Bedtime Story

There is nothing quite like a spectacular adventure story at bedtime. Tonight I continued reading 'Beowulf' as retold by Michael Morpurgo.

Originally an epic poem which is often referred to as the oldest known piece of English literature, this version is told in an incredibly accessible way for children. My eldest read this when he was quite young and fell head over heals in love with the story. 

It is the greatest of tales with the main protagonist being a brave, strong, bold hero who battles through raging seas and terrible sea beasts to reach the land where the monster Grendel roams. He fights the fierce Grendel, the hideous water demon and the dreadful treasure hoarding dragon. It is from the original text that Tolkien came up with many ideas for Lord of the Rings which gives you an idea of its literary importance. The story is full of wonder and stirs up a well of emotion in the pit of your stomach as you read because it makes you feel connected to a tradition, to a story which has been told for over a thousand years. It is almost impossible to put down.

The story has been retold in prose by Michael Morpurgo and has some absolutely beautiful alliteration which reminded me of the original poem. It begs you to read it out loud even without an audience.The Scandinavian based adventure would have been passed down verbally before ever being committed to paper and it is wonderful to find that it continues to be retold today. The original is a masterpiece and this version respectfully retells the same tale, although it has much less blood, guts and violence. 

The book is packaged very nicely with lovely borders around each page and the pictures bring each scene to life but without too much blood.

It is a fabulous book which breathes life in to an ancient tale for children and adults alike.