes more tenuous. And then the startling revelation (I won’t spoil the read by telling it here) that turns her life and that of her son upside down and drives them to their solitary life in the moors.
Not only is the story a delightful and captivating twist on the original tale, it is also richly steeped in the history of the period. The battle between the inroads of the new Christian religion with the older worship of the Norse gods, the struggles of the people living in constant danger with poor soil for farming, the traditions and heroic tales that keep them inspired—all woven throughout the narrative.
On top of that is the totally unexpected treat of the language. Grendel’s Mother is written partially in the style of Beowulf and the northern sagas, where lines are composed of two halves linked with alliteration and powerful stresses/beats, separated by a caesura. Morrison is brilliant in giving enough of that language and form to be true to the original without slowing the pace or making the novel difficult to read. Plus the descriptions are majestic, more suitable for an epic poem than a novel. The result is a delightful immersion into the language of the Norse.
Admittedly, this novel is not for everyone. Only those who have a heroic soul, who love the rich tragic lives of the Norsemen who battle adversity for their place in Valhalla. Those who didn’t hate Beowulf the first time, who perhaps have wondered if they didn’t judge it in haste from the perspective of easily-bored youth. But it was certainly for me. And perhaps for you as well.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book; thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
Read
December 18, 2015Not familiar with Beowulf besides the rough outline, but I still enjoyed this book, and it was obvious a huge amount of stuff was being woven together to create it.
Really important to know how the language is intentionally being poetic - it's easy to miss the large number of alliterations and lose the beauty of the lines.
Really important to know how the language is intentionally being poetic - it's easy to miss the large number of alliterations and lose the beauty of the lines.
April 25, 2019
This book is disappointing. It seemed promising enough: the positive reviews, an interesting theme, a fellow medievalist who should do justice to the source material and have an enlightening perspective to offer. I expected something like the high-brow, lit-fic exploration of myths of an A. S. Byatt, coupled with the grasp of the historical setting of an Umberto Eco. Instead, this turned out to be dime-in-a-dozen genre fiction.
I was not the target audience, so it’s hard to say whether the story was ‘good.’ For sure, the opening is nice, but then it digresses with unnecessary side characters, climaxes prematurely and drags on a little too long. What left me particularly unsatisfied, however, was that Beowulf (the text) seemed irrelevant. The novel doesn’t so much offer an alternate reading of Beowulf as spins a completely new story that only intersects with the original text occasionally and does not really build on its central themes. I am all for subverting the original male perspective, but the connection to Beowful is so tenuous as to offer nothing to our reading of the poem. All in all, though, the story was entertaining enough.
The real flaw that constantly irked me is the style. Morrison attempts an archaic tone by adopting Old English alliterative schemes and the occasional short sentences, but she does not stick with it. Sudden changes between this tone and banal exposition (the pitfall of much historical and speculative fiction) can be jarring. Take for instance these two passages:
Followed almost immediately by:
This problem recurs again and again in the book – and this is one of the better alliterative passages. Although the author explains in the afterword that it was impossible to stick to vocabulary of Anglo-Saxon origin and I sympathise, her stubborn decision alliterate forces her to resort to convoluted Latin loans that sound anything but archaic, defeating the purpose.
Finally, the way Norse mythology, folklore and historical legend is spun into the dialogue and narration feels heavy-handed and unnatural. If these stories really informed the lives and thoughts of Beowulf’s contemporaries, you’d think a brief allusion was enough to bring them to mind. (Indeed, a good point of reference would be Biblical allusions in medieval Christian writings; very oblique.) You wouldn’t paraphrase the entire story every time you wanted to make a point: “He’s a real dick, like Loki, who was bad and treacherous, like that one time when he got Baldr killed by figuring out he could be harmed with a mistletoe and it poisoned Baldr.” If the author was less worried about educating readers and making sure everyone stays on board, she might succeed in evoking an alien mindscape of myth and legend.
This review turned out to be all gripes, but it’s mostly to balance out the overwhelmingly positive reviews posted. It’s not a terrible book, it’s got some powerful scenes, a good atmosphere, nice historical references. But it’s also quite clumsy and not what I expected.
I was not the target audience, so it’s hard to say whether the story was ‘good.’ For sure, the opening is nice, but then it digresses with unnecessary side characters, climaxes prematurely and drags on a little too long. What left me particularly unsatisfied, however, was that Beowulf (the text) seemed irrelevant. The novel doesn’t so much offer an alternate reading of Beowulf as spins a completely new story that only intersects with the original text occasionally and does not really build on its central themes. I am all for subverting the original male perspective, but the connection to Beowful is so tenuous as to offer nothing to our reading of the poem. All in all, though, the story was entertaining enough.
The real flaw that constantly irked me is the style. Morrison attempts an archaic tone by adopting Old English alliterative schemes and the occasional short sentences, but she does not stick with it. Sudden changes between this tone and banal exposition (the pitfall of much historical and speculative fiction) can be jarring. Take for instance these two passages:
'Hrothgar's kingdom was of several thousand persons, not including the communities he'd conquered overseas or distant since he took the throne a few years earlier. While some Scyldings were court members and others finished and farmed, there was a fluidity about the society. A farmer, if a likely warrier, could easily become beloved at court. Even those at court had to keep their families alive through farming or fishing. Still, Hildilid would normally have married a retainer or his son, as her own father had been a court counselor.’
Followed almost immediately by:
‘They were lucky lovers. Poets play and scops sing of woeful wedlock, keening couples. Theirs was a contented coupling.’
This problem recurs again and again in the book – and this is one of the better alliterative passages. Although the author explains in the afterword that it was impossible to stick to vocabulary of Anglo-Saxon origin and I sympathise, her stubborn decision alliterate forces her to resort to convoluted Latin loans that sound anything but archaic, defeating the purpose.
Finally, the way Norse mythology, folklore and historical legend is spun into the dialogue and narration feels heavy-handed and unnatural. If these stories really informed the lives and thoughts of Beowulf’s contemporaries, you’d think a brief allusion was enough to bring them to mind. (Indeed, a good point of reference would be Biblical allusions in medieval Christian writings; very oblique.) You wouldn’t paraphrase the entire story every time you wanted to make a point: “He’s a real dick, like Loki, who was bad and treacherous, like that one time when he got Baldr killed by figuring out he could be harmed with a mistletoe and it poisoned Baldr.” If the author was less worried about educating readers and making sure everyone stays on board, she might succeed in evoking an alien mindscape of myth and legend.
This review turned out to be all gripes, but it’s mostly to balance out the overwhelmingly positive reviews posted. It’s not a terrible book, it’s got some powerful scenes, a good atmosphere, nice historical references. But it’s also quite clumsy and not what I expected.
January 9, 2016
Magnificent storytelling! I knew nothing of the Old English poem Beowulf until I was motivated to read the ancient epic and John Gardner's Grendel after I was given a copy of Grendel's Mother by the author, who happens to be a good friend. I read those other books first to help give me background for this one, and I'm glad I did. Susan is a professor of medieval English and obviously has studied and worked with ancient Norse and English legends and epics for decades. This knowledge informs every page of the novel. I recall once when she spontaneously quoted passages from Beowulf from memory, in Old English! She splendidly recreates a long-lost world in the midst of transitioning from belief in Germanic gods and traditions to a new and equally mysterious Christian faith. There are surprises and plot twists galore that perhaps more attentive readers than I can see coming, and in retrospect the twists make perfect sense. In clear, direct prose that somehow manages to evoke a completely different time and place, Morrison brings to life a brutal era peopled with peace-loving fisherfolk and bloodthirsty and rapacious warriors and treachorous royals. Atrocities are borne, especially by women, and physical and emotional healing occurs through herbs, spells, and time. Beowulf doesn't enter the story until near the end, so the book imagines Dansih life and mores before and during and after Grendel's attacks. While the book can be read and enjoyed without knowledge of the ancient epic, my appreciation for the book and what it accomplished is greater for being at least a little familiar with it.
August 3, 2016
Reviewed for the Historical Novel Society
The inspiration for this novel comes from Beowulf, the first great epic poem in the Old English language. I admit to having something of a bias, as this time period is of special interest to me, and I have felt some sympathy for the character of Grendel’s mother, usually portrayed as a monster. Grendel’s Mother is a stunning, imaginative response to the many questions the iconic poem leaves unanswered. The writer’s deep knowledge of the Norse Sagas and the world of Beowulf spills from every page.
A recently bereaved mother raises a baby girl found who was floating in the sea in a basket. Brimhild grows up to be intelligent, strong and perceptive. She learns healing skills from her wise-woman aunt and, as she matures into womanhood, she catches the eye of King Hrothgar. Brimhild becomes his queen, and it is her influence that brings about the creation of the magnificent hall named Heorot.
All seems set for happiness when Brimhild gives birth to her son, Grendel, but the creeping menace and darkness of the original poem develops here, too, and in a most human, believable manner. This is the hidden story of the women behind the Beowulf saga. The author does not flinch from the horror and violence that is there in the original version, nor does she stray far from the initial narrative, recreating traditional rhythms and alliteration, whilst still offering us a clear and accessible tale. The conclusion is both satisfying and uplifting, neatly linking the narrative to our present worldview.
I recommend this story to any reader who has an interest in the Anglo-Saxon world.
The inspiration for this novel comes from Beowulf, the first great epic poem in the Old English language. I admit to having something of a bias, as this time period is of special interest to me, and I have felt some sympathy for the character of Grendel’s mother, usually portrayed as a monster. Grendel’s Mother is a stunning, imaginative response to the many questions the iconic poem leaves unanswered. The writer’s deep knowledge of the Norse Sagas and the world of Beowulf spills from every page.
A recently bereaved mother raises a baby girl found who was floating in the sea in a basket. Brimhild grows up to be intelligent, strong and perceptive. She learns healing skills from her wise-woman aunt and, as she matures into womanhood, she catches the eye of King Hrothgar. Brimhild becomes his queen, and it is her influence that brings about the creation of the magnificent hall named Heorot.
All seems set for happiness when Brimhild gives birth to her son, Grendel, but the creeping menace and darkness of the original poem develops here, too, and in a most human, believable manner. This is the hidden story of the women behind the Beowulf saga. The author does not flinch from the horror and violence that is there in the original version, nor does she stray far from the initial narrative, recreating traditional rhythms and alliteration, whilst still offering us a clear and accessible tale. The conclusion is both satisfying and uplifting, neatly linking the narrative to our present worldview.
I recommend this story to any reader who has an interest in the Anglo-Saxon world.
November 26, 2015
I of course love the idea of a more empowered and human Grendel's mother, and this offered a clever way of reconstructing the story and the addition of little details from other OR works.
I also liked the alliteration troughout, although at times I felt it was slightly convoluted, and made some points a bit unclear. I also wasn't a huge fan of the parts in verse.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and it will be a nice inclusion in my research.
I also liked the alliteration troughout, although at times I felt it was slightly convoluted, and made some points a bit unclear. I also wasn't a huge fan of the parts in verse.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and it will be a nice inclusion in my research.
Read
January 3, 2016This is a first for me -- I can't rate this book. I'm impressed by what the author accomplished. Do I like the book? I have some problems with the way certain characters, particularly Grendel and his mother, handled some situations. It held my interest at all times, though. So, if you have an interest in Viking culture, the early beginnings of Christianity in northern Europe and are familiar with the Beowulf saga, give it a try.
November 24, 2015
This book was amazing. Even if you haven't read Beowulf, if you like fantasy, you will love this. There were times that I forgot this novel even had anything to do with Beowulf. The language was superb. I loved the use of alliteration and Old English sentence structures. The story was captivating. I could not put the book down once I started reading.
October 11, 2016
This novel is so great at entertainment, I forgot I was learning so much about the Anglo-Saxons too! The brilliant writing and weaving of story and language make for an enjoyable retelling of Beowulf.
January 28, 2016
Excellent ok even if you have t read Beowulf. It can be read as a stand alone novel. Beautiful use of words, really like reading an Old English text. Really enjoyed the story of Brimhild.
August 22, 2017
This book was entered and was a finalist in The 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Grendel’s Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife
Author: Susan Signe Morrison
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 27
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 27 readers:
26 would read another book by this author.
26 thought the cover was good or excellent.
24 felt it was easy to follow.
26 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
16 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
27 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
26 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Absolutely fascinating. I enjoyed the original Beowulf; this has added a whole new angle to it. Well-written too with a fab cover.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘This is truly excellent. A range of complex characters framed in a richly written text. The author’s vision of Grendel’s mother is powerful, pulling the reader in. The plot is complex, often graphically written. I very much enjoyed it.’ Female reader, aged 41
‘Mythology is ever-present in this fantastical tale of Grendel’s mother. Going way beyond the poem, this well-written story brings life to this character, so much so, she’s almost the hero.’ Male reader, aged 73
‘Brimhild from childhood all the way to her demise. Fascinating. An excellent book to have in any college/university library. The classical language style also works well for a book of this nature set so long ago.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘I was thoroughly enchanted by this.’ Male reader, aged 68
‘A fascinating look at the life of Grendel’s mother. Powerfully written and enchanting.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Grendel’s Mother: The Saga of the Wyrd-Wife
Author: Susan Signe Morrison
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 27
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 27 readers:
26 would read another book by this author.
26 thought the cover was good or excellent.
24 felt it was easy to follow.
26 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
16 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
27 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
26 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Absolutely fascinating. I enjoyed the original Beowulf; this has added a whole new angle to it. Well-written too with a fab cover.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘This is truly excellent. A range of complex characters framed in a richly written text. The author’s vision of Grendel’s mother is powerful, pulling the reader in. The plot is complex, often graphically written. I very much enjoyed it.’ Female reader, aged 41
‘Mythology is ever-present in this fantastical tale of Grendel’s mother. Going way beyond the poem, this well-written story brings life to this character, so much so, she’s almost the hero.’ Male reader, aged 73
‘Brimhild from childhood all the way to her demise. Fascinating. An excellent book to have in any college/university library. The classical language style also works well for a book of this nature set so long ago.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘I was thoroughly enchanted by this.’ Male reader, aged 68
‘A fascinating look at the life of Grendel’s mother. Powerfully written and enchanting.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
December 22, 2022
I was very excited to read this book. As a medievalist and fantasy lover, Beowulf was a must-read and a lasting interest for me. This one epic poem, with the help of J.R.R. Tolkien, spawned an entire genre that I adore. I am also fascinated by retellings, or, more accurately, the repurposing of old stories into new and different ones. Let me say, Grendel’s Mother did not at all disappoint on either count.
Told from the perspective of Brimhild, sea-orphaned babe, once Queen of the Scyldings, product of rape and incest, mother to Grendel, this book offers up this infamous story from a new perspective. What’s more, and my favourite aspect I think, is that it does so utilizing the devices and tools that characterize the original poem. While I did find the alliteration occasionally heavy-handed and disruptive, overall the use of alliteration, epithets, and kenning was beautifully crafted. The tone and style are somewhat alien, especially for a modern reader, but I feel that is actually working to set the scene and rhythm of a historical space that is very alien to the one we inhabit. Even more importantly that rhythm and tone is consistent throughout and that allows the reader to settle in to a world that those same language patterns and tone, as much as anything else, create.
All in all, a definite recommended read!
Told from the perspective of Brimhild, sea-orphaned babe, once Queen of the Scyldings, product of rape and incest, mother to Grendel, this book offers up this infamous story from a new perspective. What’s more, and my favourite aspect I think, is that it does so utilizing the devices and tools that characterize the original poem. While I did find the alliteration occasionally heavy-handed and disruptive, overall the use of alliteration, epithets, and kenning was beautifully crafted. The tone and style are somewhat alien, especially for a modern reader, but I feel that is actually working to set the scene and rhythm of a historical space that is very alien to the one we inhabit. Even more importantly that rhythm and tone is consistent throughout and that allows the reader to settle in to a world that those same language patterns and tone, as much as anything else, create.
All in all, a definite recommended read!
June 2, 2019
I tend to like any story told from the perspective of a different character. I found the story of Grendel’s mother to be interesting. There is backstory provided about how she came to be Grendel’s mother, and her evolution from innocent girl to supposed monster. It’s believable and interesting. If you like the stories Beowulf and Grendel then I think you will enjoy this read.
The reason for the lower rating is not because I didn’t enjoy the story: I did. There were just so many typos and errors in the version I read, that at times it was distracting from the text. This is not the author’s fault, but the fault of the editor.Additionally, I feel like the ending was disappointing. I was not disappointed in what happened, because it’s inevitable and understood if you know Beowulf. I was disappointed in what I felt was an easy way out. I think there was opportunity for the death of Grendel’s mother to be less anti climatic, perhaps that is the point though. She chose her death.
The reason for the lower rating is not because I didn’t enjoy the story: I did. There were just so many typos and errors in the version I read, that at times it was distracting from the text. This is not the author’s fault, but the fault of the editor.Additionally, I feel like the ending was disappointing. I was not disappointed in what happened, because it’s inevitable and understood if you know Beowulf. I was disappointed in what I felt was an easy way out. I think there was opportunity for the death of Grendel’s mother to be less anti climatic, perhaps that is the point though. She chose her death.
January 15, 2024
This book was not what I expected. It weaves women’s woes from Anglo-Saxon source texts comprised of medicinal, chronicle, of course Beowulf, and other texts. There were parts that were uncomfortable, but women’s plight in the period was especially horrific at times. The last chapter and last paragraph offered a major full circle moment that was so satisfying. There were several stretches of chapters where I couldn’t put it down. Beware for some strong language and description, but if you love Beowulf and creative retelling, you’ll love this book.
November 11, 2021
3.5 stars. Awesome entry into the tales of Beowulf. Really easy to understand. Easy to move through. An ambitious pursuit to write from a women’s perspective in the time of Kingdoms and raids. This text serves to remind that history is written by the winners; some stories were never told because they weren’t as loud as others. We should always strive to remember that as we continually search for the next story to consume.
did-not-finish
October 8, 2020I made it to about the halfway point and then my schoolwork picked back up, so I lost interest a bit. Not bad by any means though!
November 8, 2022
This is a work of ART
September 15, 2023
Read this for my Medieval Historical Fiction class. It was interesting and also disturbing. Overall pretty mid.
September 26, 2023
They ruined Beowulf for me…
September 7, 2025
This book is the epitome of they didn’t burn witches they burned women. Even if you haven’t read or hated Beowulf READ THIS DAMN BOOK.
March 30, 2016
Grendel’s mother is one of the main antagonists in the Old English poem of Beowulf. When Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother we cheer and feel that she has finally been given her just desserts. However, what if the often told legend of Beowulf were rooted in fact? And, instead of a hideous monster, Grendel was a man, with a very real mother? In this book, we are presented with this perspective, a real-life happening that through the years grew into the famous legend. In Grendel’s Mother, we see a different perspective of whom Grendel’s mother might have been.
Brimhild, the mother of Grendel, lives a very sad life. She is a very sympathetic character, and is a victim of injustice in a cruel world. As a child she is very inquisitive and bright. When she is sent off to live in the real world to work in the king’s hall, she is very innocent of the world. She sees the violence and brutality of the court. She sees the court’s corruption. When she marries the king and becomes queen, she wants to restore the court to goodness and peace. However, her ideals push the king away from her because he believes that violence ensures their kingdom's security. She finds herself lonely and becomes attracted to Christianity because she agrees with their ideals. One day, the king sends her into exile. She and Grendel become bitter and filled with hate and revenge. While I did not approve of Grendel and his mother’s actions of how they sought out revenge, I did for sorry for them, and I could sense their pain.
Overall, this story is about friendship, love, loss, and redemption. The message of this book is that there is always hope. I did feel that there were some unnecessary scenes in this novel. However, I found this story to an emotional and poignant read. I loved reading Brimhild’s journey and wished for her to find her happiness. I found the writing to be very beautiful and lyrical. I also liked how the setting was set in the Anglo-Saxon world, and I loved how Norse mythology was incorporated into the story. Grendel’s Mother is sure to linger with you even after you have finished the last page. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading a different take on the classic, Beowulf, Norse Mythology, and anyone who enjoys reading stories about a mother’s love for her son.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
Brimhild, the mother of Grendel, lives a very sad life. She is a very sympathetic character, and is a victim of injustice in a cruel world. As a child she is very inquisitive and bright. When she is sent off to live in the real world to work in the king’s hall, she is very innocent of the world. She sees the violence and brutality of the court. She sees the court’s corruption. When she marries the king and becomes queen, she wants to restore the court to goodness and peace. However, her ideals push the king away from her because he believes that violence ensures their kingdom's security. She finds herself lonely and becomes attracted to Christianity because she agrees with their ideals. One day, the king sends her into exile. She and Grendel become bitter and filled with hate and revenge. While I did not approve of Grendel and his mother’s actions of how they sought out revenge, I did for sorry for them, and I could sense their pain.
Overall, this story is about friendship, love, loss, and redemption. The message of this book is that there is always hope. I did feel that there were some unnecessary scenes in this novel. However, I found this story to an emotional and poignant read. I loved reading Brimhild’s journey and wished for her to find her happiness. I found the writing to be very beautiful and lyrical. I also liked how the setting was set in the Anglo-Saxon world, and I loved how Norse mythology was incorporated into the story. Grendel’s Mother is sure to linger with you even after you have finished the last page. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading a different take on the classic, Beowulf, Norse Mythology, and anyone who enjoys reading stories about a mother’s love for her son.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
April 7, 2016
My Thoughts:
Back in high school I remember reading (or not reading) Beowulf. For me, Beowulf was a struggle and I don't remember grasping the story. The story seemed masculine and with uncouth characters. In 2013, I read Beowulf and fell in love with the epic poem. I love the history behind the story. I love the time period when it was written. I love the characters. I love the themes. I love the dramatic scenes. I love the writing style.
There are several reasons I have given Grendel's Mother 5 stars for excellent.
1. The author's knowledge of the subject, and especially her knowledge of medieval history.
2. Secondary stories of Grendel's father and relatives. Grendel's mother's parents and parentage.
3. A beautiful love story.
4. A twist on the story of Beowulf. The author creates, a what might have been, and it is a thought provoking perspective on the characters motives and reactions.
5. Grendel's Mother is still a masculine story, but it's balanced by several strong female characters. Each of these women are representative of varying personalities and character development. For example, a female servant who has every right to feel bitter. Instead, her strength is in fortitude, wisdom, and sacrificial love.
6. It is believed Beowulf was passed down in an oral tradition before being written. I read aloud some of Grendel's Mother. I'd read silently through the first page before realizing the writing style had a particular cadence reminding me of poetry.
7. Grendel's Mother has several examples of song lyrics. These songs give voice to love and life.
8. Grendel's Mother portrays the story of the everyday life and labor of both the common people and those who lived in the court. From hanging seaweed to dry, to learning herbal lore. From pagan religion, to Christianity. From an apprenticeship, to raiding parties.
Source: Free copy from Susan Signe Morrison and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for a review.
Rating: 5 stars for excellent.
Back in high school I remember reading (or not reading) Beowulf. For me, Beowulf was a struggle and I don't remember grasping the story. The story seemed masculine and with uncouth characters. In 2013, I read Beowulf and fell in love with the epic poem. I love the history behind the story. I love the time period when it was written. I love the characters. I love the themes. I love the dramatic scenes. I love the writing style.
There are several reasons I have given Grendel's Mother 5 stars for excellent.
1. The author's knowledge of the subject, and especially her knowledge of medieval history.
2. Secondary stories of Grendel's father and relatives. Grendel's mother's parents and parentage.
3. A beautiful love story.
4. A twist on the story of Beowulf. The author creates, a what might have been, and it is a thought provoking perspective on the characters motives and reactions.
5. Grendel's Mother is still a masculine story, but it's balanced by several strong female characters. Each of these women are representative of varying personalities and character development. For example, a female servant who has every right to feel bitter. Instead, her strength is in fortitude, wisdom, and sacrificial love.
6. It is believed Beowulf was passed down in an oral tradition before being written. I read aloud some of Grendel's Mother. I'd read silently through the first page before realizing the writing style had a particular cadence reminding me of poetry.
7. Grendel's Mother has several examples of song lyrics. These songs give voice to love and life.
8. Grendel's Mother portrays the story of the everyday life and labor of both the common people and those who lived in the court. From hanging seaweed to dry, to learning herbal lore. From pagan religion, to Christianity. From an apprenticeship, to raiding parties.
Source: Free copy from Susan Signe Morrison and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for a review.
Rating: 5 stars for excellent.
April 5, 2016
I have a vague recollection of reading Beowulf in high school. I think it was 10th grade honors English. The sad part is that I don't recall much of the story. I only remember an animated version that Mrs Shrag played for us.
I was intrigued by this story, and though it was a short read it was one you need your brain for especially to wrap your brain around all the names of the characters.
Brimhild's story is a heartbreaking one. She arrives much like Moses from the sea and grows up to be a good and kind woman who catches the eye of the king. There's is a love match, but things change and soon she is cast out of her home with her son.
I loved the imagery of this story. I also loved the tales of the Gods, Thor, Odin and Loki and their antics. The only problem with that for me was that every time there was a mention of Loki, I thought about Tom Hiddleston and Chris Helmsworth.
I wanted to say something import about the story, but all I can say is that it made me want to revisit Beowulf sometime in the future. Whether or not, I'll enjoy that tale the second time around remains to be seen, but Grendel's Mother will peak your interest in the story that was the inspiration for this novel.
This was a quick read for me, and I didn't want to put it down once I started it.
I was intrigued by this story, and though it was a short read it was one you need your brain for especially to wrap your brain around all the names of the characters.
Brimhild's story is a heartbreaking one. She arrives much like Moses from the sea and grows up to be a good and kind woman who catches the eye of the king. There's is a love match, but things change and soon she is cast out of her home with her son.
I loved the imagery of this story. I also loved the tales of the Gods, Thor, Odin and Loki and their antics. The only problem with that for me was that every time there was a mention of Loki, I thought about Tom Hiddleston and Chris Helmsworth.
I wanted to say something import about the story, but all I can say is that it made me want to revisit Beowulf sometime in the future. Whether or not, I'll enjoy that tale the second time around remains to be seen, but Grendel's Mother will peak your interest in the story that was the inspiration for this novel.
This was a quick read for me, and I didn't want to put it down once I started it.
May 27, 2016
Grendel's Mother, by Susan Sign Morrison, is a book which offers a unique perspective on the highly debated classic, Beowulf. Commonly cited as one of the most important works of Old English literature, Beowulf is the longest epic poem known to be penned in Old English. Of particular note, Grendel's mother has been the subject of ongoing controversy, with scholars differing in opinion over aspects of her persona because she was never directly described in the original manuscript.
In contrast to some interpretations of Grendel's mother, this book casts light on the story of Brimhild, the kind-hearted and loving matriarch who might have been. Skillfully penned in a style which flows remarkably well, while masterfully incorporating an old world flair, this book transports readers to medieval Denmark and the fascinating world of Grendel. The tale of a young child set adrift at sea, the story describes Brimhild's childhood as she is raised by a Scylding family. Her life at court and later years as an outcast make for a truly a compelling story.
This book reads well as a stand-alone, but would be an excellent companion piece as a prequel for those seeking greater depth, or an alternate view, of Beowulf. Grendel's Mother is highly recommended for home and school libraries and as a teaching tool for educators. This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
In contrast to some interpretations of Grendel's mother, this book casts light on the story of Brimhild, the kind-hearted and loving matriarch who might have been. Skillfully penned in a style which flows remarkably well, while masterfully incorporating an old world flair, this book transports readers to medieval Denmark and the fascinating world of Grendel. The tale of a young child set adrift at sea, the story describes Brimhild's childhood as she is raised by a Scylding family. Her life at court and later years as an outcast make for a truly a compelling story.
This book reads well as a stand-alone, but would be an excellent companion piece as a prequel for those seeking greater depth, or an alternate view, of Beowulf. Grendel's Mother is highly recommended for home and school libraries and as a teaching tool for educators. This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
April 25, 2025
This was an interesting new take on the old Beowulf epic. I enjoyed the backstory woven in of Grendel’s mother, and it was done so skillfully that I despised most other characters.
I will say it departed from the source material towards the end and had more of a fan fiction feel that I wasn’t as jazzed about. The last 40 pages or so were less engaging than the rest.
I will say it departed from the source material towards the end and had more of a fan fiction feel that I wasn’t as jazzed about. The last 40 pages or so were less engaging than the rest.
May 11, 2020
I am a big fan of Beowulf, and this retelling was spot on.
June 6, 2023
Beautiful poetic reworking of the story of Beowulf about the life of Grendel's Mother.
March 29, 2017
Not a huge fan. It's clear that this author seriously knows her stuff when it comes to academia. But I thought the actual writing left a lot to be desired. The alliteration got pretty heavy-handed towards the end, and the prose was just...not great. Good academic read, though.
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