Darkstone
Elvenhome
Nov 7 2007, 4:31pm
Views: 1066
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So Grendel's tummy is made of dragon skins?
Yep. Apparently Grendel could eat a man whole including armor, sword, shoes, hair, and bones. Today we’d call it a “cast iron stomach”.
I didn't get that from any of the translations, but it's an interesting interpretation
Well, Breeden and Hall are often old fuddy-duddies
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I did get the impression that there was more wry humor in Beowulf's tale, so thanks for pointing out some possible jokes. However I don't read French, so I'll have to imagine what your cite says.
It’s from Chrétien de Troyes’s 12th century Arthurian cycle poem “Erec et Enide”. There’s a long description of a joust where they talk about the “lances” of the knights and the “sleeves” of the ladies which probably only seems ribald because of my own questionable character.
A translation is:
“Many an ensign of red, blue, and white, many a veil and many a sleeve were bestowed as tokens of love.”
So. Was Beowulf gay? Was Handscio his cute little nickname for his beloved "glove" or "sleeve"?
I remember when reading Shakespeare that many jokes had to be explained in footnotes, after which they weren't quite so funny. It's a real challenge to convey Shakespeare's humor to a modern audience from the stage, without the benefit of footnotes, especially when the humor is rather rude.
I find the same problem with Italian opera.
I do hope your visits with the cardiologist are not serious.
Thanks. I should find out the 26th. I got three doctors and my wife conspiring against me.
And you're not late, I am, since I have moved my posts to Thursday, and posted this one last Friday.
Ah. Well, thanks again for your efforts and leadership. I do wish more people would participate. I’ve tried to spur participation with naughty riddles and a picture of Angelina Jolie in a catsuit but nothing seems to work. Maybe the heading “Was Beowulf Gay?” will get the view count up.
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The audacious proposal stirred his heart. And the stirring became a song, and it mingled with the songs of Gil-galad and Celebrian, and with those of Feanor and Fingon. The song-weaving created a larger song, and then another, until suddenly it was as if a long forgotten memory woke and for one breathtaking moment the Music of the Ainur revealed itself in all glory. He opened his lips to sing and share this song. Then he realized that the others would not understand. Not even Mithrandir given his current state of mind. So he smiled and simply said "A diversion.”
(This post was edited by Darkstone on Nov 7 2007, 4:35pm)
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