Beowulf is the oldest surviving epic in British literature written in an early form of the English language. This oral tradition was written in England four centuries ago before the Norman Conquest. To this date, the author of the poem is unknown, but there are many theories about it. However, it is known that two different scribes wrote the only surviving manuscript of Beowulf as two distinct handwritings can be seen.

This edition of Beowulf aims towards a high school audience, intended to be used for learning purposes in schools and not just a casual read. Therefore, the translation will educate high school students about the Anglo-Saxon society and poetry in a manner that is easily understood. It contains all the traits of Anglo-Saxon poetry such as caesuras, kennings, and alliteration. High school readers will learn about the warriors� way of life and comitatus. The book also includes additional notes to aid the average high school reader such as types of armor, burial rituals, as well as the Christianity presented in this epic poem.

Upon reading this edition, students will realize that English was not always spoken the way it is commonly known. By showing both the translated lines and original text, students will be able to analyze and visualize the similarities between the modern English language and Old English. Students will also receive information about Anglo-Saxon social traditions and politics. More importantly, they will experience the style and text of Anglo-Saxon literature by reading this oral tradition.

The following passage is an excerpt from the book:

 �Then the brine-wolf bore,		to the bottom she came,
the ring lord				to her courtyard,
with all his might he could not, 	--regardless of his brave struggle--
wield his weapon,			for many monsters
struck while submerged,     		these bizarre beasts 
had tusks that stabbed     		at his mail-shirt like swords,
snatching at him.			The noble prince Beowulf realized
that the battle-hall he was in		was some place unknown,
there the water could not		touch him at all,
the chamber�s roof kept			the fearsome torrent
from seizing him;			firelight provided,
a flickering blaze			glowing brightly.�
								(1506-1517)

It describes Beowulf�s fierce encounter with Grendel�s mother; this battle is often said to be the climax of the poem. In this translation, Grendel�s mother along with the other various creatures in the lake will be seen more as savage beasts instead of monsters. This is due to the fact that students can relate closer to animal references rather than incomprehensible monsters. Thus, the translation will follow closer to the original text.

The term referring to Grendel�s mother will be taken literally, where �brim-wyl[f]� (1506) will be translated to brine-wolf, or a seawater wolf. In line 1511, the expression �mail-shirt� was chosen for �here-syrcan� (1511) since it was historically accurate as the most common body armor the Scandinavian warriors wore back then was mail, crafted by multiple chain links into the form of a shirt. Therefore, the translation will use the term �mail-shirt�.

In line 1514 of the translation, we had to decide between two variations of the translation. The one not used was more literal, which was not the main goal in the translation. It was decided that the line used was a better choice due to the fact that the water was more personified, in that it could not "touch [Beowulf] at all." Also, in line 1516, personification again was used, giving the water the ability to "seize". The description of the fire in line 1517 was also a difficult decision. The Old English line translates literally into "the bright/white light shone brightly," which was not very descriptive. Furthermore, the light should not be described in a holy, Christian manner because of the wicked hall Beowulf was in. It had to be described so the reader would not get the impression that the light was solely beneficial to Beowulf.

The translated lines also include multiple alliteration as seen in line 1510: �striked while submerged, these bizarre beasts�. The word �n?�-sele� (1513) is often referred to a hall of conflict, or a hall where one is exposed to the hatred of a foe; as a result, �battle-hall� seemed to be fitting of it. The lines

�sw� h� ne mihte,		--n� h� ��s m�dig w�s-- 
w�pna gewealdan,		ac hine wundra ��s fela
swe[n]cte on sunde,� 			(1508-1510)

�clutched him so hard		he might not draw sword,
--no matter how brave-- 	and terrible water-beasts 
attacked as they plunged,�		(1509-1510)

Here, Chickering decided to change the arrangement of phrases around, which can easily be seen when comparing the original text to his translated version. His lines describe Beowulf unable to draw his sword because of Grendel�s mother; here, the water-beasts that attack him serve no purpose but to add to the ferocity of the battle. However in our translated version of Beowulf, Beowulf is unable to draw his sword due to the myriad of monsters assaulting him. The idea of being brave and Beowulf unable to take out his sword confused people. Thus, clarification was needed on the lines stating that Beowulf was struggling but was unable to wield his weapon due to the numbers in monsters.