Aldfrith's Beowulf
Beowulf as depicting real Yorkshire history, linking its legendary characters to actual historical figures.
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Printing Details
First edition. Paperback. 20.5 × 14.5cm, 125pp + index
The proposal that the Beowulf's Geatish episodes recount the dark age history of Deira (modern Yorkshire and Durham) was first published in Open History, the journal of the Open University History Society, in March 1994. That account, however, was not accompanied by any translation of the poem. This book aims to put the case again, together with a translation and explanation of allusions whose meaning may not be clear to a modern reader.
Only four of the main characters in Beowulf are fictional: Grendel, his mother, the dragon, and Beowulf himself. The rest are almost certainly real people—many of them can be identified from other sources: Hrothwulf, Hygelac, Haereth, Eafor, Ongentheow, Ohthere, Eanmund and Eadgils are some examples. It is hoped that relationships between countries around the North sea will be clearer as a result of this work, and that the role of the Irish High King in our affairs of the early fifth century may be glimpsed.
Condition
This copy is in strong readable condition but with creasing to the front cover.
ISBN
189785398X
Books are currently zero-rated for duty (as of January 2026), so the price shown is the price you pay.
Price
£12.00
