On the day I heard of the death of Seamus Heaney, I came across this news report about Beowulf:
Beowulf Beats Beast
The Danes were celebrating last night as the coragous Beowulf boasted about his great success with the dreaded Grendal.
As Grendal limped away into the swamp, Henning Halfbeard commented: “It’s a great day for Denmark! I didn’t actually see the fight, but my cousin told me that Beowulf was fearless as he attacked the monster with his might sword.”
Another witness who wishes to remain anonymous said that beowulf threw away his sword, and fought Grendal’s mother with his bare hands.
Rumour has it that Beowulf found an antique sword said to belong the the Old Giants; and killed Grendal’s mother before beheading her son.
Hrothgar is expecting Beowulf home soon, and hopes to display Grendal’s head in Hereot.
Article continues on Page 5
by our correspondent M. A. E.-S.
Lois Elsden 