J.R.R. Tolkien's Translation of "Beowulf"

Since J.R.R. Tolkien’s translation of Beowulf appeared in 2014, readers have worked to understand what it can tell us about Tolkien’s lifelong preoccupation with the Old English poem. While some have been dismissive of the translation’s literary merits, this talk will show that it captures, with Tolkien’s characteristic thoroughness and precision, a particular vision of Beowulf’s place within the history of medieval English literature and literary form. While Tolkien’s Beowulf will be our point of departure, we will also explore Tolkien’s thoughts on translation through some of his other essays and creative works (especially “On Fairy-Stories” and his Gawain and the Green Knight), tracing the imprint his vast learning in medieval literature left on his creative process.

This lecture will take place in the Wade Center’s Bakke Auditorium and is free and open to the public. The Wade Center is located at 351 Lincoln Ave. on the northwest corner of campus at the intersection of Washington St. and Lincoln Ave. For more information, contact the Wade Center at 630.752.5908 or wade@wheaton.edu