BEOWULF: The Midgard Epic

by James Matthew Byers, James Matthew Byers, Donelle Pardee Whiting (Editor)

Called from across the ocean, BEOWULF responds to KING HROTHGAR's plea. Bringing a small band of warriors, he arrives in Daneland under Hrothgar's instruction. There the mighty fighter learns of the terror GRENDEL, a heinous monster, inflicts night after night on the king's people. Murders by the dozen craft panic and fear into the citizens of Daneland. Seemingly unstoppable, Grendel devours flesh and bone as he sees fit. Weaponry cannot penetrate the creature's hide, but Beowulf does not need sword or shield to accomplish his duty. Choosing to lay all weaponry aside, the warrior prepares for battle. Feigning sleep, he waits, until the beast arrives. The two battle. Conquering the creature's horror, the mighty one surpasses Hrothgar's expectations. Ripping Grendel's arm from its socket, the beast flees into the night howling. Beowulf and all of Daneland celebrate in HEROT, Hrothgar's monstrous mead hall construction. Its creation lured the now defeated monster from the depths of the unknown. Victory, short lived, ends in yet more tragedy. Grendel's MOTHER appears, unleashing the full fury of a woman scorned. Dismembering and beheading Hrothgar's closest friend nearly brings Hrothgar's ruin. However, as with Grendel, Beowulf answers the call to battle. Diving beneath murky waters, slaying serpents and sea beasts, he makes his way to the lair of the demon. Grendel's mother awaits, prepared for the mighty warrior. Her venomous touch brings some difficulty in the undertaking, but as with Grendel, Beowulf prevails. Using a magical sword from the days of the giants, he courts her doom. Severing her head, the Geat fighter brings peace to Hrothgar, Herot, and the lands beyond. Spanning fifty years, peace ensues. Once a thief steals a cup from a sleeping DRAGON's hoard, this alters the state of retirement Beowulf enjoyed. Silent no longer, the giant wyrm rises from its pile of hidden treasure unleashing fiery death upon the great hero's countryside. Many lose their lives, but their cries do not fall on deaf ears. WIGLAF, a young pupil of the now aged warrior, aids him in what will become Beowulf's final conflict. Many thanes flee during the altercation, for the dragon's bite means sudden death. However, Wiglaf stands by until the bitter end. Beowulf triumphs over the old wyrm, but in the process is bitten by its venomous fangs. The ancient legend of a man passes into twilight as Wiglaf chastises his comrades for their cowardice. Beowulf lives on in song and story for generations to come.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2016

Reviews

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hat off to James Matthew Byers for this entertaining and original rendition of a classic tale. With a skill to rival bards and fablers he has woven this legend of old in rhyme, and what better way to relate such an ancient a tale? This presentation added a real charm and those already familiar with the story will find new insertions and additions. A must for fans of old tales and legends, a truly creative masterpiece.

[Carolyn Breckinridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

First written over a thousand years ago and penned in the Germanic Anglo-Saxon language, Beowulf has been seriously translated into modern English by more than twenty poets, and countless others have offered adaptations of this famous epic. A fresh, exciting voice among these translations is poet James Matthew Byers, whose book “Beowulf The Midgard Epic,” has been published by Stitched Smile Publications. Perhaps part of the freshness of Mr. Byers’ voice rests in his decision to use iambic tetrameter in retelling this epic, which lends a certain jaunty pace throughout. This pace is significant, as Beowulf’s world is fraught with monsters, battles, war wounds, death of companions, and countless other dangers and stresses that challenge mortal man. Many familiar with this tale will recall that Beowulf has three major battle tests during his lifetime, two while he is young and able, and one when the years have stacked the cards against him. In all three challenges he is driven forward by courage, duty, and loyalty, a calling to live a life of servitude to his king and to God. Poet Byers does an excellent job of taking us into his battles with the horrendous and man-eating monster, Grendel, with the equally horrific mother of Grendel who wreaks havoc to avenge her son, and finally, with an enraged treasure-hoarding dragon. Mr. Byers’ verse also vividly paints scenes in the celebratory mead halls and royal courts of this hero’s life, who ultimately becomes king. In the Epilogue, “The Wanderer,” one is reminded of the Book of Ecclesiastes, “Vanities of vanity, all is vanity,” as the Wanderer laments that wealth, friends, life, and kin are fleeting. However, ultimately, the courage to seek a noble life of duty to one’s calling and to God create a hero who lives far past mortal life, as has been the case in Beowulf’s tale. “Beowulf The Midgard Epic” gives this hero an exciting new breath in today’s world, just as he lived in epic form in the eighth to tenth centuries A.D.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say this is an amazing adaptation of the original book. The author takes us on a epic journey. He has raised the bar and taken the story to a new level .
The characters jump out at you .and you will be fascinated with them .
I honestly remember reading this in high school and didn't really like it but when I read this version . I totally enjoyed it and I suggest you all take a chance

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not really a fan of poetry but this version of this great story was very enjoyable and unique. The words just flowed and swept you along . if you're a fan of the original Beowolf and like poetry, this is a must read.