The Owl and the Nightingale

by Simon Armitage (Translator), Clive Hicks-Jenkins (Illustrator)

Following his acclaimed translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl , Simon Armitage shines light on another jewel of Middle English verse. In his highly engaging version, Armitage communicates the energy and humour of the tale with all the cut and thrust of the original. An unnamed narrator overhears a fierce verbal contest between the two eponymous birds, which moves entertainingly from the eloquent and philosophical to the ribald and ridiculous. The disputed issues still resonate - concerning identity, cultural habits, class distinctions and the right to be heard. Excerpts were featured in the BBC Radio 4 podcast, The Poet Laureate Has Gone to His Shed. Including the lively illustrations of Clive Hicks-Jenkins, this is a book for the whole household to read and enjoy.

Genres: Poetry, Medieval, Classics, Literature, British Literature, Fiction, Audiobook

100 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1200

About the author

Simon Armitage, whose The Shout was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, has published ten volumes of poetry and has received numerous honors for his work. He was appointed UK Poet Laureate in 2019

Armitage's poetry collections include Book of Matches (1993) and The Dead Sea Poems (1995). He has written two novels, Little Green Man (2001) and The White Stuff (2004), as well as All Points North (1998), a collection of essays on the north of England. He has produced a dramatised version of Homer's Odyssey and a collection of poetry entitled Tyrannosaurus Rex Versus The Corduroy Kid (which was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize), both of which were published in July 2006. Many of Armitage's poems appear in the AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) GCSE syllabus for English Literature in the United Kingdom. These include "Homecoming", "November", "Kid", "Hitcher", and a selection of poems from Book of Matches, most notably of these "Mother any distance...". His writing is characterised by a dry Yorkshire wit combined with "an accessible, realist style and critical seriousness."

Reviews

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mediaeval rap battle between 2 birds.

I'm team owl, the nightingale was way outa pocket and out of her lane

[merce · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I go on about how the silliness of the Middle Ages doesn’t get represented today, this is what I mean. This is one of the most (if not The most) important pieces of medieval debate poetry. It also dedicates many, many of its lines to finding varied and original ways of saying “you’re dumb and ugly and I hate you”. I had so much fun reading it (and laughed out loud a few times – these birds are ruthless!). Armitage’s translation is fresh, natural, and yet you can always hear the sounds of the original: just like in his Gawain translation, he maintains alliteration and rhythm beautifully. His words are somehow both contemporary and past, linking two ages in what is a poem about medieval issues (class, identity, religion, sexuality) that can still provoke our thoughts today. Mostly I just loved the insults though. #teamnightingale

[Callum McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new translation of an epic, ancient poem about rivalry between the two eponymous birds, as they debate the beauty and value of their voices. Given the war of words at the heart of the piece, Armitage's handling of the translation (and thus the poem's all important rhythm and rhyme) feels suitably smart, playful, and witty.

The narrative itself didn't do much to satisfy, but it's an enjoyable linguistic jaunt.

[Patrick Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

12th Century poem in which an owl and a nightingale debate their relative qualities. The author had made good observations of the birds, their behaviours and appearance, and is often quite insightful. The nightingale might have the sweetest song, but does it inspire young maidens to sin? Is less more when it comes to a good thing? Both argue about their utility to humans; the nightingale cheers them up, and the owl says she kills their unwanted vermin. The owl is even happy for her dead body being used to attract angry birds into a trap or scaring away others. Is she to blame for human bad luck or merely prescient?

Instead of the original Nicholas of Guildford (living in Portesham, Dorset), in this translation Armitage cheekily works himself into the poem as the most noble judge on which bird is superior.

'This fable, though it isn’t proof,

delivers an essential truth:

expect no good of any trace

from him born to a lowly race.

He might mix with a better class

but can’t escape his commonness,

& even in a decent nest

a rotten egg’s a rotten egg.

An apple might roll far & wide

& leave its family tree behind,

but at its core it still betrays

its starting place & early days.’

[Benedict Ness 📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable on the flight back from Krakow.

I find it cool that someone took it upon themselves to write this 800 years ago. The fact we don’t know who they are adds some mystique.

Thought I’d tire of the same rhyme scheme over 1800 lines, but its repetitiveness did draw me into the debate the poem bases itself around. No one knew this. I’ve discovered why rhyme schemes are effective.

[Aniek Verheul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have much to say about the text, but I do like to picture these two birds sitting in a tree somewhere just going absolutely crazy screaming at each other. It's a fun image.

[Sem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, engaging translation beautifully illustrated by Clive Hicks-Jenkins - as you can see from the cover unless you're aesthetically challenged - and with a bonus bare medieval bottom.

[Illiterate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debate poem mixing snappy invective with discussions of social issues and of the nature of poetry.

[hawk · Rating 3 out of 5]

this audiobook was a fun way to while away a couple hours of a late spring/early summer afternoon 🙂

🎶 I enjoyed the nice snippet of nightingale song at the opening 🙂🎶🐦

📖 this was followed by an interesting and informative introduction to the poem by the author. 🙂📖
the original poem was written sometime in the Middle Ages, tho the exact date remains unknown - 12th/13th century. it's author also remains unknown. two copies of the manuscript exist in UK. the author speaks a little about translation.

😃 I loved the Middle English example 😃 at the time it prompted me to think I might try and read it in the original, tho I also figured let's see what this translation is like 🙂😉

🤔 I've not read any other translations I'm aware of, tho there's something familiar to the tale/poem in places... 🙂🤔

😆 it made me laugh when the author inserted himself into the story as potential judge 😆 and links I think to something in the introduction about the rumoured author included within the poem 📝🙂

🦉 I like the repeated use of "to whit" by the Owl 😉🦉

🐾 and I liked the journey (in this case, to Huddersfield 😉) the birds set out on towards the close of the poem 🙂
and there it ends - bit of a 'cliff hanger'!! 😉 tho I think the discourse between the two birds, and the topics it covers, was the point of the poem 🙂


🌟 🌟 🌟

accessed as an RNIB audiobook, nicely read by the author 🙂

[Phillip Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d never heard of this 12th/13th century poem, so it was interesting to read a little about it. I would have given three stars to the poem itself, but I think this deserves four stars as it’s no mean feat to produce a translation that is clear, still feels ‘old’, and retains meaning and metre.

[Pennywise just needs snuggles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[neener · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Middle English beef between birds and I am team Owl

[Racheblue Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this poem - Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's translation of one of the earliest recorded stories told in Middle English. The exquisitely rhyming verse (which I imagine must have been painful to update for modern readers whilst keeping the rhyme and staying faithful to the original text) follows an overheard conversation between the title characters.

As the birds argue about whose life and manner of living is more worthwhile and virtuous, the back and forth get very real, as heated as a Twitter debate and decidedly misogynistic in parts which for me sat a tad awkwardly with the fact that the birds are purportedly female.

Amongst other crimes, Owl blames Nightingale of encouraging licentious behaviour and extra-marital affairs with her saccharine song and all-consuming monologues. Nightingale in turn accuses Owl's screeching woeful dirges of striking fear into those unfortunate enough to hear. Peculiarly (or perhaps not giving the verses' human author) it seems important to them both to please and be of good service to God, the law, reigning King and humanity in general.

I read it over a few evenings, skipping over the more 'saucy' sections when my daughter was still awake! It benefits, like most poetry, from being read out loud, with specific voices for each bird if you please.

The illustrations by Clive Hicks-Jenkins are colourful and stunning and add to the Middle Ages atmosphere. Overall the verse is very laugh out loud funny, sometimes shocking, outrageously chauvinistic and objectifying of women and their role in society (which no doubt mirrors the sad times in which it was written) and ends with great humour which our original author and current translator must have revelled in writing.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all Simon Armitage’s translations of Middle English poems, and The Owl and the Nightingale was no exception. It is an entertaining and, at times, laugh-out-loud poem, showcasing the skills of both its original author and its translator. A very enjoyable way to while away a few hours.

[Luis Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Epic Rap Battles of History...
The Owl
vs.
The Nightingaaaaaaaaaaale
Begin!

[Matilda Burn · Rating 4 out of 5]

That nightingale is a little bitch honestly - team Owl!

[Cinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vita activa vs. vita contemplativa.
This poem is the perfect microcosm of the medieval world. It lays out hierarchies, it debates, it contradicts. Though both sides offer much to ponder, one question quietly haunts the reader throughout: whose side do we favour more?

Personally, I stand with the Owl.
She speaks of what endures. Unlike the Nightingale, she doesn’t sing to be admired, she sings to be understood. There is something solid in her gravity, something comforting in her call for order and discipline. I second it. I find myself drawn to her stern clarity.

What made this poem extra special for me was that my friend turned it into an audiobook. He brought the characters’ voices to life with such richness and playfulness. The translator had chosen to insert himself into the poem in place of Master Nicholas, but my friend restored Nicholas to his rightful place, which made me giggle every time he appeared.

A beautiful read. I truly enjoyed it.

[kaiah❣️]

literally medieval insult-off. so awesome! who has the sickest burns? the owl or the nightingale?

really i’ve been entrenched in grad school english classes (shoutout) and haven’t had time to put anything on goodreads or finish much but i just finished this in one sitting and dashed here to see what the people think because wow ive been having the best few weeks indulging in some crazy medieval lit and wow i think it is so wonderful to read something so old and still find it so fresh and engaging!!!! the nightingale who believes her job is to cheer up and to please and attracts all to her voice vs the owl who voices the pain of others and kills mice and lures small prey for men. how many ways can you say “you’re horrible and untalented!” in old english?

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

•"You screech and wail, and I sing; your song is lamentation and mine is celebration. I hope you screech and weep till you drop dead, and I hope you scream so loudly that both your eyes pop out! Which is the better of these two things, that someone should be happy or sad? I hope that in your case you'll always be sad, and I'll be happy."
•"Your life and your character are good for nothing, but you make a fine scarecrow."

[Rosamund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really appealed to my sense of humour. Armitage has done a wonderful job of making this sparkling and readable, and yet keeping a medieval feel to the poem.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amusing and cleverly worded translation of a quirky medieval poem. Really enjoyed it!

[Joanne van der Vlies · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nothing is so hot that it does not grow cold, and nothing is so white that it does not grow dirty, and nothing is so much loved that it does not grow hateful; but everything which is not eternal must always pass away, and all the joy of the world."

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining! I haven't read the original but Armitage's translation is witty and the illustrations are excellent! It is basically a diss track between two birds and I love that

[Matthew Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, read by the translator, on a July evening while I was cooking a lasagna. It remains a wonderful, fun poem. The way that the Owl and the Nightingale keep on trying to 'win' their game by coming back at one another with new defences and vitriol at one another is wonderful. Completely recommended.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important and silly piece of poetry. The reverence of King Alfred's wisdom is fascinating. A pretty good translation I think, and gorgeous illustrations in this edition.

[Sofia Yordanova]

Вау, не мога да повярвам, че най-накрая намерих поезия на английски, която да харесам. Реално не е удивително, имайки предвид, че преводачът ѝ е поетът лауреат на Великобритания. Впрочем бях team owl!

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I asked for this book as a present on the basis of reading the Green Knight by Simon Armitage, which I re-read every Christmas / New Year. I wasnt sure what I made of it to begin with given some of the modern language, phrases, rhymes - but I enjoyed it. I guess the conversation between the two birds provides a vehicle for a series morality tales / lessons. Really amusing in a reworking of old text how SA works himself into the story. Although my reading of this very short book of poetry has been stop start - its actually a very easy and witty read. I probably misjudged it - expecting some sort of arc associated with end to end storyline. On balance it will still be the Green Knight that I re-read each year. But that could just be me.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
“To produce a work of nearly nine hundred
rhyming couplets written in near-regular metre (iambic tetrameter) requires stamina and patience. It also insists on an exceptional level of creative ingenuity if the poem is to stay agile and alert from beginning to end”

Couldn’t say it better myself! I can’t say that the poet laureates are always my absolute favourites - how dull and unfair would that be? The point though is to create and present: to have a platform for different approaches taken and work that challenges - and this piece definitely delivers on that. I was quite disappointed when the rhyme was only an approximate but for stamina alone on the length of this enjoyable poem, I doff my metaphorical “not all Pam Ayers is dreadful” encompassing cap. Did I side more with the owl or the nightingale? Not sure but it was a great debate that, had the beautiful illustrations not been there, definitely would have been set in my mind in a pub garden to match the bickering ‘nah nah nah mate’ tone. As with any overlong heated discussion there were some giggles along the way. Even the most serene and peaceful of animals can be idiots at times…

“The Owl was glad to hear this tale,
because although the Nightingale
had started speaking well enough
her argument had tapered off.
She said, 'From what you have described
it's clear your sympathies reside
with girls; they're faultless in your eyes,
therefore you praise them to the skies.
But married women, filled with grief,
all turn to me to seek relief.”

[Vicky Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bickering Birds Warring with Words

In a comic iambic tetrameter, this anonymous Medieval poem was translated from the Middle English by Simon Armitage. It is one of the oldest literary pieces extant in English. The Owl and the Nightingale argue about such things as class, identity, marriage, love, and culture; while each demanding haughtily the right to be heard. When all the other birds get involved it reads like a Twitter storm. Yet, these wordy birds hurl way more than the 40-70 words in each missile allowed by Twitter's 280 character limit.

While the opposing avian rivals wax philosophical, at times the squabble grows ribald, though never 'fowl-mouthed.' The Passerine and Non-passerine feathered adversaries quarrel in turns until they harken to the advice of a sophisticated wren and deliver their case to a magistrate. The debate is lively and quite informative about the habits and characteristics of both contrary birds. This Kindle version includes both the original Middle English text as well as the translation.