Tolkien Translates Beowulf: Celebration & Reading | SF

Submitted by the Event Organizer

After nearly 90 years, JRR Tolkien’s translation of the epic Old English poem “Beowulf,” edited by Tolkien’s son, Christopher, and first published by HarperCollins, is finally available to the general public.

On Tuesday evening, June 24, 2014, the Shire of Cloondara, the San Francisco chapter of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), is honoring this event with a presentation entitled “Tolkien Translates Beowulf” presented by Arden R. Smith.

Arden R. Smith is an independent scholar who has published numerous articles and essays on J.R.R. Tolkien, focusing particularly on Tolkien’s Elvish languages and scripts, Tolkien’s use of Germanic linguistic elements, and translations of Tolkien’s works. Since 1992, he has been part of a project to edit and publish Tolkien’s linguistic manuscripts. His most recent publication is the chapter on “Tolkien’s Invented Languages and Writing Systems” in A Companion to J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Stuart D. Lee (Wiley-Blackwell, 2014).

Those arriving early (6-6:45 pm) will have a chance to partake of the oral tradition, reading / reciting aloud favorite passages from favorite Beowulf translations and works, or listening to the readings / recitations of others.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.