The Return of Beowulf Part 2

Not everything in Beowulf seems heroic now.  What about all that bragging?  The text says that Beowulf bragged humbly!

Some of that is a cultural difference, of course, but some of it is still true: Beowulf says exactly what he does, he never adds things to his exploits, and when someone else helps, he honors them in the story.

We had to try it!  First, I sent my loyal thanes upon a quest to slay a giant laundry monster. Upon their triumphant return, I, their noble lord, rewarded them sweet words and with fowl, sorely vexed. Then we feasted, and each mighty warrior took his turn boasting like Beowulf.

Wondrous were their war-like deeds, mighty was our laughter! Our hall pealed forth merriment unmeasured that would have struck rancorous rage in the heart of Grendel.

Which reminds me, have you seen Julian Glover do Beowulf?   I saw him perform parts of it in the Michael Wood documentary on Beowulf,but here is a recording from when he was a bit younger (introduced by some one a bit older!).