It looks like we have a new Beowulf movie in the works. It would be great to see a quality production on this story.
http://www.beowulf-movie.com/
You know I've only read parts of Beowulf, and that was a long time ago, but seeing the production design on this movie has gotten me interested in both the film and the story...
Made in Iceland by Icelanders. It might turn out very well.
There is a discussion forum on that website where you can ask the director and writer questions. Perhaps some of us should engage them in a discussion about the weapons and armor they are using.
Besides the Anglo-Saxon Beowulf, wouldn't it be a great idea to try and turn some ot the Icelandic sagas into movies? Post LOTR, the studios might be more interested. Their literary style has such a "modern" ring and feel to them, that they are very accessible to us. Maybe Njal's Saga....
There is a discussion forum on that website where you can ask the director and writer questions. Perhaps some of us should engage them in a discussion about the weapons and armor they are using.
Besides the Anglo-Saxon Beowulf, wouldn't it be a great idea to try and turn some ot the Icelandic sagas into movies? Post LOTR, the studios might be more interested. Their literary style has such a "modern" ring and feel to them, that they are very accessible to us. Maybe Njal's Saga....
Looks great and from the storyboards it seems that they are making Grendel a sort of Neanderthal.
The costume designs look like they've got some real potential here... (crossing fingers)
Was all excited until I looked at the story boards.
Poor grendle the victem driven to revenge by the terrible Vikings.
Turning into a monster later.
I grow weary of the need to find an explaination or excuse for everything bad that happens. Can't a monster just be a monster anymore for the sake of being a monster anymore?
Poor grendle the victem driven to revenge by the terrible Vikings.
Turning into a monster later.
I grow weary of the need to find an explaination or excuse for everything bad that happens. Can't a monster just be a monster anymore for the sake of being a monster anymore?
| Joe Fults wrote: |
| Was all excited until I looked at the story boards.
Poor grendle the victem driven to revenge by the terrible Vikings. Turning into a monster later. I grow weary of the need to find an explaination or excuse for everything bad that happens. Can't a monster just be a monster anymore for the sake of being a monster anymore? |
If you've read Beowulf in the original old english then you will know that he is not in fact, clearly a monster in the text. He is referred to in a number of ways, but due to the many double meanings in Anglo-Saxon english, the words could be interpreted as anything from beast to "unwanted houseguest." Grendel's motives are extremely important in many key passages of the poem, and the amount of emotion in those passages is tangible. The poem is rich in double meanings and really makes the reader think. Calling Grendel a monster is a gross oversimplification of a complex Anglo-Saxon character.
| Alina Boyden wrote: |
| Calling Grendel a monster is a gross oversimplification of a complex Anglo-Saxon character. |
Doesn't do to mix your Latin with Anglo-Saxon
I only pray that the story stays somewhat on track. :\
It would also be nice to see some authentic clothing and weapons.
Well, it looks like there might be hope for this one
It would also be nice to see some authentic clothing and weapons.
Well, it looks like there might be hope for this one
I find some helms so far :)
http://www.stellanonline.com/varmouriesx.jpg
costume
http://www.stellanonline.com/icelandextrax.jpg
http://www.stellanonline.com/varmouriesx.jpg
costume
http://www.stellanonline.com/icelandextrax.jpg
| Alina Boyden wrote: | ||
If you've read Beowulf in the original old english then you will know that he is not in fact, clearly a monster in the text. He is referred to in a number of ways, but due to the many double meanings in Anglo-Saxon english, the words could be interpreted as anything from beast to "unwanted houseguest." Grendel's motives are extremely important in many key passages of the poem, and the amount of emotion in those passages is tangible. The poem is rich in double meanings and really makes the reader think. Calling Grendel a monster is a gross oversimplification of a complex Anglo-Saxon character. |
Old English...nope...not sure I ever have read Old English. At least not effectively. Frankly last time I read the poem I mainly notices what a pain in the rump it was to read.
Double meanings do not mean he is something other than a monster any more than they mean he is a monster.
This, like any interpretation, is a function of the time in which is is interpreted instead of the time in which it was created. If you take the time to look at the story boards and believe its true to the poem, then you will likely enjoy the movie. They are not true to the story I remember, which admittedly may or may not be true to the original poem. Thus I did not like what I saw.
Hurray! I can't wait, this is one of my favorite stories. I have been waiting for another vikingish film to be made, though I guess Beowulf is anglosaxon isn't it? Oh well close enough for me! When does it come out?
| Joe Fults wrote: |
|
Old English...nope...not sure I ever have read Old English. At least not effectively. Frankly last time I read the poem I mainly notices what a pain in the rump it was to read. Double meanings do not mean he is something other than a monster any more than they mean he is a monster. This, like any interpretation, is a function of the time in which is is interpreted instead of the time in which it was created. If you take the time to look at the story boards and believe its true to the poem, then you will likely enjoy the movie. They are not true to the story I remember, which admittedly may or may not be true to the original poem. Thus I did not like what I saw. |
While it is true that interpretations are a function of the times, the poem left the question of whether Grendel was or was not a monster open ended. To think that this was merely a function of carelessness on the part of the author(s) is imho underestimating him(them). The fact that Grendel displayed super-human qualities did not make him less human. Beowulf was super-human as well and nobody considers him to be a monster in reading the story. Though I agree there was certainly something monstrous about the character Grendel.
most of the stuff comes from Valentine Armouries of Calgary
http://www.varmouries.com/media/beowulf.html
If you want to look at some swords in movie action so do this,
and remember dont take any pictures there
and putt up somewhere, ok
click on Geatland link and use
USERNAME: Tonyfan
PASSWORD: Hondschioh
http://www.varmouries.com/media/beowulf.html
If you want to look at some swords in movie action so do this,
and remember dont take any pictures there
and putt up somewhere, ok
click on Geatland link and use
USERNAME: Tonyfan
PASSWORD: Hondschioh
It is not the quality that in my opinion begs the question.
It is the application.
Regardless of motivation.
It is the application.
Regardless of motivation.
Like others here, it has been a long time since I last read Beowulf (fifteen years or so, anyway). With regards to Grendel's identity as "monster", I would agree with Alina that I recall a certain amount of pathos surrounding Grendel, particularly as touching on his mother's grief. Yet, ironically, the monstrosity of Grendel is seen most clearly in his mother, I think-- which is to say, while there may be more than one level to the character, he is still clearly a "monster", no? Physically he is described so, he dwells under the waters of a lake (or sea?), he is described as being descended from Cain and twisted by the devil, and so on. In like manner, his mother is twisted, although we can almost feel sympathy for her-- her situation is almost similar to the devil in Milton-- an abomination whom, because of the author's approach alone, could almost elicit some sympathy.
Just some thoughts :)
David
Just some thoughts :)
David
Ya, I like de ponies! Fjords, ya!
Can't wait to see Heorot Hall either! Now that would be almost as good as the weapons/action! Mighty oaken timbers framed, tenoned and pegged, mighty spans of well seasoned wood bound in iron! Stoke the fires under the honey and the beer kettles wench!
"Drag out the meade benches"! "Beowulf" by Magnus Manusson circa 1987. It is required reading in our house at least once a year on a dark, cold, somber winter's eve!!! Best by firelight, ya!
Might inspire me for the latest timber framing project down on the Jack's Fork river!!!! Throw in a few copperheads by torch light and...........
Wonder how much longer after Pitt's new movie this will be?
My boys have 13th warrior memorized!
Can't wait to see Heorot Hall either! Now that would be almost as good as the weapons/action! Mighty oaken timbers framed, tenoned and pegged, mighty spans of well seasoned wood bound in iron! Stoke the fires under the honey and the beer kettles wench!
"Drag out the meade benches"! "Beowulf" by Magnus Manusson circa 1987. It is required reading in our house at least once a year on a dark, cold, somber winter's eve!!! Best by firelight, ya!
Might inspire me for the latest timber framing project down on the Jack's Fork river!!!! Throw in a few copperheads by torch light and...........
Wonder how much longer after Pitt's new movie this will be?
My boys have 13th warrior memorized!
| Alina Boyden wrote: |
| [
If you've read Beowulf in the original old english then you will know that he is not in fact, clearly a monster in the text. He is referred to in a number of ways, but due to the many double meanings in Anglo-Saxon english, the words could be interpreted as anything from beast to "unwanted houseguest." Grendel's motives are extremely important in many key passages of the poem, and the amount of emotion in those passages is tangible. The poem is rich in double meanings and really makes the reader think. Calling Grendel a monster is a gross oversimplification of a complex Anglo-Saxon character. |
I read an interesting theory on vikinganswerlady.com that grendel could have been an exiled berzerker...
JR
(If you've read Beowulf in the original old english then you will know that he is not in fact, clearly a monster in the text.)
Contrary to this statement, it is quite obvious from the poem that Grendel is a monster. True, no one word in the text identifies Grendel as something translateable as "monster," but his physical description leaves no doubt as to his true nature. It takes four warriors to carry his head, he is incapable of being injured by man-made weapons, he has claws instead of hands, and he is descended from Cain as are giants, ogres, orcs, and other "gentle" souls.
Then there is his pyschological make-up. He eats people, he pays no wergild, attacks his victims while they're sleeping, and, most disturbing of all, he is a fatherless creature ie cannot be identified as somebody's son. To the Anglo-Saxon mind, this makes Grendel monstrous indeed.
In translating the Old English text, words cannot be taken out of context. Grendel is clearly a "bold demon out of darkness," "a cruel spirit," and not merely somebody's "unwanted houseguest" although this last phrase is an example of classic Anglo-Saxon use of ironic understatement describing someone who has broken into your house, killed your retainers, and wrecked all your furniture.
Regards
Contrary to this statement, it is quite obvious from the poem that Grendel is a monster. True, no one word in the text identifies Grendel as something translateable as "monster," but his physical description leaves no doubt as to his true nature. It takes four warriors to carry his head, he is incapable of being injured by man-made weapons, he has claws instead of hands, and he is descended from Cain as are giants, ogres, orcs, and other "gentle" souls.
Then there is his pyschological make-up. He eats people, he pays no wergild, attacks his victims while they're sleeping, and, most disturbing of all, he is a fatherless creature ie cannot be identified as somebody's son. To the Anglo-Saxon mind, this makes Grendel monstrous indeed.
In translating the Old English text, words cannot be taken out of context. Grendel is clearly a "bold demon out of darkness," "a cruel spirit," and not merely somebody's "unwanted houseguest" although this last phrase is an example of classic Anglo-Saxon use of ironic understatement describing someone who has broken into your house, killed your retainers, and wrecked all your furniture.
Regards
Nice sword!
i belive that one is a JT-sword
http://beowulfandgrendel.com/v-web/gallery/Th...t/BWSWORD1
JT link
http://www.kp-art.fi/jt/miekat/04.html
i belive that one is a JT-sword
http://beowulfandgrendel.com/v-web/gallery/Th...t/BWSWORD1
JT link
http://www.kp-art.fi/jt/miekat/04.html
Page 1 of 7
You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
All contents © Copyright 2003-2006 myArmoury.com — All rights reserved
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Full-featured Version of the forum
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Full-featured Version of the forum