Online Book Club | Beowulf

Step into Seamus Heaney’s masterful translation of Beowulf, where an ancient epic is reborn through the voice of a modern poet, rooted deeply in place and tradition. Heaney’s innovative use of colloquial resonances grounds the poem in a living linguistic landscape and highlights the shared heritage between Old English and the vernaculars of Ireland and Britain. As we journey with Beowulf through battles with the beastly figures of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, we’ll explore how Heaney enriches the text with layered imagery, drawn from both Anglo-Saxon warrior culture and the Christian worldview that later shaped the poem’s transmission. This blend of cultural textures—earthy, heroic, magical and spiritual—creates a translation that feels both timeless and newly resonant. Join us as we unpack the poem’s language, symbolism, and enduring legacy. 

This poetry book club is open to everyone — no prior knowledge or expertise is required!

Come to listen, read aloud, or simply enjoy the conversation!