Author's Notes
We all know the story of Beowulf, at least most of us. This is to me probably the most legendary legend ever, that's right, I used legend twice in one sentence. I reference Hercules a lot, but mostly cause of his popularity, thank to Disney, but Beowulf is the legend of all legends (that's right, said it again) in its most purist form if you ask me. It doesn't sugar coat or censor, it certainly boosts and over exaggerates, and the warrior's feats are epic = all qualities a legend must have. It also has beautiful, descriptive imagery and writing to go along with the action packed tasks. The writer Strafford Riggs lays out an almost movie like script in such detailed passages of writing that I hope to even halfway emulate. Here is my favorite passage in which Beowulf and Grendel go savage on one another:
"Beowulf, the lord of Geatsland had fastened both mighty hands upon the monster's arm and, with a sudden twist that forced a groan of agony from Grendel's lips, leaped behind him, forcing the imprisoned arm high up Grendel's back, and the beast fell prone on the floor.
Now came the final struggle, and sweat poured from Beowulf, while from Grendel there oozed a slimy sap that smelled like vinegar and sickened Beowulf. But he clung to the monster's arm, and slowly, slowly, he felt its great muscles and sinews give way, and as his foot found Grendel's neck, he prayed to all the gods for help and called upon his father Ecgtheow for strength to sustain him in this desperate effort.
And the mighty arm of Grendel gave way in the terrible hands of Beowulf, and, with a piercing shriek that shook the gilded rafters of Heorot, Grendel stumbled forward, leaving in Beowulf's hands the gory arm."
Detailed. Written well. Exciting. Epic. Legendary. Beowulf. Beautiful.
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